If there is one food synonymous with Texas cuisine, it is likely barbecue.

Marble Falls' newest dining choice for barbecue buffs is Smith Brothers Bar-B-Q, situated at the corner of Ninth and Main streets just north of downtown.

Josh Parker, majority owner and Goldthwaite native, moved to the Marble Falls area in 2000. He and part owner Joel Herring, a Marble Falls Middle School gym teacher, run the new eatery named after Parker's two uncles, Dave and Jim Smith. They influenced him to try his hand at the restaurant industry and open up a barbecue establishment that differs from many others.

"I always wanted to try to open up a barbecue place to honor my uncles," Parker said. "I grew up following them around. They were doing cookoffs and competitions and family get-togethers. It's something I wanted to do and so I sold both my companies last fall and decided that I wouldn't have a better time at this point in life to launch something new."

Parker says patrons who come to Smith Brothers Bar-B-Q can expect a backyard atmosphere and food that is unique to Marble Falls.

"Well, we have a (sand) volleyball court, washers and other games people can do," Parker said. "We have a large deck outside under the trees that gives it more of a relaxed feel. The whole place is meant to feel homey."

So what about food?

Smith Brothers Bar-B-Q's meats are slow smoked with pecan and mesquite wood. Parker says the pink hue of the meat, sometimes thought to be a sign of under-cooking, is the sought-after "smoke ring" which is an indicator of smoked meat perfection.

Meats include beef brisket, pork spare ribs, beef/pork sausage, and what seems to be the most popular item on the menu - bacon-wrapped chicken with a slice of jalapeno. Sliced and chopped brisket sandwiches are available as well.

"Everybody seems to really like the bacon-wrapped chicken," Parker said. "It's just been a really good seller. People come in specifically for that."

Plates are sold with your option of one to four meats ($6-$12) that include two sides of either coleslaw, slow cooked beans, vegetable of the day or Smith Brothers' "famous" pit potatoes. Food can also be purchased by the pound.

"We don't make potato salad," Parker explained. "We make pit potatoes, which are really popular as well."

Another plus for patrons are the suds Smith Brothers offers. With a TABC license, Parker and Herring sell ice-cold longnecks of beer to compliment their fare at $3.50 a pop.

Josh is the son of Gary and Karen Parker and the grandson of Dorothy and the late David Smith of San Saba.

Josh’s

Restaurant: Smith Brothers Bar-B-Q

2 lbs dried pinto beans

1 large white onion

1 lb smoked boneless ham hock

1 whole jalapeno

Seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.

Add water to ingredients (three inches past the top).

Simmer on low for six hours.