Different place-- attached to a hardware store. Pretty good barbeque. We shared a plate of ribs and brisket. Friendly service. read more

Friendly, clean, not far off the main drag and highway I40. There in Tucumcari is a great little BBQ joint cum old fashioned Ranch Supply store. Lots of memorabilia to walk through and things that you could buy right now - dishes, clothes, vintage items. One large bathroom - roomy and clean with a super funny and relevant sign above the toilet. Welcomed into the place and asked if we were eating with them or was it take away. Eating In. Found the cafe part of the place stood and pondered the menu (pretty much same menu as posted in the pics) and decided what meats we each wanted on our 2 meat plate + 2 sides. Spicy sausage link with cheese, brisket, slaw and potato salad for him; ham and turkey meat for me with the beans (warned that they'd be talking later) and slaw. Each had a big slice of bread + butter and a sugar cookie. Drinks of lemonade and unsweetened tea were all you could drink and came as part of the meal. There are canned sodas and bottled Coca Cola for an extra price. I saw there was fresh coffee in the pot. All food was very delicious, fresh made, and served generous sized portions. We had so much leftovers we have a good start on tonight's dinner/supper. On the television was the Western/INSP channel with High Chaparral playing. Blast from the past. Great Wall art all over the place, and even outside on the "patio" area where there's cooking going on (spare ribs were smoking for tomorrow's customers). This looks to be a family run business with a friendly attitude. As the husband went to pay the owner-ess started to type in the credit card machine. My husband asked "Do you take cash" to which she replied "yes, we just do see it much." There ain't many a truer statement, everywhere we go it's typically the card. Husband tried to leave a tip and she wouldn't accept it. Just come on back again. I highly recommend this place as a stop over for a leisurely, friendly meal. As we left, the husband said "Nice ole folks ... Usually we have to pay for the cookie (home baked sugar cookie) and they gave it to us free as part of the meal." read more

This place was friendly and the food was delicious. It wasn't the best bbq I've had, but it was still very good, huge portions, and a good price for everything we got! My plate came with one meat, two sides, a cookie, a Shasta soda, and a slice of bread. I ate half of it there, boxed it up, and enjoyed the rest as leftovers later. The leftovers were just as tasty! read more

Watson's BBQ - Brisket with sides - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

Friendly service and in a cute hardware shop. Got 4 dinners togo while passing through. They were packed well & Portions are big, and we even had a complimentary fresh baked cookie with each meal. The bbq sauce was very tasty, smokey and sweet (similar to Texas / KC style sauce). The sausage was my favorite of all the meats, with cheese inside of it and it comes from a texas farm. The brisket was moist, both chopped and sliced, and the mac n cheese was very yummy and gooey with white cheddar. Even the side salad was fresh and a good size portion! read more

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MUST SEE Well, if you're traveling through Tucumcari and have a hankering for some barbecue. Watson's barbecue is the place to go. Veteran owned (44 yrs) family run business with great hospitality and service. You cannot beat the old New Mexico charm of this place. They have a large gift shop with Western wear trinkets, supplies and hardware. Reduced hours are from 9 AM to 3 PM and family is getting ready to retire soon. So now is your chance to see a piece of New Mexico history before it's gone. read more

Watson's BBQ - GIANT Wednesday baked potato special. Call in early to make sure you get one. Pick up by 3 PM. - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

The smoked turkey was so flavorful and moist. The barbecue sauce has a nice sweet spicy kick. The couple who runs the place are adorable. The patio is very eclectic, down to the stray neighborhood cats who beg for food. read more

Friendly hometown service and fabulous BBQ. You will find it down a side street ... well worth the diversion off the freeway.

I came here because of the Yelp reviews. It was my first time going to Tucumcari, and I was really shocked to find such a nice, lively place in an otherwise pretty desolate town. I'm from the South and miss having good barbecue on the West Coast (honestly most barbecue I've had in California looks better than it tastes), so this was a great surprise. The restaurant itself is a small extension of the general store in the front - we went to the restroom and noticed how spotless they were. The owners are a kind elderly couple, and they really seem to love taking care of their customers and making delicious food. We weren't super hungry at the moment but needed a rest stop, so we got a three meat plate and shared it. I knew it was going to be good the moment it came out on a styrofoam plate; the best barbecue always comes on a styroform plate or tray and might have some tinfoil to separate the bread. They were kind enough to provide some extra bread and sauce for us, and we were told that they had unlimited refills in the cooler. As a Southerner, of course I had to have my ice tea with my barbecue! They were out of mac and cheese that day which would have been my top choice, but the potato salad and beans were still excellent! In my opinion, the ribs were the star of the show. Fall-off-the-bone tender, nicely smoked and pink, soft cartilage - they were some of the best ribs I have ever had. The pulled pork was juicy, and the brisket was delicious as well! The sauce they provide is well-balanced and add good flavor without overpowering the already-perfect meat. Anyways, stop by Watson's! It's well worth it, and you'll be rolling out the store wishing you'd gotten a rack of ribs to-go (speaking from experience)! read more

