Jesus BBQ and a Heavenly Rahr Tasting

by Steven Doyle                 photos by Robert Bostick

We always enjoy a good beer tour, and Rahr Brewery in Fort Worth is no exception. You will find owner and host Fritz Rahr twice weekly in his warehouse digs jawing with his community of beer aficionados about the finer points of brewing and all things beer.

Each week the tour allows his guests to sample several beers for the mere purchase of a Rahr commemorative glass, with some of the proceeds going to a local charity who helps work the event. In addition there is typically some sort of musical guest and caterer on hand to feed the hungry masses.  

It can be suggested to bring a folding chair if you are not accustomed to standing for several hours, but there are many picnic tables available but they fill quickly.

While at Rahr, consider a small jog around the corner to one of our little hidden finds called Jesus BBQ. With a name such as Jesus in your title you are sure to elicit something close to ethereal smoked meats and surprisingly one of the better chicken fried steaks to be found in the area. The steak comes pan fried with cream gravy and a side of mashed potato (as Jesus meant for it to be served). There are also a few extraneous previously canned veggies that make their way to the plate.  Just shove those off to the side and enjoy your iceburg lettuce. Canned green beans are not crave-worthy.

Do not forget one of the buck-fifty fried pies that are made in house.

Certainly worth a drive for our Dallas friends and colleagues.

The BBQ is certainly tight. Smokey, charred, juicy and tender. What more can we ask for in a brisket. For their sandwich they want to chopped the meat, but this is always a mistake. I do not want a pit-master baby-birding me with pre-masticated beef, I want to taste the meat and all the nuances associated with what brisket has to offer.

The chic dive décor hasn’t changed much over the past years, with the tiny diner opening in 1972 to the end of the Vietnam war when our nation started healing itself. What better way to unite then over a simple but good meal.

Jesus also offers a breakfast menu and well-rounded Tex-Mex items as well. Do not forget one of the buck-fifty fried pies that are made in house. Bring a bit of cash when making the trek to the burgeoning area, as Jesus does not take plastic. You won’t need much.

You may just find Fritz Rahr at the counter after brewing a batch of his Ugly Pug.