Who We Are
The Hemlocks is a long standing establishment built along State Route 2 during the 1950’s. Originally, a filling station, motel and cafe, The Hemlocks grew into a full service restaurant whose reputation for great food endeared locals and drew visitors from far and wide. Over the years – through several owners – the RV Park was added.
In April, Johnney Walker purchased The Hemlocks and with great joy have been working to revive the rustic atmosphere of the much beloved restaurant and facilities. Prior to buying The Hemlocks, Johnney spent much of his life and professional career barbecuing and catering in Texas. He brings his love and expertise of BBQ and wood fire cooking to Northern Idaho at Old West Texas BBQ at The Hemlocks.
OLD WEST TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE PIT BBQ & STEAKS
WEST TEXAS BARBECUE, SOMETIMES CALLED "COWBOY STYLE," TRADITIONALLY USES A MORE DIRECT HEATING METHOD THAN OTHER STYLES. FOOD IS GENERALLY COOKED OVER MESQUITE, GRANTING IT A DISTINCT, SMOKY FLAVOR THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WOOD-SMOKED STYLES.
BARBECUE IN THE BORDER AREA BETWEEN THE SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS AND NORTHERN MEXICO IS MOSTLY INFLUENCED BY MEXICAN CUISINE. HISTORICALLY, THIS AREA WAS THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE TEXAS RANCHING .
Old West Texas BBQ is a one-of-a-kind culinary establishment with a menu inspired by the idea of simple and honest cooking. Starting in 2000, we developed a unique dining experience for all of our guests using fresh and sustainable ingredients—taking you on a culinary journey like no other.
At a typical West Texas pit-style barbecue restaurant, customers take a cafeteria-style tray and are served by a butcher who carves the meat by weight. Barbecue meats are commonly sold by the pound. Next, side dishes and desserts including slices of white bread, crinkle-cut dill pickle chips, sliced onion, jalapeño, and corn bread are picked up along the line. This style of barbecue emphasizes the meat, so if sauce is available, it is usually considered a side to dip into on sauces is due to the fact that noon meat markets were once dominated by upper-class purchasers who could choose from the highest-quality cuts of meat and had little interest in sauces.
The bedding, the colors in the room, the pretty handcrafted furniture....it was amazing. There is obvious pride in ownership, this place is super clean and thoughtfully done. The owners, are very gracious hosts. They are warm, friendly, and do their very best to make your stay memorable. They are doing a fantastic job with their business. You will not be disappointed if you stay at The Hemlocks!
Rachael D.
On arrival at The Hemlocks were were pleasantly surprised to be in the middle of the forest! We got set up in our spot which had all the necessary amenities (ie: water, electric, and sewer.) We took off for the day and on arrival back at our spot found that a fire pit had been built in our absence. The second day a picnic table (HUGE! The type you can put a campstove on the end without taking up all the tabletop) appeared. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Hemlocks among the trees, turkeys, bunnies, and deer!
Cheryl G.