Ryker Rides: Jack's Bar B Que, Cut and Shoot, Texas

by Michael Satterfield - 06/03/2021

For our final BBQ road trip on the Can-Am Ryker, we are headed towards the town of Conroe, Texas. Just north of the Houston metropolitan area, Conroe has been one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Jack's Bar B Que is still as country as they come, located just outside the city in the community of Cut and Shoot. With plywood walls, an old jukebox, and rolls of paper towels Jack's is your classic roadside BBQ joint.

As the name would imply, Cut and Shoot is named after a confrontation in 1912 at a local church, there are various versions of the story but the most popular one seems to about a young boy. Apparently, a boy at the scene of the confrontation shouted at the adults "I'm going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!" Another version says that the church members had rushed to their wagons to get their weapons to "cut and shoot" each other over the dispute. Regardless of the story, the unusual name was chosen and the town has been called Cut and Shoot ever since. Today, however, it is mostly known for being home to the East Texas Elephant Experience.

Getting to Jack's from Houston is easy, but you can still take the long way up towards Cleveland, Texas, but for this trip, we start in the small town of Anderson, in Grimes County. Heading out along FM 149 through rolling farmland and pastures. Just past the town of Richards, the pine forest of the Sam Houston National Forest starts to thicken until you are surrounded by tall trees as far as you can see. Turning right on FM 1375, the trees only break when you come to Baker Bridge, crossing the northern end of Lake Conroe. As the trees start to thin again as you approach Interstate 45 and the town of New Waverly.

While the fastest route would have you turn down TX 75, stick to TX 150 heading towards Old Waverly, and take the turn off down FM 1725 a beautiful road that is a mix of forest and farmland. A right on FM 3081 takes you south along Peach Creek before turning on Browder Traylor Road. One more left turn on TX 105 and Jack's is just down a few miles on the left side. The ride from Anderson to Cut and Shoot is just about 65 miles and the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Just as the aesthetic would suggest, Jack's serves up traditional Bar B Que, with brisket, chicken, ribs, sausage, and pork. Sides include potato salad, pinto beans, and coleslaw. But if you are truly looking for some Southern comfort food, order fried okra or fried pickles from the appetizer menu. Sandwiches can be made with your choice of meat and their extended menu has something for everyone, even fried catfish. If you are not a connoisseur of Southern cuisine, you might want to stick to the Bar B Que basics, but for sure order the okra.