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    LJ's BBQ

    4.7 (216 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

    LJ's BBQ Photos

    LJ'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - LJ's BBQ

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    Brisket, Mac, Potato salad, beans

    The brisket and mac & cheese are SOO good!! We love coming here anytime we're in town!!

    Juncel A.

    Dropped in late afternoon after a Blue Bell visit and, despite being past prime hours, the team was warm and welcoming. Decent amount dining space, and a lot of country music décor on the walls. Brisket and pork steak were sold out, so we went with what was left--pork ribs and smoked turkey. The ribs had that deep, smoky bark with a bold salt-and-pepper crust, while the turkey was unexpectedly the standout: tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Sides included silky braised cabbage (a sleeper hit) and Mexican street corn, which was decent but not a highlight. A solid BBQ stop in Brenham--worth seeking out! Will definitely be back for their brisket and pork steak.

    Inside
    Jason N.

    Wow! Finally found great BBQ! I had the ribs and my wife had the pulled pork. Absolutely amazing. We both had the Mac n cheese. YES! Coleslaw and potato salad definitely accompanied everything. Went on a Saturday morning. Got there about 10:30am. They open at 11am. Line was already forming. Once the doors open the line moves at a good pace. Most everyone has their order ready. The staff is amazing and the decor inside is my type of style. Highly recommended and can't wait to get up there again

    Tray of deliciousness
    Sean L.

    We pulled into Brenham with stomachs growling and fingers crossed that LJ's still had burnt ends. The sign didn't say SOLD OUT, so we jumped out of that truck like we were running from a vegan potluck. TL;DR: LJ's BBQ in Brenham delivered on brisket bark, burnt-end brilliance, and a cold elote curveball that worked. Mac and cheese got the daughter's stamp of approval, and I got my 31st Texas Monthly passport stamp. It was midday on a Saturday and the BBQ roadtrip was rolling hard. My daughter decided to join me for a father-daughter bonding session forged in smoke and meat. We pulled into LJ's around 1:45 PM, praying to the brisket gods, and were rewarded with the best news you can see on a Texas BBQ door: no sold out sign. I've been here before, and last time I left with tears in my eyes and a sausage-less soul. But not today. The line was gone, the staff was smiling, and the counter was still slinging burnt ends. We ordered a two-meat plate with burnt ends and moist brisket, plus sides of mac-n-cheese and elote. The burnt ends were barky, rich, sticky, and divine. If a cube of brisket and a candy bar had a lovechild, this would be it. The slice of moist brisket was textbook central Texas. Fat cap rendered just enough, deep pink smoke ring, bark that snapped back like a good comeback. Now listen, this BBQ dad has a strict no-fly zone when it comes to mac and cheese. I didn't even flinch in its direction. But my daughter? She dove in like it owed her money. One bite in and she gave it that look: eyes closed, slow nod, total reverence. She called it cheesy in all the right ways. I call it: not my business. Then came the elote. We both bit in and paused like someone had hit the mute button. Cold? Cold corn? We hadn't read the menu close enough. But then... we kept eating. It was creamy, cheesy, tangy, and hit different on a warm day. That cold elote snuck up on us and stuck the landing. The vibe in LJ's is old-school butcher paper, red-and-white checkered tables, and good tunes humming low. Before we left, we got the all-important stamp in the Top 50 passport and snapped a pic outside by the mural. I rocked my orange shirt like a man on a mission. And I am. Why did the burnt end break up with the sausage? Because it needed space to meat its true potential.

    Le menu
    Rubén L.

    There's a reason why LJ's is listed in Texas Monthly's best new comers; the food is outstanding and it's a throwback to classic Texas BBQ joints. LJ is right there behind the counter asking what you want and cuts your protein. The rest of the staff were friendly asking about sides and drinks and settling the tab. Sausage was good and crisp but not one ounce of grease dripped. The ribs were tender and juicy with a light taste of seasoning that complements the Smokey flavor. Brisket was super tasty, flavorful bark and very tender. The only thing I didn't like is that two of my slices were too think, like a quarter-inch. It's a small dining area but there is outdoor seating and the ambiance feels like a small town joint selling good Texas 'Que.

    Uses quality meat
    Alysha D.

    Went here on a recommendation from a local we had work meeting with. Definitely worth a stop! It's most nostalgic for me when I walk into a BBQ joint that has the red and white plaid table cloths. I love that the line moved quickly and the staff was attentive. We had the chopped beef & sausage Big Dog sandwich, the brisket Mac n cheese and a side of coleslaw. I liked that they cut the brisket off the slab and chopped it fresh in front of you and did not sauce it. Don't sleep on the marinated onions and homemade pickles!!! I added some chopped beef from my sandwich into the boat with those with a touch of sauce and could literally could eat that all day. The sauce was good and peppery, not too runny and not too sweet. The brisket is the star here for sure. Great flavor, moist and good bark. The sausage has good flavor but for my personal preference, was ground to smooth inside. Mac n cheese was cheesy and they use white cheese. Would return if I'm in the area to try some other meats and sides and get more brisket

    Two meat plate. Definitely get your moneys worth!!!
    Khalil C.

