Texas West Bar-B-Que, 1600 Fulton Ave. (near Arden), Sacramento, 916-483-RIBS
From small hole-in-the-wall locations to large operations, there are numerous BBQ restaurants in Sacramento. Fortunately for all of us who enjoy a good BBQ meal, most of them are very good. Probably one of my favorites and truly a success is the Texas West Bar-B-Que. Texas West came to Sacramento in 1991 and is known for catering major events as well as its' restaurants.
Texas West has fast-style counter-service BBQ restaurants and a sit down location. The Fulton near Arden location is a counter service location, but unlike other counter service restaurants in Sacramento, Texas West Bar-B-Que has the customer service thing down. On my last visit, it was a Tuesday and the place was packed with lots of families, since two kids in each family eat free on Monday's and Tuesdays. Sacramento loves a good deal like that and Texas West was well prepared with almost as many staff as they had customers. Each staff member had their Texas West uniform of cowboy duds on and all were quick to ask if you needed something, answer questions or probably would have sat and ate with you if you asked. Hospitality was definitely the name of the game. Every employee had a HUGE smile on his or her face, something you won't see at any other fast food type establishment in Sacramento.
After multiple trips to Texas West Bar-B-Que at their locations in Roseville and Folsom (I like my BBQ), I have decided it is the Ribs that are the best item to order. The ribs come as Pork Spare Ribs (15.99) or Smoke Baby Back Ribs (17.99). The rib platters come with your choice of two sides. Sides include Fresh-cut Home-style Fries, Texas Toast, BBQ Beans as well as Potato, Coleslaw, Green or Macaroni Salad. Both styles of ribs are wonderful and you are definitely full when you finish. Fortunately my wife has accompanied me most times, so we can actually split a rib platter. Last Tuesday amongst the barrage of Sacramento families there for Kids eat free Tuesday, my wife and I tried the Pork Po Boy (7.49) and the Tri-tip Sandwich (8.49). Both were served with your choice of one side. Both were tender with plenty of meat. The Tri-tip was especially tender and really needed very little of the Texas West sauce to enjoy the smoky flavor.
Needless to say there is a kid's menu as well as cobbler and pies for dessert. Texas West Bar-B-Que serves Beer and Wine as well as soft drinks. Texas West is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and till 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Owner Dino Vergolini (Mr. BBQ), can be very proud of the hospitality he has brought to Sacramento. I only hope, other restaurateurs throughout Sacramento come in and see what can be done to make people feel welcome and employees look happy to be at work.
