Texas Taffs — Review by Eating With Tod
Wales, United Kingdom — Texas Barbecue
Texas Taffs is an exceptional backyard barbecue operation run by Dan, a full-time plasterer who sells high-quality Texas-style barbecue from his home on weekends. Despite having never visited Texas himself, Dan produces world-class smoked meats with impressive smoke rings, bark, and tenderness that rival professional establishments. The reviewer was so impressed that they surprised Dan with a trip to Texas and a week training at a top smokehouse.
What was great: Beef cheek with excellent smoke ring, short ribs with impressive bark and crust, tender oxtail, butter-basted honey turkey with clean flavor and sweetness, cherry Dr. Pepper pork ribs
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The barbecue spread from Texas Taffs showcased exceptional craftsmanship across every item. The beef cheek was remarkably tender, literally disintegrating in hand with a gorgeous deep purple smoke ring visible inside, earning praise as top tier quality. The short ribs demonstrated impressive bark and crust depth that spoke to careful smoking technique. The oxtail was particularly notable for its massive size, confited in tallow and falling effortlessly off the bone, representing what the reviewer called the definition of UK tenderness. The butter-basted honey turkey featured an outstanding crust with clean flavor and honeyed sweetness that became the reviewer's favorite bite of the tray. Finally, the cherry Dr. Pepper pork ribs provided a creative touch with their soda-infused preparation.
The Experience
Texas Taffs operates from Dan's home, with no signage or formal storefront, requiring customers to essentially knock and hope they find the right place. The operation runs only on weekends as a side business while Dan maintains his full-time plastering work. The setup is entirely casual and home-based, creating an intimate, underground dining experience rather than a traditional restaurant atmosphere.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, though the quality of the barbecue and the fact that Dan operates this as a weekend side hustle to support his daughter suggests reasonable value for the exceptional quality delivered.
Notable Moments
Been at like a council house brought up in a council area. Not a very privileged thing or anything like that. I think with my daughter once you have children I think it kind of changes you as a person.
Holy smokes. Look at the size of this oxtail. It's like a tennis ball.
The video's most memorable moment came when the reviewer surprised Dan with a trip to Texas and a week-long training opportunity at Burnt Bean, described as the best Texas smokehouse in the world. Dan's emotional reaction and admission that visiting Texas had been a lifetime ambition made this a touching conclusion.
The Verdict
Texas Taffs represents an incredible hidden gem in Welsh barbecue, proving that exceptional smoked meats can come from the most unlikely places. Despite Dan never having visited Texas, his barbecue demonstrates technical mastery and understanding of authentic smoking techniques that rival professional establishments. This restaurant is best for adventurous food lovers seeking authentic, high-quality barbecue from a passionate craftsman who is genuinely invested in his product and his customers.