Good Eats: Kreuz Market, Lockhart, Texas

Today we visited the last major BBQ place in Lockhart, KreuzMarket. Previously, we had eaten at Black’s, Smitty’s, and Chisholm Trail (in that order).

I gave some background on Kreuz Market in an entry about Smitty's a couple of months ago entitled "Good Eats: Smitty's Meat Market, Lockhart, Texas." The entry explains the family connection between Smitty's and Kreuz Market. Since there is a historical link between the two BBQ markets, we were expecting the food to be similar. However, we really were disappointed with Kreuz Market.

First of all, the quality of the food really wasn’t as good as I had hoped. We ordered ribs, brisket, and jalapeno cheese sausage. The ribs were juicy and good, and I enjoyed them. However, the brisket was disappointing. It was very, very dry, and the flavor did not match that of other local BBQ joints. The sausage was pretty good, and the casing had good snap, but there was absolutely no heat.

Second, we were a bit surprised at the prices. Of all the places we’ve eaten in Lockhart and Luling, this was the most expensive.

The building is huge, but I doubt there are few times when it is full. As we left, we drove by Smitty’s and noticed about twice as many cars in the parking lot there as at Kreuz’s. I guess that says it all. Should we ever return to this area, we will probably limit our dining to Smitty’s and Black’s, both located downtown. Kreuz does have a huge parking lot which would easily accommodate RVs, and that is a plus. It is also located directly on US 183, the main north/south highway through town. But the quality of the food, at least from this single experience of ours, is not enough to bring us back, especially when the price is factored in.

Lockhart SP: Hike Report

I hiked the trails at Lockhart State Park the morning of March 27th. The hike was an enjoyable one overall, and I would label the trails as easy with the exception of a couple of steep grades I encountered. Should you decide to hike these trails, a few of words of caution. First, the park map is not entirely accurate. Second, the park map does not name the trails, though signs along the trail do. Third, signs are not available at every intersection. I’ll address each of these issues in this hike review.

I began my hike at the bridge near the picnic area where the main park road cross Clear Fork Creek. The Clear Fork Trail begins here, and it follows Clear Fork Creek downstream for about half a mile.

Trail head for Clear Fork Trail. Although sign indicates name of trail, the park map does not.

Cascade on creek near beginning of trail

My first difficulty occurred about halfway down this trail. I came across a fork in the trail that did not appear on the map. There was a sign, though, indicating that the left fork was the Wild Rose Loop Trail. I decided to follow the trail. I turned left, then immediately encountered another fork. Thinking this was the beginning of the loop, I turned right to begin the loop.

Wild Rose Loop Trail, which is not on the park map at all.

As I moved along, I noticed numerous side trails, or areas that had been cleared. I decided to stick to the main trail, and felt better when it began curving to the left as if to loop. I continued along the trail, which soon passed through an impenetrable thicket; perhaps these bushes were the wild roses.

Are these the wild roses for which the trail is named? The thorn-covered brush is so thick that a mouse would have trouble getting through.

Indeed, they did contain a number of thorns. By this time, the trail had curved again, and I was confident the trail was looping. Soon a downed tree crossed the trail. Previous hikers had forged a path through the branches of the downed tree, and I followed, but soon came to the end of the trail at a fenced in area that looked as if it might be used to capture animals.

I do not know what this is. Looks like some type of pen to catch animals.

I began backtracking, wondering if I had missed the trail. Sure enough, at the downed tree, the trail curved away back to the west, and I followed it. Again, I came to one or two side trails, but kept to the main trail, and soon came back to the original trail junction. This loop trail really needs to be mapped in its entirety, and signs need to be erected at all side trails to prevent hikers from straying.

Back on the main trail, I soon came to my creek crossing. Fortunately, I had brought my hiking pole along, and I really needed it to keep my balance in a couple of areas where the rocks dipped below the water on the crossing. I was soon across, though, and in the circle on the Clear Fork Creek Camping Loop.

Creek crossing.

I then had 2 trail options: the Creek View Trail or the High Trail. I choose the Creek View Trail for it would provide a longer hike.

Trail heads just after creek crossing. These are at the end of the paved road on the Clear Fork Creek Camping Loop. Trails are not named on map. Trail on left is Creek View Trail, which is a bit longer.

For the first 100 or 200 yards, the trail did follow the creek, but it eventually turned away from the creek to follow a fence line heading west. There were a couple of unmarked side trails from this trail, by the way. Just after turning from the creek, the Persimmon Trail spurred off to the right, only to rejoin the main trail farther down. This spur is on the map, by the way, but it is not named. Somewhere along this stretch is a pretty respectable grade. When you get to the top, be sure to look back; you’ll have a decent view looking towards the city of Lockhart.

My back trail from the top of the grade. I'm about level with the tree tops.

An aging barn soon appears on the left. About this time, another spur trail – this one unmarked but on the map – veers off to the right. It will rejoin the main trail near the rusting windmill just beyond the old barn.

