Our office was treated to lunch courtesy of one our vendors. We chose El Monte BBQ......boy was it delicious. We got brisket, turkey, sausage, rice, beans, potato salad , cream corn and all the trimmings. We couldn't of made a better choice. All the meats were on point, delicious, moist and very tasty. Not to mention the Pan de Campo. The rice, beans, potato salad and cream corn were so fresh and flavorful, they were amazing. Thanks to the Chef Jaime and his staff for providing us with such a great lunch. Everyone at the office enjoyed it very much. The service was exceptional. Thanks First Choice Management Group, Inc. read more

Food was amazing. Price is reasonable. Really good place. Brisket was just perfect. Sausage was good. Ribs just right. Potato salad was so good read more

Came to San Antonio TX for my son-in-law's graduation from Air Force bootcamp. After graduation he wanted BBQ so I hopped on Yelp. After reading a few reviews we decided on El Monte. WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. The meat melted in our mouths. We ordered all of them. And all the sides were soooooo good. Order the Pan de Campo too YUUUMMMMMY!! I definitely recommend them if you are here. I will be back again. I was also looking for a mom and pop type of place and this is it. Son's business and his mom was sitting there too. read more

I second guessed going in but I am EXTREMELY SATISFIED THAT I DID!! I was visiting my son who is stationed in San Antonio. He is new to the area and has not been to many places yet. We looked up restaurants on Yelp. We were only visiting for a week and went TWICE BECAUSE WE LIVED IT SO MUCH!! The staff is very friendly, the portions are extremely generous and a great price!! We had brisket, sausage, pork , turkey and sausage.... All of it was amazing. My husbands favorite was the potato salad!! Cant wait to go back yo Texas to visit again!! read more

This place is delicious. My husband and I were able to sample almost all the meat and sides on the menu but I thought the pork ribs and frijoles were the stand out. Fall off the bone, nicely seasoned, well smoked. Additional nice touches were the fresh pico de gallo, friendly customer service. It wasn't too busy during lunch, but I imagine as word gets out this place is going to witness lines of people waiting for their Texas BBQ experience. read more

El Monte BBQ - All the meats - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

the brisket was amazing and the portions are huge would definitely recommend to anyone coming through the area or around the area

Food gets a 5 star, but the service is 1 Star. Ordered the brisket, potato salad, and creamed corn. The food was amazing! Zero complaints, I wanted more. The only way I'd eat it again is if I didn't have to go and get it. Facility is tiny, 4 tables in there and it still feels crowded. Only one guy working. This guy can cook but he can not run a restaurant. Imagine you have a buddy who always BBQ's and then you told him that he should open a restaurant, then he opens this tiny place and has no idea how to run a restaurant or serve customers but damn it he can cook. I waited in line for about 25 mins and there was only 4 people ahead of me. read more

Perfection. Brisket had amazing flavor! The hubs and I were fighting over the bark. No sauce needed. Fell apart with the ease of the plastic fork provided. The potato salad was flawless. Everything was so good, we even had dessert! Which was also a Win! We are thinking of coming back later for ribs! Don't miss this place! read more

I was very disappointed yesterday ): I have heard good things about this place so I order for lunch yesterday. Everything was VERY salty the potato salad and ribs we're almost inedible due to the over powering salty flavor. The brisket and rice weren't bad but I was really hoping for some good Texas BBQ . read more

Really great Texas style BBQ!!! Sides are good, too. I love their BBQ, all their meats, especially the brisket & ribs. Big, thick, juicy, yum!!! Can't go wrong here, many specialties and all are excellent! Get there quickly as they may run out! They have changed their hours & days, now open for lunch & dinner, Thur-Sun. Outside dinning available, too. Covid safe! Great folks, great food!! read more

Love supporting local businesses and this one took us a while to get to but we were so happy with our food. We got brisket plates and everything was so freaking good. Please come by and give it a try! We picked ours up to go. They made ordering over the phone a breeze and it was ready exactly when they said it would be. If you are in the area I definitely recommend. read more

