i had eaten here for lunch one day while passing through Ruston, but when I took my wife with me to eat on our way to Shreveport we were very disappointed. The service was good, seating was fine, and the BBQ meats were also OK. The reason for my low score is the potato salad and baked beans were not home made and tasted like they just came out of a can bought at Walmart. The prices were also too high for the quality of the food. Unfortunately, we will not be returning here. read more

The BBQ is good, could be better. The atmosphere is nice and the service has always been goo

Absolutely the best brisket sandwich I've ever had, and I'm from Texas. I had the cheddar jalapeño bread, and the sauce was delicious.

We decided to stop here on our road trip vaykay. We were extremely tired from travel & that contributed our hilarious dinner. First, they were out of sliced brisket We switched up our order and when it came we almost died laughing. The sides were in flimsy paper trays and dripping over the side. The "chopped" brisket was actually "chipped beef" and, yes, there's a difference. It had no flavor. The beans were canned with some meat thrown in and were actually okay, not smokey, but okay for beans. I had a side of Mac & Cheese, it was industrial but again, not bad. Husband had potato salad and said it was okay. Best part was the utensils, they were the tiniest, cheapest plastic on the planet. I can't even imagine trying to eat meat with them. Husband & I just looked at each other, he said, "Oh well." We were so tired from traveling we didn't have the energy to be mad The 2 employees we encountered were very friendly & the restaurant was clean. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Potato, beans, and Mac & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

food was good! I got the bbq nachos and they were definitely big enough for 2 meals. service was alright lol nothing special but the girl taking orders was nice and our food came out fast. the seating, I will say, is limited but the vibes are cozy read more

I rarely eat at BBQ restaurants anymore since I do my own at home and mine is usually better. We went to Bristers with my nephew. This used to be Dowlings which started as a traditional "back of the store" smokehouse years ago. My wife and I had the two meat plates. She had pulled pork and sausage while opted for the brisket and sausage. Overall the meats were all very well done but the portions were small. My wife liked the pulled pork but I found the brisket was dry. We both liked their sauce which was sweet and tangy ( vinegar). It was what I was taught was a Kentucky profile. My daughter had their ham and cheese sandwich while my nephew had the pulled pork sandwich on a jalapeño roll. All in all good BBQ and I would recommend Bristers to anyone in the area and craving traditional smoked meats. If I had known the portions were small, I would have gone for the three meat plate. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - 2meat plate with brisket and sausage, cole slaw, and potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

Maybe I'm not as much of a barbecue aficionado as the other reviewers, but I was unfortunately underwhelmed with my meal. Perhaps we simply came on an off night -- which I hope is so -- but my barbecue was cold, the tea tasted two days old, and there was one - count it, one - barbecue sauce to choose from. That's like going to Baskin Robbins and only having vanilla to choose from. I hope that if I came back, I would be impressed with a better outing, but sadly I don't think a second stop will happen for me. read more

I've had barbecue everywhere from Texas to the Carolinas but it's hard to find any as good as right here in North Louisiana at Brister's Smokehouse. Angel and I have been eating here for years and I can count on one hand the number of times we left without saying "That was awesome". We love the chopped brisket sandwich on sourdough with the smoked cheddar cheese. It's to die for. If you get a chance try the Scatterload, their signature sandwich made with chopped meats piled on a bun and smothered with their own homemade barbecue sauce. So if you're ever in Ruston with a hankering for some damn good bbq make sure you come on in. You won't be disappointed. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - The three meat plate with sliced brisket, tender ribs and phenomenal smoked chicken served with potato salad and delicious baked beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

Blisters is pricey, but the brisket and sides are great! I have eaten there many times and the quality is consistent!

Portion sizes were awesome, friendly quick service, and a quaint spot to eat. Seating is limited, but that somewhat adds to the "spot".

Food is very good But they run out of many options quick so you have to go earlier in the day.

