This was an unexpected treasure. We are from Maryland visiting family in Houston. On the road to San Antonio, had to stop. The food was awesome . This is the authentic taste you can only find in hidden places. This place should be featured on Guy Fieri's " DINERS,DRIVE INS, & DIVES." read more

My family and I came here on Labor Day. There is a good amount of available parking. When you walk in there is a clear menu on the right wall. I found the cashier to be rude but did not blame her because order taking is a soul sucking experience. There are two buildings from what I understand and in the one you take your order in it is unair-conditioned which is bad news in 99° weather. In the other building it is better, less stuffy and cleaner. After ordering, collecting our drinks, and being given our food we went to sit down. There aren't any plates which is something I've experienced before. What threw me off is that they didn't have those big thick napkins that places without plated normally use. I don't know what the expected us to use, but ok whatever. The brisket was terribly dry, it looked almost like artificial meat. I did not try the sausage but from what I heard it was tasteless. The potato salad was fine. The sweet tea is good but that should be a given in any restaurant here in Texas. The chopped brisket was the best part, but even then I was feeling unsatisfied. This place was also insanely overpriced. Everyone was so unhappy with the food that we left and ordered the same amount of food for 20$ less from a different place on our way to San Antonio. If you're thinking about coming here, you probably should just not. read more

Child sized portions of average BBQ served up by sullen employees. Much better options nearby.

Good Texas style BBQ, met the owner Chris, local and friendly. Great place to stop in when driving across Texas on I10 for some R and R. Shiner Beer is cold as well. read more

Love this place. Old and few customers but the walls and picnic tables remind you of the original Salt Lick back in the 70s. BBQ is good. Prices are fair. People are good. read more

Joel's Bar-B-Q - Inside - Barbeque Near Me - Flatonia, Texas

I stopped at Joel's for lunch while driving from Houston to San Antonio. I had half of a chicken and an iced tea. The iced tea was strong and had good flavor. The chicken had great flavor - a good spice rub and not overly smoked. The people were friendly and the prices were reasonable. My low rating Is because the chicken spent waaaay too much time in the keep warm oven and was so dried out that about a quarter of it was the consistency of jerky. It was really inedible and I ended up throwing most of it away. This must be how they normally serve it because I don't see how the bbq cutter could have missed how dry it was when he or she cut it up. I wont be back to try something else. read more

Solid BBQ joint with no frills. Clearly a favorite of the locals and a nice place to stop in the way between San Antonio and Houston. Nice people, good sandwich. The exterior is not much to look at but I was not here for a fabulous decor. Fast service, clean environment, good food. If you are looking for fancy, this is not your place. read more

Joel's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Flatonia, Texas

I used to road trip out to this small little BBQ house with my dad on his motorcycle when I was much younger. As I got older, I would stop here with friends and other family on the way to/from San Antonio. It's honestly a hidden gem with, in my personal opinion, some of the best BBQ within driving distance of Houston! This place used to be a small little wooden shack on the side of the road that you might almost miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Since then, Joel's has expanded and is quite a big deal. You go inside, place your order with one of Joel's family members (family owned/family run) and you are given a number. You are welcome to sit at any of the picnic tables either inside or outside on the patio, and they will call your number when your order is ready. The prices are affordable and the food practically dissolves upon intake. I personally am a big fan of the chopped BBQ sandwich and a side of pecan pie! If you're on your way in/out of town, stop by for a bite! read more

I am visiting Texas for the first time. I was traveling on I 10 and was looking for something to eat. Came to Flatonia and found Joel's BBQ. I literally just finished my sandwich and it was outstanding!!! I don't understand the poor reviews, because this place rocks. By all means make a point to try Joel's. read more

We were lucky enough to see Joel's BBQ sign on our way to Houston by I-10. Friendly as heck staff, delicious food and amazing BBQ sauce. If this place was closer we'd there every week. Best regards from Costa Rica and keep going with this great place. read more

Great place to eat but they are closed on Tuesday's. Yelp says they are open so checking with a phone call might help. One of the best places to eat in Texas. read more

Amazing food and even friendlier customer service. This place is a must stop while driving through here!!! read more

Joel's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Flatonia, Texas

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While me and my bf were heading back to Mississippi from Arizona, we saw multiple billboards for this place. We decided to stop and see what real Texas barbecue tasted like and let me tell you if you want to be disappointed this is the place to go. i had the ribs and while they were tender they lacked seasoning. he had the ribs, brisket, and chicken and the brisket was the driest piece of meat I've ever tried. Same with the chicken. The chicken tasted like an unseasoned, dry turkey. This is everyone's warning to not go to this place. The only part that was good was my sprite. read more

Depending on my mood, this is either the best or second best barbecue I have had. (The other candidate is "Smokin' in Style," in Hot Springs, Arkansas.) I cannot understand the negative comments about Joel's. It is worth the ninety minute drive from where I live. read more