Windmill has seen better days

Just beyond the windmill, where the trail turns sharply north, the trail name changes to the Chisholm Trail. The next trail junction is a bit confusing. The map shows the main trail (which is the now the Chisholm Trail) continuing straight with a loop trail off to the right. Actually, the Chisholm Trail takes a 90 degree turn to the left down a slope. The loop trail, which is the Comanche Loop Trail, continues straight. It is a short loop trail. Go ahead and take it. At the farthest point of the loop, it overlooks the golf course below, but there are very view clear views because of the trees. Follow the loop back to the Chisholm Trail, then follow the trail down the hill.

Confusing trail junction. Picture taken from Chisholm Trail. Map indicates Chisholm Trail goes straight. As shown in the picture, the trail actually turns left. The trail continuing straight is the loop trail.

Somewhere down the slope, a creek appears on the left. The trail continues on down, then suddenly comes to a T next to a bench. Which way to go? Well, there is no such T on the map, and there is no sign on the trail.

Another confusing trail junction near the end of the Chisholm Trail. There is no sign on the trail, and the map does not indicate a junction at all. Take the trail to the left.

I took the trail to the left, and fortunately, this was the correct choice. I do not know where the trail to the right goes. Almost immediately, you’ll pass a side trail call the Rattlesnake Loop. I declined to follow this trail because it is not on the map at all. You’ll then cross a couple of culverts and see the green for hole #3 on your right. A gate appears in the trail. Just skirt around it to the left and you’ll be on another paved park road.

Green #3 along end of Chisholm Trail

Skirt fence to the left

Veer to your left and you’ll see the beginning of the Caddy Trail. This is a short, steep trail that leads to the Recreation Hall. I reached the top just in time to see 3 turkeys wandering away. The views from this hill are about the best in the park.

Near top of Caddy Trail. Entire trail was as steep as indicated in this picture.

Turkeys

Recreation Hall at top of Caddy Trail

CCC Trail Head behind Recreation Hall. This is perhaps the highest point in the park. The trail down is very steep.

View from the top. Note water tower for nearby Lockhart to the left, and cupola of courthouse in center.

Trail down is pretty steep

The trail continues behind the Recreation Hall. It is quite steep, so take your time. Once at the bottom, the trail is complete and you’ll find yourself at the tee box for the second hole.

Day Trip: San Marcos, Texas

A cold spell came through while we were in Lockhart, so we didn’t want to get outside very much. We simply don’t like cold weather. Looking for something to do that would keep us mainly inside, we decided to drive over to nearby San Marcos to look around.

For years, we had heard of the outlet mall in San Marcos, but we had never been there. Getting directions from the friendly staff in the park headquarters, we headed out and located the mall along I-35 on the southern edge of San Marcos. Actually, there are 2 malls, both located on the east side of I-35: San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Mall. San Marcos Premium Outlets is by far the larger of the two; it really is massive. We stopped in to wander through a few stores, but really weren’t looking to buy anything.

We then rode around a bit, viewing the growing town. It had probably been over 20 years since our last trip through San Marcos, and we were surprised at the vast growth the town has undergone. Texas State University, formerly Southwest Texas State University, has really grown and dominates the community, with shuttle buses visible everywhere. It currently enrolls more than 34,000 students, making it the 5th largest university in Texas and the largest in the Texas State University System.

We found a little grouping of mobile food carts just off of downtown and decided to stop. Since our days in the Middle East, we have enjoyed “street food”. The concept of mobile food trailers grouping together is very popular in other areas of the country, especially Portland and Seattle, but has been slow to catch on in Texas with the exception of the Austin area. So when we came across The Hitch, we pulled in to see what was available.

At this time, only 4 carts are operating, and 2 were closed the day we stopped. One of the closed trailers, the caboose, served mainly Southern style fried food while the other closed trailer served Thai food. Drat! We could have really enjoyed some spicy Thai food. We looked over the menus of the 2 open carts. One served an eclectic menu of various foods, including a curry dish. But we decided to sample the food at St. Pita’s, where they serve “Heavenly Good Food”. We both ordered the Classic, which is essentially their version of a shwarma sandwich. Stuffed with schwarma meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and topped with their "Saintly Sauce", the sandwich was large and good. My only complaint is that the bread cracked and broke with handling, probably because it had been heated on the grill. But that is a small price to pay for this great sandwich.

Good Eats: Chisholm Trail BBQ, Lockhart, Texas

In our quest to hit all the BBQ places in Lockhart, we recently stopped in a Chisholm Trail BBQ on US 183 on the southern edge of town. Of all the places we’ve tried thus far in this part of the state, I would rate this place my least favorite. But that doesn't mean it's not good.

As we pulled into the parking lot, things looked good. As we got out of our vehicle, we were met by good smoke smells, and that’s always a good sign. And the parking lot was full. We were hopeful we were about to sample some good food.

Chisholm Trail is served cafeteria style, though you can buy meat by the pound if you like. We thought we would sample the plates this time. Prices were very reasonable. I purchased a plate with sausage and brisket for $6.95, while Donna got half a chicken for about the same price. Plates come with three sides, and you can help yourself from a wide assortment available in the serving line. I picked slaw, pinto beans, and mashed potatoes. Unlike many BBQ joints in this part of the state, BBQ sauce is available as are forks.

