Super friendly and fun environment! Delicious brisket tacos with live music in a "garage." Cash is king, but credit cards are accepted.

I'm going to review this establishment taking in consideration that is in the middle of the desert. THE GOOD: The parking is ample. The eating facilities are fairly modern. Inside and outside, covered but open air. The menu was limited as they only have two meats and two options for side. Serving kind small, but food was good. Service was great. Quiet. Very friendly THE BAD: They do charge a 3.99% as a credit card fee. THE UGLY: None read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

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What a great spot in Terlingua. You go up to the counter and order - and they bring your BBQ to you. We sat outside at the picnic tables where a band was setting up. Service was prompt and the server was lovely. I ordered the 2 meat platter and they do not skimp like other places. I got the ribs and brisket. The ribs were good but the star is the oh-so-tender brisket. There's a mild and a hot version of sauce. I liked the mild more - but both are great. The potato salad was good and so were the beans but nothing out of the ordinary. Definitely drop by when you're in town. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - 2 meat (brisket and ribs) with beans and tater salad - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Great vibes, views, prices, service, and food. A classic that requires a visit while stopping through Terlingua along with High Sierra, Venga, Starlight Theater, and Terlingua Trading Co. read more

First day in Terlingua and we passed this on the way to breakfast. Knew it would be a great way to end a day of hiking. We showed up around 5pm to no line and ice cold beer waiting for us. The gentleman at the counter went over the menu with us, and we determined that getting the combo with all 5 meats and three sides would be both filling to share and the most economical. Pulled pork, super moist brisket, a large helping of sausage, 4 pieces of pork ribs, and pulled roasted turkey. All were delicious but the brisket was clear standout. You may want to ask for more bread. They had a really nice spicy sauce and BBQ sauce on the table too. Super cool place. Friendly staff. Lots of beers available by the bottle. They even had the Cowboy Channel playing to watch rodeos. I'll let the pictures do the rest. Highly, highly recommend. read more

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Stopped for lunch in the middle of nowhere. Did not expect much, but I was wrong. Had pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. EXCELLENT!

Brisket was just right after a day out at the park. I had a slide of the tater salad.. hit the spot.. the service is excellent! It is amazing to have such good food in a ghost town! Oh and the bathroom --very clean and has all one needs. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Sorry food already eaten! - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Was looking forward to Texas bbq our whole trip. Rustic Iron did not disappoint. Had the pork ribs and brisket. It included 3 ribs and i think 5 slices of brisket. The beans and potato salad were good too. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Brisket and ribs. - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

The food was nothing more than okay. At least the brisket was. We aren't from around Terlingua, and we know that people don't have many other bbq places to base it off of, but we eat a lot of bbq and it was just okay. The smoked turkey also wasn't amazing. They have separate tip jars for people at the bar and the chefs and don't specify that, so the poor chefs get barely and tips while the bar workers get a bunch for barely doing anything. Wouldn't really recommend, find somewhere else like starlight theatre. read more

Owner DB has honed his BBQ smoking skills by first working and cooking in the oil fields, then starting Rustic Iron from a food truck in Jan 2016 and then finally opening up the restaurant in Nov 2021. Located in Terlingua Ghost Town, you can still see his food truck parked out back, along with his smokers and all the piles of wood needed for the smokers. They have a small bar serving beer, wine and liquor. You order at the counter and the food is brought to your table in minutes. You can order family style, by # of meats (2-5) or get a sandwich. The sides are chips, beans, mustard-style potato salad and Cole slaw. Served with a pickle, slice of white bread, onions, and jalapeno. They have canned soda, bottled water and seltzer water. Reasonably priced for the area and friendly staff. No wait if you go for dinner before 5:30p. read more

