It's a an awesome family owned restaurant and a community staple. Not only do they do bbq well, but they have tasty homemade desserts and daily specials. It's a down to earth, no frills atmosphere with friendly staff and good food. Eating here is like enjoying a meal with family. read more

BBQ with soul food flare. Service and atmosphere: Staff were polite and helpful. The place is easy to miss as it has no obvious sign with the name. The restaurant was old looking but it was clean so "risk it for the brisket" haha. Food: We made it before closing time. There were no customers any more and only brisket and catfish was leftover. The brisket was good. Same goes for coleslaw and potato salad. Nice flavours and homely style cooking. The BBQ sauce wasn't your typical sweet and thick sauce, instead the sauce was more runny and had interesting vinagre taste. We enjoyed it. Pricing: $$ - not pricey at all. read more

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Comfortable little house business with both inside and outside dining located in a nice older yet beautiful neighborhood. Very close to the Sam Houston gravesite. Very welcoming and friendly catering to their customers. We came late on the day on a Saturday they had chicken and sausage so i got a plate.. very nice the chicken was a little dry but delicious and the sausage was excellent. The guy who took our order came by and said they actually did have brisket so we bought a pound. It was very tender. They offer two types of sauce vinegar and catsup based. I really liked the ambiance (they had James Brown music playing! Awesome!) such a cool place. I will be back!! read more

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While in Huntsville we popped into Bennie J's Smoke Pit for lunch. Heard that they had good BBQ here and WOW did they! This little family owned restaurant is kinda off the beaten path and looked a bit run down but boy, you can say that about the food. Judging by the constant stream of regulars that were coming in for their orders, this place must be good. We ordered a couple of lunch plates and were floored the delicious smoked BBQ brisket and delicious sides. This was a real find as Bennie J's Smoke Pit has been hands down the best BBQ we have had since moving to Texas. The service is fast and very friendly and does not want to support a family business. Now, every time we go up to Huntsville, we make it a point to stop in to Bennie J's for a fabulous lunch. read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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The service was awesome, and everyone was so friendly. The food tasted great, and I left full! Thank you!

Great BBQ, don't let the atmosphere dissuade you. They also have a lunch menu that varies with good home style dishes and friendly staff. read more

What a homie restaurant. Literally take on the terms of "backyard bbq" nicely. On the way in, it looks just like a residential house but don't stop, make sure to pull in the drive way which has decent parking for your car. The restaurant has friendly staff and a quiet place to just chill with friends and family for some good old meals. And for the price, you can't beat that! read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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So fun to chat with Ms Linda. Great food, good conversation - stuff that makes encountering bbq places like this one a joy to discover. Like what others say, don't let the exterior fool you. This is good bbq, is affordably priced and the best part, generous portions! read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Patio - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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Delish. They have daily specials and seem to know every customer by name. The lady at the front is the sweetest person ever. read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

Nestled remotely (meaning drove in area twice before finding) across from gravesite. Friendly service, indoor/outdoor seating with large grassy area for children to play. Food presentation was was beautiful & cooked just right read more

Maybe I'm spoiled by some of the other BBQ masters in the Houston area. Maybe I don't fully appreciate the difference between East Texas BBQ and others. The Q was good, the service fast and friendly. I liked the brisket and the potato salad. The sausage, not so much. I think it was pork sausage, and maybe my taste leans more towards beef. Maybe it was too close to closing time, but I kinda felt the meat, presentation, and taste was a little lackluster. It was a lot of maybes. My two meat plate did come with a drink and two sides. Slaw and potato salad were on point. Extra bonus points for decor and ambiance (it's like you walked into someone's living room). All in all, this is a strong contender with fast, efficient, and happy service and obviously retuning clientele (it was a steady stream of people through the doors while I was seated), but I'll probably keep my options open while searching for the perfect Q in Huntsville. read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Two meat plate. - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

Tried Bennie J's for lunch on a Friday. When we arrived, we found out that they offer fried shrimp and fish on Fridays. However, it was going to be roughly a 30 minute wait for the fried options. Fish Friday is very popular for those in the know. So now you are in the know too, If you want fried fish on a Friday, order ahead or be patient. We didn't have time to wait so I decided on a two meat plate with jalapeño sausage and pulled pork with potato salad and coleslaw. I was surprised at how affordable it was for the portion size. It was just over $14 for a two meat plate with two sides and a sweet tea. The sweet tea was perfectly made. The coleslaw had a nice tangy crunch, just the way I like it. I'm not usually a huge potato salad fan but their potato salad was great! The pulled pork was good but the m jalapeño sausage was my favorite. Great flavor! Our server was very friendly and she made sure our sweet tea was always full. It was a beautiful day so we sat on the peaceful covered porch with wind chimes and cute potted plants. There was plenty of room on the porch for those who bring larger parties. There are also fans overhead for those of you who want to sit outside on those hot texas days. read more