The casing on my sausage was extremely tough and very difficult to chew. While advertised as “hot”, I could not detect any kick to it. And I'm not a fire-eater like Donna. Usually when something is the least bit hot, I'm aware of it. The brisket had a nice smoke ring to it, but it was a bit tough and chewy as well. I could not detect the smoke flavor I look for in Central Texas BBQ joints. The beans were overcooked and very dry. The mashed potatoes were quite lumpy, though they tasted fine. The slaw was also good.

At some places, the food gets older as the day wears on, but we arrived at Chisholm Trail at high noon on a Sunday. This should have been their best product. Perhaps they were simply having a bad day. Regardless, I doubt I’ll return to Chisholm Trail. I don’t get to this part of the state often, so when I do, I want the best, and there are simply too many other good places to choose from nearby.

Lockhart State Park

We spent 4 nights at Lockhart State Park (March 24-28, 2013). This small park on the outskirts of Lockhart, Texas, provided us a good jumping off place for eating BBQ, visiting San Marcos, and hiking at McKinney Falls State Park near Austin. I'll be posting entries on these outings soon.

As regards a real outdoors experience, there really isn't much to recommend Lockhart SP. There are only 16 camping spots, and only 10 of those are full hook-ups (see map). Hiking opportunities are limited to probably fewer than 4 or 5 miles (I'll post a hike report later). Although a creek runs through the park, there really are no fishing opportunities. There is a swimming pool near the park headquarters and a nice day-use area. The big draw is the 9-hole golf course.

We were happy to get to the park. For the previous 6 nights, we had stayed at parks without full hookups. We can last several days with our holding tanks, but it is always comforting to know you don't have to. We were looking forward to some continued good weather so that we could sit out and watch golfers on the course. However, the morning we left Palmetto, the weather turned cold and windy. The remainder of our stay at Lockhart would be with below average temperatures, keeping us inside more than we wanted.

All interior roads in the park are paved, as are all camping sites. Probably no more than 4 or 5 sites were occupied the entire time we were there. We were not able to pickup any WiFi signal, and even TV reception was limited, as it was at Palmetto SP. The 10 full hookup sites at the park are in a circle overlooking holes 2 - 5 of the golf course. We were fortunate enough to get arguably the best site, #5. In warm weather, this site would be ideal with its shady oak tree. We actually started in site #4, but that site was very unlevel, so we moved next door to site #5. It was also quite unlevel. It took 2 boards for us to even things up.

Site #5. Tree would provide welcome shade in the summer.

Our site overlooked 4 holes, including the par 5 #2 hole, whose tee box is shown above.

Green for hole #5 as seen from our campsite.

Green for hole #2 as seen from our campsite

The campground, as seen from near the restroom. Our trailer is in the center of the picture.

Cascades on Clear Fork Creek just above park road near day use area.

For travelers looking to relax a few days, the park is a good stop. It is only a mile or 2 outside the Lockhart city limits. A Super Walmart is located on the south side of town along US 183, and if you like Texas BBQ, then you'll enjoy Lockhart.

Good Eats: City Market, Luling, Texas

While staying at Palmetto State Park just down the road, we drove into nearby Luling to try the local BBQ at City Market, an eatery that has received lots of favorable reviews from people who know much more about BBQ than I do. By the way, if you do an internet search for City Market, you will probably pull up a site in Houston, not Luling. As we approached town, we even saw a sign that proclaimed Luling the "first stop on the Texas BBQ trail." We were hopeful that the place would live up to its hype, and I think it did.

City Market is downtown, just a door or 2 off highway 183. Cars were everywhere, so I expected a crowd. However, when we walked through the doors, we saw there was plenty of room to sit. Lots of folks just pick up their food then return to work, take it home, or go elsewhere to eat, leaving ample seating inside.

You'll see a little glassed-in room at the back of the main room, and there will probably be a line waiting to get in. Hop in line. Each time that door opens, you get a little smell of BBQ heaven.

Once inside, a smoke-stained sign that is slowly becoming illegible shows what meats are available as well as their prices. We decided to get a pound of brisket and 2 sausage rings. Bread and crackers are provided, and you can order jalapenos at the meat counter as well. We always order 4.  I can usually eat only one, but my fire-eater wife can eat a large jar by herself. Be sure you have cash.

Donna had secured a table in the side room while I got the meat. After leaving the meat with her, I went to the front counter where you can purchase drinks, cheese, and any sides. Don't ask for BBQ sauce and don't ask for forks -- they don't provide any; this is a traditional Texas meat market. Slice the meat with the knife and eat with your fingers. You can also pick up a small bottle of hot sauce at the counter.

The brisket was moist and flavorful, with a nice smoke ring to it. The sausage had a good taste, but the casing was a bit chewy, but not overly so. There was not much of a snap to the sausage, either. I used the hot sauce on the sausage, and it had a nice, sweet taste. The sausage was not really hot, but I enjoyed the flavor.

I enjoyed City Market. I would not say it is my favorite old-style Texas BBQ joint, but it certainly is near the top of my list. The prices are reasonable, too. I think it is a must stop on the Texas BBQ Trail.