Sweet on Mesquite: Just beyond Dallas, world-class rodeo and barbecue await

Barbecue fans might specifically know mesquite as the popular wood used in smoking. But roughly 12 miles east of Dallas, Texas, suburban Mesquite proves a bustling spot teeming with barbecue history and rodeo roots.

Originally established as a depot town in 1873, Mesquite transformed into a hub for artists and the location of an award-winning rodeo that has hosted presidents and princes alike.

Whether you’re heading to Dallas or looking for a trip off the beaten path, here’s what you need to know about a visit to Mesquite.

Getting around

The best way to get to Mesquite is by flying to Dallas first — Southwest Airlines offers nonstop flights from both O’Hare and Midway airports.

And unlike Chicago, the Texas sprawl requires a car to get around. Grab a rental; the drive to Mesquite takes roughly 35 minutes.

Smoke show

The journey will surely work up an appetite for Mesquite’s coveted barbecue. The city’s oldest restaurant, Mesquite BBQ (145 E. Davis St., mbbq1959.com), has been smoking and grilling meats since 1959. Founder Herbert Oyler impressed hungry customers with his own invention, the Oyler rotisserie smoker pit, which chars meat in a Ferris wheel-like rotation, giving the barbecue a unique, smoky taste.

The Oyler smoker, which went on to gain international acclaim, is still the instrument of choice at the no-frills, family-run joint, which specializes in brisket, ribs and pulled pork.

After Oyler died, his business partner, Leon Crouch, took over the restaurant along with his wife. Over the years, family members added a wildly popular stuffed baked potato — piled with butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon bits — BBQ Frito Pie, and a dessert menu. Crouch’s grandson and his wife, Dustin and Melanie Palmer, still run the restaurant to this day.

Historic home

After indulging in a Mesquite feast, head to Opal Lawrence Historical Park (701 E. Kearney St., cityofmesquite.com). The historic landmark is the Mesquite equivalent of Chicago’s Water Tower, steeped in the city’s past.

In the early to mid-1900s, the home was occupied by S.D. Lawrence, a public servant who helped raise funds for the first school buildings in Mesquite. What was once a simple farmhouse soon became expanded farmland with chicken coops, a smokehouse, a curing shed and a barn.

Three of S.D. Lawrence’s daughters lived their entire lives on the farm, raising livestock and selling eggs. When Opal Lawrence, the home’s last owner, died in 1995, she granted the city the house and two acres of property.

A $5 entry fee for adults and $3 per child grants access to the property, which is open Tuesday through Saturday. It offers a glimpse into the Texas prairie vernacular, showcasing various structures, including an outbuilding with a smokehouse, a brick-lined root cellar, a wash house, and a livestock and mule barn.

Buck up, champ

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo (1818 Rodeo Drive, mesquiterodeo.com) has been operating for 65 years, and it’s one of the few running rodeos in the United States.

Watch as professional bull and bronc riders compete in a sand-filled arena, synchronizing their moves in hopes of staying on. In a temperature-controlled arena, competitors have to ride with one hand for eight seconds, while keeping both their feet in the stirrups.

Thrill-seeking kids between 5 to 7 years old can also sign up for a chance to partake in nightly Mutton Bustin’ — randomly selected participants will grab a helmet and try to cling to a sheep for six wild seconds.

Dressing to impress? Keep an eye out for discounted — or free — rodeo tickets at some nearby cowboy boot retailers. Otherwise, individual tickets are $10-$35, or $45 for VIP seats with the best views.

The rodeos take place Saturday evenings from June through August, with this year’s finals set for Aug. 26.

Coffee break

Bear Cave Coffee (214 W. Davis St., bearcavecoffee.com) offers more than your standard cup of joe. Its menu is brimming with specialty lattes sure to awaken the taste buds.

For a cozy campfire experience, try the Smokey The Bear latte, topped with toasted marshmallows. If you prefer something sweeter, the Teddy Graham latte is infused with honey, vanilla and traces of cinnamon — a toasted graham cracker in coffee form.

Farm fresh

In recent years, downtown Mesquite has welcomed new small businesses, a farmers market, and developing infrastructures, such as charging ports, to support local food truck vendors.

The farmers market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There, you’ll find homemade granola, hand-painted art, and delicious bites crafted by local artisans, chefs, bakers and painters.

You’ll also spot Jason Doss of Doss Taste Budz, operating out of a black school bus-turned-food truck, whipping up carne asada fries, crispy golden waffles and fried chicken, and nachos topped with cheese and avocado. It’s a delicious way to wrap up your weekend of Mesquite fun.

Kayla Hui is a freelance writer.