Welcome to Watson's BBQ
Watson's BBQ, located at 502 S Lake St, Tucumcari, NM, is a charming culinary gem nestled within a hardware store. This unique establishment offers mouthwatering BBQ, highlighted by melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoked over mesquite wood, alongside generous portions of ribs, sausage, and other delicious meats. Customers rave about the tender, flavorful dishes served with delightful sides and complimentary cookies. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is amplified by the personable owners, Stella and Jimmy Watson, who treat guests like family. With a combination of tasty food, friendly service, and a quirky gift shop to explore, a visit to Watson's BBQ is a must for both locals and travelers alike.
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502 S Lake St, Tucumcari, NM 88401, United States Hotline: +1 575-461-9620
Welcome to Watson's BBQ, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Located at 502 S Lake St, this charming eatery combines the warmth of a family-operated business with a unique setting that doubles as a farm store and gift shop. As you enter, you might feel you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure rather than just another BBQ joint.
At Watson's BBQ, the focus is clear: mouthwatering food served with genuine hospitality. The owners, Stella and Jimmy Watson, have built their reputation on quality barbecue that keeps customers coming back time and again. Their journey is as inspiring as their food; initially running a hardware store, the Watsons turned to barbecue as a way to sustain their family business during tough economic times. Their passion shines through in every dish, making every visitor feel like a part of their story.
The menu is packed with delightful offers, from melt-in-your-mouth brisket smoked over mesquite wood to a tantalizing 3-meat plate featuring succulent ribs, sausage, and pork. Customers rave about the fresh pita sandwiches loaded with tender brisket topped with onions and slaw, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw complement the mains beautifully, and don't skip dessert—their famous Green Chile Apple Cobbler will leave you reminiscing long after your visit.
One of the most charming aspects of dining at Watson's BBQ is the atmosphere. The welcoming decor draws you in, making it an enjoyable place to sit back and savor every bite. Outdoor seating options invite you to enjoy pleasant New Mexico weather while experiencing the local vibe.
Customer feedback reinforces what's been said: the combination of warm service, delicious food, and a friendly environment creates a dining experience that feels like home. From complimentary cookies to attentive staff who want to know more about your visit, every little detail counts. Whether you're a local or just passing through on your travels, Watson's BBQ stands out as a must-visit destination.
So, the next time you're in the Tucumcari area, take a moment to step inside this remarkable establishment. You won't just find amazing barbecue; you'll discover a slice of local history filled with flavor and heart. Give them a call at +1 575-461-9620 to see what delightful dishes await you!
They deserve every star in their reviews! For 12.95 we got shredded brisket on a great pita with onions and coleslaw on top, chips, a drink, and a cookie. Great bargain but even better food! The brisket was melt in your mouth tender. The pita was fresh but able to hold all the innards without falling apart. The cookie was both chewy and crunchy. The only draw back is that it was hard to find since it was inside another store.
Can’t say enough good things about this small business. Stopped at Watson’s BBQ on the way back home to KS. The owners are the most personable people ever - and it shows in every aspect of their business. We tried the 3-meat plate, brute burrito, and brisket and sausage sandwich. ALL of it was delicious. However, what struck me the most about our visit, was learning more about the owners. Operating a restaurant was never in their plans; the business originally was a hardware store (& is still there), but due to extreme drought and the recession in ‘08, they had to think of another business or else they would have to close. It’s continued to work out for the owners... very humble, sweet and thoughtful people. I think due to age, they want to step away from the business and start a new chapter in their lives.... so they now have the business for sale... 16 years after opening the restaurant and 36 years after opening the hardware store. Finally, when I was paying with my card, I noticed the reader didn’t ask me for a tip. When I offered her cash tip, she wouldn’t take it. She said to tell all your friends about it, leave a review, and come back to see them again. Overall, a great experience!! Please give them a visit... you won’t be disappointed by the food nor service. Wishing them the best!!
We stopped here on our cross-country RV trip, and we were very happy to have discovered it! It is a combination farm store / gift shop / BBQ restaurant.....and it was literally the BEST food we have had on our trip so far! We both ordered combination plates and there were lots of meat choices....ribs, brisket, ham, sausage, chopped beef, etc, as well as all of the typical BBQ sides as well. The lady that served us was a delight. When the food came out, we were amazed! The portions were huge and everything was hot, fresh and delicious! Their BBQ sauce was very good and they even throw in sliced bread and a homemade cookie with your order. We also ordered the Green Chile Apple Cobbler and it was a major hit as well! We would definitely stop here again if we travel through this area in the future. The gift shop is fun to explore and offers misc local items and tourist items in a fun atmosphere. Definitely a MUST-SEE!
Brisket was smoked over mesquite wood. Very good food and service. I just thought it was a cool atmosphere and good service to boot.
It's always great to Stella and Jimmy Watson. We first met them several years ago. They treat everyone like family, and they make some great barbecue. They are one of our favorite restaurants in Tucumcari. Their friendly demeanor and great customer service definitely make a difference during the dining experience. All their food is delicious, including the Green Chile Apple Cobbler / Pie. If you're unfamiliar with Watson’s Barbecue and the location, then all you need is to look for Tucumcari Ranch Supply and walk through the doors There, you will see the sign pointing the restaurant. The restaurant has several dining areas inside and large outdoor areas with plenty of seating. We have never had bad food or a bad experience at Watson’s BBQ, and we visit Tucumcari they are usually the one's we like to visit first.
We called in a to-go order for brisket and the lady who took our order was so sweet. She even gave us plates and cutlery along with complimentary bread and butter. The brisket is amazing! If you like bbq and you're in the area you should definitely stop in here.
One of our most unique BBQ experiences! You'd never expect to find good BBQ kind of in the middle of nowhere, in the back of a gift shop. The food was really yummy. Pulled Pork and ribs were delicious. The sides were tasty and I love that they give you a cookie. The Watsons are a very nice couple. They chat with you, and really want to k ow how you like their food. The town obviously loves them because they have a huge outside area and plenty of indoor seating for this small town BBQ joint. They've done an awesome job here and we'll be stopping in on our next trip west. Thanks for the great lunch!!
Our meal was delightful. We scarfed down a 3-meat plate with brisket, sausage, and pork ribs with sides of Mac n cheese and coleslaw. The brisket was so tender and delicious. I’d have eaten more of that and the sides but I was stuffed. Also had a peach cobbler with ice cream and green chili apple cobbler. So glad to try both. Definitely order with ice cream and it’s just the right size. Unbelievably kind and welcoming service. So many interesting things to see and look at in terms of decor. It’s a vibe. Check it out!