This is the best barbecue restaurant I've been to in Texas, hands down. My wife and I got there about an hour before they closed. All they had left was chopped brisket. I got the plate and my wife got a sandwich. My plate came with potato salad and cole slaw. The food was served with two types of bbq sauce. One was vinegar based and the other was ketchup based. The meat was hot, fresh, tender, and juicy. It had a great flavor that both sauces complemented well. I haven't had potato salad and cole slaw this good since I was a kid at a family reunion. My wife liked her sandwich so well she went back for seconds, and she never does that! The building isn't fancy. It is homey and very clean. The staff is friendly and efficient. Eating here was like having dinner at a friend's house. They check on you often and make sure you have everything you need. I spoke to THE Bennie J before we left. He uses old family recipes passed down for generations. He uses Angus beef. He starts smokin meat at 3 am. All of the sides are made in-house. If you like bbq, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Oh, one last thing. I spoke to a gentleman who came in for a large takeout order. He told me it was for his mother's wake. That says more about this business than any review. read more

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Great brisket, sausage, beans and tea. Seems like a family owned business and they are appreciative of us stopping in.

It's as good as any central TX q, and if you don't like it charred to death the balance of smoke ring and meat is perfect better in fact. Don't let the outside appearance fool you try the food!!! read more

I thought I was lost when in route cause it's kinda located off the beaten path in more of an older community, but I was really glad I kept going cause it was more than worth it! So, if you find yourself anywhere near Huntsville this is a must try for sure. I will definitely be back for more. Food rating B+ - really, really good. Prices A - Off the beaten path and priced more for the locals then tourists. Service B+ - friendly. Almost felt like I was at Grandma's. Ambiance B- - think more down home vibe. Very casual. read more

I know how to navigate the roads from Austin, TX to Huntsville, TX but for fun I put the address of Bennie J's in my GPS and after pushing the start button, the GPS voice informed me that upon my arrival into Huntsville, Bennie J's was closing within an hour so it behooved me to put the pedal to the metal, ignoring speed limits. Indeed I live in Central Texas where there are loads of exceptional BBQ venues however Bennie J's is extraordinarily old skool, more to my liking. Usually the sides at most BBQ venues are mundane but their potato salad and beans are screamin'! Even though I arrived before they closed, I didn't arrive in time to get some of their fall-off-the-bone mouth waterin' ribs, ending up with a 3-meat plate with chicken, moist brisket, and sausage which did not disappoint! There is limited dine-in seating and ample seating out on their deck. Some other BBQ venues have crept into Huntsville but I will continue to patronize Bennie J's as their consistency is beyond measure. I must also mention that Bennie J's offers daily specials which could include fried fish, fried shrimp, meatloaf, chicken, beef tips, etc. All in all Bennie J's is a Soul Food restaurant as their delectable delights truly satisfy the Soul! By the way, I brought an extra plate back to Austin, used some of the brisket to pair with my omelet and garlic buttered toast. read more

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Nice people, good service, nice presentation but the food (ribs, chicken, and brisket) was BLAND. The buttermilk pie was BLAND. The BBQ sauce was BLaND. The potato salad was Excellent. read more

We're camping at nearby Huntsville State Park. I like to try the local barbecue at places we travel to. Bennie J's had great reviews, so I decided to give it a go. As another reviewer wrote, it is very easy to miss this place. It is located in a neighborhood, and there is no signage to indicate that it is a restaurant. I drove right past it. I had the ribs and brisket. The ribs were quite greasy. I also needed to add sauce to them to improve the flavor. There wasn't much smoke flavor to either the ribs or the brisket. I would come back here, but all in all, I don't think this place merits the great reviews written about it. But again, I'm spoiled by Country Tavern in Kilgore, Texas, which is the best barbecue I have had in my life. Ribs to die for. read more

The food was good. Barbecue is best served hot and fresh. We ordered delivery. It was good with generous food portions. The lag in delivery is an enemy of eating food on site. Worth the money but probably much better in the restaurant location. read more

Awesome! Smoky, flavorful, meaty, moist...and that's just the brisket. Ribs almost fall off the bone which is how they should be cooked, great smoke ring and moist. Sausage is not too fatty, but still flavorful and juicy. If you're looking for a hole in the wall no frills VERY affordable Texas bar b que joint...this is the place. These days bbq seems to be overpriced and priced by the hour. Bennie J's is top notch and the price is more then right. Go out of your way but GO. I can't wait to go back. read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Old school bbq. - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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Bennie J's has great food and the sweetest lady who helps with drinks, etc. Try the buttermilk pie... you're welcome.

