We'd never tried barbacoa before but we were very impressed. The flavors are very natural and unique. They make their own salsas that are very delicious. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They even showed us the pit they cook in. Get a variety and don't be afraid.It's all good.
Ok, We know that this little restaurant is the only one of its kind in Texas, perhaps the USA. Beef head smoked/steamed over mesquite in an actual underground pit. Is it worth going? An emphatic "Yes". Any meat-0-phile should make the trek to this regular person's neighborhood in deep south Texas. Experience a true food history lesson. This is how the early charros prepared their favorite piece of long horn cattle 300 years ago.
As a plus the carnitas (pork slow simmered in lard) are the best I've ever had in the USA. Very close to their Mexican origins.
The simplicity is elegant: buy meat by the pound, a package of fresh tortillas, choose your salsa (5-6 varieties) and make yure own tacos.
#3 stop in our Texas Monthly 50 Bbq Challenge.
Had a breakfast of Pork Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, and three salsas.
The carnitas were really good and went well with the stack of corn tortillas.
The salsas were interesting (and for the record there were not any 'bbq sauces'. The first was a very mild salsa, just a bit too mild for me. The second was a spicier version of the first. It tasted of tomato, garlic, and other spices. It was perfect for me. The third was a spicy verde sauce. It too was great and a bit spicier than the second one. There were several other choices. The owner kind of warned us away from the hotter ones. He was absolutly right.
Chatted with the owner. He has been doing this for decades. Originally open only on Sundays, they eventually expanded to Saturdays. Now with the advent of the Texas Monthly award they have added Fridays and are doing well with that too judging from the line constantly moving through the drive thru pickup window!
We literally drove from Houston to Brownsville for the weekend because hubs has been drooling over this place for a hot minute. It did not disappoint.
This place truly has the best barbacoa I've ever had thus far. Another great brunch idea Fri Sat sun only. Close at 2. Try the pound of cachete. The flour tortillas, and either a coke or big red should go perfectly with it. Also, the owners gave us a free sample of carnitas! The way he made them, with lime, tastes amazing!!! Definitely returning.
Drove 1 hour and 30 minutes to go have Vera's barbacoa. Best food I have had. The owner is very friendly.
We came on Friday at 11 and they were out of Brisket already for this week. (They open on Thursday). So we decided we would come back next week. BUT this customer came out and said you can brisket anywhere but this is the #1 spot for barbacoa- recieved the James Beard award. He recommended we get the cachete and if we did not like he would pay for it. IT WAS OUTSTANDING. You order by lb. And we got 1/2 lb. This is the only legal underground pit in the US. We had it with the mild salsa - just perfect. Very small place - sign hard to see but all so good
Patricia Younger-Cocca
+5
My mouth waters when I think of this place. Saw this on the Texas Bucket List show, and my husband and I gave it a try. Truly the best cachete (cheek meat from a cow) I've ever had! The staff is above and beyond. Mr. & Mrs. Vera are down to earth and make their customers feel welcome and appreciated. Only open Friday thru Sunday till 2:30. GOTTA TRY IT!
I regret not having visited Vera's until recently despite having moved to the valley 4 years ago. The food here is absolutely fantastic from the meats to the salsas, and the staff is extremely friendly. I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon here enjoying the delicious food with a friend, and we both agreed to return visits!
Awesome experience - I went to Vera's based on the Texas Monthly Top 50 ranking. Very well-deserved from an overall quality perspective, but IMHO, this place should be top 10 because it's so unique. As they say, it's a copycat world and how many Central Texas BBQ-Franklin's wanna-be's do we really need? Vera's is a unique BBQ experience - all different cuts of meat, very nicely smoked, yet very different from the traditional Brisket, sausage, ribs Holy Trinity we've come to know so well.
Great spot for anyone looking for a quality protein-heavy meal. Absolute nirvana for the BBQ aficionado looking for something a little different.
Yum!
Cheap and delicious eats !
Menu is a little unclear to the first timer, especially if you aren’t fluent in Spanish ;)
The main guy behind the counter was super nice, explained the menu , and even gave us a sample of the carnitas.
As we were leaving we even saw the cashier taking orders outside as a “drive through”.
The one star is minus for cleanliness of the kitchen.
I've been on a couple of occasions. The first time I went was during the Texas monthly BBQ passport. Amazing! Great people and even better barbacoa.
I've searched and tasted many Barbacoa locations. This location is definitely one of the best. We ordered:
The Lengua- tender and moist. Cooked perfectly. Not dry. Not many can do that.
Cachete/Especial- The taste sets it apart from the rest. They definitely take pride in the preparation. Very tender and not too greasy. Natural beyond belief.
We were fortunate enough to have a good friend of ours bring some to us. Highly recommend for Sunday family breakfast. Add salsa, cilantro or cebolla.
Was told this is the go to place for barbacoa and I wasn’t disappointed. Adella, the wife of the pit master, was so friendly and helped me choose the perfect barbacoa sampling of lengua, cachete, and carnitas. Chatted with the staff and patrons while dining. Made me feel welcomed. Would gladly go again. Note, came Saturday at 10:30 and got right in. Was told that Sunday is crazy busy.
Vera's backyard BBQ is a well kept secret in Brownsville Texas in the 2400 block of Southmost Road and it shouldn't be. The brisket was a nice balance of lean and moist and with just a touch of BBQ sauce or salsa ( hot or flavorful depending on how much heat you want) to set it off.
It is served with corn tortillas and they only open on the weekends. The portions are a good size so make sure you come hungry.
Every bit is better than the last. It deserved it's ranking on Texas Monthly 's Top 50 BBQ joints. Much deserved.
Vera's Barbacoa, a nice beer or bottle of wine and a beautiful spot in BOCA CHiCA BEACH. That is a small piece of paradise in the Valley.
We had the Cachete, they were out of lengua, run out early. Tortillas and salsa. A treat to get when down this way!!! My parents come here often, especially when visitors are in town.
If can make it, you definitely need to drop by this place. Friendly people, wonderful food. Good thing they're only open on the weekends, otherwise I'd be here all week.
Without a doubt the best barbacoa I've ever had. I'll be sure to stop by here every time I come to Brownsville.
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