Huge shout out to El Monte BBQ and their outstanding, above and beyond customer service. A very dear friend was hospitalized in San Antonio. We are from Cincinnati and know nothing of the area. We wanted to send her wife a nice meal while she is taking care of her. They took the time to deliver the meal themselves to the hospital. My friend's wife said that the food was great and just what she needed. If I am ever in San Antonio or know anyone who will be I will certainly send them that way! read more

Very poor customer service. BBQ half way tasty, nothing to shout about. portions are small. ribs are dry, brisket needs seasoning with better spices. Bad customer service. read more

Wow! You must eat here! Father and son BBQ joint not to be missed! The brisket, pork ribs and sandwiches we ordered were absolutely incredible. The rub on the ribs is equal parts sweet and savory. They also make their own pickles which are beautifully done! Customer service is top-notch! Thank-you! read more

The brisket was on point. The pan de campo was great once I took it to go and reheated it. Wife figured it out and I ate it room temp, but it was better heated up a little. Cream of corn was exactly what I expected. Potato salad went fast. Next time I'll get the pint. Smoked turkey was tender and flavorful. Sausages were good. A bit dry but still worth it for the price point. Overall they executed bbq well and it's a well deserved 5. Oh and the ribs. They were awesome as well. This place is good guys. read more

As a displaced Texan now in California, the only way we get real 'que is out of my smoker, so we never let a visit to Texas pass without hitting one of our BBQ faves around town. This time, we took a chance on something new and stopped in after a visit to the San Antonio Aquarium with my daughter and my folks. So glad we did -- excellent brisket, tasty sausage, and a friendly pitmaster in Chef Jaime. Cozy inside -- 18 seats capacity -- but comfy and tasty. They've just started doing pulled pork and turkey. Didn't get to try that this time, but there's always next time! read more

To me, this is the best barbecue in San Antonio. Granted, I've only eaten at 3 or 4 places but they're hands down the best. The pit master is a nice guy but you can tell he's serious about his meat. read more

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This is an update to my first review. I have gone back a couple of times since my first review and feel it only fair to anyone who reads my reviews to update this one. The ribs are still good but even they have dropped off in quality. The last time I went for lunch I ordered two meat plate which in my estimation is too expensive for what you get ($15). After you buy a tea and or bottled water (which I cannot stand for many reasons one being the plastic) you're leaving paying $20 which is just too much when you compare the food with already established places like 2M and my favorite, Kings Hwy Brew and Que. My brisket tasted like it had been boiled and was flavorless, it was not worth $20/lb that's for sure. I hope this was just a one time thing as it was good the other two times I ate here. The ribs were just OK compared the first time I ate here as well. The potato salad portion is tiny and served at room temperature and the beans are a solid OK at best. If I am going to spend $20+ at a barbeque place I expect the food to be good every time, not get nickeled and dimed for water and or have some ambiance. (Jaime, I do understand sales 101, but it just feels like too much) This place is in a bit of a rundown shopping center. The owner is as nice as can be but sadly the food quality has dropped off and when you couple that with what I consider high prices compared to other choices in town my review has to go to a 3-star from a 5-star. I will say that the lunch special seems like the only fairly priced deal and it is very good, it is two chopped barbeque sandwich's. I wish the owner and this place well but unless things change I doubt I will be back. read more

The BBQ was incomparable and the service was excellent. Every bit of food we ate left me wanting more, but the generous helpings left me with no space left to fill. I could not have had a better experience. Additionally, when the food took a little longer than expected, they gave us a free pan de campo dessert purely out of the kindness of the hearts. Overall, I could not have enjoyed my experience more. Thank you, El Monte! read more

Ate lunch here with my girlfriend and it was really good. The smoke sausage and creamed corn is outstanding! The sausage has just the right snap. I got the three meat plate. I also got the ribs and the brisket. The rib was incredibly tender and just fell off the bone while also being well seasoned. I didn't get to the brisket because I was stuffed. I took it home for leftovers. The service was fast and friendly. I will definitely be back! read more

El Monte BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

A hole in the wall place with great bbq. It's hard to find the real deal. I had the brisket sandwich. Really good.