When you are told by royalty to try a place I suggest you listen! Sir Richard told me about this place in Huntsville and I have made two attempts with no success to try it... today I finally made it here! First of all as you are approaching the location you will start to doubt your GPS. The location is smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood and until you come up on it you just don't see how a restaurant can be here, but it is. Then as you pull up and walk in... ignore the decor... sure it's a bit run down, but homey... sure it's in a run down side of town... however... the smells coming out of the building are amazing and tell you immediately you made a good choice! I walked in and was welcomed First thing... it was a late lunch so not many people in here but I bellied up to the counter ordered my 2 meat plate got my drink cup and sat down. It only took a few mins and my food came out... I got the jalapeño sausage and the ribs... ohhhh my Goddie way to hottie!!! Beyond words! Delicious!! Scrumptious!!! Delectable!! Lip smack'n good!! Man it was great! Especially with the vinegar based sauce. (They bring you two... one ketchup based one vinegar... both are good but I prefer the vinegar.) For a vinegar base it was not to twangy and didn't over power the taste of the meat... it is just a great compliment. The jalapeño sausage is, as Hammer says, too legit, too legit to quit!! I ate it all and wanted more... and the ribs were perfect fall off the bone tender and juicy. It was all exceptional! On top of all of this the people running the place were super friendly and nice. Just a great experience all around. Sir Richard, thank you!... you were right... and I will be back! read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - This is true Home style - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

Amazing bbq spot rivaling some of the better known places in the greater Houston area for half the price. This place is a gem. Noone (who respects good food) should leave Huntsville without eating here. This seems to be a black owned and black runner establishment. Extremely friendly service. The food was top notch. I ordered the 3 meat plate (chicken, jalapeño sausage, and ribs) with 2 sides (potatoes salad and Pinto beans) EVERYTHING tasted amazing. But that smoke on the chicken and the potato salad were the stars in my opinion. For the dessert I got the buttermilk pie. I had to flush 80% of it down the toilet. NOT because it was bad. Quite the contrary. That thing was sooooo good that I knew if I didn't make it disappear, I'd ruin my diet goals. I simple ate the crust edge (HEAVENLY) and 2 teeny spoons of the pie itself and then had to make it disappear. Soooo gooooooood. Final grade; A+ This place will Def be on my rotation whenever I visit Huntsville read more

Friendly staff to answer questions and check on you throughout the dining experience. But the servings are way too little for the cost. There are two choices for sauces. They tasted okay but I prefer thicker body. I'm also not a fan of places that run out of multiple items. The meats were smoked well but I literally was still hungry for having a 2 meat BBQ plate. read more

Talk about a lucky find! We were traveling through Huntsville and took a chance on this hidden gem based on the Yelp reviews. My extra picky kids loved it and I even ordered dessert, which never happens! The staff was amazing and the food was delicious and generous in portions for the price. We'll be back again! read more

great specials!! Authentic Texas food. Friday Fish specials now being served for dinner!! love to eat on their deck. Air conditioner salesman should drop by and make them a deal. Nineties are too warm indoors for many quests. Winter months on the deck can be too cold. read more

This place had quality BBQ and great service at a terrific price. 4 Meat plate that included brisket, pork ribs, jalapeño sausage link, and chicken with two sides and bread for 14 bucks! 3 meat plate was only 12 bucks. Potato salad was a mustard potato salad without apology. It's a neighborhood place that serves locals just a walk away from President / General Sam Houston's grave. Can't get more Texas than that. I've had better bbq, but not at that price. I'll go back. read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - My 14 dollar 4 meat plate with sides. What a deal! - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

Sweet sweet server, amazing food! Would be a great place for older folks to play games and make a day out of it. (If allowed). Definitely coming back! read more

Just Amazing!! You have got to have the RIBS. There is no other place like this in town. The owner and his son are on hand all day from early morning, smoking meat and prepping sides. The potato salad and beans are highly recommended. Unfortunately I have nothing to show left on my plate, take that as a good sign. We will be back read more

