Bricks Smokehouse BBQ & Grill

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Have you wondered why we have more  barbecue restaurants in Redding than Jello salads at a church picnic? Just ask a barbecue aficionado and you will be told that not only does barbecue have regional styles, it is an individual pursuit of smoked meat perfection. For some Texas style barbecue, try Bricks Smokehouse BBQ and Grill at 1970 Eureka Way.

Bricks Heading West on Eureka Way

Bricks is the creation of Mike and Solage Thomlinson. The big red restaurant evokes a retro roadhouse feel where food is called “grub” and there are paper towels instead of napkins on the tables. The seating is a combination of tables with chairs and large picnic tables. The tables are more intimate, while the picnic tables— which are made by a local artisan—accommodate large parties. Wood paneling and traveling paraphernalia adorn the walls. There is also a jukebox. The big screen TVs in the bar can be seen while dining. Think local diner on a road-trip through Texas.

A Cozy Table for Two

The folks at Bricks are both knowledgeable and passionate about barbecue. The Thomlinsons developed and honed their techniques and recipes living in the South and competing in Texas barbecue contests. The sides, sauces, salads, beans and cookies are made in the Bricks's kitchen, following Solage's recipes. The meat is smoked with white oak, although Manzanita is sometimes used to make it sweeter tasting. The culinary benefits of both woods is a subject of debate among the staff. 

Bubba at the BBQ

Although Ben, the BBQ master, is loath to use charcoal, it is necessary to regulate the smoker temperature at an optimal 200 degrees. The smoker is in continuous operation when there is someone working at Bricks. Most meat is smoked 4 hours, but some cuts require up to 6 hours. The meat that is pulled is then placed in a low heat oven to finish the cooking. The result is the fundamental ingredient of barbecue cuisine: moist, tender and flavorful meat. The smoking process will leave the meat with pinkish-red edges that should not be mistaken for undercooking.

All Meat Sampler Plate at $14.99

I ordered the All Meat Sampler Plate: tri-tip, pork ribs, pulled pork and roasted chicken. The meat was moist, well cooked and rich tasting. The Carolina Sweet Mustard was an ideal accompaniment to the tri-tip, particularly. The cooks at Bricks make the four signature barbecue sauces, which can come either on the meat or on the side. The Original has a zesty vinegar tang. The Spicy is piquant and peppery hot. The Memphis Sweet is the most mellow tasting. Although they were all yummy, the Bourbon was my favorite. The oak flavor from the bourbon reduction, mixed with the warm tasting spices, made a well balanced, savory combination.

The Sauces

For some southern eating, I order the Fried Okra. The okra was surprisingly light tasting. I did not, however, venture the fried pickle. The Bricks Beans are made ranch style with tri-tip in a thick tomato sauce with a spicy bite. I also ordered the Trinomi Sandwich. It is one of the most popular items on the menu. The sandwich bun was bulging with melted cheese covered tri-tip and pastrami. There was also a layer of what looked like Thousand Island type dressing. The accompanying au jus dipping sauce added the right amount of moisture for the optimal melt-in-the-mouth chewing experience. For authentic Texas barbecue dining, try the house made coleslaw inside your sandwich.

Trinomi Sandwich and Bricks Beans

Despite its delicious tradition, vegetarians are sadly excluded from barbecue culture.  At Bricks, vegetarians can eat at the Salad Bar. The good news is, if you are a vegetarian and over 21, I recommend you try Bubba's mixology at the newly constructed bar. Although Brick's current liquor license is for beer and wine, Bubba's creative ingenuity and enthusiasm is inspiring. He makes everything from a traditional pub-style Black and Brown to a concocted sparkly, pink-colored drink. The pink-colored drink is a favorite with men returning from the lake. There are plans for purchasing a full liquor license this summer.

The Vegetarian Option

In keeping with the culinary culture, at Bricks the portions are Texas-sized and the prices are workingman thrifty. A meal is under $10. Bricks is not only an ideal take-out option in transit to and from Wiskeytown Lake, but a popular catering choice for weddings. As both the BBQ master and kitchen staff start early, Bricks is also open for a breakfast. Biscuits and gravy and a 6oz tri-tip chicken-fried steak are on the menu.  Bricks is open everyday from 6am to 9pm. Parking in the Subway lot should be avoided.

Basic Barbecue Vocabulary ;-)