Ryker Rides: Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue, Crockett, Texas

 
by Michael Satterfield  05-21/2021 

Wade and Kathy Elkins have been in the barbecue business for just years, but in that short time, Wade has worked at some of the top-rated barbecue joints in the Houston area before launching Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue, in the small East Texas town of Crockett. Mimsy's has quickly made its way on to best barbecue lists and if you stop in for lunch or dinner you'll understand why. 

Crockett is named after Texas hero Davy Crockett, who camped in the area on his way to the Alamo. A monument has been erected near the spot where Crockett and his men camped at 100 E. Goliad Avenue. It is a great place to stop for photos. 

Situated in Deep East Texas, the ride out to Crockett is a beautiful one as backcountry roads take you through pine trees, over rivers, and through quaint small towns. From Austin and Bryan/College Station you'll come to the small town of Normangee, if you are feeling extra adventurous, jump off the main road and head towards Langley's Grocery in Centerview, make your way northeast towards Highway 7. This route is mostly small single-lane roads and eventually turns to dirt before you get to the highway. 

From Houston head north and enjoy the Sam Houston National Forest before heading across Lake Livingston on U.S. Highway 190, from there head along the back roads along the lakeshore towards Sebastopol and Trinity. Once in Trinity pick up Prospect Drive TX 19, and take that through the small town of Lovelady, for more adventure leave TX 19 and take Lovelady Rd (CR 4020) which is gravel/dirt through cultivated pine forests and farmland. Lovelady Rd dead ends into FM 2712 which takes you directly to Mimsy's.

Don't let the dirt roads scare you off from really seeing some beautiful country, these roads are well maintained and the Can-Am Ryker handled them beautifully, plus with the three-wheel stance, you don't need to worry about sliding around as much as you would on just two wheels. We did dirt and country roads on the way and enjoyed a fully paved route on the way back. If you have time and want to explore more, Crockett has a number of historic homes, the Houston County Museum, and is not far from Mission Tejas State Park.

Mimsy's can be busy so I recommend getting there before the lunch rush, while the meat is amazing the sides are also a major attraction, I highly recommend the Smoked-Queso Poblano Mac-n-Cheese and Smoked Maple Sprouts. They also have what they call their "Fun Menu" which features specials like Brisket Tacos, Pulled Pork Salads, and of course classic sandwiches. 

Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue

1979 S. Fifth Street, Crockett

Phone: 936-544-7000

Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 7–3, Friday–Saturday 11–8, Sunday 11–3

Rolling Photos by Nolan Keegan