WHAT WE DID: JUNE 30

You don't get too many opportunities to re-imagine an abandoned part of a city. Especially in such a major way as we were able to this weekend with Better Block Denton. It was a full-on community effort of volunteers, activists, neighborhood folks, and just good hearted people who want to see the best in their community stand out and shine. Of course, it was led by Jason Roberts who has done the same for many areas that have gone on to keep up some of the playfulness that Better Block brought. We'll have a more major re-cap on all of that action later (y'all took too many photos of it to fit 'em all in What We Did), but for now we just wanted to say that we had an absolute blast watching kids splash around, pups sniff out all-natural treats, librarians hold storytime, and so much more. 

Beyond that, this past week saw some great shows, some fun storms and plenty of tacos. Thanks for showing off how you enjoyed this past week by tagging your 'grams with #WDDI. Party on, Denton! 

Better Block was such a fun time and we received so many photos, it's gonna get its own post later on today. Until then, here's a pic of idea-man, Jason Roberts in front of the splash park. 

Better Block was such a fun time and we received so many photos, it's gonna get its own post later on today. Until then, here's a pic of idea-man, Jason Roberts in front of the splash park. 

Metal only? Metal forever. Photo courtesy of @colinxlassiter. 

Metal only? Metal forever. Photo courtesy of @colinxlassiter. 

Hey @kscottt. Nice job double fisting ice cream. These look like a few of our favorite things too! 

Hey @kscottt. Nice job double fisting ice cream. These look like a few of our favorite things too! 

The Patio - the new addition to the back of Wine Squared just made sipping merlots all summer long way more awesome. Good thing @glenfarris was there to test it out. 

The Patio - the new addition to the back of Wine Squared just made sipping merlots all summer long way more awesome. Good thing @glenfarris was there to test it out. 

The Forge at the North Branch Library was full of kiddos learning to use Tindercad so they could print their own 3D images. Man, that place is rockin' it lately! Way to go @dentonpubliclibrary! 

The Forge at the North Branch Library was full of kiddos learning to use Tindercad so they could print their own 3D images. Man, that place is rockin' it lately! Way to go @dentonpubliclibrary

If you explore and keep an open eye, you can find lots of beautiful spaces around Denton. This is just one of the many. 

If you explore and keep an open eye, you can find lots of beautiful spaces around Denton. This is just one of the many. 

Slide time at the waterpark! This water-filled action was brought to you by @katiekernan. 

Slide time at the waterpark! This water-filled action was brought to you by @katiekernan

Hibiscus mimosa is best enjoyed brunchfully by @raeganmcadams. 

Hibiscus mimosa is best enjoyed brunchfully by @raeganmcadams. 

Summer breeze makes us feel fine. Thanks for catching this angle @jocsanl! 

Summer breeze makes us feel fine. Thanks for catching this angle @jocsanl

@andyo7 got some quality hang-time with The Mountain Goats when they were in town last week looking for our best-ever metal band. 

@andyo7 got some quality hang-time with The Mountain Goats when they were in town last week looking for our best-ever metal band. 

Inaugural ice-cream cone of the summer. @archerplushare celebrates summer in tradition with her youngin'. 

Inaugural ice-cream cone of the summer. @archerplushare celebrates summer in tradition with her youngin'. 

Slip-N-Slide as part of a weekend booze and cruise? Sounds like a block party we'd be into. Thanks for sharing @katie_reese! 

Slip-N-Slide as part of a weekend booze and cruise? Sounds like a block party we'd be into. Thanks for sharing @katie_reese

Quality street art is all around. Photo by @thepaigels. Wonder how long this one will be up. 

Quality street art is all around. Photo by @thepaigels. Wonder how long this one will be up. 

You really just can't beat Texas summer skies. Trinity Industries makes those clouds look even better. Clouds captured by @rowdybridges.  

You really just can't beat Texas summer skies. Trinity Industries makes those clouds look even better. Clouds captured by @rowdybridges.  

@amelian_dollars reppin' North Texas in the Guard Games! If you don't win, we'll be sad. 

@amelian_dollars reppin' North Texas in the Guard Games! If you don't win, we'll be sad. 

Families, picnics and s'mores at the city-sponsored outdoor movie night from last week. This was before the sound issues, of course. But when you're watching The Lego Movie, it's hard to be mad. 