Went there with my two sons and it did not disappoint. The food tasted very good. The selection of sides did not disappoint. We were greeted when we walked in with smiling faces. The dining area is laid back and casual. We will definitely return. read more

Had to "settle" for brisket since the shop was out of pulled rib meat. The brisket is "sliced," but that doesn't do it justice; they're actually inch-thick slabs. Juicy and moist, the meat goes really well with the jalapeno cheese bun and a layer of pepperjack cheese. Some pickles would be terrific. Service is somewhat diffident; I asked the cashier for recommendations, and she looked back at me blankly. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Sliced Brisket Sandwich with pepperjack cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

Tried this place a few months ago and it totally missed the mark. The pulled pork definitely came out of the microwave, the ribs were average at best. Really small portion for the side items. Only thing I had that was good was the scatter load sandwich. I had left a review for this place before giving it 3 stars but they deleted it. Apparently I was being too kind. read more

My boyfriend took me here right before heading out for my flight and when I tell you I was going to risk missing my flight home just to eat more at this place, I'm not kidding at all! I got every side possible and boy did it fill me up and hit all the right spots on my tastebuds! Can't wait to go here again in a few days or weeks hopefully! read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - a variety of food items - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

I wish I had more to say about this restaurant, but both times I've been now, they've run out of nearly everything and so they had nothing I wanted--which was their BBQ ribs and brisket. They didn't even have chicken, which was the backup plan. I guess their food must be pretty good! I look forward to the day that I might be able to try it and change my review. I just feel like it's a real problem (one which deserves attention) to not have enough food made to get though the day. It's not like I came there right before closing, it was around lunch both times! :( *Update: The last time we went, they had what we wanted. The ribs and brisket had a nice smoke flavor to them, good enough to gain a star in this review. The sauce was a bit vinegary for me, though. I still prefer Hot Rod's BBQ on the other side of town. read more

I have always loved their pulled pork nachos. I ordered a pickup order and brought it home to be sadly disappointed. The chips were the colorful ones, which really doesn't bother me. What bothered me was this order was nothing like it used to be . There were no beans on it and the taste just wasn't up to par. I hadn't been there in a while and may wait a while to go back. read more

We stopped by Friday at 5pm and they were out of brisket, ribs and pulled pork.....prob won't make the trip back there again

I just ate THE best chopped brisket sandwich of my life... No lie! The meat was smoked to perfection with blackened ends and no tough or fatty pieces, at all. Thanks to earlier reviewers, I opted for the sourdough bun. I don't know if it was the bun or the BBQ sauce I drenched it all in, but I've never been more in love with a sandwich. Seriously, this meaty, saucy sourdough masterpiece is worth the trip from pretty much wherever you are. The baked beans are good, but don't hold a candle to the sandwich of my dreams. Next time (and yes, there will be a next time) I'll opt for a bag of Zapp's Creole Onion chips to accompany.... Sorry, my lips are watering and my eyes just glazed over. If I could get a cold beer to go with, well you know what, I'd give them six stars and buy the house next door! read more

See all

Absolutely delicious! The beef brisket was so tender it just fell right off the fork. Chicken nachos were on point too. Highly recommend this spot!! read more

We were in town for the basketball camp and decided to try the bbq at Brister's. The bbq nachos were really good. I would definitely eat here again. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Bbq Nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

The brisket sandwich from this food truck was bussin'. One of the best sandwiches I have had in a long time. Love all things smoked!!

I had the most breathtaking experience the most moistened brisket,turkey,& chicken that has ever touched my tongue. From the moment I walked through the doors I knew this would be a life changing experience. Bristers has not only changed my life, but has also changed my way of living life. From the beautiful smiles from the employees to the eccentric decor everything is extravagant. Shout out to the best employee I've ever seen touch this God forsaken world, Jacob Snead. read more

Variety of menu options. Quick service and perfect portions. Brisket and green beans were very yummy.

The menu at Brister's Smokehouse is evolving at Brister's. If you haven't tried the cream Jalapeno corn you need to. It's a delicious addition to the already great food. Best food in Ruston. read more

We came yesterday from Shreveport based on the Yelp reviews on this BBQ spot. Expectations were high and we of course, were limited as everyone else to curbside due to the virus. We each ordered the loaded smoked baked potato and we chose brisket as the meat. We took it back to Shreveport and couldn't wait to dig in. Sorry to say, you needed a magnifying glass to find any meat or cheese; and the potato was "hard" and tasted "old". Naturally, we were very disappointed! My friend tried to reason it was because it wasn't ordered in a sit down environment inside the restaurant, but I resolved that IF I am ever there again, that will never be ordered! I write good, positive reviews where warranted; unfortunately, this was not one of them. :( read more

Food was really good obviously... my server was kinda hot tho . Can I get ur number? Like fr ?

