Lawd have mercy. When I moved from NM it I was having BBQ fits as I could not find the smokey goodness I was accustomed to with the 2 Rudy's available to me in Albuquerque. The quest seemed endless and futile for bbq through the Valley until I found Texas BBQ house (24th St and Rosear). They are so close for me in many ways (distance and flavor) they help quell that gnawing in the pit of my being for quality Texas style BBQ. But on one of my last visits they did not have the cobbler or the smoked baked potatoes (so close!).
I split my time between the 2 joints. If I find myself in the SE valley I stop at Rudy's. If I need some smoked baked potatoes for my famous smoked baked potato salad I go to Rudy's. Otherwise it is a toss up. But I have been willing to make the trek just to get my Rudy's fix.
Other Rudy's musts:
-I usually get a bit of moist and a bit of cutter's choice which is often lean.
-I find the regular smoked sausage to be better than the jalapeno one.
-Their smoked turkey is the best ever. The chicken is just ok relatively. [Both make great chicken enchiladas.]
-Pork Ribs are better than the Baby Backs IMHO
- Try the baked potato loaded with meat at least once. Great to share or have as 1 filling or 2 (maybe 3 meals relative to your appetite)
- Favorite sides: Creamed corn, green chile stew and 3 bean salad