Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith spent more than a decade with the Dallas Cowboys, lighting up opposing defenses as one of the greatest rushers the league had ever seen.
In those years, Smith has spent plenty of time taking in all the food and drinks the city has to offer.
Smith shared with Insider a few of his top picks for barbecue and a night out in the city while promoting his partnership with Bounty paper towels ahead of the Super Bowl.
Asked about his favorite barbecue in a city that is famous for it, Smith smiled.
“Oh man,” Smith said. “There’s a place called Cattleack Barbecue. It’s very, very good.”
Cattleack is owned by a friend of Smith’s, Todd David, and it keeps the type of hours that immediately signal: This place is making something special.
“This is a spot that’s opened probably one day a week,” Smith said. “From lunchtime to just outside of lunchtime. Boom, they’re done.”
Indeed, the hours listed on Cattleack’s website show it is open only on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as the first Saturday of every month.
Smith said that Cattleack can handle all the great barbecue staples one might expect, but one dish stood above the rest — what’s simply known as the “beef rib” on its menu where the BBQ joint offers two pounds in each serving.
“You’re getting that big, brontosaurus rib, the beef rib,” Smith said. “Those are some of the finest ribs you’re ever going to have, man. Big as all get out. Big-ass bone.”
Looking through Cattleack’s Instagram page, there certainly are some big ribs.
According to the menu, Cattleack’s beef ribs come in at an average of two pounds each — more than enough for a meal on their own.
Classics like brisket, burnt ends, pork ribs, turkey, and pulled pork are also available by the pound. Available sides include burnt end beans, chili mac and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, broccoli salad, and cheesy chipotle corn.
“And when you go, tell Todd David that Emmitt Smith sent you,” Smith concluded…
