Watson's BBQ in Tucumcari - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Super friendly staff. Delicious bbq.

The food here is to-die-for! The portions were large for the price. A plate is definitely shareable. The precious lady at the register was a delight. There is a diverse maze of kitch and goods around the store. The only thing that brought it down for us was that the clientele was very cold, unwelcoming, and edgy.

Best place to come and get some BBQ and sit down and relax after a long drive on the highway and enjoy your BBQ

We stopped in with 17 people. Some of the best bbq I've ever had. We all had our food in 30 minutes or less. Very friendly service. The owner even brought our food out to us as well. Great place to eat. We will definately be back.

Best food! I think we could live off the BBQ sauce and beans! This is one of those "what exactly are we getting ourselves into" moments, but oh ya'll don't question it - just try it. So worth it! Clean, good, affordable - the people running this place work their butts off and you can tell!

Can’t say enough good things about this small business. Stopped at Watson’s BBQ on the way back home to KS. The owners are the most personable people ever - and it shows in every aspect of their business. We tried the 3-meat plate, brute burrito, and brisket and sausage sandwich. ALL of it was delicious. However, what struck me the most about our visit, was learning more about the owners. Operating a restaurant was never in their plans; the business originally was a hardware store (& is still there), but due to extreme drought and the recession in ‘08, they had to think of another business or else they would have to close. It’s continued to work out for the owners… very humble, sweet and thoughtful people. I think due to age, they want to step away from the business and start a new chapter in their lives…. so they now have the business for sale… 16 years after opening the restaurant and 36+ years after opening the hardware store. Finally, when I was paying with my card, I noticed the reader didn’t ask me for a tip. When I offered her cash tip, she wouldn’t take it. She said to tell all your friends about it, leave a review, and come back to see them again. Overall, a great experience!! Please give them a visit… you won’t be disappointed by the food nor service. Wishing them the best!!

Very friendly service and great food.

This is a place of true "New Mexicana". It has such character and soul. You feel like you're a part of the vibe of Tucumcari and of the greater southwestern culture when you eat at a place like this. I had the BBQ sandwich sliced with extra BBQ sauce and it was delicious. My sides were macaroni and beans which I also found to be very satisfying. My meal was filling but did not leave me feeling heavy and gross like some barbecue can. The owners were extremely nice and made me and my companion feel very welcome even though it was my first time in Tucumcari. I highly recommend. Be careful petting the mongoose!

The couple who run (own?) this homey joint are an absolute gem, some of the most gracious folks you'll meet on your trip. The BBQ is the real deal, too. I had the most pleasantly strange "Po' Boy" ever: brisket in a pita. It was awesome. The whole store is worth a stroll, as every corner has something to see. Highly recommended stop. 💯

I stumbled across this place en route to Texas and an overnight stay in Tutumcari. We had the brisket sandwich plates and they were absolutely fantastic. The owners/staff were very friendly and felt like a family owned place, which I loved. The BBQ was perfect as were all the sides. Highly recommend!

Great brisket, and the friendliest staff I’ve encountered in ages.

Outstanding food and friendly folks. Our favorite meal on our 4000 mile roadtrip!!

Friendly joint in the rear of a supply store. Locals eat here— a good sign! Stella is lovely and all the desserts are home made. Yummy pulled pork though the sandwich was a bit small. Wish they had Diet Coke not just Shasta

I was traveling around Tucumcari a month or so ago and seen this place but didn't have the time to stop. I love little places like this. I was there again recently and was not going to miss the opportunity again. I'm glad I stopped in. This place is so cool and has amazing food. The service is outstanding. I wish I could have stayed longer and looked around as there is quite a bit to see if you walk around their store. Really cool place and I highly recommend it if you are looking for some good barbeque and a little place to shop for some different items you don't find just anywhere. Really neat place, great job owners for creating it!

It was fall-off-the-bone GREAT! And as great as that was, it was even greater to see long-time friends. Come in and make a friend!

Nice cozy place for some good BBQ

This is the most comfortable spot I have ever seen. My family and I felt right at the home. The cook lady had the most welcoming personality. I'm so indecisive when it comes to placing a food order and she was sooo patient with me. 10 out of 10

Such a cool place to eat at, the food's good, service is great, and the shop and table area is a place to get lost in.

