Usually a fan, today was A-ok. I'd seen their $3 specials menu available Tuesday/Thursday and finally got my act together to try it. Good variety to choose from, I opted for a sausage wrap and a chicken taco. Added a potato salad and a coke from the fridge, bringing it to just over $10 after tax and before tip. Now this is the budget menu--don't be expecting fancy toppings on your taco. You're getting carb and meat. The sausage is short but fat, has good flavor and one wrap would do me for lunch. The chicken taco was not enormous, but generous with the chicken. It was well seasoned if on the dry side; both sausage and pollo were hot, smoky, and grilled tasty. So no onion/chiles, lettuce/tomato, no problem. Here's where it got weird. When I went to open the included standard shots of condiments, the bbq sauce was watery and my beloved jalapeño ranch....wasn't ranch. I think it was jalapeño mayo? Glad they came on the side, as I chose not to use them. An unusual glitch in smooth service for a year but I have to report honestly. If you're taking it home or carry Yellowbird sauce in your purse or car, you'll be fine. As it is, I was glad I'd ordered the potato salad to help that taco go down. Despite the off condiments, I'm happy with my budget items and I'll gladly try everything else on that $3 list outside of the corn dog. My usual caveat: I don't do big plates of carne here, just snacks and thick sandwiches. Love their late night hours, tons of parking, 95% friendly service. Their pork sliders are a solid bargain, and I'm a sucker for their Texas tots, stoner mac, and usually excellent jalapeño ranch. read more

See all

This evening, I opted for my AJ's favorite, the bacon and fried egg cheeseburger. I wanted a pretzel bun, and although they were out of pretzel buns, the sourdough bun -- toasted, natch -- was absolutely delicious. The burger was great: the meat was tasty, and the fried egg and bacon added just the right amount of flavor. Also, I got lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to take away. There could have been more lettuce, but that is a minor nitpick. Fries were quite tasty, and all told, it hit the spot. I shared the burger and fries with Mrs. R. because as a forty-four-year-old who still wants to fit in his pants, I can't eat the full burger and fries. As always, great place, open late, and tasty. read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Beef, cheddar, fried egg, bacon, and pretzel bun are an amazing combination. - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

See all

Nice little hole in wall. We stopped here after dropping my son off at Texas State. Brisket quesadillas were on point. Good bbq sauce but need more of it. Good green chili ranch sauce. Fries were excellent! My son had pulled pork sandwich combo. Should be served with coleslaw and pickles and jalepenos on the sandwich. Quality of meat is great. Good smoke. They let you BYOB from liquor store next door, which I did. The folks were nice, service was good. My son will be going here often for good food at good price. He will like the brisket grilled cheese and brisket nachos... Check this place out next time you are in quaint San Marcos! read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

This is hands down the best place to have a pulled pork sandwich. Even the tea was amazing. Will be back for the Philly fries.

Honestly the best brisket I've had to this date. Oh, and the brisket nachos are to die for.

Great hole in the wall barbecue place and the hungry man deal is at incredible value. Open somewhat late as well which is super convenient. The food is always incredible thought the sausage can be a bit inconsistent but suppliers do be like that though. Not worth losing a star for such a minor issue, and staff is always helpful when providing sauce/silverware/etc. read more

I've lived her for over 3 years and not only didn't know about this place but also never want. This place confuses the heck out of me. It's a bbq place, that doesn't look like a bbq place, that stays open till 3AM?!?! It just doesn't seem to make sense for San Marcos but guess what IT DOES!!! Now the only thing that I've actually only ever gotten here were the brisket quesadillas and the tots but boy oh boy it is amazing. If you are in the area and can't really decide what you want, options are limited in San Marcos, then I'd stop by. I'm not a huge fan or bbq but if you kinda are. Try them out. read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Brisket quesadillas and tots - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Looking to my left, I see awards for 1st Place at a Cook-off. But in front of me I have four fajitas that are tough as leather. Inedible. Flavor's not bad - now if only I had cleavers for teeth. Service is friendly and fast. Place is tiny, funky (in a dive sort- of- way), cute and immaculate. Sorry, but I came here to eat and I'm leaving hungry. read more

Probably time to spread the word about AJ's it's one of my favorite places to eat. When it comes to skidmarkus Texas this place here has some of the best bbq and comfort food in town. It's sort of a hidden gem kind of place nobody seems to notice as much as the ones around town bbq wise. I think it's as good if not better than the rest myself. The samiches the brisket and sausage and chicken love it all nachos and grilled cheese all of its good. Well totaled my new truck outside back in November don't go across traffic with college kids around they are dumb as fork. Lol read more

Ben and Alex went above and beyond packaging my stuff up for me, super dope employees will be back. read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Specials - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

