Smitty's Market in Lockhart, Texas

Memories of Smitty's
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It's been over a decade since my mom, sister and I stumbled across Smitty's Market. 

We were on a road trip adventure, to celebrate Mom's 80th. We stopped in Lockhart, but not for its famous BBQ.

We made the detour, because of Mom's love for the hilariously, quirky movie, "Waiting for Guffman", which was filmed in Lockhart. 

We spent time snapping photos of the lovely courthouse. (Seen often in the movie) Then we noticed Smitty's across the street, with its tempting sign in the window.

Birthday Girl

Mom was in heaven that day as we headed over from the square, to check out the old building and doors. At 80, she was still spunky and curious, but she was also struggling with Alzeimer's. Jennifer and I were so grateful we could give her the Texas road trip, that she craved.

Mom had always loved road adventures, with all their surprises. She loved wandering, exploring and observing. As a kid I was often impatient when Mom got off on a questioning tangent with a guidebook or a chatty local. As an adult, I grew to love it!

Building History
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We knew nothing about Smitty's, when we approached it that November day, in 2008. We did end up learning a little about the 2 buildings, once we stepped inside. The shorter building had been Kreuz Market, since 1924. Edgar "Smitty" Schmidt bought the market in '48. Later he expanded, when he bought the 1906 dry goods store next door.

​Dark & Smoky 
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I still remember the thrill of opening those doors and seeing this mysterious hall, with its soot covered walls. (It was much darker, without my camera flash) Big fans hung from the ceiling, moving the warm, smokey air. We inhaled the wonderful flavors... and coughed... and laughed. 

The Market
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We peeked left, through the doorway to the old market. It wasn't open, but someone welcomed us in. I honestly don't remember who it was, but they probably couldn't say no to Mom, who was eagerly pointing out all that she saw.

We grinned at the old scales and coolers... the saws and stools.

Jennifer snapped lots of photos, while Mom marveled at the wavy surface of the butcher block table.

Down the Hall
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After roaming around the market, we traveled down the dark hall. On a busier day, there might have been people sitting on the benches, eating barbecue on the skinny tables, attached to the wall.

From the Stairs
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I couldn't resist climbing a few steps. From halfway up, I could see a number of pit areas in the back section of the old market. The arrow pointed us to the area where BBQ is now sold.

The Old Pits
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As we moved towards a small line of customers, the smells grew more delicious, but my eyes began to sting. I looked back once more at the original room, where customers once ate their BBQ, right beside the fire pits.

​Today

Today, customers order their meat in the next room. I was glad Mom was steady on her feet... not walking with a wooden cane, when we passed the open fire, to get to the counter. I would love to know how many visitors have had little mishaps with the open flames.

Over the Years

​On that day with Mom, we ordered a sampler of meats and took it with us for an evening feast. 

In the years following, Don and I have traveled 2.5 hours from Houston, with family and friends to share the fun of a Smitty's Experience.  Each time, I am in awe of the skilled people, on the other side of the counter. Many like Pablo, we've seen year after year.

Fire Box... Cooking Chamber...?
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Since there are usually lines at Smitty's, there is no time for questions. I think I finally have it figured out that the fire box thing on the ground, provides (through some kind of flue) the smoke and heat for the brick cooking chamber. It's amazing to watch the guys in their aprons, lifting the lid and messing with the meats. The slicing and chopping is clearly an art!

​It's a Wrap
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After ordering and paying with cash, the meat is wrapped in layers of butcher paper. For people dining in, the bundle is handed over like an open pocket.

Dining Room
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After getting the meat, it's on to the dining room. There has always been an interesting crowd at the community tables.

Drinks and Extras
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Soda, tea and beer is available at a nearby counter. There are a few options for sides, but that's not what Smitty's is known for.

Finding a Seat

You never know who you'll sit by. I always hope for a cowboy hat or two. Or at least a handsome young man who eats all but the bone! Scott loves BBQ!

Once seated, the butcher paper becomes a plate. There are plastic spoons for the sides, but I swear I remember seeing knives chained to the table in the past. Maybe I just dreamed that.
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Recent Visit

On our most recent visit, I chatted with Jim. He is married to Nina Schmidt Sells, who took over the business from her father in 1999. Nina grew in the biz. Before her dad, Smitty bought Kruez Market, he worked there as a teen. In 1999, Nina's brother moved the used the Kruez name and opened in a new location. Nina kept the business and gave it her father's name.

With Pat and Susan

​Don and I had the fun, of introducing our friends Pat and Susan to Smitty's recently. Don brought his own knife this time. He learned by watching locals on past trips... not that one was really needed! We had some Lockhart Beer and chowed down on ribs and brisket and sausage.

While we ate, I spotted Jim taking a break. It was late enough that Nina was relaxing a bit herself. I introduced myself and raved about our meal. I felt like a BBQ Groupie, meeting Smitty's actual daughter!

​Off We Go
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We finished and walked off a couple bites of brisket, with a stroll around the square. Then on the way to the parking lot, I got one last glimpse of the intriguing world of Smitty's BBQ. I heard buzzing first, then notice a man, standing in a sea of oak logs. He was working away, splitting the wood that fuels the pits. I felt like I was getting a little peek, backstage.

​Mom would have loved that final treat!