Families, picnics and s'mores at the city-sponsored outdoor movie night from last week. This was before the sound issues, of course. But when you're watching The Lego Movie, it's hard to be mad. 


SPONSOR


@thepaigels snapped this adorable pup in a hat. You know how they say you eventually grow to look like your spouse? This is like that, but with German Shepherds and hats. 

@thepaigels snapped this adorable pup in a hat. You know how they say you eventually grow to look like your spouse? This is like that, but with German Shepherds and hats. 

Bet the House continually sold out ever day again last week. Keep it up, fellas. Y'all give it a shot yet? 

Bet the House continually sold out ever day again last week. Keep it up, fellas. Y'all give it a shot yet? 

Local artist-person, , is getting all kinds of floral this summer, and we absolutely love it. 

Local artist-person, , is getting all kinds of floral this summer, and we absolutely love it. 

@jadewintersee hopes your weekend is as "udderly wonderful" as hers is. Did your weekend include milking goats, too? 

@jadewintersee hopes your weekend is as "udderly wonderful" as hers is. Did your weekend include milking goats, too? 

voltREvolt had a benefit for their kickstarter for their new album at Paschall Bar last week. Enchanting everyone in the room with their groovy sound. Heard by @discoverdenton. 

voltREvolt had a benefit for their kickstarter for their new album at Paschall Bar last week. Enchanting everyone in the room with their groovy sound. Heard by @discoverdenton

A close up of the crooners by @carriecrumbley. 

A close up of the crooners by @carriecrumbley

Roasting marshmallows outside of the civic center. This photo does not represent the jerk kid that kept lighting a stick (without a 'mallow) on fire and poking people. Stupid jerk kid. 

Roasting marshmallows outside of the civic center. This photo does not represent the jerk kid that kept lighting a stick (without a 'mallow) on fire and poking people. Stupid jerk kid. 

The peach tea from Kaleo makes the summer heat much more bearable. Here's an unpopular opinions: Kaleo has gone on to become the best boba shop in town. Argue in the comments. 

The peach tea from Kaleo makes the summer heat much more bearable. Here's an unpopular opinions: Kaleo has gone on to become the best boba shop in town. Argue in the comments. 

@mbryceo is pumped that he is ushering in his 30's by becoming Frenchy Famous. (Editor's Note: Really wish it was Frenchie Famous). 

@mbryceo is pumped that he is ushering in his 30's by becoming Frenchy Famous. (Editor's Note: Really wish it was Frenchie Famous). 

Craft beer love by @craftbeerg! 

Craft beer love by @craftbeerg

@fineartstheaterdenton was watching those storms roll in from the rooftop. Also, how the hell do all of you have so much damned roof access in this town? Rappelling? 

@fineartstheaterdenton was watching those storms roll in from the rooftop. Also, how the hell do all of you have so much damned roof access in this town? Rappelling? 

... and we're finally back to taco photo finishes. @shainasheaffphoto knows how to really get down on some tacos and now we'll stop being mad at her for not taking taco pics. 

... and we're finally back to taco photo finishes. @shainasheaffphoto knows how to really get down on some tacos and now we'll stop being mad at her for not taking taco pics. 

SNEEK PEEK: HOOCHIES

Words - Glen Farriss, Photos - Will Milne

Erik Stensen at the helm of the bar at the new Hoochie's location at Industrial and Hickory. 

Erik Stensen at the helm of the bar at the new Hoochie's location at Industrial and Hickory. 

Is the corner of Industrial and Hickory Streets ready for another restaurant idea? If it involves Louisiana-style seafood complete with 7AM beignet and cinnamon rolls (from Joey at Royal's Bagels), then we're inclined to say this can't come soon enough. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how the place across Industrial from Dan's Silverleaf was shaping up. Hoochie's stopped operations at their original location at Bell Ave. next to the tracks a few months back. That space will soon be filled by steak sandwich shop (and Denton pastime favorites) Captain Nemo's. 

Erik Stensen shows us some of the cool decor that will be up at the new Hoochie's location. 

Erik Stensen shows us some of the cool decor that will be up at the new Hoochie's location. 