Get place good service and family owned. pulled pork sandwich is my favorite in town.

What if I told you I just consumed the best rib, the best brisket, and the best pan de campo I've ever had. All on the same trip, on the same day, all on the same plate. This has got to be some sort of a dream I've fallen into.... Seating is typical Texas communal style. And then comes the food.... Pork ribs: no fork or sauce needed, fall off the bone perfectly tender pork. The pink ring is certified Brisket: save the best for last. I'm not even sure how to put this into words. It's seriously like an out of body experience after one bite. I've had melt In your mouth brisket before, but never this much flavor. I can only assume this was dry rubbed by the hand of God. Surely one cannot handle such glorious meat too many times in one week, so for the sake of meat enthusiasts everywhere, El Monte has decided to only open 5 days a week. Pace yourself and plan accordingly! El Monte BBQ & The Avila Family has forever ruined any chance of me enjoying any BBQ after this. As a result, I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from BBQ. I always thought of myself as the type to go out on top, and surely nothing tops this. It's been real....(mic drop; rather fork drop) It's probably a good time to call it quits anyways; these by the pound prices would have me broke real quick.... read more

My wife and I tried it for the first time. Wonderful, local spot. The outdoor venue is byob. It's set up primarily as a to-go facility but has spots for you to sit and enjoy outdoors if you choose. We can't wait to go back read more

El Monte Bbq is a hole in the wall restaurant with a big punch. The owner, Jaime Avila, is always there to greet you and he plates your food as soon as you set your order! I had my food less than a minute upon ordering it! The best part? It was fresh! I'm a sucker for brisket and sausage, so I ordered those two with my sides of potato salad and beans. The brisket tasted fresh and the sausage was delicious! The beans were nice and creamy. The interior had a really homey feel, despite the small size. El Monte BBQ also does to go orders and sells meat by the pound. Excellent spot for lunch because of it's fast service and great food! read more

El Monte BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Delicious and amazing! Will definitely be back. I had the brown bag special, two chopped brisket sandwiches and sausage link. The sandwich bread was toasted perfect and the juicy flavorful brisket was excellent. The sausage was some of the best I've had in awhile. The sausage was cooked perfectly read more

El Monte BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I'd so much like to give a good review for this place because the owner/pitmaster and the lady working the register were so polite and accomodating. And I've seen the other favorable reviews, both on Yelp and by the guy reviewing joints for the Express News. So maybe I just visited on an off day, but I can't recommend it based on this one visit. The food smelled AWESOME! Driving home I was tempted to pull over and dive in! But I waited, only to be disappointed. The brisket was moist and, to be fair, tasted good. But it was CHEWY! Not tough and dry like an overcooked roast, but chewy, as if Jaimie cut with the grain instead of across. At $20/lb, I expect, no I DEMAND brisket that's fork tender. The ribs had good texture and decent flavor, but the undersides were tough and a little dry. The sausage was the lone standout. Not a traditional coarse grind like many Texas joints, but a finer ground, very juicy and slightly salty link. Very tasty! I understand that Jaimie bucks the practice of low and slow by cooking at around 350 degrees. But there are only one or two notable places in Texas that do the same and I've not eaten at them. El Monte's meats seemed to suffer from a too high temp, too fast cook. Even if the interior fat rendered, it might have just blown right out of the meat. Not sure of the whys, but I do know I'd expect better for the price. read more

The owner is there and can explain everything about his Q to you. He makes everything himself, including yummy beans and a mustardy potato salad. Tried the ribs (supergood), the brisket (I got the lean but it was still fatty around the edge) as well as the aforementioned sides and a piece of special bread which I wasn't that crazy about but I'm the minority in that opinion. Overall-- excellent BBQ and sides, but the price for just me eating a 2 meat plate was over $20 when you add in the piece of bread ($1) and a water (bottled for $2)...that is a bit pricey in my estimation. read more