Bbq was some of the best I’ve ever had and Jim was great to talk too I will be back.

Truly delightful!! We heard it's the best; apparently we heard right! Great atmosphere and VERY friendly service. The food is the best. Don't pass by; give them a try!

They deserve every star in their reviews! For $12.95 we got shredded brisket on a great pita with onions and coleslaw on top, chips, a drink, and a cookie. Great bargain but even better food! The brisket was melt in your mouth tender. The pita was fresh but able to hold all the innards without falling apart. The cookie was both chewy and crunchy. The only draw back is that it was hard to find since it was inside another store.

The food was absolutely delicious. And the people..so so very nice.

If you only stop at one spot in Tucumcari (or New Mexico in general) make it here. Amazing service, food, and vibes. Get the turkey!

Maybe I will drive an hour and a half to try this place that was rated 24th in the top 100 best bbq places in the country. ☝️

Best green chili burrito ever! Can’t wait till we are on our way back to get another one! I had my veggies on the side. Excellent Apple cobbler also. People were nice and friendly. My first review ever they deserved it!!

The best bbq in the whole USA!! Amazing western atmosphere. Price and plate size are fine

Very unique store/restaurant. Delicious food. If you only had time for one stop on your journey you could get great bbq meat and Souvenirs for the fam in one stop.

Delicious ribs and brisket, great people and a beautiful atmosphere! Do stop here, and come early - we got lucky to get the last ribs half past noon!

Great burger, very nice service, great Ambience and a small shop next door. It's worth it!

Stopped in for a quick lunch. Fast, friendly service and excellent food. I wish we had time for the cobbler. We had a plane to catch, and had a tight timeline, so I was worried about sitting down. But I needn't have worried. Five stars for the barbeque, would give more for the folks running it if I could.

Watson BBQ is a true Gem in Tucumcari. The BBQ is superb and the people are even better! Stop by you will not regret it!

Hands down the very best smoked sliced or chopped brisket Anywhere. Great BBQ pork and smoked sausage, homemade sides, chips and cookie! On our yearly trip from South Dakota to California, we intentionally go MILES out of our way for lunch and a few pounds of smoked meats to go. Usually on the way back too. Totally unexpected friendly service and great food inside a farm supply store. Follow the signs and the smell of smoke.

I found this place on Route 66 in Tucumcari New Mexico. The food had great flavor loved the potato salad the beans are not baked beans that we were used to in the Midwest but the beans had great flavor. Great place to shop as well.

Watson BBQ is the best love the owners friendly, compassion, caring ,

They were so nice. It’s in the back behind the gift shop. The food was fast and good. I got the daily special.

Passing through on our way home to Arizona and wanted something other than fast food. What a great alternative. The food was awesome and loved the store. Great place to take a rest.

We had an awesome meal at Watson's, both on the way to AZ and our trip back home to WI. Highly recommend! Both times, owner Stella shared personal experiences with us. Stella shared the killing death of State Patrol Officer Justin Hare, which happened two days prior. Officer Hare was a friend of the Watson's, a well known and outstanding member of the area. So relieved the suspect has been arrested. We give our condolences to the Watson's and Tucumcari community. God Bless this young man's soul and his family. 🙏

Recently moved to Tucumcari... been to Watson's BBQ twice.. Absolutely delicious and amazing food. Both times I ordered the PoBoy BBQ Pita with brisket...OMG... Melt in your mouth delicious... The people are amazing...the atmosphere is warm and welcoming... If you want some delicious and tender BBQ...head to Watson's BBQ right now 😎✌️💯💯💯

Delicious food, casual atmosphere, friendly hard-working staff, plenty of food for the price. 💯recommend

Small Cafe in the cutest Store Front. Great BBQ. Best Mac & Cheese. Husband doesn't like Cole slaw & he ate it all up. And the BBQ meats were tender and Tasty

Yes! Cute little place with great food. If you blink, you will miss it but it’s worth the stop. I had smoked turkey, potato salad and beans, all gluten free. All meats and most sides are GF. My husband is not GF and he had brisket, ribs and peach cobbler. All very good and highly recommended.