I know my wife Amber gets tired of us eating so much barbecue. I try my best to accommodate her when I can. Happy wife, happy life, right? AJ's Ranch Road Grill is a restaurant located in San Marcos that serves mostly BBQ items but also has a few other non-BBQ items. When we pulled up to the joint on a Sunday, I could not detect a whiff of smoke. I know we were in trouble. Amber ordered the burger, and I got the Hungry Man's Combo. It came with 1/4 lb. brisket, 1/4 lb. sausage, and 1/4 lb. pork ribs. The plate came with two sides so I chose fries and macaroni and cheese. While we were waiting for our food, I had a bad feeling. When I got my plate, my fears were confirmed. The smoked meats were reheated. AJ's must smoke their meats some other day. The marbled brisket was dry and chewy. It was like eating a flavorless well-done steak. The pork rib was okay. The meat required some effort to come off the bone. It was smoky, but other than that it was boring. The sausage was decent. It tasted fine but was super greasy. The highlight of the meal was the sides. That is not positive sign if you are a BBQ restaurant. Amber was also not a fan of her burger. AJ's Ranch Road Grill is open till 3 AM in the morning. If you are drunk and hungry, bad food can still taste fine. That is coming from my experiences. Outside, the sign said that they had Tex-Mex as well. The Tex-Mex items were BBQ tacos and quesadillas. I am no expert, but I am pretty sure that is not Tex-Mex. Hays County BBQ is still the place to go to in San Marcos. Edit: So instead of addressing the issues for future customers, the owner questions my integrity publicly. Well there you go. read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Smoky roast beef. - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Smoked brisket is good. Would definitely recommend the Philly Also tea is always included for most meals +++ read more

I love coming here. Hands down good barbecue, and it helps that they are open so late so I can chow down after a late night study sesh. I recommend the brisket nachos, you can never go wrong with those. read more

I went to Aj's last night for the first time and it was SO GOOD!!! I got stoner mac & cheese, fries & green beans and it all tasted amazing. I can't wait to go back for more! read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Stoner Mac - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

The brisket grilled cheese was really just okay. I was expecting ooey gooey deliciousness, but it completely missed that mark. The Mac and cheese was the worst I have very tasted. I didn't know that you could make Mac and cheese inedible, but apparently AJ's can. It was insanely dry and within seconds of the first bite you get an overwhelming mouthful of pepper. And I love pepper! I use pepper every day!! But that was just too much. The apple "turnovers" are just reheated McDonald's apple pies. Actually I'd say that McDonald's apple pies probably have more flavor. Use some cinnamon people! Something! Now I will say the potato salad was really really good. It had the perfect amount of mustard which is hard to do. Also I believe there was some onion in there with the spices. Very nice touch. But 6oz?! And no option for a larger size?? Disappointing. read more

I did an online order last night and arrived 5 min before the time. they were standing outside with my order and handed it to me before I could even go inside. I completely understand if they were closing early but my food wasn't even warm anymore and half of my food was missing. The flavor was good overall once I heated it up but not ideal that I payed for missing items read more

I got a rib platter DoorDash'ed and it was still super good and fresh, despite it being somewhat late at night. Rib quality was there and it was a great size. Fries were damn good too. Will definitely be back read more

I literally cannot stop thinking about the Johnny chives fries from AJ's. I wish y'all delivered to Austin. Everything should try these fries at their eclectic and homey location near Texas state. Awesome late night food that will have you thinking about it even during the day... read more

Was looking for a snacky snack and drove past this place on my way to Zelicks. It's a tiny little grill with a drive through. I went in and it's all Texany and kitschy I love it. The girl offered some suggestions, from the menu but I just wanted something small. Lucky for me they were running a special for their sliders. Sweet! I got two brisket, and two pulled pork for cheap. The pulled pork was my favorite and the sweet jalapeño buns were a great complement. If their pulled pork is this good, their BBQ can't be too far off, right? read more

See all

The Food: Its great food for college students. They have strange concoctions that a night out on the square is meant for. Sometimes the food Is a tad to greasy for my liking, but that doesn't deserve a lesser rating! The Staff: Great! They are friendly and polite! They seem to enjoy their job even at the end of the night! The hours: WOW. They stay open soooo late! Its one of the places I can go after I get off of work. The price: The food can get kinda pricey pretty quickly but its good! Overall: its worth trying! read more

Cheap and good... Maybe not the fastest but you can't have all three. I love the brisket. I found myself ordering a ton of food just for myself so that I will have leftovers. It's that good. Plus you can come here and get real, Texas BBQ, in the middle of the night. Genius. Your options are really limited in SM after midnight. You have dirty dogs, IHOP, gumby's, or taco c. Aj's every time for me! So good. It's not franklins but it's good. read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Clean lobby - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Best thing in town open til 3 a.m.! We love their mac and cheese, spanish rice, brisket, bbq chicken, sauce, sweet tea, and friendly service. The tater salad rocks too. Chow down here. read more

Went here tonight after a friend recommended it. Not a pretentious place, very small with just a few tables. The staff are all family members and you can tell. We had their wonderful tater tots as an appetizer, by all means a treat for sure! We had pork ribs and they were fall off the bone good. The brisket was tender and very flavorful! The green beans were very good, but the beans were fantastic! Spicy but not so much that they set your mouth on fire! A really GREAT feature is that they are open till 3am! So when you have that late night craving, run here, they even have a drive through!! read more

Currently having the worst most liquid shi in my life bc I had 1/2 of their chopped brisket sandwich that wasn't even good.