This place had great bbq. Its interesting in that its really small and you can only order 1 way. It may be a little expensive, but the meat was really good. Well worth it! They also make the bbq sauce from scratch and its good. Heavy tomatoey and spicy. We had Spanish rice and potato salad and cream of corn - all delicious. So, if you want good meat more than anything else, this is your spot. read more

Brisket was tender and good for the most part. But over seasoned badly. Potato salad just tasted like mustard. Rice was undercooked. BBQ sauce was good read more

Excellent customer service- in town from Southern California and we have been trying different bbq places and this place wins. So amazing. I wish I can bring this place back to California. The brisket is amazing the sides the everything! read more

Attended a Yellowstone watch party where they served El Monte BBQ to go with the theme. All the meats were perfectly cooked. The sides were super tasty. The chocolate cake was moist and not too sweet. The banana pudding was topped with peanut butter cookie crumbs. Everything was absolutely delicious. read more

Came in right before close. Let me just say, WOW. This is by far the best BBQ spot in San Antonio. I'm not really a BBQ connoisseur but I have to say...of all the BBQ spots in San Antonio - this place is top notch. read more

My favorite place for BBQ in the San Antonio area. The brisket is cooked to perfection. Not too much seasoning and the perfect amount of flavor. Ribs are tender, sausage is great and we love all the sides. Although I love everything on the menu, my favorite item is the pan de campo! It compliments everything so well. We tried the peach cobbler during our last visit and we will now be ordering it for dessert every time we come! Great job to the owner, Jaime who is also the pit master and is ALWAYS working right next to his employees. I love a restaurant where I can personally shake the owner's hand! read more

El Monte BBQ - Brisket, Sausage, Ribs, Charro Beans, Creamed Corn, and PAN DE CAMPO! - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This has been my third or fourth visit to this tiny little hole in the wall BBQ restaurant and I have been very happy on each visit. The employees are very friendly and helpful. The food has been awesome on each visit. In particular I love the brisket. Very tender, moist, and seasoned to perfection. Highly recommend! read more

Finally stopped by this place. My wife and I had been putting it off for a while, and now we're kicking ourselves as to why we took so long to try. The Avila family does it right! Jaime Avila Jr, Pit Master, has taken family recipes to the next level. I could tell you the brisket is without a doubt the Best in San Antonio, but I'm not(even though I just did). I'm gonna say, come try for yourself. For me personally, Avila has perfected South Texas "Aya en El Monte" BBQ. Ps: you've got to try their "Pan de Campo". read more

It's Hands down the best brisket that I have eaten ... my favorite bbq place in San Antonio ..

Decided to try El Monte BBQ based off of a review posted one year ago and from the very first bite we are so glad we did. The fresh HOT pan de campo is amazing! We haven't even made it home yet to taste the BBQ but from the aroma we cannot get home fast enough! read more

El Monte BBQ - Pan de Campo - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

My wife and I ordered from El Monte BBQ this Saturday, and this place is so damn good. The turkey is juicy and very flavorful and delicious, the ribs are fall off the bone and just pure deliciousness, the pulled pork just amazing, and the brisket smokey and flavorful and just stupendously good. The side are also really good, my wife loved the cream corn and potato salad, and me loved the rice tastes like moms. Anyone thinking of going or ordering from here should you will be in for a delicious meal, and like me prolly for a few days as they are not afraid to feed you. Thank you to the owner Jaime for calling to let us know that they ran out of pan de campo and we switched to tortillas. I'll definitely be ordering again for my BBQ needs!!!! read more

I NEVER leave reviews! Try the turkey, it's so full of flavor and moist. The brisket is great too! I just tried Pan De Campo for the first time. It is way too good! I think I'd come for the Pan De Campo and stay for the BBQ! Give this place a try! read more