Saturday crowds gather on the way to the lake, and Denison makes a natural lunch break in North Texas. The town has enough choices to keep you honest, but the best move is still to arrive early. Texas BBQ here fits a day of back roads and water air.

Hickory House Bar-B- Que can cover brisket with a steady, classic feel. Dunlap's 10K BBQ and Fish is another option when you want ribs and smoked sausage on a simple tray. Junie Bell's BBQ can work when you want a smaller counter and a quick order.

Keep the first plate to two meats so you can taste the smoke. Brisket plus ribs is a clean start, and sausage travels well if you are headed out of town. Sauce stays on the side, and the bark should carry most of the flavor.

If you are coming on a busy weekend, eat before the afternoon rush and you will have better odds at prime cuts. Then take the long drive along the Red River routes and let lunch settle into the rest of the day.