Watson's BBQ - Three meat plate (pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket) with a side of potato salad and beans, unsweetened iced tea - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Always a must when we are back visiting, Watson's is solid all around and is worth stopping in if you are driving through Route 66. Their small dining area is attached to the Ranch Supply store, which is full of great souvenirs and other local items. This place is really one of a kind! We ordered chopped brisket, smoked turkey and smoked sausage along with sides of potato salad and beans. They also include a large container of BBQ sauce - a good mix of sweet and vinegar, just right! All the meats and sides were perfect and like others have said, the staff is very friendly and welcoming. read more

Watson's BBQ - Chopped brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Stopped here, Tucumcari, driving through New Mexico, and it was a great decision. Great BBQ and Hospitality in a very small town. The gentleman/pitmaster who cooked the food said they are famous for their brisket, ribs and sausage, so that's what we ordered. We ordered the 3 meat meal with sides, Mac n cheese, baked beans and potato salad. Let me say, the meat tasted like they just butchered the steer and hog, very fresh. Everything was great. The sides were homemade and everything was very good. The pitmaster and a lady, who I assumed was his wife, were very kind and friendly. read more

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It's hard to write a review for a place you absolutely love and adore. My gf and I came here on a whim from the yelp reviews and were not let down at all. The generosity of the owners is beyond what you experience in a coastal city, they genuinely enjoy seeing a smile on their customers faces. Everything is amazing, and the green chili cobbler is out of this world. If we ever make it back we will definitely be stopping here! read more

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Over priced and just ok food. Ok service from the waiter. The bartender/seater was very nice.

The food was very sub par. The pulled pork sandwiches were just ok but the burger was the worst I've ever had. It had no flavor although when I saw it I thought it looked really tasty but it was flavorless and the meat tasted like a boiled frozen patty. You get a cookie but even that tasted old and it was hard. My burger had green chili and I couldn't even taste that. The only good thing was the Mac n cheese so I absolutely do not recommend this place. The previous reviews must have been friends or family. Was going to post pics the food is on the trash. read more

The employees were fantastic. The food wasn't. However, I just came from Texas, so I was expecting more. The brisket was tough, chewy, and had unrendered fat. The beans and potato salad were plain but solid. The cole slaw was crisp and good. I had the green chili apple cobbler for dessert, which I didn't finish. The ice cream seemed cheap and store bought. The cobbler lacked flavor. read more

Historic, quaint, cafe atmosphere. Red checkered table cloths are the real deal. Super friendly service but the BEST thing about this wonderful little place is the incredible food. The ribs and brisket are seriously among the best I've ever had! All the sides were yummy read more

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On a road trip, heading east towards home, Kansas City area. We skipped lunch in Albuquerque for this place. Worth the wait! The brisket "po boy" was fabulous and the price was good. Nice staff, very friendly! And in a very cool General Store.... Highly recommend! read more

Great service and great BBQ. Can't expect more than that in Tucumcari, NM. Worth a stop if you are passing through and need a lunch break.

Unbelievably good BBQ inside a hardware store. When you enter the store, the smell of yummy BBQ hits you and you know you're in the right place. read more

Definitely a must stop on your way through Tucumcari! It's a little off the main road, but worth the stop. The owners were both the nicest people. Had the brisket po boy daily special with slaw, pickles and onions. It came with chips, cookie and a drink! Sandwich was delicious as was the slaw. Also had to sample the green Chile apple cobbler. That cobbler is amazing, just a slight hint of the green Chile. It has a cute little gift shop attached too! Definitely worth the stop! read more

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We passed through Tucumcari on a recent trip to New Mexico. We stopped at Watson's looking for some decent BBQ. we were NOT disappointed. The ribs were probably the best I have ever had. The brisket was also amazing. The service was top notch and we were treated wonderfully. Any trip on Route 66 or through Tucumcari should include a stop at Watson's BBQ. read more

Wow. Some of the best barbecue I've ever had. When you walk in you wonder if you're in the right place. It's in the back of a old school hardware store. The people who work there are so sweet. When I went to pay, the woman wouldn't allow me to give her a tip! She said "we don't take tips here, just refer someone!" Can you imagine! Go here! read more

What else to say? Worth the stop. Best BBQ off I-40....shaded, fanned place to sit outside with your dogs Don't miss it! read more

Watson's BBQ - Patio - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

This had to be one of the best bbq places I have been to. And I am from Texas! We both had a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw and beans..... DELICIOUS! Came with a cookie each and we had to try the apple, chili pepper cobbler. OMG! I think the best park was the people though. Nicest group of humans I have run into. Thank you all for your hospitality! read more

Watson's BBQ - Outside - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Food was great Service amazing just like described We love the atmosphere and the boutique!! Great Yelp recommendation read more

Pretty good, nothing to crazy.Cookies are good! They have a mongoose Tell someone to show you him. read more