Awesome find just driving through Tucumcari, super friendly people and both lunch picks were delicious! 10 of 10 recommended.

Absolutely perfect, great food, friendly people, quick service and so, so good! Worth the jump off the freeway

Everyone that works at Watson's is awesome!

Good BBQ, decently priced, and it is ran by a nice lady. I thought the tea and lemonade tasted pretty watered down but otherwise the brisket, pulled pork, and the sides were lovely. Would recommend stopping here if you are ever in the area

Skipped lunch in Albuquerque to try the "Q" on our way east. Worth the price, the drive and the wait to eat there. Highly recommend!

Great food and sweet owners. They have a pet friendly patio and a great menu. A must stop!

Do not skip Watson's BBQ when traveling the 40 interstate. We stopped in NM on our trip from California to Oklahoma for poor boy BBQ brisket sandwiches and smoked turkey and it was a gastronomic delight. Mom says the potato salad is the best she has had (and she is 80 yrs old). The buildings from the amazing 40s and 50s in Tucumari are long deserted but at the end of the short five-minute drive from the main interstate, you will find a little country shop with great BBQ!

EXCELLENT, authentic BBQ! This is one of the best BBQ places we have been to across the US. This place is right off historic route 66, so you will need to leave the highway, but it is 1000% percent worth it. Ribs- excellent, pulled pork- excellent, brisket-excellent, potato salad-excellent, Mac and cheese-excellent.... if you want an old school Americana place... this is your spot! It's worth leaving the highway to stop.

What a great place to eat! The people are so sweet! The bbq is amazing! I had to get a cup of the sauce to take home because it was so good! Will definitely be making a trip back! I felt like I was at home. Thank you!

This place, the family, the food, and the Maneatting mongoose is just a fun place to eat having the best BBQ ever!!!

This place is an incredibly well hidden gem! My wife,dog and I are headed cross country and needed to charge the Tesla. We were forced to stop at a tiny town called Tucamcari and weren't expecting to find any place decent to eat. Wow! Were we wrong or what?? This little hole in the wall of a place serves up some of the best BBQ we have ever had. And remember we just drove through Texas, Mississippi And Alabama. We've been trying the BBQ at ask the right places but none of it comes close to being a good a what we had today. We had Brisket, Sausage and Ribs. They were out of the Turkey which I was told was one of their specialities. All of our was great but the Brisket was the winner in our opinion. Actually, the people who with there were the winners. They were so nice. When I asked if there was a place on the check to include a tip the reassures said, " we usually just tell people to let others know how our food is. We left a tip anyways. The food is served up right in the back of what I'd call the General Store. Just like in the old movies. If you are driving thru or pay Tucamcari, give this place a try.

My wife and I ate here back in June 2023 on our way across the state. BBQ was very good. Staff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. Wanted to try the green chili cobbler but it wasn’t ready yet so she gave us some free donuts. A special treat.

Passing thru on I-40, stopped. Ate. Loved it. Brisket, ribs, sausage were the meats Mac/Cheese and Tater salad were the sides All were *****

Everything was really great, food was delicious. All recommendations if you are passing by :)

Such a treat, a nice down home establishment, greeted immediately, took the time to explain everything, the BBQ, is the finest will find any where. A personal passion for delivering delicious food. As fellow smoker I have to bow to a master of smoke

This spot for lunch was fantastic. BBQ was great and staff was extremely friendly. Very much worth a trip.

Our meal was delightful. We scarfed down a 3-meat plate with brisket, sausage, and pork ribs with sides of Mac n cheese and coleslaw. The brisket was so tender and delicious. I’d have eaten more of that and the sides but I was stuffed. Also had a peach cobbler with ice cream and green chili apple cobbler. So glad to try both. Definitely order with ice cream and it’s just the right size. Unbelievably kind and welcoming service. So many interesting things to see and look at in terms of decor. It’s a vibe. Check it out!

This is a tasty interesting place to eat. We are glad for the stop and something different. I had the turkey salad and enjoyed the cookie!

There aren't enough words that I can string together that could describe how wonderful this place is! I had the frito pie and some smoked turkey. The frito pie was absolutely delicious, the smoke in the turkey was perfection, and the bbq sauce was on point! Great stop for a gluten free meal! The staff is so friendly also! Will be back and for sure recommend!

