When I recently saw that the venerable New York Times had singled out a local spot on its list of the best dishes of 2025, I was highly intrigued. When I saw it was a restaurant that I particularly love, I knew I was going to have to make a trip.
The restaurant in question? One of our city’s best, 2M Smokehouse. However, it wasn’t for their impossibly flavorful brisket or their Fred Flintstone-sized beef ribs. No, it was one of the restaurant’s sides: picadillo mac and cheese.
For those who’ve never experienced 2M Smokehouse, the pitmasters have seamlessly blended Tex-Mex with ‘cue. Everything the restaurant does, from its Oaxaca cheese-stuffed sausages to its dill and cilantro-flavored pickles, bears the flavor profile that has become the hallmark of this James Beard-nominated restaurant.
A decade into their existence, it seems like this homegrown joint — that is consistently ranked among the best in the state — can continue to surprise folks.
Early Saturday morning, my lunch date and I arrived right at the restaurant’s opening, eager to try the much-lauded picadillo mac and cheese. After a half-hour wait and countless menu scans—with no sign of the elusive dish—I opted for sandwiches instead: pulled pork for me, turkey for my guest—so I could focus on my mission alongside a few sides, including their richly seasoned beans and sweet, tangy coleslaw.
At the counter, I placed my order and rather sheepishly asked about “this picadillo mac and cheese I heard y’all do.” Without missing a beat while freshly pulling the pork for my sandwich, an eight-ounce tray of picadillo mac and cheese was on my tray.
I took a moment to behold what looked like comfort food on steroids and then took my first forkful. Across my taste buds went a roller coaster of flavor. It was spicy and meaty and rich. The cheese was velvety, and the giant macaroni noodles were the perfect vehicle, holding onto the sauce like two long-lost friends sharing a hug. This dish made me smile.
Trying to find the best way to describe it, I couldn’t, unfortunately, think of a better way than what was in the New York Times piece. Imagine the most luxurious, upscale Hamburger Helper you can think of and then turn that up to 11.
This dish is great – not good – GREAT. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but my mind was blown. I can’t say for certain that this is the best picadillo mac and cheese in the country, but since I’ve never seen it anywhere else, I have to believe that it is.
Head over to the southeast side of town at your earliest chance and get some 2M Smokehouse in your life. Make sure you order – far more confidently than me – the picadillo mac and cheese. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.