Erik Stensen gave us a tour of the new Hoochie's location which is currently being built out with recycled panel doors, wrought iron, and fence planks courtesy of some dismantled Dallas McMansions. The space gets some brand-newish upgrades, as well, with plentiful power/usb outlets, a raised stage area (in case there might be a need for some live music), and a fresh new bar. The big question is, will the chairs forever hang from the ceiling? Stay tuned to find out.

The menu will include the usual faire along with freshly-baked po boy bread, the aforementioned beignet's and cinnamon rolls and the Hoochie's Platter For 2 which will include snow crab, sausage, shrimp, corn and potatoes and will be perfect for picking at while watching the town stroll up and down the Hickory corridor. Dollar train beers will be present and they will also offer golf cart delivery service to the local watering holes. Stenson hopes to have the new space open sometime in early July. As soon as we hear an opening date, we'll be sure to let ya know!

Old beer signage from Sean Starr. 

Old beer signage from Sean Starr. 

The bar. 

The bar. 

Chairs from Burguesa are strung up on the ceiling. 

Chairs from Burguesa are strung up on the ceiling. 

We managed to take the first selfie in front of Hoochie's selfie mural made by former Dentonites Jordan Miller and Kaitlyn Arnold. Which was set up for mirror pics, but we didn't say anything (Glen Farris claimed to not know the difference…

We managed to take the first selfie in front of Hoochie's selfie mural made by former Dentonites Jordan Miller and Kaitlyn Arnold. Which was set up for mirror pics, but we didn't say anything (Glen Farris claimed to not know the difference). 

The outside will soon be decorated with signage from Sean Starr. 

The outside will soon be decorated with signage from Sean Starr. 

WHAT WE DID: JUNE 23RD 2014

We're damned close to hitting 4,000 #WDDI tags on Instagram (as of this post it's within 50). We thought we wouldn't get to that number what with this weekend's rain and all, but a little rain never stopped Dentonites from having a good time. Especially in the summertime when living is easy, right? Just as always, y'all seemed to be everywhere over the wet weekend. Keep on taggin' those 'grams with #WDDI and we'll see you back here next week when we hit 4,000 tags!

A little rain may move us inside, but when the inside gives you bourbon and a great view that ain't such a bad thing. 

A little rain may move us inside, but when the inside gives you bourbon and a great view that ain't such a bad thing. 

FREE DAY AT THE WATERPARK

A local radio station sponsored a free day at Denton's Waterworks park if you texted them and showed up between 10am and noon. While we heard some compare the level of crowdedness to that of communist China, you can't really beat a free entry to the…

A local radio station sponsored a free day at Denton's Waterworks park if you texted them and showed up between 10am and noon. While we heard some compare the level of crowdedness to that of communist China, you can't really beat a free entry to the waterpark on a sunny day. 

Keep cool and stay classy, Denton. By the way, red-haired eight year old, you hit me with that water cannon again and you'll regret it. 

Keep cool and stay classy, Denton. By the way, red-haired eight year old, you hit me with that water cannon again and you'll regret it. 

@klt8 snapped a beautiful shot of our square from the LSA rooftop which has quickly become one of Denton's best picture-taking locales and an easy way to "accidentally" block people from walking up or down a staircase.

@klt8 snapped a beautiful shot of our square from the LSA rooftop which has quickly become one of Denton's best picture-taking locales and an easy way to "accidentally" block people from walking up or down a staircase.

Wondering if the chairs on the ceiling in the new Hoochie's is a thing or just a way to keep stuff off the floor? We'll all find out soon it seems... 

Wondering if the chairs on the ceiling in the new Hoochie's is a thing or just a way to keep stuff off the floor? We'll all find out soon it seems... 

Another great view of Lil D through some windows on Hickory. This shot was snapped by @beardnbeerd. 

Another great view of Lil D through some windows on Hickory. This shot was snapped by @beardnbeerd

One of our favorite signs around town. Photo cred goes to @klt8. 

One of our favorite signs around town. Photo cred goes to @klt8

Did you know that The DIME store carries work from over 50 local makers? Pretty talented little town huh? Photo and awesome chalk by @dimehandmade. 

Did you know that The DIME store carries work from over 50 local makers? Pretty talented little town huh? Photo and awesome chalk by @dimehandmade

Rain about to descend on Denton. views from the post office by @camilleporter1. 

