You can start a conversation quickly in Fort Worth about who makes the best barbeque, but be careful, as it can go from debate to argument. We prefer Angelo's, which is very traditional Texas barbeque with side dishes and cold drinks. No fuss and no feathers. A short drive from downtown, about two turns away from the spanking new headquarters of Pier 1 Imports and Radio Shack, Angelo's is always busy during their long opening hours of 11am to 10pm. Park where you can around the building, but you might want to keep your nice, clean car away from the smoke of the BBQ pits. That is, unless you want to carry the smell of Angelo's with you for a few hundred country miles.
The door is on the west side of the building, and you join the line where you gather up your own choices of cold side dishes, cold drinks, and chips. You can order draft beef with your meal. You will be hungry as you wait in the speedy line. Beef comes chopped and sliced, pork comes in ham and sausage, and turkey comes sliced. You can order sandwiches or plate meals with ribs, available after 5pm.
Founded by George Angelo in 1958, Angelo's has been our home base for barbeque for a very long time. We make most of our visits at lunch time but have been there in the evenings, when there is table service by waitresses. Long gone are the days when the floor was covered by ankle-deep saw dust, but the atmosphere is uncharged. Pure Texan.
During major events such as the Stock Show, Angelo's is very busy with party hosts coming in to purchase large orders of beef, ribs, and turkey; however, most of the year the pace is steady, so don't worry if you see a full parking lot, as there are dozens and dozens of tables inside. Let's call this traditional Fort Worth casual dining. Just don't put catsup on the meat.