Best thing ever at 2 in the morning. Easy going place with good ribs and great sweet tea

Loved this locally owned place, opened till 3am, and the pork sliders were pretty damn good! read more

See all

I agree with all the 1st Reviews!! Every plate I've gotten has been amazing! Pulled Pork with grilled onions & topped with pickles or breakfast tacos all the way! And the Ranch Verde!!? Perfect walk from Zelicks & a saving grace for late night hunger. Ribs fall right off the bone & the steak fajita quesadilla with pico, oh man my mouth is watering! Can't wait to get another breakfast taco tomorrow! read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Easily the Best Way to Start the Day! Seasoned Eggs, Perfectly Grilled Onions & Extra Crispy Bacon, Soon to be smothered in BBQ! - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

See all

We ordered takeout from here and the experience was pretty bad. We ordered two 6oz mac and cheese and 5 chicken sliders. We received our food cold and a whole mac and cheese was missing. I was very disappointed. They didn't even provide us with napkins and utensils. I will never order from here again even though the chicken was good. They didn't value me as a customer and I didn't even get what I paid for. read more

Great service! The young man there, not sure if he was an owner or not, did a great job of greeting everyone that walked in, was very courtious & polite, and checked up on everyone. I go for their foot-long corn dogs. They're amazing! read more

AJ's Ranch Road Grill - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

We took our feast to go. Since it was our first time, we got a pound of ribs, brisket, and sausage. The coleslaw is different, and I like it. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but it's not your everyday run of the mill sweet coleslaw. I love that this place is open super late, I haven't taken advantage of that yet, but I know I will eventually. read more

Not professional and very rude I wouldn't even give this place the one star! food is okay but nothing I'll be missing out on! The bbq has no flavor and the fries were dry and stale tasted like they had been sitting out for two days! I honestly have to say if you want bbq or anything else don't come here!!! Very very disappointed! read more

Their texas tots are to die for! and they're stoner mac is always a great go to. the juicy brisket pieces mixed with the saucy mac is amazing. If i lived closer i would definitely be there more than i need to be! read more

Following a call in ordering error of MINE, Harley, who took the detailed order, and AJ, the owner absolutely went far beyond what might be expected regarding MY mix up. You can tell so much about a place by the people who own and work there. AJ's Ranch Road Grill absolutely shouts this is a great place! Renee S read more

Drove from New Braunfels after seeing AJ's on here. I ordered the famous tots and the stoner Mac. Order took about 5 minutes (@ 1230a on a Wednesday night.) Definitely not made2order but it was probably the best food in in the SM & NB area after midnight! read more

Went and they didn't have any brisket, chicken or sausage. so we didn't stay. No brisket meant no crazy mac and cheese I read so much about... read more

I feel like this place seriously has to step up its BBQ game. I have been to better places, and kind of expect more from a BBQ place down south. I will say that the staff was friendly, the place was clean, and service was quick. The first time I came in was for the brisket and sausage plate and I know for a fact that one of my sides was potato salad. The second time my boyfriend brought me dinner and it was the same plate with potato salad and green beans. He got something else, but I can't remember what it was. Overall, it was really unimpressive. My boyfriend made a comment about how the potato salad tastes like it's from HEB. I thought that the BBQ sauce tasted like it was store bought as well. The green beans were soggy and it looked like they just fell out of a can. I feel like there's an issue if the only thing you're cooking up is the meat... The brisket both times was dry and tough. The sausage was just alright. I would probably eat it again if I had to. I know the place is small, and I went at night, but it looked like they only had one chef in back and two people ringing up front. I hope this place turns around... I don't think I'll be back soon. read more

Thanks AJ! Was a great meal:) was looking for a pulled pork sandwich and got that and then some! Great brisket tacos and the bbq sauce is delicious. Workers are really nice too. read more

Not the best bbq. Beans were hard, Mac and cheese was not that good, and the chicken and sausage plate was almost disrespectful. However, the chicken was moist but it wasn't grilled bbq chicken if that makes sense. The sausage didn't even look like it came off the grill, no burnt marks on it, nothing. The manger and employees are super nice, and and in their drink station they have amazing Pickles!! Pickly pickles! read more

Only been here a couple times, but the food was great! Try the stoner Mac and bbq sandwiches!

Terrible food, potato salad scooped from Sysco containers and "bbq" that the owner should be embarrassed to sell anywhere in this country, let alone the state of Texas. Just plain gross, don't waste your time. read more