Third Coast Cuisine

The first rule of business is "location, location, location" -- and the second rule of business is "say things three times". Moving on up to a much better spot, Luckie's Smokehouse, opening this week.

Started by a blues musician who spent his formative years sampling Austin's BBQ scene, the original Luckie's was opened in the shopping grid anchored by the Cockerel Hill Rd Walmart, right by a Dollar Tree; since people shopping for Uni-Ball pens and the world's crappiest children's toys weren't biting, they closed after six months and relocated to the former gas station across from the Kessler Theater, replacing the pumps with a covered patio and filling the inside with comfy vinyl booths, warm lighting, and a lacquered wood bar. Despite the Cen-Tex roots, the fare takes its cue from Memphis pork, with pulled shoulder and giant ribs, plus beef (brisket & chopped) West Tennessee'd with the house's wet rub; you'll also find smoked birds (turkey and half & whole chickens) and sausage flavored with "just the right spice", so you needn't worry about your meal being Scary. Sides run from potato salad, baked beans, and slaw in apple-cider vinegar, to mac 'n cheese studded with bacon bits, creamed spinach, and a brisket-or-pork-toppable smoked spud, who loves kicking back on the couch and giggling at old episodes of Starsky and Wilmer-Hutchins.

Right now, they're serving a single light beer, but they plan on ramping up to a full bar and 10 taps, including Rahr and 512; they'll also host live music on the front porch, something not possible at the initial location. Something not possible at the initial location. Something not possible at the initial location.

Step up to this menu! No, really, it's delicious. Look at it.