Rain about to descend on Denton. views from the post office by @camilleporter1

A vintage coffee grinder snapped by @mandykhampton in the courthouse museum right now. That place seems to be getting cooler and cooler. 

A vintage coffee grinder snapped by @mandykhampton in the courthouse museum right now. That place seems to be getting cooler and cooler. 

Have you checked out The Forge at the Denton Public Library's North Branch location yet? If not, do so soon! They have computers packed to the wazoo with great programs, multiple 3d printers, and a nice quiet work space. More on that soon!

Have you checked out The Forge at the Denton Public Library's North Branch location yet? If not, do so soon! They have computers packed to the wazoo with great programs, multiple 3d printers, and a nice quiet work space. More on that soon!

But - really, it is though. Thanks for the reminder @katiekernan. Kernan teaches art classes in the summer for kids. Check out her Facebook page for more info on upcoming classes!

But - really, it is though. Thanks for the reminder @katiekernan. Kernan teaches art classes in the summer for kids. Check out her Facebook page for more info on upcoming classes!

Good people helping out with a good cause. The Live United Day of Action was a success for all of those involved. Thanks for being a part of it and helping to put it together, @xtiffanyyoungbloodx! Lots of stuff got done and we've seen plenty o…

Good people helping out with a good cause. The Live United Day of Action was a success for all of those involved. Thanks for being a part of it and helping to put it together, @xtiffanyyoungbloodx! Lots of stuff got done and we've seen plenty of new paint on walls. 

An intro to screen printing class taught by @sundayprintshop at @scrapdenton was a success! Check out @scrapdenton for a full line up of their adult summer workshops. 

An intro to screen printing class taught by @sundayprintshop at @scrapdenton was a success! Check out @scrapdenton for a full line up of their adult summer workshops. 

@dentonpubliclibrary thinks this 8 year old has civil engineering in his future by the looks of his stable and sound 'book bridge'. "Buildings and Bridges" was just one of the many summer programs the library is offering. You can find more here.&nbs…

@dentonpubliclibrary thinks this 8 year old has civil engineering in his future by the looks of his stable and sound 'book bridge'. "Buildings and Bridges" was just one of the many summer programs the library is offering. You can find more here

THAT SOCCER THING Y'ALL LIKE

@sarabutton and friends were caught painting the chapel of the local Salvation Army and doing good deeds during the United Way's Day of Action. 

@sarabutton and friends were caught painting the chapel of the local Salvation Army and doing good deeds during the United Way's Day of Action. 

Photographer @melissalaree snapped @zackmitchellart drawing portraits and caricatures at East Side - keeping in tradition with Denton artists being creative just about anywhere and everywhere. 

Photographer @melissalaree snapped @zackmitchellart drawing portraits and caricatures at East Side - keeping in tradition with Denton artists being creative just about anywhere and everywhere. 

Track Tuesday,  was the first video shot by new series Denton Staged, a series of shorts featuring local musicians. If you just moved here or can't recognize book shelves, that's Recycled Books in this shot. 

Track Tuesday,  was the first video shot by new series Denton Staged, a series of shorts featuring local musicians. If you just moved here or can't recognize book shelves, that's Recycled Books in this shot. 

Twilight Tunes moved over to Banter when the grass got all gross and soggy, but that didn't stop Gravity Feed from jamming out. They literally rocked their own socks off, it appears. @mkernan was there to catch all of the good good tunes and ac…

Twilight Tunes moved over to Banter when the grass got all gross and soggy, but that didn't stop Gravity Feed from jamming out. They literally rocked their own socks off, it appears. @mkernan was there to catch all of the good good tunes and action. 

From just about every angle @thepaigels is glad to call this place home. 

From just about every angle @thepaigels is glad to call this place home. 

This is how Glen Farris goes on a Target run. 5,000 lbs of bananas anyone? 

This is how Glen Farris goes on a Target run. 5,000 lbs of bananas anyone? 

@leslieminton urges us to all try out Rising Sun Cafe. From the looks of this BLT we all should heed her advice. No taco picture to end on this week. Y'all are kinda letting us down. This is taco-season, jerks. 

@leslieminton urges us to all try out Rising Sun Cafe. From the looks of this BLT we all should heed her advice. No taco picture to end on this week. Y'all are kinda letting us down. This is taco-season, jerks. 