Friendly folks, brisket melted in my mouth, clean restroom and lots to look at. On a warmer day I bet the patio would be a nice spot to eat too. Very glad we stopped here.

Perfect stop! We were warmly welcomed as soon as we walked in and enjoyed their delicious barbecue, clean bathroom and cute shop. Brisket and pulled pork were divine! Picked up a locally made candle to remember our brief but special time here.

Incredible lunch today! Four meats: double pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Mac and cheese out of this world delicious! Thanks!

Fun casual stop on rt 66. Great bbq

Unique, a must-visit. The food is good and the people great.

Awesome BBQ! Friendly owner. Loved reading all the signs while enjoying our food and iced tea!

Very good food, very cool funky memorabilia

Don’t let the “restaurant in a general store” vibe fool you, the food was really good and the folks were hospitable. It’s a bit off the main road but we are glad we chose here.

Restaurante en plena ruta 66 No se come mal. Carne rica.

Small quirky business with big reputation for its BBQ. This is primarily a retail ranch supply store with an small eating area tucked into a corner of the building. You can order BBQ by meat, plate, eat in or take out. We tried the special lunch of the day: a huge oven baked potato with cheese,butter, sour cream and topped with BBQ meat of our choice. The wife had brisket and I the pulled pork. The lunch specials come with a drink and a cookie. We’re both particular about our BBQ; our favorites are La Boucaniere in our home town of Lafayette LA and Duke’s Grill in Hanksville UT. Although we list Watson’s a notch below these two, considering the competition they are a highly recommended go to eatery. And, of course if you like to shop, this is a ranch supply store with a large inventory of clothing, jewelry, personal items, NM products, etc. Tucumcari Ranch and Supply is located just two blocks off Route 66.

Had the pulled pork and mac ‘n cheese. Great chow in a fun place! Lots to look at as it’s a “farm supply” place also! Friendly staff. Support local!!

The BBQ excellent-ribs fall off the bone; Turkey is tender; sausage tasty, and brisket very good. Food came out nice and hot!

Watson's BBQ is fantastic!! You will not find better BBQ anywhere else!! It's unique atmosphere is a thing to behold and the owners are so welcoming and friendly. Come give it a try, you won't be disappointed!!

This is a experience, not just great food .good people, and a must stop when in Tucumcari, will be stop in as often as we can.

Great BBQ with an awesome atmosphere. Brisket was fantastic. Free tea and lemonade with lunch was a great add-on. Signs inside were fun. Perfect stop for lunch!

Pulled pork and brisket were very good. Nice country store. The Mac and cheese was creamy and good - Alfredo sauce.

a great little place. Only open for lunch, but you can get take out until 4. I got the 4-meat combo, sausage, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. They're all served plain with bbq sauce on the side to add. I'm used to bbq that has some sauce added on toward the end, but the quality was great, and it's nice to be able to control how much bbq sauce to add. BBQ sauce was fantastic!

The ambience here is totally casual and the eclectic decor is part of the fun. Hospitality and food are A+++, as the owners are very much hands-on, know what they're doing, and take pride in providing the best possible dining experience. You will know your business was appreciated!

This quaint BBQ joint hits the spot! Great food portions that won’t disappoint - try the brisket, the pork, the green chili apple pie cobbler AND the beans.

Absolutely one of my favorite places to stop on my trips west.

Amazing, we loved the brisket sandwich, which actually went really well with green chile instead of bbq sauce. Great store and vibes!

This looked a little questionable when we pulled up. It's a farm supply/gift store with a great little restaurant in it. Amazing food! Good, friendly service. I'm so glad we stopped here on our cross country trip on I 40. It's 3 minutes from the interstate.

A perfect stop in what we THOUGHT was the middle of nowhere. Turns out it is somewhere you need to try.