Dine in is great. Would return. Kinda lacking in spices but had worse, had better. Appreciate that it's close to the truck stop and within walking distance. Loved the outside diner, it was cool & breezy. Refreshing really. Busy while there, a popular place I reckon. read more

Not many people know about this little BBQ shack, and I wouldn't have either had I not taken my time to stop in here. The BBQ pork ribs are to DIE for here -- smokey, fall off the bone ribs that require NO sauce at all. They are really delicious and in fact, we made a return trip on the way back from Lockhart just to get 2 lbs of ribs and pecan pie. I'm not a big fan of their brisket, but the ribs are spot on! Best BBQ pork ribs I've ever had. Hands down. It's very easy to get to if you're on IH-10 heading westbound -- exit Texas 95, like you're going to Shiner Texas, cross over 95 and its right there. Its a small run-down shack, but the BBQ ribs have my soul -- they are that good. read more

Gee, me and my negative reviews. I've had BBQ for awhile and I guess I should not expect high quality food from a roadstop on the I-10 freeway in between Houston and San Antonio. They are located in the strip mall they share with a craft store and a Mexican restaurant. It's a tiny shack and it feels as though you have stepped back in time. I had their chopped beef sandwich, coleslaw and potato salad. While the coleslaw and potato salad was good, I wasn't too impressed with their chopped beef sandwich. read more

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Great rest stop along the way to Houston from San Antonio. This BBQ joint is the real Texas thing. It's located almost exactly between Houston and San Antonio with easy IH10 access so it makes for a nice half-way pit stop. I stopped here with my mom on our way up for a weekend trip. There is a nice and very quaint gift shop right next door with some unique to Flatonia gimmicks & souvenirs. IMO this makes for a wonderful pit stop and place to stretch your legs after a bite to eat before getting back on the road. My only ding for the experience was the cashier seemed a little rushed and I said we had never been there before and needed to see the menu she just looked away instead of offering some popular favorites - not that it's a requirement but she seemed unconcerned we were there. The prices are just okay - sort of inline with what you would find in a big city which was a bit of a surprise considering it's located in Flatonia. All in all I've made a mental note to stop here at least one more time in the near future. read more

Joel's Bar-B-Q - Chopped beef loaded potato, so good! So big! - Barbeque Near Me - Flatonia, Texas

On the way from Houston to San Antonio and stopped for lunch at this roadside bbq. The only thing I liked about this place was the set up with the huge smoker inside the building, authentic however that's where it ends. I ordered pulled chicken with a side of slaw. We took it outside to eat cause inside was dirty, and needs a good cleaning to get rid of those giant Texas bugs. The chicken was chalky tasting and the sauce was more like ketchup than bbq sauce, It was served on bagged white bread bought at the local Kroger's. I would say keep on driving if your headed that way. I saw a few positive remarks on this place and maybe I just didn't get it, Definitely not coming back! read more

Another thing to do to fill the voids while driving! 1/2 way from San Antonio to Houston this is a perfect stop for fuel for the body! right off the highway this is what a pit-stop is all about. The BBQ here is impressive. The meat has a great smoke flavor and there is a nice selection of sandwiches and sides for a quick stop or a sit down meal. Not the prettiest place to look at but it's clean, close and the food is fantastic! KT read more

The wife and I visit this BBQ pit stop I have so named it many times over the years. Our speciality the large Sliced BBQ sandwich and a couple bags of Beef Jerky to bring back home with us if it makes it that is. Nice little pit stop are break area coming are going from the coast. read more

On the road decided to stop and give them another try. I walked in and was told that they have put everything away. Sign says open till 8pm, door was open and it was 7:30. Asked if there was anything available a sandwich or a sausage. Nothing. We told two other people that drove up that they closed early. Disappointing. Lost three diff customer. read more

Me and my partner (obviously gay my gf's masc) ordered the exact same thing as our two single friends behind us. They someone how forgot/lost our order (convenient) and we watched as TEN other people and families got served before us including our friends. When my girlfriend went up and asked where out food was they said we hadn't ordered. Like we hadn't been sitting in the booth in front of the counter waiting for the last THIRTY minutes waiting. While the girl who was the cashier side eyed us and continued to make faces at my gf. They just kept saying that we hadn't ordered and then the guy talking to my gf proceeded to just walk away and leave her standing there for five minutes. Not answering where our food was. Until one guy came over and said our ticket must've "blown away". Not LGBT friendly. Total wait time to get food 33 minutes when the other half of our four person group got their food within 5 minutes of ordering. Not to mention the guy behind the counter literally picking his nose as he handed out food because yeah that's sanitary. read more

Very rude! Got there with 10 minutes to spare before closing after driving two hours excited to get there to have the rude lady yell "WERE CLOSED"! through the screen door. Guess business must be booming and there completely out of food! SMH ‍ read more

