Barbecue and smoked meats have been a thing in the NC Triangle for the last five years! While North Carolina barbecue has been the predominant version available, the deliciousness of Texas barbecue could not be denied. The additions of Prime Barbecue (Knightdale), Dampf Good Barbeque (Cary), and Lawrence BBQ (Cary) started an influx of this new barbecue style. What are we talking about with Texas barbecue? Beef. Whether you’re talking brisket, burnt ends, or ribs, this protein is what typically defines smoked meats from the Lone Star State. And the newest entry in this category is the new East of Texas in Durham! So how does it compare to the others in the area? Well saddle up, partner, and let’s find out!
East of Texas, Durham – Location, Interior
First of all, if you’re headed to East of Texas at the American Tobacco Campus, it sits in the Reed Building and what used to be Five Star Restaurant. But you will not recognize the space at ALL now! Just look for the big black smoker up front, surrounded by stacked hardwoods at ATC. The renovation has changed the interior from a darker, posh presentation to an open, light, and bright space. Very simple decor, think rustic wood floors, dark utilitarian counters, flat gray walls and plenty of line art and stencils depicting Texas-type culture and murals. Up front, there’s two large doorways giving East of Texas a hall-type feel. Which totally works with the barbecue and smoked meats focus. Given this is the second location for East of Texas (original location in Winston-Salem), the concept seems pretty sophisticated and well-run. I watched the build-out of this space, transforming from a dark and posh dining room to the wide-open space of a quirky barbeque restaurant.
As you approach East of Texas, you can’t miss the large iron signage up front, depicting cattle shaded by a large tree. The restaurant has made great use of the outdoor space with several community tables under cover of the ATC eaves. Pass by the large, black smoker with a stack of wood up front, and you know that you’re in for a treat! Inside it’s a bit bare-bones and utilitarian. Polished concrete floors, hanging pendulum lights over a hodgepodge of casual four-tops and metal chairs. East of Texas gives off casual eating vibes, all around.
The wall murals and stencils at East of Texas are pretty cool, a mix of cowboys, cattle, and Western whimsy. And let’s face it, cows can be pretty funny! You can tell that the owner definitely has a sense of humor given her Houston, Texas origins. Head on over to the front counter to order your meal and get ready to eat.
East of Texas, Durham – Menu, Food
Given that East of Texas is the second location for this owner, their Tex-Mex menu is expansive and well-buttoned down. I came during their soft-open, and they already had the operations humming, but over their opening week, they added both breakfast and brunch to their menus, cool! The offerings at East of Texas go far beyond most other options in the area. Beyond the traditional smoked meats by the 1/4, 1/2, 1 lb. measures, you’ll also find tacos, waffles, bowls, and salads, in addition to the usual sandwiches and trays of smoked meat.
The slacker nachos are a great starter! Warm tortilla chips topped with queso, avocado, and served with salsa and sour cream. The Touchdown tray is another good option for a group, offering a selection of delicious appetizers: smoked wings, brisket flautas, brisket empanadas, and chips with guacamole, salsa, and queso. One thing you’ll notice quickly is that portion sizes at East of Texas are super generous. I highly doubt you can dine here and go home hungry!
For the traditional smoked meats, I’ve done the Sugarland Slider tray. Half a pound of brisket and pulled pork served up with potato rolls for mini-sandwiches. The tots and queso on the side are killer, too. I couldn’t stop eating these bad boys and barely made it to the meats!
In addition to the dine-in menu, East of Texas has a refrigerated case where you can grab meats, sides, and more to take home. A fun selection of East of Texas merch is also displayed in this area if you’re looking for something memorable to bring home.
East of Texas, Durham – Service, Conclusion
Service at East of Texas is prompt and efficient when it comes to ordering. The food may take a bit of time to come out of the kitchen since everything is made to order. But what I do really like is that plates and trays are quickly cleared when you’re ready. Overall, I do like what they are doing at East of Texas quite a bit. While the smoked meats are not the best in the area, the broad selection of Tex-Mex specialties, generous portions, and good service make East of Texas a preferred dining destination for me.
I also love that they are so involved with the Durham community, offering live music and running events and activities when they opened. And with the addition of Fullsteam Brewery ATC right across the way, it’s exciting to see the American Tobacco Campus buzzing with new food and drink destinations. And East of Texas is right in the middle of all of it, can you give me a yee-haw?!
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