Hashknife on the Chisholm

Bandito burger best burger ever. They rough grind their own meat. Great fries. The BBQ here is also excellent. This is one of the only places we take visitors because of how consistent the food quality is.

Amazing ribs! They were perfectly seasoned with a dry-​rub. The meat fell right off of the bone. Food served promptly.

Hashknife is located in an old gas station about 9 miles north of Mineral Wells. The sheet metal cowboys lounging in front of the restaurant complete the image of a Texas BBQ. Behind the counter, be sure to check out the map of Texas made out of beer bottlecaps.
Food-​wise, all the reviewers said to get the ribs, but I was hungry for brisket and jalapeño sausage. I solved this dilemma by getting the 2-​meat platter with brisket and ribs, then adding a quarter pound of sausage. My favorites, in order: ribs, sausage and brisket. The ribs were luscious and seasoned just right. The jalapeño sausage came with a generous amount of fire. The brisket had a great flavor, but was a bit dry in parts.
Whatever you order, make sure to save room for the Oilfield Pudding, which is full of vanilla deliciousness.
The staff is as friendly as can be. The ambiance is great with all the old signs on the walls. There’s a nice little patio, but since it was July we passed.

I have but one thing and one thing only to say about Hashknife, Ribs!!! ome here and get the ribs if you are ever in the area. You will not be disappointed, that much I promise.

Kevin and I wanted to take a day trip out somewhere for some great ‘cue, and after much research we decided on the Hashknife. It’s just under 2 hours away from Uptown Dallas and a beautiful drive once you exit off I-​20 and hit country roads.
We pulled in around 1pm on a Saturday expecting a crowd. Instead, we found a few locals and one or two fellow «road trippers». The open patio out front has about six or so picnic tables but unfortunately they don’t allow dogs on it. Shadow had come along with us (shocking), so we were disappointed when we saw we couldn’t eat our lunch with him.
I had read a few reviews about the owners not really liking kids at the joint, but we saw a few kiddos running around (yet well-​behaved) outside and no one said a thing. Seems to me you’re treated how you act here, which is just fine with me.
The gal who took our orders wasn’t super bubbly, but nice enough and was happy to give recommendations and answer our questions. Jim, the owner and pitmaster, came out while we were ordering so I introduced myself. He made a joke or two and was extremely friendly.
On to the food. We both had the one meat combo (meat + 2 sides) — I chose sliced brisket with pea salad and beans, and we split a pound of ribs. When our food was dropped off at our table, the gal noted that we try the ribs sans-​sauce first. I’m so glad we did! The meat didn’t fall off the bone (which I actually liked) but came off easily when pulled gently. The char was nice and crusty and the smoke flavor was unbelievable.
The brisket was also delicious but nothing remarkable. I noted to get it chopped next time. My pea salad was tasty as well — who doesn’t like cheese, onion, peas and mayo all mixed together anyway? The beans, soft pintos swimming in a thick sauce, were my favorite side.
Hashknife sells a few beer choices — Dos Equis, Lone Star, Miller Lite, etc. — kept in an ice tub behind the counter. We also saw a guy come in and buy 2 6-​packs to go.
Before you leave, pick up an Oilfield Pudding for the road. It’s a thick homemade banana pudding with Nilla Wafers; super delicious once your bbq food baby disappears!

I have heard so much about this BBQ so I made the trip to Peadenville, Hwy-​281 & Hwy-​254 in Palo Pinto County, and was not disappointed. The BBQ is very good by anyones standard. I had the chopped sandwich, baked corn and a cold beer. Staff was friendly and the restaurant was very clean. All was very good and worth the drive.

I did not personally eat any meat items so the following is based on the feedback of 5 other adults who had the ribs and burgers, the service and my veggie plate.
Apparently these are some of the best ribs available. The fall off the bone, great flavor, worth the drive kind. Based on the lack of conversation while eating I could tell everyone at the table was 100% focused. I tuned out a lot of the «flesh talk» but I could tell it was all raving reviews. Plus they got some to go so they must have enjoyed them.
Since I’m vegetarian I always worry about my options at hole-​in-​wall meat joints like this. They normally don’t take too kindly to folks like me. However Hashknife was greatness. Not only did they have plenty for me to choose from for a delicious veggie medley, they also offered up some non-​menu items which I thought was very thoughtful and they even asked me about my cheese preference concerned with whether or not the options should be vegan. (That was so thoughtful — THANK YOU)
The employees are warm and inviting and treat their guests like friends. They offer up coloring books and board games to entertain the kiddos and they check on you without smothering you. It’s also clean and spacious with an outdoor seating area. Bonus!
Bottom line, they provide the kind of experience that makes you want to come back for more (or make the long drive back).

So Texas Monthly said it was awesome – I had to check to see if they knew what they were talking about. They did.
This place is out in the middle of NOWHERE. Actually they call the city Whitt, TX but it’s about ten minutes from Possum Kingdom Lake proper. But we were driving and I was muttering, «If it’s not at this next intersection we are giving up!» And there it was, at the next intersection.
We were there at an off time – 3 p.m. is often meal time for me. We had the place to ourselves. I asked what was good. I was told the ribs were amazing, which is what Texas Monthly had said as well.
Me and the munchkin split a two meat plate, ribs, jalapeño sausage, potato salad and baked corn (also known as creamed corn). We finished it up with their «Famous Oil Field Pudding» which was kinda like banana pudding with no bananas. I hate bananas, so good.
The ribs were great. Meat fell off the bone and had a good flavor. The jalapeño sausage was even better. They don’t make it in house, but it comes from Llano – and I’ve yet to have anything marked «Made in Llano» that didn’t taste awesome. The sauce was served on the side and had a good smokey flavor.
The potato salad was the whipped kind that I don’t’ really care for. I’m chunky all the way. It also needed a little more pickle. The corn was not that great. There was a flavor in it somewhere that didn’t jive with the cream. And the pudding was also good. Just like banana pudding with no bananas. It was cold too. On a hot day, cold pudding is fantastic.
Would I go there again? Yes, if I’m within an 30 mile radius of Hashknife, I’m there. Would I drive from my home in Dallas just to get it… probably not. There’s too many good spots between here and there now with the opening of all the satellites from West Texas. Will I dream about the jalapeño sausage. Yes! YES I WILL!

The best BBQ! Def worth stopping!