We visited here based on all the great reviews. The Brisket on a salad was very good and the owners attentive and down to earth.

no me esperaba parar a comer en este lugar y lo encontré por casualidad, la verdad merece la pena, me comi un pulled porc ahumado excelente, el ambiente es genial, te puedes perder tomando fotos, un montón de curiosidades, y un lugar que parece haber quedado atrás en el tiempo, seguro que si te paras no te arrepentirás...puedes ver un video en mi canal de YouTube @saliendodelpueblo

Bonito sitio para comer y visitar me recuerda a las pelis q sale el bar típico del pueblo

Great food and even better people! Definitely be back for more awesome food!

Au hasard d une rue en arrière plan de Tucumcari, superbe découverte ! Un joli couple attentionne et souriant proposant leur propre cuisine, dans un endroit so cute, une boutique d objets locaux... On adore !

Small town friendly staff that work hard to keep their dream alive. Old route 66 experience and old artifacts that keep the past alive. Even have the old westerns playing. My husband and I will definitely be returning. Homemade is way better than the fast drive through options that have plagued the country side. The Po-boy was so good and the side of mac-n-cheese was so creamy. Thank you for curing the hangry.

Absolutely delicious food, kitschy place amazingly friendly owners. Worth the detour!

This is a place for people who don't know what BBQ is supposed to taste like. You don't BBQ in the oven or use the cheapest cuts of meats imaginable. You don't use store bought cheap BBQ sauce. You don't serve store bought "bake at home" sugar cookies. And to top it all off, you don't put tea in a refrigerator The iced tea was either 3 days old or instant, but disgusting. What came out of my digestive track was more attractive than what we experienced at this place. Be prepared to be running to the bathroom with an explosion coming out of your body if you eat the food here.

Such a sweet lady served us our food. Through in free cobbler. Everything was delicious. Super cool little rustic country vibe and you can sign your name on walls.

Driving across the country from North Carolina to California then back in our motorhome. Searching for a place to eat lunch. I told my wife to search a town that I saw listed on a highway called Tucumcari. She found a place called Watson's that had great reviews. In reading them I thought it sounded unique for sure. Reviews stating part restaurant part gift shop part farm supply... very Route 66 sounding. Fast forward 25 miles down the road and we found a spot to park the motorhome and went in to eat. The place is unique for sure. We loved it ( be sure to pet the mongoose 🤣). Food was great and owners super nice. If we ever drive across country again, definitely going back.

Went there for lunch - so good that went back for dinner! Best smoked Barbecue Turkey and Beef brisket.Baked beans were terrific! You must stop there. Great & friendly owners! They have a country store to shop in too!

It is one of the best places to get BBQ in town. The couple that owns the place are amazing, sweet, and always there with a smile. Great food, great place, and yall gotta try the lemonde.

Quick summary: casual restaurant inside the Tucumcari Ranch Supply store. Really delish BBQ and sides. Reasonable prices for the quality. Friendly, professional service. We were on another road trip in the area, and especially timed our need for lunch to stop here. As before, I had the pulled pork BBQ sandwich ($11.95, includes pickles, onions, chips, and a cookie.) My husband had the brisket BBQ plate, which includes two sides, bread, and a cookie. He chose the excellent potato salad and beans. All was tasty and fresh. Assortment of beverages available, including iced tea and lemonade. Tables are towards the back of the store. Country-ranch atmosphere. Friendly, professional service. Take time to browse the store for all kinds of items, practical (condiments, garden gloves, knives, tools, etc.) to fun stuff for gifts (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) with a nice assortment of made-in-New Mexico items. We'd be delighted to stop again when next in the area. 'Wish we had barbecue this good near where we live.

A friendly Mom and Pop everything shop with delicious food! Stella was amazing and friendly and explained everything as soon as you walk in. You enter through the gift shop and the restaurant with seating is located in the back. You order at the window and they’ll bring it out to you. You couldn’t ask for friendlier people. We got the pulled pork plate with potato salad and beans. The fiancé got the two meat plate with brisket and ribs with cole slaw and salad. The drinks are in the cooler and you pay up front in the gift shop before you leave.

Food was amazing the couple was super friendly this place is definitely a must stop

Really neat place. Lots to explore. Food was good, nothing outstanding. Had a cheeseburger and pulled pork sandwich.

This is going to be our place to eat, when we are in Tucumcari. It was so yummy. Great friend people. See you Friday for Rawhide Days.