First time here, didn't even know it existed...very impressed! Not only do they have American Bar…read moreB Q but a little of Tex-Mex. Prices are fair. Small but comfortable family atmosphere! Recommended!

Great small place that is hidden away off the main streets. Great homemade sauce and delicious…read morefood. Fast and very friendly service. This place is a definite must stop if you are driving thru.

Wow!! A gem in a small Texas Town. Right off Hwy 281 as we traveled from El Paso to south Texas…read more Old fashioned service! American classic plates like chicken fried steak, and authentic Mexican cuisine with spice combinations that remind me of my childhood. The nicest waitstaff. Chips and salsa come out first. Desserts look so yummy, but we were too full to even try them. The restaurant is an old fashioned western paradise. Even the clean restrooms are western wonders. We are returning to eat here before we travel out of the area.

6 years later and I got talked into going back today. Club sandwich with steak fries. Figured they…read morecouldn't screw that up too bad... WRONG. 4 slices of bread, single layer of bacon, single sheet of BS ham, single sheet of BS turkey, and that same bull crap lettuce and tomato they serve as a salad. Steak fries were all the burnt nubs. Nope. Still done. El Jardin closed but go to Taqueria Jalisco or Side Door Cafe if you can catch them open. Hell go get churches chicken, McDonalds or whataburger before Stricklands. Not worth your time.

We had the brisket plate and the brisket loaded, baked potato, both of them were absolutely…read moredelicious. I would definitely come back here if I were in town again. Staff was friendly. Just walk in and sit down. Yummm!

I have no idea how this place has decent reviews. The barbecue was all reheated, or at least that's…read morewhat it tasted like. The sauces were horrible. The only thing I liked about this place was a bag of chips I got. I would not recommend this place at all.

Spacious with plenty of seating. They have a section where you place your order, at the counter…read more This place has no AC. After placing our order, we were offered to dine in at the adjacent building that does have AC. We were taking our food to go, so it made no difference to us. They also offer drive through service. For those dining in, simply sit and the food comes to you. I liked that they had complementary shelled peanuts. I ordered a large loaded baked potato. Brisket was great. I also ordered a small mack n cheese to taste it. Didn't care for the mac n cheese. I will definitely be coming back to try more things from their large menu choices.

Don't miss your exit! This BBQ is the BEST I have ever had in Texas! We pulled over on Highway 281…read morewhile headed southbound. There is a Diner with AC and a 2nd building that is for more casual seating (screened in patio) or takeout. We ordered the Chopped Brisket Sandwich with a potato salad side. The meat was flavored and smoked to perfection. The bun was fresh, soft, and toasted. The ice tea was excellent. They had an extensive menu of other classic BBQ dishes and I overheard another customer praise the seafood. While enjoying our meal, we briefly chatted with the owner Brian who was very welcoming, along with his friendly staff. He explained that the majority of his restaurant business are customers that drive by since its location is in a remote area. The great news... he offers catering all the way from San Antonio to McAllen, Hidalgo, and in between! My husband & I plan on making this a destination for BBQ when we do our monthly road trips to SPI.

I hoping this business is around for a while because I sure love being able to shop at a bbq place…read more They have all kinds of spices and accessories for your everyday grilling. They can even order your next future bbq pit and they will let you know when it is ready for pickup.

Ran across this place at the gas station across the street looking for food decided to give it a…read morechance boy was so glad I knew that. some of the best stuff I've had in Texas thus far and I've been to every corner beautiful clean ambience outside even better Inside friendly help at the desk great food. I'm typing and eating. Talk to you later!!Definitely coming back!!!Thank you.

After a work trip, we decided to stop by Smolick's Smokehouse after hearing good things about their…read morebarbecue. First impression--the place is big, with plenty of seating. When you walk in, there's a clear line leading up to the register, with menus posted along the way and a large menu board up front, which makes ordering pretty easy. They offer a wide variety of options. The day we went, they had a chopped beef sandwich combo with a drink and a side for around $10, which felt like a solid deal. For my sides, I tried the mashed potatoes, potato salad, creamed corn, and okra. The okra was a standout--fresh, crispy, and really well done. The potato salad was also very good and worth getting. The creamed corn was something I hadn't had before--it included bacon and had a really unique flavor. It might not be for everyone, but I personally couldn't stop eating it, so I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. As for the chopped beef sandwich, it wasn't my favorite. It was a bit dry, even after adding extra barbecue sauce, and I didn't find it especially flavorful. That said, others in my group actually thought it leaned on the sweeter side, so your experience may vary. One thing that really stood out was the service. The staff was super friendly, patient, and happy to answer questions and help with recommendations. Overall, I'd say it's worth stopping by if you're in the area. If you're up for comparing, there's another barbecue spot a few miles down the road--Choke Canyon--that I've also enjoyed, especially for their sandwiches. Makes for a fun side-by-side if you're a BBQ fan.

Service was lackadaisical. We went up to order, but no one asked if they could help. Went to the…read morebar to get a beer to go with our cue and the bartender was so busy talking to a friend, she couldn't be attentive to our draws. Food was mediocre (for those of us who are Texas barbecue aficionados) but the sauce was good. The sauce made the barbecue. The building itself was cool and huge - they certainly have space enough for multiple private parties.

Amazing BBQ! Homemade BBQ sauce that has just the right amount of spices. Lean brisket, and…read moreburgers did not skip on taste! Thick patties and not a burger full of grease like most burger places. Mac n cheese is homemade and a gooey bowl of heaven. Like grandma makes homemade. The potato salad is the best I've had! It had capers and mustard seed that just made it! If they ask you for desert, just say yes and order peach cobbler!! Warm, homemade and served with ice cream on top that melts into the cake/bread. We left pleasantly surprised and content. We will definitely be coming back here again!

This place is so delicious! I just went there ,and will definitely return!! The brisket sandwich…read morespecial was delicious & the service was very attentive. I also couldn't get enough of their spicy bbq!! Glad that these owners are bringing life back in these downtown locations !! This location was very clean & spacious !!