Weekend BBQ: Allison’s BBQ in Eunice

Conventional restaurant wisdom dictates that being open six or maybe seven days a week ensures an establishment will remain open over an extended period of time.

Allison’s BBQ in Eunice has defied that thought.

The restaurant — regarded as one of the best barbeque joints in the Cajun Prairie — is only open on Saturdays and Sundays (yes, every weekend). Those have been the permanent days of operation since 1989.

“We run out of food every day on the weekends. I guess that outcome speaks for itself,” said owner Nessa Allison.

Allison’s sits off US 190, a few blocks east of downtown Eunice. As you drive into town, lower your automobile window, and let your nose guide you to the barbeque establishment. Pecan wood smoke emanates from the pit … you cannot miss the place.

This is a no frills eatery and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

When you walk in — after waiting in a line — Nessa’s mom, Mona Allison, will take your order. The menu is on the wall, to the left of Ms. Allison’s work station. On it, a barbeque lover will view the steps to smoked meat heaven.

A basic barbeque lunch consists of meat, dirty rice, baked beans, potato salad and bread.

Meat choices include pork steak, half chicken, pork ribs, dark meat selection, white meat selection or a sausage link. There are also sandwich selections with the same meat choices.

The smoked meat reminds me of awesome barbeque found at trail rides and church bazaars. Meats are flavorful and tender.

Allison’s was the dream business of Linus Allison (Mona’s late husband and Nessa’s father). When he rented the restaurant’s current location, the owners did not think a restaurant was viable.

“My dad asked for a chance. At that time, the property owner laughed about it but agreed to give my dad a few months. And here we are,” Nessa Allison said.

Business was so strong, that before she died, the property owner made a way for the Allisons to buy the building.

“We had the first right to buy,” Nessa Allison said. She bought the building five years ago.

Today, Allison’s brother Raymond Malveaux is the pit master. He learned from his father, to cook the meats low and slow. Knowledge about cooking BBQ meats were not the only thing that Mr. Allison left behind. He also created a BBQ sauce that has been served and sold at the restaurant since it opened.

Nessa Allison is glad her family keeps preparing down-home barbeque in the Eunice area. It is even more gratifying to her to see her dad and mother’s work making a difference.

“For them, it was about cooking good food for the people,” she said. “I want to keep the tradition going.”

Try This!

1 | Dark Chicken Lunch
Tender pieces of leg and thigh, lightly covered in Allison’s family barbeque sauce and all served with dirty rice, baked beans, potato salad and bread.

2 | Rib Sandwich
Sometimes, a person just needs a simple pleasure. A few ribs, white bread, and barbeque sauce. Toss in your favorite beverage and a nap … life in the Cajun Prairie gets no better than that.

3 | Link Alone
Yes, that is how it is presented on the restaurant menu. The sausage is boiled before grilled over pecan wood. Get it! You will relish the flavors.