Bennie J's Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

We were in town for an event and hankering for some bbq. Yelp led me in the direction of Bennie J's and I couldn't be happier. It's a bit off the beaten path, but we'll worth the drive from wherever you're coming from. It's a humble building, but that makes the service and the food shine all the more. We tried the ribs, sliced brisket, and both kinds of sausage. No complaints on any of it. I like brisket from the point typically, but I imagine they only chop the point as all our sliced brisket was from the flat. It was notably moist, even though trimmed of most all the fat. I thought the ribs and the sausage were what shined on this trip. Can't go wrong with either, though I will say that we got the last two ribs and it was only 12:30. Plan accordingly. The fries and beans were great too. Hand cut, hot and fresh from the frier, these are the kind of fries you would hope for. And the beans were maybe the biggest surprise. There's nothing particularly fancy about them (no big slabs of sausage or burnt ends), but my gosh, were they good! Their pie was all sold out by the time we got there (maybe next time), but the tea and the service was sweet enough to make up for it. Seriously, these folks went the extra mile in keeping our cups full and checking on us. Come for the bbq, and I bet (like me) it'll be the friendly service that will have you excited to come back. read more

Best BBQ I have ever had- service was amazing and staff was very nice. Very pretty patio sitting area. Definitely will return if I am back in Huntsville! read more

Tried Bennie J's for the first time today....LOVED everything about this place. And I mean EVERYTHING. The location (across the street from a really old, historic cemetery, huge outdoor area with a covered patio. Staff: so very friendly and helpful. Food: Excellent. Large portions. Good choices including homemade sides. Great prices. We will most definitely be back SOON. read more

Awesome food, from the barbecue to other delicious choices. Service is excellent, staff is friendly, courteous and happy to take care of you. Don't think you're lost when you turn by the cemetery! It's just down the block. read more

Best BBQ in Huntsville, a must try place. Had there brisket sandwich and wow. The service is awsome too.

We came here based solely off of the Yelp reviews and the word of mouth my daughter received. I'm glad to say none of them were wrong. The bbq is off the hook. The pinto beans can't be compared and the fries are handmade. Sauces are good between the ketchup based and vinegar based. Both are tasty, a little thin for my taste but satisfying. My only drawback that I had was the meat could use just a bit more seasoning ( salt and pepper ) and the sauce could be thicker. Otherwise this is a top flight operation. We will be back. Oh and the prices are unheard of...3 meat plate was $10.50.......go try it for yourself! read more

Best BBQ in Huntsville. I hadn't been to Huntsville in years. The last time I was there the only BBQ places was Mckenzies, which is good (but they boil their ribs) and the BBQ church which had begun to go downhill. However, this is better than the competitors. It's a small unassuming building that belies the quality of food inside. Don't stop here if you are expecting white linen tablecloths and valet parking. This isn't that. This is more you can tell someone gets up at the crack of dawn to fire up the pit and doesn't have time to peruse Pinterest for interior decorating. The building makes you look twice when you drive up and three times when you walk in. It is an older building and appears to be a little worn. But oh man the food. That's what we are really coming for. I've found some of the best food in the world are hole in the wall places, and this lives up to that notion. The food is beyond reasonably priced, especially for barbeque. The portion sizes are generous and the staff are friendly. I ordered the two meat plate which was only $9.00 I ordered ribs and brisket. I requested my brisket untrimmed(aka moist and fatty) and it was some of the best brisket I've ever had. I really enjoyed the ribs as well, I appreciated the smoke flavor, however they were not as tender as I would have liked, though there were still very good. For my sides I ordered green beans, which were good but needed some salt, and a side salad, which was fresh, crisp and good. I did think that their bbq sauce was extremely thin, don't want to say watery but it wasn't thick. It was more of a soppin' sauce it that makes sense. It was good though, and I liked that they give you two different kinds of sauce. The food was served, hot, fresh and fast. The staff was friendlier. An elderly man was eating all alone and he spilled his tea everywhere. A female employee rushed over and cleaned up everything and got the man more tea, and even returned to fuss over him some more. I beat the lunch crowd, but as I was finishing up my food the lunch crowd began to trickle in. Old, young, Black, White, a little of everyone came to get them some beef, bones and bird. I definitely will be back when I'm back in town! read more

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Best barbecue place in Huntsville! Impeccable service and attitudes, a great environment overall. Good prices too! I will be coming back, highly recommend. - A college student read more

Great food, wonderful cedar-post patio overlooking quiet meadow area, and attentive service. They were out of BBQ when we arrived but had fried catfish left, and it was fantastic! We loved learning about the Black Texas cowboys from a picture on the wall, and some of the owners' family history. We live in Houston but we won't be going anywhere else next time we pass through Huntsville. This place is a real gem. read more

Amazing food! Priced low and great customer service. You order at the counter and they bring drinks and food to you! Brisket so tender it falls apart and the sausage is amazing. Seating inside and out in a secluded part of the neighborhood. If you like BBQ This is the place to come. read more

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