FRIDAY VIDEO THREESOME - NO WAIT - FOURSOME

Every once in a while, we like to skim through our Vimeo, Youtube  and email archives to find some fun, Denton-related videos to share with you. Today, we usually have three, but there was so much this week, that we're opening up the floodgates and letting a fourth one creep on i n. Midlake's recent video for "Aurura Gone" (directed by Jason Lee), a look into the future with Denton 2030, a look into life at The Dime Store from the people over at Square 205, and the winner for Denton ISD's recent "be safe on the square" contest. Grab some bad coffee while you're counting down the hours at work and take a little video break. Studies show that it'll improve your productivity or something.


Midlake took a run around town and made a video of it to their song "Aurora Gone" from their latest album Antiphon. Jason Lee of Mallrats and My Name is Earl fame directs. We love how much these fellas champion Denton. What do y'all think of their latest video? 

Despite our best efforts to make people hate Denton, people keep moving here. In order to keep up with the growth and keep our city structure in tact through that growth it is best to have a plan in place. That's why Denton 2030 was enacted a while back. To make sure that Denton doesn't get all Frisco (god forbid) on us or something. What do you want to see happen over the next 15 years? 

We've seen y'all parkouring around the courthouse. That stuff ain't safe, dudes! That said, in spite of WDDI's constant helmet wearing, even we haven't been without a few accidents and what not in the last couple of years when driving around Denton. Luckily people think it's pretty hip to stay safe and the city is making a dedicated effort to make downtown Denton a safe area. They've already banned the use of cell phones while driving and there's talk about other changes to be made in the future. They recently sponsored a contest through the Audio Video Productions class at Denton ISD's Advanced Technology Complex. The winning video from the contest is displayed above. 

The branding (and beer loving) buddies over at Square 205 have a new project on their hands. They're producing a series of videos under the name Project Denton that highlight different entrepreneurial efforts in Denton, and they've selected a lot of our favorites. Above is the video highlighting our friends Shelley Christner and Rachel Aughtry at The Dime Store, but on their site you can also find videos of Zera Coffee and Redwood Studios. They're all quality videos and we suggest you check 'em all out. We turned our threesome into a foursome just because they exist. 

THE DEN10: JUNE 18th

This Saturday is the first day of Summer, the Summer Solstice, Midsummer, St. Johns Day, Ivanje, Ukko’s celebration or if you're of the empirical cut, the day that the planet’s semi-axis in the northern hemisphere is most inclined toward the star we orbit. Either way, just make sure you to take advantage of all that great light by snapping some tasty pics and tagging them #WDDI. 

Questions comments or movie selections? Email glen@wedentondoit.com.


Wednesday, June 18th
OpenHack: Makers | North Branch Library | 6PM
Guys, Denton’s North Branch Public Library has two 3D printers. This month’s OpenHack will be focused on getting to know Forge so you can start printing prototypes for your next invention.

Write of Passage Zine Workshop | 1425 Bolivar | 6PM
All writers and artists are welcome to this event geared toward creating the next Spiderweb Salon Zine series. This is the OpenHack of local Zines basically.

Jazz At The White House | The Whitehouse | 8PM
It’s that coffee shop off Bryan and Scripture that used to be Art Six and they’ve got the jazz. It’s an espresso bar and beer garden in it’s latest form so it’s worth checking out.

Thursday, June 19th
Movies In The Park After Dark | Quakertown Park | 8PM
This week's movie is Nut Job. We love outdoor movies and so should you.

Friday, June 20th
Tony Ferraro + The Satans Of Soft Rock / The Demigs / Delmore Pilcrow / Tall | Rubbergloves | 9PM | $5
Gloves has had a great string of shows lately and they continue it Friday with this offering from Tentacle Productions. 

Saturday, June 21st
Medicine Cabinet Makeover | Soma Massage Therapy | 4PM
Learn about all those oils that are essential. It’s all about thieves, y’all.

Best Little Brewfest In Texas | 126 W Church St., Lewissville | 4PM
While this is technically in our friendly lakeside neighbor, Lewisville, we’re putting it in our top ten events this week because you can take the DCTA train right down to the Old Town Train Station stop. File this under “Really Great Reasons To Take The Train”.

