BBQ Smoked Paradise

Is there ever a bad time for genuine Texas barbecue?

No… no, there’s not.

It’s hard to think of a better way to tie in Dallas and Texas barbecue than Walt Garrison BBQ. The Dallas Cowboys legend’s brand of “Real Genuine Texas BBQ” is at Klyde Warren Park Thursdays through Sundays. Terry Sullivan is the pitmaster, owner and operator of the food truck, which has been a staple of the park for two years.

“We don’t cut any corners when it comes to smokin’ meat,” Terry says in an unmistakable, authentic Texas drawl. He cooks everything using old-fashioned BBQ pits and stick burners. Brisket is smoked for 16 hours, and all sides are made by hand.

Born and raised in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, Terry says he is “a Cowboys fan all the way, win or lose.” His partnership with Garrison began years ago. The two even owned a steakhouse in Flower Mound, Texas. With more than 30 years of experience barbecuing, Terry acknowledges that there is nearly an endless selection of barbecue options in and around Dallas, but being part of Klyde Warren Park is special. “We just hope to do it as good, if not better, than anybody else,” he says.

If you plan to stop by the truck for the first time, Terry recommends that your first experience include anything with brisket. While your typical smoked meats such as brisket, pork, sausage and turkey are always available, there are three signature sandwiches that make Walt Garrison BBQ unique. “We sell all the classic BBQ, but we branch out a little and use our ability to smoke meat and well those signature sandwiches,” Terry says.

The Smoked Prime Rib French Dip is thinly sliced, slow-roasted smoked Prime Rib, a hoagie roll, some Swiss cheese, horseradish sauce and Au Jus sauce for dipping. The Midnight Smoked Cuban combines three thinly sliced smoked meats—pork loin, brisket and ham—served on authentic Cuban bread. There is also a Smoked Turkey Melt, and patrons are advised to “get’em while they last.”

Terry says the best part about being at Klyde Warren Park is the atmosphere and the people. “When you think about Dallas, you think about Klyde Warren Park, he says. “It’s a great family atmosphere. It’s always full of people. It’s a great place for people to have fun and relax. There’s always something to do. Over the last four or five years, I think Klyde Warren Park has become to go-to place in the Downtown Dallas area. I’m really honored to be here.”

According to Terry, more people from outside of Dallas or Texas visit the truck than do locals, whether they are in town for a conference or just tourists exploring Dallas. “That’s great for us because everybody’s interested in Texas BBQ,” he says. “We always do really well trying to feed those folks.”

Getting to know the owners of the other food trucks at the park has also been fun for Terry. “We’re kind of a family down here. We try to help each other. They’re all great people, and all the trucks have good products. It’s just kind of a party every time we all show up.”