Now open Wed–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM · Smoked fresh daily — we serve until we sell out, so come early.
San Juan, Texas · Est. 2018

Traditional Central Texas
Barbecue

Brisket with bark, beef ribs the size of your forearm, and sausage we grind and stuff by hand — smoked low and slow over post oak by the only James Beard-recognized pitmaster in the Rio Grande Valley.

James Beard2026 Semifinalist · Best Chef: Texas
Texas MonthlyTop 50 BBQ in Texas · #5
The Only OneRGV's sole James Beard nominee
The Pitmaster

George Watts III

It started in 2018 with a food truck, a pit, and a stubborn belief that the Valley deserved barbecue as good as anything in Lockhart or Austin. By 2021 the line got long enough to put a roof over it — GW's opened on Nebraska Avenue in San Juan, and the brisket did the talking.

In 2026, George Watts III was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas — the only one in the entire Rio Grande Valley. Same pits, same post oak, same pitmaster still cutting brisket on the line.

2018Started as a food truck
#5Texas Monthly Top 50
956RGV born & raised
Why People Drive Across The Valley For It

"Real Central Texas barbecue — the kind you'd drive to Lockhart for — right here in the 956."

Post oak smoke. Brisket with bark and a clean smoke ring. Ribs that pull clean. No shortcuts, no gimmicks — just barbecue done the way Texas intended, served until we sell out.

See The Full Menu
Catering & Special Events

Bring James Beard BBQ To Your Event

Weddings, quinceañeras, corporate spreads, backyards full of hungry people — we roll in with the brisket, ribs, hand-made sausage, and sides by the pan. We handle the smoke; you take the credit.

  • Weddings
  • Corporate
  • Parties
  • Special Events
  • By the Pound

Let's Build Your Spread

Give us the date, the headcount, and the vibe — we'll handle the rest.

Request Catering Call (956) 601-0056
As Featured In

Texas Is Talking

James Beard FoundationTexas MonthlyKRGVMyRGVThe Texas Bucket ListEdible RGV
🎸

Live Music

Good food, cold drinks, and live music on the patio.

🌤️

Outdoor Seating

Relaxed, casual patio dining — bring the family.

🎖️

Military Discount

Proud to serve those who serve. Discount available.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

Loved Across Texas & Beyond

4.6 813 Google reviews
4.8Facebook · 31K Fans
#5Texas Monthly Top 50
'26James Beard Semifinalist
Come Hungry

Find Us in San Juan

📞
Call / Order(956) 601-0056
🕒
Hours
  • Mon – TueClosed
  • Wed – Sun11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Served fresh daily until we sell out.
Order Online
Take A Look Around

Step Inside GW's — 360° Virtual Tour

Can't make it in just yet? Walk through the pit room, dining room, and patio in full 360°.

CateringOrder Online