Comic Books In Action | Willis Library | 8AM
UNT has a large collection of comic books and we hope they provide cinny rolls and coffee (or mountain dew and cheetos) for this 8AM Saturday hang out.

Sunday, June 22nd
Boxcar Bandits | Dan’s Silverleaf | 4PM | FREE
Here’s a nice Sunday afternoon to cap off your weekend.

Hares On The Mountain | Dan’s Silverleaf | 7:30PM | FREE
Come for the bandits, stay for the el futbol match and then keep it going with Hares. Make this Sunday REALLY count for something. You won’t regret it.

WHAT WE DID: JUNE 16TH

We're almost up to 4,000 (all time) tags of #WDDI since we started this weekly column a year ago. Believe it or not, but every week there's a bunch of awesome photos that (due to space limitations), we don't get to feature. We highly encourage you to click the #WDDI link on the bottom of our homepage to check out all of the tagged photos on Twitter (we get all of ours through Instagram). This column is always one of our favorites. We love getting to see what everyone is up to in Denton every week. Seeing all of the different stuff everyone is up to always amazes us. Thanks for reading and tagging. Let's hit 10,000 and break our Dropbox before the 2nd anniversary!

Bet The House BBQ had their grand opening on Saturday. We'll have more on them tomorrow, but until then, just know that this is the new WDDI headquarters. 

Bet The House BBQ had their grand opening on Saturday. We'll have more on them tomorrow, but until then, just know that this is the new WDDI headquarters. 

Sprockets and NV Cupcakes opened their new shop on the square this weekend. The turn out for their launch party was amazing. Have you seen the new space yet? @breazee90

Sprockets and NV Cupcakes opened their new shop on the square this weekend. The turn out for their launch party was amazing. Have you seen the new space yet? @breazee90

Here's the shirt design that was for sale at the grand opening celebration printed by @SundayPrintShop. 

Here's the shirt design that was for sale at the grand opening celebration printed by @SundayPrintShop. 

Chilling like everyone should on a lazy summer day. Photo by @TaylorBunch. 

Chilling like everyone should on a lazy summer day. Photo by @TaylorBunch

Kimchi Fries! Eaten up and 'gramed by @otoole824. 

Kimchi Fries! Eaten up and 'gramed by @otoole824

@divagirlellie made sure that the shots at East Side are staying up to par. 

@divagirlellie made sure that the shots at East Side are staying up to par. 

@whereismyrobot spotted a pig roaming around the patio of East Side this weekend. We guess its not just for the pups anymore. 

@whereismyrobot spotted a pig roaming around the patio of East Side this weekend. We guess its not just for the pups anymore. 

Tag the tables and your 'grams! Let the #wddi revolution continue on. Photo by the one and only @shainasheaffphoto. 

Tag the tables and your 'grams! Let the #wddi revolution continue on. Photo by the one and only @shainasheaffphoto

Bring on the wine, laughter and Bob Ross painting techniques. Painting with a Twist is now open on the square. Photo by @sullivandc33. 

Bring on the wine, laughter and Bob Ross painting techniques. Painting with a Twist is now open on the square. Photo by @sullivandc33

Moments of inspiration captured by @jadewintersee at OSDH&CP. 

Moments of inspiration captured by @jadewintersee at OSDH&CP. 

Ninja time. This tag found by @besely. 

Ninja time. This tag found by @besely

All of the adorable children learning how to be artists with @wildflowerart at the Denton Community Market. 

All of the adorable children learning how to be artists with @wildflowerart at the Denton Community Market. 

@ricomt caught Catamaran and BYL Music at Dan's. 

@ricomt caught Catamaran and BYL Music at Dan's. 

Telegraph Canyon plays all of the good tunes - caught by @thepaigels. 

Telegraph Canyon plays all of the good tunes - caught by @thepaigels

Telegraph Canyon at Dan's Silverleaf. Photo by @thepaigels. 

Telegraph Canyon at Dan's Silverleaf. Photo by @thepaigels

Who doesn't love to see a banjo in the mix? Photo by @thepaigels. 

Who doesn't love to see a banjo in the mix? Photo by @thepaigels

Some serious craft discussions happening at OSDH between @bellandoak and @jadewintersee - caught on camera by @melissalaree. 