I've been to Brister's several times and the bbq is ok, but it's been served cold and not cooked completely at least once. The other major detriment is this: you sit down to have some bbq, maybe some smoked brisket or sausage, and what do they bring with it? Plastic ware. They expect you to eat your bbq with a flimsy plastic knife and fork. And for your baked potato: single serving margarine (seriously?) and sour cream. Hopefully your potato is soft enough to mix and hot enough to melt the fake butter. read more

The BBQ nachos are alone worth coming back for! Great atmosphere and the food is even better. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

I'll make this easy. 1. Order the Pulled Rib meat sandwich with smoked cheddar on the jalapeño sourdough bun. 2. Pick your favorite side. This place has great pork barbecue in the style of Memphis / St. Louis. If you prefer Texas BBQ over Memphis BBQ, you may not agree because your taste buds are broken. read more

Out of sliced brisket so ordered the chopped brisket sandwich. Very small portion of meat which is just as well as it was extremely dry and made up of mostly charred leftover brisket. read more

Best BBQ in Ruston hands down. I ordered a 2 meat plate on Waitr and got $5 off using code Local5!

Pulled pork was excellent! Tender but not mushy, fabulous smokiness, lean and delicious. Husband had the beef brisket and that was outstanding, as well. Our sides were beans and coleslaw, also very good. Parking is plentiful and RV and bobtail friendly. We were told a truckstop is going to be built on the current site, but the restaurant will move across the street. Highly recommend! read more

See all

You can never go wrong if you come to Ruston and stop here. They're quick to bring out the food. Just about everything they have Is good! From their sandwiches to their famous BBQ nachos, HUGE baked potatoes and Mac-n-cheese! My go to is the BBQ nachos with either pulled ribs, chicken or pork. You can't go wrong with neither! read more

My wife and I came to eat here. While ordering the staff wasn't very helpful nor were they particularly enthusiastic. My wife ordered a brisket platter and I ordered a chicken and brisket platter. They forgot the Texas toast, but when I was asking the cashier for it, I felt like a huge inconvenience. Then we tried the brisket which was absolutely cold. I didn't bother to say anything else to them, so we took the brisket to go to heat up at home. The chicken was good, but nothing terribly special. At least it was hot. I don't think I'll be returning here in the future. read more

Time to get out the BBQ meter. I'm a Texas BBQ junkie so I decided to stop by here while visiting the kid at college. It smelled great, I had great expectations. Was so disappointed with the sides, y'all got to get that beefed up. The sides are important, there needs to be variety, more than 4. Your beans taste like van de camps with some meat added. I have to agree with some of the other reviews, the meat was dry. Dry can be fine but not if there's no taste. I had to drink a lot to get the meat down. I'm giving two stars and not one because the sliced sausage had a really good flavor(maybe just the only thing with seasonings?). read more

This is probably the best smokehouse in town. Sliced Beef Brisket Sandwich is the order. read more

Good BBQ (but not to die for - I am from Texas and have high standards ) and easy location to find for out of towners like me. I got a brisket sandwich and a side of cole slaw. They do not have a standard drive-thru ... it's a lane to pick up previously called in orders. But since they weren't busy and I obviously didn't know that, they let me order in the "drive-thru". Super friendly and a good meal. I would go back. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Sliced brisket sandwich with smoked cheddar - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana

At 6pm they were out of most of their meats. The choices I was left with came out cold. The sides also came out cold. I used to love eating here every time I came through town, but in the future I will not be returning. read more

Pulled pork was dry and tasted like it had been cooked two days ago and warmed in the microwave. It had a nice rubbery texture you only get with a microwave. The brisket was not smoked. Absolutely no smoke flavor at all but it was juicy just like it had been cooked in the oven to save time instead of the smoker. Wow...maybe I came on the wrong day. I'm a little shocked and extremely disappointed. If it's a Monday or Tuesday you'll be better off at DQ next door. My toast had butter on it that never melted. I'm just curious how long that toasted bread sat there before it was buttered. I'm not normally a complainer, but this was unacceptable. They have done better in the past because this was not my first visit here, but it is definitely my last. read more

Brister's Smokehouse BBQ - Dry possibly microwaved pork - Barbeque Near Me - Ruston, Louisiana