Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue turns brisket into cloud-level euphoria, while Uncle DT’s Smokehouse baptizes ribs in sauces so spicy, they’ll rename your sweat glands. For real though, the heat is up there!
Both spots? Worth the road trip, the meat sweats, and the eternal craving.
♨️ Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue
Hold onto your napkins, BBQ lovers—Mad Jack’s in Cloudcroft, NM, is where smoke meets sass and flavor slaps you silly! 🌄🔥
This Texas-style pit stop cranks out meats so tender they’ll make you question every other BBQ joint you’ve ever visited.
With lines out the door and rave reviews louder than a hungry bear, this mountain gem is not playing around.
Come for the brisket, stay for the honey-buttered cornbread, and leave with a food coma worthy of a Netflix documentary. 🍖✨
Food Highlights
- Chopped Brisket Sandwich: Piled high with smoky, buttery meat that practically melts on the tongue. Customers call it “rich,” “savory,” and worth waiting in line for—even if they’re down to their last crumbs. Pair it with mac and cheese for a carb-loaded love affair.
- Dino Ribs: These colossal beef ribs are a carnivore’s dream—fall-off-the-bone tender with a bark that crackles like a campfire. Reviewers swear they’re the best they’ve ever had, Texan-approved.
- Green Chile Smoked Sausage: A New Mexico twist on classic BBQ! Spicy, crumbly, and packed with local green chile heat, it’s a flavor bomb that’ll make your taste buds salsa dance. 💃🌶️
- Pork Ribs: Glazed to sticky perfection and smoked low-and-slow. Regulars claim they’re “better than any ribs down South”—high praise in the BBQ universe.
- Peach Cobbler: Gooey, cinnamon-kissed, and topped with ice cream. Pro tip: Reheat leftovers in an air fryer for a next-level dessert experience. 🍑🍨
- Honey-Butter Cornbread: Thick, moist slabs drenched in sweet honey and butter. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s dubbed “the best side dish alive.”
Atmosphere
Mad Jack’s feels like a BBQ block party meets mountain retreat. 🏔️ Picnic tables dot the outdoor area (perfect for sunny days), while the cozy indoor space buzzes with the chatter of satisfied meat enthusiasts.
Staff crack jokes while slicing brisket, and owner Mad Jack himself often roams the dining room, thanking guests like old friends.
Expect a line—sometimes stretching over an hour—but trust us, it’s a rite of passage.
Why It’s One of the Best in New Mexico
This spot isn’t just good—it’s legendary. Mad Jack’s smokes meats over Central Texas post oak (hauled 644 miles round-trip!) and adds New Mexico flair with green chile stew and roasted corn.
The hype is real: Yelpers call it “the best BBQ they’ve ever had,” and TripAdvisor ranks it #1 in Cloudcroft.
Plus, portions are generous enough to fuel a hike through the nearby Sacramento Mountains. 🥾💨
Pro tip: Arrive early—meats sell out faster than gossip in a small town. 🚗
Address:
105 James Canyon Hwy, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
📞 (575) 682-7577
🕔 Open Fri–Sat, 11 AM–5 PM (closed Mon–Thu)
♨️ Uncle DT’s Smokehouse
Craving BBQ that slaps harder than a Santa Fe sunset? 🔥
Uncle DT’s Smokehouse is where smoky dreams come true, serving up Texas-style ‘cue with a side of New Mexico charm. 🎸🍖
With rave reviews, finger-licking sauces, and a vibe as laid-back as a desert breeze, this spot is a must-visit for meat lovers and sauce enthusiasts alike.
Pro tip: Come hungry, leave happy—and maybe nap afterward. 😉
Food Highlights
- Brisket: Melts like butter but packs a smoky punch—praised as “some of the best in the country” by wedding-goers and BBQ fanatics. Pair it with their spicy homemade BBQ sauce for a flavor explosion. 🌶️
- Chimayo Pork Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender with a sweet-meets-smoky glaze that’s earned them a loyal following. Half-rack or full? No wrong answers here. 🥩
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Crispy, caramelized bites of heaven—a must-try for anyone who thinks fat is flavor. 💥
- Smoked Tofu Plate: Surprise MVP! Smoked to perfection and drenched in sauce, it’s a hit even with carnivores. 🌱
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Piled high with BBQ staples, these spuds are a meal unto themselves—goes viral on foodie feeds. 🥔
Atmosphere
Think hole-in-the-wall charm meets unpretentious cool. 🎶
The joint’s rustic walls are lined with local art, and the scent of hickory smoke hugs you like an old friend.
Live music nights (when owner DT isn’t gigging) add a toe-tapping vibe.
Casual, friendly, and just a stone’s throw from Meow Wolf—it’s the perfect pit stop between adventures.
Why It’s One of the Best in New Mexico
Uncle DT’s isn’t just BBQ—it’s a Santa Fe experience. Voted highest-rated on Google and Yelp, this spot nails the basics: tender meats, bold sauces, and portions that’ll make your belt weep. 🏆
Their catering? Legendary. (One bride called it “the talk of the wedding.”)
Add a BYOB-friendly policy and quirky hours (check their site!), and you’ve got a gem that’s worth the detour.
Address: 3134 Rufina St, Santa Fe, NM 87507