Day Trips: Klein Smokehaus

Klein Smokehaus in Boerne maintains its old-world meat market traditions while embracing the art of smoked meats.

The little butcher counter on the north end of Main Street comes with deep German pioneer roots. The business began in 1950 as a grocery store run by the Waldeck family. In 1976, the family began concentrating on fresh meats and deer processing as Farmer's Meat Market.

Master butcher Barret Klein purchased the market in 2006 and has expanded the operation. As a sister company to Hudson Meats in Austin, Klein's Smokehaus offers a wide variety of great meats and sausages, but it is the smoked meats that really shine.

The meat market doesn't provide a dining room, but there are lots of parks within a short distance of the shop to unwrap a bundle of fragrant barbecue. The brisket comes in lean or moist, and both are delicious. The pulled pork is a scrumptious surprise. If you like your smoked turkey with lots of pepper, this is the place to go. I'll be back to sample the pork ribs, which were sold out on the afternoon I visited.

Klein Smokehaus is at 342 N. Main St. in Boerne. The counter opens Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Hours vary during deer season. Call 830/249-8063 to place an order or go to www.kleinsmokehaus.com. Stop by Carousel Antiques, 118 S. Main St., for a jar of Fickle Pickles to go with your barbecue.

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