Watson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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This place is unique as other reviewers have mentioned. It's not quite clear how or where to order, etc. It's part of the experience. Was passing through and decided to have lunch here. Had the pulled pork and ham. (They did a plate of half and half for me. Nice!) Came with two sides. I choose potato salad which was good and coleslaw which seemed a bit bland. But the coleslaw was fresh so I enjoyed it. Meal also came with a sugar cookie. read more

Looking for a place to stop for lunch and stumbled upon this 5 star BBQ spot. It did not disappoint! My husband had a chopped beef sandwich which was lean and loaded with meat. I had the salad with a mix of turkey & brisket, and it was so large that I shared it. Thank you for the good food and smiles on a long road trip!!! read more

This place is a good stop. Very cute store and good food. I wouldn't say it was great food. I've had better BBQ. Everyone was super nice and helpful. The apple chili cobbler was ok but a little over cooked. I was surprised that so many people raved about it. We got the 2 meat meal and shared it. We ordered the sausage and pulled pork. Both were tasty. Definitely not a lot of smoke just flavorful. The mac and cheese was good but cold. The beans were very good. I would say the beans and sausage were the best thing on the plate. The End read more

Watson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

What an absolute gem of a place! My brother and I stopped by during our cross country road trip, and we had the pleasure of eating at Watson's. The food is absolutely incredible. I got the burrito bowl and he got the burger. Both were delicious. We also tried the chili...don't skip that one! I could eat that every day for the rest of my life. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner and his wife, and they are truly some of the nicest, most hospitable people we've ever met. We left with full hearts and bellies. Hope to be back soon! read more

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Friendliest people, great food and an experience! A little off the beaten path but a fun place to take a break from our travels. We have a dog so we ate on the "patio". The property cats were seen but not heard, as was the neighbor's dog. Thoroughly enjoyed our break on a long road trip. read more

If you are passing thru on I-40, you have to stop in and visit this local gem. We enjoyed, ribs, brisket, turkey, ham, beans and Mac and cheese. Stella and Jimmy are warm and friendly hosts, they make sure you leave satisfied. Don't pass this BBQ/Hardware store by. read more

Watson's BBQ - Outside on patio. - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

Trust me, stop here for lunch and you will not be disappointed. I had the bbq brisket sandwich and my wife had an ortega cheeseburger. Both were amazing. Unusual hardware store/restaurant combination venue that you'll only experience in a tiny town like this. Skip the fast food chains and step out like we did. read more

Cute little store, lots of trinkets. It's very crowded with "stuff" so that can be overwhelming. Did not try the food- it was busy when we went. read more

Watson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Watsons lived up to it's Yelp reviews. We truly enjoyed our lunch. The shredded brisket was moist. The Mac and cheese was good. The cookie was good. Home made bread slice with the ribs was excellent. The two ribs were delicious. If you are in the area, stop by for lunch. read more

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We picked this place off google maps on our road trip back to California. It's definitely off the beaten path. When we arrived, we almost didn't go in because it looked like an old store in the middle of nowhere. So I quickly looked up Yelp and the glowing reviews assured us we found the right place! The restaurant is located inside the syoWe ordered the Po Boy Special which came with half pulled pork, half chopped brisket, coleslaw and pickles on pita bread. It also include a bag of chips, a cookie and a drink! Everything was so delicious that we ordered brisket, baked beans and mac & cheese to go. The people were so friendly including the other customers. Highly recommended. We'll be back! read more

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What a great find! We would not have ever known of this delightful western restaurant had it not have been for Yelp. We have needed a restaurant along I-40 for 50 years and have not wanted fast food. The family that personally runs the place is delightful. We had excellent service. It is in a hardware store. They have collected memorabilia from Route 66. It is fun to just look at all the fun items they have collected. The guest list had a couple from Norway who had signed in before us and one from Australia. You can't see it off of I-40 but it is not far away from it. The BBQ smells great as you enter. It is as good as it smells. Don't miss this stop. read more

Got cats? Do you need cats? Does your girlfriend miss her cats on your road trip? If the answer is yes to any of these questions than this place is a must stop for you. Oh, and the locals are great, the bbq is good and the menu is HUGE! A must stop when you want a bit of country charm and something much better than random road food on your trek. read more

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Basic bbq but it was super tasty. The staff was extra nice and the whole place had a good vibe. Clean eating locations inside and outside. Ordered the pulled pork sandwich which was good. read more

Watson's BBQ - Pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Sweetest staff. Honestly such great bbq (we got brisket and the pulled pork sandwich) - we will be back again when we go through ! read more

Watson's BBQ - One of the indoor seating spots inside - Barbeque Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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This place was amazing!!! The food was to die for and the service was fantastic!!! The bbq brisket melted in your mouth, I can't remember the last time I had real bbq like this! It is very unassuming from the outside but the minute you open the door you are pleasantly surprised. The front part has an old country store with a mixture of different things to buy. If you are in the area and hungry, you can not pass up this place, the couple that runs the place are super friendly and have great energy, they were wonderful! read more

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