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This place was recommended by a colleague on my visit to Big Bend, N.P. There is plenty of seating indoors and seems like a nice place to enjoy food and a few beers. The barbecue was a fantastic find. A little pricey, but considering the location it was in line with other establishments. We ordered the 2 meat plate (brisket and turkey) with potato salad and Cole slaw and the taco plate (2 brisket and 2 barbacoa) with pinto beans. The brisket was moist and tasty. The turkey was not too dry. The Cole slaw is mayo based and just the right amount of sweet. Potato salad was delicious. The tacos were well served. Nice and fat. The beans were okay, not great just okay. I definitely will return when I find myself in the area. read more

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Got the pork ribs, tried the sausage, I thought it was alright. It was good enough to keep me full but didn't really think it was anything to ride home about. Maybe I'm spoiled from other great bbq places I've had in Texas. Service was great and fast, and there's a garage door they pull down for when it gets too cold but do make sure bring a jacket in the cold months. read more

With limited options around Big Bend in terms of restaurants, DB's Rustic Iron BBQ does NOT disappoint. After about twelve miles of hiking, this is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a fantastic meal to recover the body and mind and prepare yourself for the next day of hiking and nature. We got Marilyn's Platter which was a sample of FIVE different meats freshly barbecued, chopped up, and brought to your table. Split between two people and costing about $50, it was more than enough food to satisfy the both of us and be a full meal for two the next day for lunch as well. This amount of food couple easily fill four people. Highlights for me were the pulled pork, sausage, and the turkey. The turkey was by far the most moist and delicious turkey I can remember having for a long, long time. The restaurant is in a warehouse-esq setting with big open doors to enjoy the weather and beautifully surroundings. The service was incredibly friendly, smiling and greeting us warmly from the cashier to the people preparing the food. If you're in town or nearby and need a nice, hearty meal, look no further - DB's BBQ is the spot to be. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Marilyn's Platter - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

During my two night stay in Terlingua, I ate here twice; once for dinner and the other lunch. Between my two meals, I had the brisket tacos and the 2 meat plate with brisket and sausage. Sides included slaw and beans. All the food was good, and price was a little high but no different than other area restaurants. If in the area, make this a stop. read more

This BBQ place is legit. The meat is very flavorful and juicy. The TV was playing country music and the other Tv was playing cowboy channel, really getting you into the vibe. We got the combo for two person with mixed cuts, it was recommended by the owner and he is very friendly and told us this is the most popular. The jalapeño pickles are really good read more

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Fantastic food and great BBQ. Is on the pricey side but other than that it was a great experience! Service was good and fast. Lots of seating and great environment for families. read more

We are so glad we had the chance to stop in here! The owner is so friendly and personable! And the food is FANTASTIC! Bring your appetite and be prepared to be amazed! read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Three meat plate - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

I wish I had ordered the brisket cut lean, because there was too much fat in my order. The barbecue sauce is one of the best barbecue sauces I've had! The potato salad was ok. The beans were delicious - perfectly seasoned! I would recommend it. read more

Delicious margaritas on special!! Only $4!!! Amazinggggg brisket tacos & fabulous beans. Wonderful view and awesome service!! Family friendly patio:)) read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Not being from this side of the US I have a different taste in food. I went here based on reviews. The brisket was great and could melt in your mouth. The ribs I did not care for the flavor, basically just smoke and no meat. The beans were so spicy I couldn't eat them. The coleslaw was great. The reason only 3 stars is for the amount of food you get it is way over priced. I barely had any food for $28. Way too expensive. Maybe because they get people on the way to Big Bend and they are willing to pay these prices. In OH I could get way better 1/2 rack ribs for same price. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - a plate of ribs, bread, pickle, and pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

I am Texas born and Texas raised. I basically have barbecue sauce pumping through my veins. DB's is the Franklin's BBQ of West, Texas and could easily compete with some of the top joints in the state. My husband and I got the 5 meat plate with three sides. It was ALL delicious... my top two favorite were the ribs and pulled pork (I am not usually a pulled pork fan). It comes with all the fixings and bread. We left full, happy, and grateful to have experienced this gem in Terlingua. Great ambiance, great music. We WILL be back next time we are in Terlingua! read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Marilyn Plate (5 meats, 3 sides, all the fixings) - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Right in the middle of nowhere we found wonderful BBQ, fun and new friends. You don't need to go any further. It's not fancy, but you won't go away disappointed. And you get lots of food. Thanks DB! Can't wait for the patio. read more