I pulled off the Highway because it's BBQ, how can you mess it up? It was bad...I got the brisket sandwich...literally gross..no seasoning on the meat on two slices of bread. Bread was soggy before I opened it. read more

Pretty good meal! Stopped in on our way home to college station and decided to try it out even though it had mixed reviews. Totally satisfied! Ribs and brisket were moist and the sides were tasty too. My husband had the sliced brisket sandwich Texas size, and he liked it too! Tasty sauce and no complaints. Will stop in again next time we're in the area. read more

On the way home to Mississippi and had to try Texas bbq on my way home right? Dry brisket unseasoned dry chicken and ribs. Sauce was horrible and oh yea two slices of cheap white bread to sum up this place is just to say it's dry overpriced mid bbq read more

Brisket was tough,cold,and had no taste! Bean were hot and the coleslaw was good! We won't go back! read more

BBQ chicken was excellent potato salad could of been better the potatoes were in little pieces

Aight -- I like the down-home feel of this place. You can tell that locals come here A LOT. They have a room next to the serving area that actually has A/C -- that you JESUS. The food was great -- I loved the lady working the register -- what a hoot. They have lots of sundries for sale while you are waiting for you lunch. Definitely a good option. read more

We have stopped here for years on our way back and forth from Houston and SA. Have to say it's some of my favorite BBQ, speedy service, friendly staff, and clean restrooms! The chopped BBQ is my favorite but everything is great. Lots of drink options as well. read more

Are you hungry? Stay hungry. Don't eat here. That's right, I said it. This is Mike Gorzilla... Connoisseur of great BBQ and quite frankly I'd rather eat your vomit than another dry aged, left under a heat lamp, over cooked plate from Grandpa Joel - who needs to retire from the kitchen! I regrettably ordered a two meat dish with sausage and brisket. Both of which were reminiscent of my travels through death valley, California; where everything was exhausted of all moisture from its contents. The meats were cracked, much like the desert ground. The flavor rendered my tastebuds numb to any potential enjoyment and my stomach will surely express it's lack of appreciation at the next pit stop. I questioned asking for a refund but their operations seemed so elementary that I opted to dispute the charge with my bank, instead. Folks, save yourselves from disingenuous BBQ. Go to Black's or Rudy's or even MC Donald's. read more

Go here for a authentic type Barbecue experience. You order in a log cabin. The food is tasty and service is always with a smile. Hey wives, let the husband order and go shop at Rhinestone Angel. read more

Like others have already mentioned- DRY. Really dry. Had bbq pork and the chicken. BBQ sauce really boring and bland. Potato salad and beans tasteless too. Such a shame. Midway between Houston and San Antonio, lots of parking, 2 quaint rustic buildings, and really poor quality food. This could be a mini gold mine if only it were executed better. Not sure how many reviews like this an owner needs to see before making changes. read more

Thumbs down Joel. It's not "Texas size". The only thing that was decent was the sauce. I ordered a chop beef sandwich and a sausage on stick. I don't mind paying money when asked "Texas size". Sandwich was normal nothing "Texas size" about it served on white bread. The chop beef had very little flavor and the sausage on the stick was not great had very a flavor. Restroom and dining was very clean. read more

My ribs were fine, but I ONLY GOT THREE of them. The beans were skimpy and just above room temperature. The coleslaw was great. The tea was brewed which was great. I feel like for the price I paid I should have received 5-6 ribs. There is no way to adequately describe the disappointment I felt when I saw only three ribs. I bought a lunch here, and now I am going across the street and get a hot dog. read more

Called in an order while driving through on I-10. My wife and I both enjoyed lunch plates. I ordered the 3 meat plate which included ribs, brisket,sausage, cole slaw and potato salad. The staff was very nice. I was very happy with this meal and look forward to picking up another next time we pass through Flatonia. read more

For a BBQ restaurant to have many signs advertising this restaurant, they need to step up their game. I ordered the chopped beef baked potato which I was tasteless, dry and no flavor what so ever! There was no butter, the chopped beef had no flavor, the onions were white onions that were sliced for sandwiches and the cheese was two pieces of American cheese that was slightly melted. I was with a five others, three of them also ordered the potato and we ended up throwing the majority of them away. The other two ordered chopped beef sandwiches and both said they were missing flavor. I wish I had a photo of the baked potato to show how sad it looked.. read more

Sadly disappointing. This is NOT the same place as was 10 years ago. What the heck happened??? Brisket was underdone and flavorless. Chewy and fatty. Chopped beef sandwich was decent but the order was incomplete. Potato salad was the best thing on the table. Get a new Pitmaster and upgrade the quality of meat. Only then will I be back. SH read more

5 stars to the service but the brisket, sausage and ribs were too dry and lacking flavor. The only good thing that we tried were the chocolate chip cookies. read more