Taste of El Paso Preview: Desert Oak BBQ

When Richard Funk and his wife Suzanne opened Desert Oak Barbecue in the summer of 2015, it was more of a hobby than anything else. They purchased a food truck and built a custom smoker and they served on weekends in the Cowtown Boots parking lot. The concept was simple, smoke different varieties of meat using post oak wood from central Texas. The cooking process does not use gas or heat. While Richard was in charge of smoking meat, Suzanne developed recipes for all of their homemade sides and desserts. The foods truck would open on weekends until they sold out.

Desert Oak Barbecue was an instant hit and El Pasoans could not get enough of Richard's brisket. As demand increased, the Funks thought about opening a storefront for their barbecue. That dream became reality last summer when they opened the doors at 1320 North Zaragosa, Suite 105.

Once you enter Desert Oak Barbecue, the diverse menu features brisket, sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs, smoked turkey breast, and beef ribs (Saturdays only). Their homemade sides include the popular green chile and cheese rice, green chile creamed corn, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, and mac and cheese. As impossible as it sounds, save room for dessert so you can enjoy their banana pudding. The food is so good that they have already received high praise from Texas Monthly.

I have waited more than two hours in line at Aaron Franklin's popular barbecue restaurant in Austin to try his famous brisket and other creations. Desert Oak Barbecue delivers a meal just as memorable but without the crazy wait. If you have never been to the restaurant before, make sure you bring your appetite to The Taste of El Paso. You can get tickets NOW, prices will be going up day of event.