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I'm assuming all these people leaving 5 star reviews have never had great BBQ. Def not worth the hype here. Brisket was extremely dry. Turkey was good. 76 bucks for 3 people to get a meat, 1 side and a pop. I realize it's harder for them to get products so prices will be higher but the Starlight Theatre next door was cheaper even with an appetizer. Also, the guy at the register watched me put tip in his jar, stupid me not realizing that jar was meant for the bartender and there was a separate tip jar for the ladies actually making our food at another counter. Nice trap read more

Couldn't imagine a better place to eat when hiking and visiting Big Bend. So moist and flavorful and we will be visiting more during our time here. We got three meats for the two of us- ribs, brisket and pulled pork. All were good but brisket was the best. It was plenty of food as it came with two sides and bread. I would highly recommend!! read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Brisket is top notch. All cooked behind the restaurant so smells divine. Beans and slaw were delish as well. Good selection of beer. Don't miss if you like BBQ. read more

THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST VIEWS AND FOOD! Do you want sensational BBQ at a good price while looking over Big Bend while not compromising on quality, quantity, and cleanliness? DB's is the best lunch or dinner spot for hungry hikers in need of some filling, lean, and juicy protein. They also have five different types of meat to choose from and the service is fast and produces a phenomenal product. The staff are very nice and the views off the porch are beautiful and out of the sun! While there, try the Brisket Tacos with the homemade mango sauce! I would have attached a picture but it was just too good not to eat first. 10/10 read more

I was told about this place by someone who goes here frequently. And I knew I had to stop when I was in the area. The portions were very large, and they filled us after a long day of hiking. The barbecue sauce mixed with salsa is an excellent combination with the pulled pork. The pickles were delicious. I wish I could've taken home a gallon tub! The soda is imported from Mexico so it is delicious and they have a really clean bathroom. There is cold water to drink. I was grateful for the moist towelettes to wash my hands afterward and all in all it was an excellent place for food. I wish I could've stayed for the music at night, it looked like fun! read more

Went there on a Wednesday evening for an early dinner and sat indoors due to the cooler weather. The place was clean, service was great and friendly. We selected sliced beef sandwiches and they were delicious, tender and moist and waffle frys were hot and seasoned well. Would definitely recommend to stop in and try it. read more

Good job on the Brisket, and Ribs! Satisfied customer here! More power and All the best!

Being from one of the major BBQ regions in the country (in around Kansas City) I've never gone in for the we vs. they thing on BBQ. And in particular, a lot of Texans are really protective of their Q. To my mind, there are really only two kinds: good BBQ, and that which is not. Well, but then both of these are better than that stuff in Carolina... lol. This is very good BBQ, and the fact that it's located in a very remote part of the region makes it a very welcome addition to the area's smattering of few restaurants in the ghost town. BBQ done right is damn hard work, and they're doing it here. We loaded up on a plate with ribs and brisket and a side of beans. Smokey goodness, the meat perfectly moist, the meat falling from the rib exactly as it should when properly cooked. The beans laced with cumin, a tiny bit of smoke and something that gave it a bit of acidity, not surprising to my mind as some BBQ houses will do this. I prefer a little bit of sweetness and more meat in my beans but this was just fine. In Kansas City, sauce is a big deal and I liked DB's creation. Paired perfectly with what they were doing. Kudos on using plain white bread, another tradition I respect, unlike the horribly overpriced Salt Lick crap we paid for at the Dallas airport that had two tiny bits of meat on it with some kind of specialty bread and some pitiful sauce. Ugh. Never again. How far you've fallen, Salt Lick. If you come: plenty of good beers on hand, all major credit cards accepted, large semi-outdoor dining area, Mexican ranch band music on the TV rounded out the experience perfectly. And then there's that view of the Chisos Mountains in the background. Beat that! Highly recommended. read more

