Subic Bay has come a long way in the last few years. Many new developments and businesses have emerged since the pandemic. However, Texas Joe’s has stood the test of time it seems. I have been coming here to eat with family and friends since I was in my early teens. Even if I’m not staying in the area and only passing by, I always make it a point to stop by for either lunch or dinner. Let us take a look at the menu and why people like me keep coming back.
The first thing we should note about their food is that their meat is never boiled or dipped in liquid smoke. Instead, it is smoked with real hickory wood, which is why it tastes so good. They use USA Swift Premium for their pork ribs and spare ribs. For their spare rib platters, you can choose from a small up to what they call a Texas Jumbo Rib and Humungous which is a full slab. Whether you are eating alone or sharing with others, they have all the options when it comes to serving size which I really appreciate. They also have baby back ribs which are also smoked but finished on the grill before serving.
If you can’t decide on what to get, they do have a section called Combo Meals which is where I order most of the time, since I want a little bit of everything. The Tennessee Trio is a great choice because it comes with beef brisket, Hickory-smoked chicken, and of course spare ribs. It comes with roasted green beans and your choice of two sides. A favorite of mine is the Rib And Shrimp Combo. It’s spare ribs but with a skewer of grilled shrimp. A simple but delicious take on surf and turf. They also have quite an array of chicken options to choose from. From the Smoked Chicken Platter, Smoked Chicken Sandwich, to a Panini Chicken Wrap, and a Smoked Chicken Lunch, you’ll surely be able to find something that interests you.
If you are not in the mood for pork, they do have other choices. Their brisket is a must-try as well. Thin strips of juicy and tender meat paired with their sides will surely hit the spot. They offer a Beef Brisket Platter, Beef Brisket Sandwich, Brisket Burger, and Brisket Salad. They also have steaks that you can choose from. They use either USDA or Certified Angus for their t-bone, filet mignon, striploin, and rib-eye steaks.
Of all the things to like about the place, my favorite thing is that they make homemade BBQ sauces. On every table, you’ll find a little basket of goodies. Of course, there are the usuals, salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauce, but you will also find three bottles of barbecue sauce. They are color-coded so you know which is which. White is the Original flavor, yellow for Carolina Honey, and red for Habanero Hot. I usually end up using all of them since they are all tasty and complement any dish that you order. The Habanero Hot may seem intimidating but the spice is tolerable and enough to add a little kick to whatever you are eating.
Now that we have covered the condiments, meat, and other exciting options we can move on to other things such as appetizers, sides, and desserts. They have a great selection when it comes to appetizers. There are of course soups such as Cream Of Mushroom, Seafood Chowder, and something that we don’t see often, Corn Tortilla Soup. There’s Chips And Dips which is a classic, fries, nachos, and nuggets, and more interesting choices such as their Road Kill Chili and Bacon Pups.
For the sides, they have everything you could possibly be craving. Although the interiors of the place will make you feel like you are elsewhere, you are in fact still in the Philippines and that means that rice will always be on the menu. However, if you want to lean into the Southern BBQ vibe then it’s probably best to go with corn on the cob, baked potato, creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, mac salad, or my personal favorite cornbread. They also have other options such as guacamole, salsa, flour tortillas, and sliced jalapeno peppers for a little spice.
After all that savory goodness you might want to end on a sweet note and the desserts do not disappoint. You can always go for a scoop of ice cream if for something simple. However, if you want something a little more heavy then I suggest you get a slice of apple or pumpkin pie with a scoop of ice cream. They also have carrot cake, a New York cheesecake, and a couple of different sundaes to choose from.
When it comes to the place itself, it’s complete with dark wooden interiors and even a couple of wooden horses right at the entrance that kids and adults alike seem to appreciate. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. When it’s a quiet evening it’s nice to sit outside and feel the sea breeze blowing in from across the block. The staff are always friendly, and the serving time is fairly quick as well.
When it comes to dining with the family, there’s definitely space for large groups and they also accommodate children. The tables are draped with paper instead of tablecloths for easier cleanups, but they also hand out crayons so that children and guests can draw on the paper and entertain themselves while waiting for the food. At the end of the menu, there’s a small kids section wherein all the choices come with a drink, a side of fries, and some cookies.
If you ever find yourself in the Subic area and are looking for a place to eat, I highly suggest you check out Texas Joe’s. If you are in a group, the servings are large and great for sharing without necessarily breaking the bank. It’s good value for money and the standard has always been consistent throughout the years. Whether its lunch or dinner, you’ll surely enjoy the food and the experience.
