Texas BBQ in the Adirondacks? Mark’s Hometown ’Cue Is the Real Deal
Brisket that is worth the drive to Warrensburg, NY.
They’ve got the meats. Ribs, brisket and pulled pork. All photos courtesy Mark’s Hometown ‘Cue in Warrensburg.
An authentic taste of the Lone Star State has taken root in Warrensburg, less than 10 miles north of Lake George. Mark's Hometown' Cue, a Texas-style barbecue joint in Warrensburg, has become an unexpected culinary destination that draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the Northeast.
The Texas BBQ experience in the Adirondack Park.
Walking into Mark's Hometown' Cue, the rich aroma of smoked meat immediately transports you far from the Adirondack wilderness to the barbecue heartland of central Texas. The restaurant's rustic wood-paneled interior, adorned with vintage signs and Texas memorabilia, sets the stage for what many locals and visitors consider one of the most authentic Texas barbecue experiences north of the Mason-Dixon line.
But what exactly is Texas-style barbecue? Unlike its sauce-heavy counterparts in Kansas City or the vinegar-based traditions of the Carolinas, Texas barbecue—particularly central Texas style—is all about the meat and the smoke, ensuring barbecue lovers can feel confident in its genuine authenticity.
The preparation is deceptively simple: quality cuts are rubbed with salt and pepper, often called a 'Dalmatian rub' for its black-and-white appearance, then cooked low and slow over indirect heat from hardwoods like oak or hickory.
At Mark's, brisket reigns supreme—served in thick, juicy slices with a signature pink smoke ring and a bark (the exterior crust) that offers the perfect balance of pepper, salt, and smoke.
The meat is served without sauce, though house-made options are available on the side for those who insist. This meat-forward, sauce-optional approach is the essence of Texas barbecue philosophy.
The brisket is incredibly delicious and practically melts in your mouth. It is a regular part of our order, along with the pulled pork and the Kansas City burnt ends. Having lived in Kansas City and spent much time in Texas, I can confidently say that Mark’s Hometown' Cue is the real deal.
A menu featuring the best of BBQ with a few surprises.
The menu offers several Texas BBQ sandwiches featuring brisket, pulled pork and smoked sausages. He’s also added several smash burger options.
On Saturdays, the restaurant offers house-made pastrami. As the menu explains, turning brisket into pastrami is a labor of love that takes time, so it’s only available on Saturdays.
Meats are available by the pound and in combo platters, like the Texas Trio, which features a full pound of brisket, spare ribs, sausage, and two sides, offering a hearty and satisfying meal for barbecue lovers.
Chopped Philly Cheesesteak.
Side dishes include BBQ staples like coleslaw, two kinds of beans, cornbread, potato salad, tater tots (including chili cheese tots), and more.
We were thrilled to see that Mark's Hometown' Cue now offers breakfast. All are Texas-themed, and, as you might imagine, the menu offers many combinations of eggs and cured or smoked meats. We are eager to try “The NYC Texan” – two eggs with house-made pastrami hash. Another tempting option is “The Texan”: slow-smoked brisket, eggs, potatoes, and cheese on our flour tortilla with fresh-made green salsa. “The Cowboy” is the classic biscuits topped with homemade sausage gravy.
The man behind the smoke: Darrell Langworthy,
Breakfast is served.
You might be surprised to learn that the owner is not “Mark,” as you might assume from the eatery’s name. The chef/owner is Darrell Langworthy, and his journey to becoming an Adirondack barbecue connoisseur is as unique as his restaurant's location.
Langworthy was born in Warrensburg and moved to Florida with his family at age six. He returned to his hometown in the 1990s, then moved to Vermont, where he served 15 years in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. His wife, Sarah, is also a veteran of the Air National Guard.
Langworthy's journey to becoming an Adirondack barbecue expert reflects his passion and dedication. His culinary degree from Adirondack Community College and certification as a chef with the American Culinary Federation showcase his commitment, inspiring respect and confidence in his craft.
The restaurant is a heartfelt tribute to Langworthy's grandfather, Mark, whose community involvement inspired the creation of a space where locals and visitors alike can feel a sense of belonging and connection.
The famous Kansas City Burnt Ends done right.
While we usually order to-go, the restaurant also offers dining-in options. They also cater and have a food truck. Follow them on Facebook to know when they are coming to a town or pop-up near you.
For more information, including hours of operation, visit Mark’s Hometown' Cue's Facebook page. You can also find their full menu.
Mark’s Hometown ‘Cue on the Empire Plate.
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