I read the fantastic reviews of this place, and I'm thinking I must have made a wrong turn somewhere. I wanted to love this place, but my tourist trap $30 one-meat plate did not measure up. First, let me tell you the pintos were literally the best I've ever had on the planet. No kidding....get those. If I ever go back I'll just ask for a bowl of beans and call it good. The potato salad....meh, ok. But now let's address the 500lb elephant in the room. The brisket was horrible, I'm sorry, but it was. Now; my princess OCD self got past the flies on the slab of brisket they were cutting and serving me, because this is Terlingua after all and some things you just need to suck up. But the flavor was very off-putting. The bark was so oversmoked it was acrid, it also tasted kind of plastic-ish too, not sure what that's all about. So here's the score: BBQ Sauce win. Potato salad...meh, Beans 10 out of 10! Brisket, flat 0. The beans got all the stars, and my wallet still stings from the experience. Not to be mean, but your average drunk Uncle and a back yard pellet smoker could do much better. read more

We had eaten at DB's before when it was a food truck closer to the intersection with the highway into Big Bend National Park. That time the food was delicious, and we got to spend time visiting with the owner since we were the only ones there (it was an odd time, just before he closed for lunch). The food truck is gone and this restaurant is in the ghost town near the cemetary. And the food is still delicious. I had pork ribs and sausage. The sausage was very good, the pork ribs are some of the best I've ever had. My wife had the pulled pork sandwich which was also delicious, as were the sides. They have dog-friendly dining and the staff was very friendly and accomodating with our two dogs. We were staying in Alpine on a trip from near Austin to Big Bend. This place was worth the drive from Alpine. The ribs may have been worth the drive from Austin! read more

I eat here every single time I'm in this part of the world! DB rocks, his food rocks, and it's a great place to hang out! End of story. read more

The brisket was moist and had a flavorful bark. The turkey was very tasty! The staff were friendly.

Solid Brisket in a laid back atmosphere. The brisket on my sandwich had the right amount of fat and had a good crust on it. Put some sauce on the last couple of bites and it was pretty good but, honestly, it didn't need it. Simple sandwich on a plain hamburger bun with some regular Lays potato chips. Nothing wrong with that. read more

Cash register clearly indicated what discounts were offered. Made sure to tell cashier I wanted the discount I qualified for. He assured me he had it handled. Guess what, he didn't honor the discount I noticed on reviewing the receipt. Had I paid attention I most certainly would not have given anything on the tip solicitation screen. Laziness or inattentiveness by cashier. Unfortunately the sausage was the worst in memory. The skin was so tough you couldn't bite through it. Had to take sausage pieces with skin off sandwich to eat. Expectation is for sausage to have a "bite" to the skin but not to be tough as shoe leather. Not appropriate for a sandwich. The sausage itself was the big brother of convenience store Slim Jims in taste as well as consistency. read more

Brisket, potato salad, beans, pork ribs and sausage all delicious! Even the barbecue sauce was bomb!

This is really high quality BBQ. Not just "Terlingua good". Actual top grade TX BBQ. . 1 of us got the 2 meat plate (brisket and sausage) and the other 2 of us shared a 5 meat plate. The 5 meat plate is THE WAY. The 2 of us pretty much polished it all off, which was both a very good and a very bad idea. Make that choice with no less than 2.5 hungry people. I am not a "turkey guy", but if you are, the smoked turkey was as good as any I've ever had. The only short coming was the sausage. It lacked any defining quality, and was just a bit to commercial. This probably wouldn't have been so glaring if we didn't have so much of it with the 2 meat plate. This place is a must hit. read more

DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - 2 Meat Plate - Brisket and Sausage 5 Meat Plate - Brisket, Sausage, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Turkey. - Barbeque Near Me - Terlingua, Texas

Food was delicious. They had live music too. Margaritas were tasty. Definitely don't miss.

Quick service and the brisket was so tender and delicious. My husband and I split the brisket tacos and the brisket sandwich and would recommend them both. Outdoor or indoor seating with open air this time of year. Would definitely go back! read more