Some serious craft discussions happening at OSDH between @bellandoak and @jadewintersee - caught on camera by @melissalaree

Tex Bosley learns how to hula hoop! Photo cred to @buttonupdenton. 

Tex Bosley learns how to hula hoop! Photo cred to @buttonupdenton

All of the hula hoopers love Dan's. Photo by @buttonupdenton. 

All of the hula hoopers love Dan's. Photo by @buttonupdenton

It seems as if @sarahlanette knows how to really spend a summer day in Denton. 

It seems as if @sarahlanette knows how to really spend a summer day in Denton. 

This kiddo knows how to do the sundae right. Thanks for sharing these precious sugar coated moments @shainasheaffphoto!

This kiddo knows how to do the sundae right. Thanks for sharing these precious sugar coated moments @shainasheaffphoto!

A Texas summer classic. Road trip anyone? Photo by @bwdaskam. 

A Texas summer classic. Road trip anyone? Photo by @bwdaskam

Squirrel! Photo by @evie_marie. 

Squirrel! Photo by @evie_marie

All the vegan noms at Seven Mile. Eaten up by @sharonlynnjared. 

All the vegan noms at Seven Mile. Eaten up by @sharonlynnjared. 

The Pan Ector set up rules. T-shirt magic caught in action by @thomas_c_rodgers. 

The Pan Ector set up rules. T-shirt magic caught in action by @thomas_c_rodgers

Texas heat means being outdoors with the bugs. Photo by @hollyintexas. 

Texas heat means being outdoors with the bugs. Photo by @hollyintexas

Juneteenth in action caught by @melissalaree. 

Juneteenth in action caught by @melissalaree

Tuesday night bike ride for the win. One of our favorite Denton past times. Photo by @anthonynajera90. 

Tuesday night bike ride for the win. One of our favorite Denton past times. Photo by @anthonynajera90

The biggest and the best cinnamon rolls in town can be found at Royal's Bagels. This massive carb/sugar combo was eaten by @ianharber. 

The biggest and the best cinnamon rolls in town can be found at Royal's Bagels. This massive carb/sugar combo was eaten by @ianharber

WE GAMBLED AT BET THE HOUSE AND WON

Words and Images by Will Milne

bet the house frontresized_1.jpg

Bet The House Barbecue opened on South Elm last Saturday. They had a line out the door after being open for nine minutes. BBQ news travels fast, y'all. Thankfully, we were already there, sampling the wares, snapping some pics, and getting the meat sweats. Read on for more...


Bet The House is owned and operated by Cody Smithers and Shawn Eagle who have been running a catering crew in town for several years now. Smithers' day job is as an analyst at the Dallas Morning News and Eagle is a special education teacher at Ryan High School. Both are honest, hard working dudes who were delightfully pleasant to hang out with for people who had just received under three hours of sleep (pitmaster is a tough job, y'all). 

We've been clamoring for legit central Texas BBQ in Denton since we've lived here. And every time a new place opens up, we're met with disappointment. Thankfully, Bet The House lived up to our expectations. This is the thickly sliced, "I don't need no sauce" style smoked meat that we've been waiting for. 

sign wall.jpg
VSCO even makes iPhone shots of brisket look dramatically beautiful. 

VSCO even makes iPhone shots of brisket look dramatically beautiful. 

The brisket is moist, flavorful, and has a great amount of smokiness to it. The sausage is from Fischer's Meat Market in Muenster and is made specifically for Bet The House. The jalepeno-cheddar we tried was delightfully cheesy, had a great snap to it, and left us with an awesome peppery aftertaste.

potato salad.jpg

The sides are pretty basic Texan BBQ joint - i.e. okra, coleslaw, potato salad, etc... (no hot messes yet) We're hoping we get to see a few more "made in house" non-bbq specialties in the future. 

brisket.jpg

Bet The House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am - 9pm, but watch out for them selling out, because it'll happen. Go get some brisket before the word gets out, y'all. 

Prep for a chopped brisket sandwich. 

Prep for a chopped brisket sandwich. 

The custom made smoker can hold a bunch of rib racks and briskets, y'all. 

The custom made smoker can hold a bunch of rib racks and briskets, y'all. 

Shawn Eagle slicing brisket. 

Shawn Eagle slicing brisket. 

Bet The House is located at 508 S. Elm St. in Denton, TX. 

Bet The House on Facebook.