Eating BBQ at a restaurant can be one of the best ways to experience great barbecue — if you know what you’re looking at. In this episode, Jay and Brian break down what it really means to dine out for BBQ, how to spot places that respect the craft, and what expectations you should bring with you when you walk into a true BBQ joint. From sell-out menus to ordering by the pound, we’re covering how BBQ works outside your backyard and why that matters.

🔥 Highlights
Jay shares his recent brisket tacos cook, while Brian talks through making homemade tortillas from scratch.

❓ BBQ Question of the Week
“I need advice on whether to get a charcoal grill or a gas grill?”

Check out TheGrillCoach.com for this week's 🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends — an essential tool for anyone serious about making homemade corn tortillas.

🎙️ After the Break – BBQ Dining Out

After the break, we dig into what we really mean when we say “BBQ Dining Out,” and why not every restaurant with BBQ on the menu qualifies as a true BBQ joint. We talk about what separates dedicated BBQ spots from casual restaurants, and why respecting the BBQ process matters — from the time and fuel involved to the people tending the pits. We also cover what you should expect when eating BBQ out, including why many spots sell out, why meat is often sold by the pound, and what “fresh cut” really means at the counter. Finally, we walk through the full BBQ experience, from meats and sauces to sides and desserts, and how it all comes together on the tray.

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Brisket tacos might be one of the best ways to turn a long cook into something truly unforgettable—and in this special Listener Spotlight episode, we’re joined by Claudio to break them down from start to finish. From brisket prep and smoke strategy to rich tallow-kissed tortillas and taco assembly, this episode is packed with technique, inspiration, and real-world experience you can apply to your next cook.

🔥 Highlights
Jay revisits a Christmas Breakfast Fatty that deserves a second look, while Brian walks through a recent Weber Rotisserie Chicken cook and what made it shine.

❓ Listener Question
“How can I keep meat from drying out on the grill?”
We dig into heat control, timing, moisture management, and a few simple habits that make a big difference.

🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - perfect for night cooks and low-light checks at the grill.

🎙️ After the Break – Brisket Tacos with Claudio

We’re joined by listener Claudio, who walks us through his grilling and smoking background and the inspiration behind his brisket taco recipe. We dig into brisket prep, seasoning, and cook strategy, then take it all the way to taco night with tallow-based tortillas, taco assembly, and final touches that make this cook stand out.

We also talk salsa—whether it’s essential or optional—along with side dish ideas to round out the meal. To wrap it up, Claudio shares what’s next on his BBQ wish list, from techniques he wants to try to meats he’s excited to cook and cookers he’s got his eye on.

💬 Got a Grill Coach question or episode idea?
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🌟 Patreon & Community
Support the show and join the Grill Coach community on Patreon. Members get access to exclusive content—and yes, that free magnetic meat temperature chart everyone loves.

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Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, articles, and all things grilling and BBQ.

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In this special Listener Spotlight episode, Jay and Brian are joined by Lamont for a dive into one of the most important (and often overlooked) BBQ skills: shopping for beef. From timing your meat purchases to knowing how much to buy, where to buy it, and what to look for at the counter, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you cook with confidence.

This week’s highlight 🔥 is a Christmas Day brisket and we dive deeper into the cook with Lamont later in the episode - trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

BBQ Question ❓ of this week is “How do you keep your food from sticking to the grill?” We break down the fundamentals that make all the difference, no matter what grill you’re cooking on.

This week’s 🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com — not just great for pastor, but a versatile and essential tool for rotisserie-style cooking.

🎙️ After the Break

• Listener Spotlight: Meet Lamont and hear about his grilling background and experience
• When to buy meat for your cook
• How to determine how much beef to buy
• Where to buy quality meat
• What to look for when selecting beef at the store or butcher counter

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com , or leave us a voicemail or text at (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join the Grill Coach community - support the show on Patreon and get access to exclusive content — plus grab our free magnetic meat temperature chart.

🌐 Visit us online and find recipes, articles, and all our recommended gear at TheGrillCoach.com. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

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