    Wow. What a great meal! The brisket was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The pork ribs were great. I would have liked a touch of sweetness to them, but it was not at all necessary. Just my opinion. The pork steak was smoked just right. The jalapeño cheese sausage was incredible. Don't miss the Mac and cheese. Maybe my favorite of any BBQ place I have been, ever. You can tell that everything is made with love. Great job. We will be seeing you again soon.

    Duncan D.

    Amazing BBQ! A bunch of "good ole boys" making great BBQ! If you are anywhere close it is worth the trip.

    Menu

    Both the Brisket and ribs had absolutely zero flavor. Zero smoke flavor. Zero salt. They really tasted steamed, more than anything. Meat was soft and juicy, but again zero flavor. Cabbage was good Beans were good Best part: pickled onions. I had to put them on everything just to get some flavor. Not really sure why this place is rated so high. Maybe because there is no strong bbq competition in brenham? Maybe an off day?

    Get the ribs, brisket, and mac 'n cheese.
    Pat J.

    Such an easy stop off 290. And there were only a few folks ahead of us. Just enough time to decide on an order. We went with the 3 meat plate (moist brisket, ribs, peppered turkey) with 2 sides (mac n cheese and pinto beans). Ribs and brisket were both excellent- smoky and moist. We'd get these again and again. Turkey was disappointing since there wasn't a smoky flavor and wasn't very moist. It was also peppery, which I need to start asking about when I order turkey. That's on me. The mac n cheese had what I'd call white queso component. This isn't your kids' Kraft mac and cheese. Very creamy, slightly spicy and kinda addictive. Yum!

    Brisket & sausage two plate meat
    Oscar M.

    I've always thought the best bbq you find is in places like these, local small shops with GREAT tasting BBQ! If you happen to stop by I recommend you get the sausage too, one of the best I've tried. Will definitely stop by again here! Also, very friendly service from these guys!

    Nana puddin

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    3 months ago

    BBQ sleeper!! Everything was great, loved the brisket, ribs, and sausage! Service was very friendly and accommodating.

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    6 months ago

    Love the place. Always checking in the weekly menu. It changes each week. Banana pudding is super good. Brisket cheese steak was fabulous.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    OMG! Chopped Brisket Baked Potato. All. The. Way. Mmm Can't go wrong with. Better get here early or they run out.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

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    10 months ago

    What went well? Everything. Their costumer service and the quality and flavor of their food is beyond TOP NOTCH!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    This might be my new favorite bbq place. The people are so nice and all the meats are awesome especially the brisket and turkey.

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    1 year ago

    Brisket was way too salty! Sides were pretty good but couldn't get past the about of salt in their rub.

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    8 months ago

    Everything was top tier and delicious! We were a party of 10 and everyone had nothing but full bellies and smiles!

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    3 years ago

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    LJ's BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - LJ's BBQ

    Do they have beef ribs?

    Not on the menu and I have not seen them as special,

    Do you have gluten free options?

    As far as what? On sides we have collard greens, pinto beans, cole slaw and potato salad.

    Not open until 6 on 09/30/2017. Hours posted not correct?

    We are open til 6 or sold out. Yelp will not let us customize the hours. It is on the door though. Thanks for looking us up and hope to see you next time.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Truth BBQ

    Truth BBQ

    (449 reviews)

    $$

    Driving around Texas eating great BBQ and telling you the highs, the lows and where to go…read more Drove out to Brenham, Texas on a Saturday morning to eat BBQ at the original Truth BBQ. Arrived around 10:45am , place opens at 11am. A few people in line and only street parking available behind the place. Free Lone Star beer makes the wait enjoyable on a warm Texas day. My crew of four got the Texas Trinity and added 1/2 pound of brisket along with a slice of carrot cake. Sides we got potato salad and Brussel sprouts. Brisket 9/10 is was good but not a 10/10 Ribs 8/10 as they are good but could have been more tender. Sausage we got 1 link of each type 10/10 but my favorite was the brisket boudin. At 99.75 plus our add ons this enough food for 3 guys and little me. We sat outside as it was a picture perfect day for Texas Saturday. I would return and I highly recommend this place to everyone driving on 290 on the weekends early morning.

    Truth be told, I was expecting much more when I drove here. The brisket was OK, but no bark. Ribs…read morewere OK, nothing special. Of the sides, I like the corn pudding but the beans are forgettable. Free beer? Well it's Lone Star LIGHT! The meal itself was very expensive. Desserts looked great, but I was too full after eating the rich, moist brisket to order any. Most seating is outside, which was a comfortable place to sit and listen to some excellent blues while eating. I'd stop again if in the area while hungry, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. There are likely better places where you are coming from or going to.

    Nathan's BBQ - Employee hair on the meat

    Nathan's BBQ

    (284 reviews)

    $$

    We have noticed this place several times on our travels back and forth between our home NW of…read moreAustin and our grandchildren in Houston. I always try to be supportive of small, locally owned businesses everywhere I go. Look at some of my other reviews, it will bear this out. For once, it wasn't a Sunday when we were passing by and we weren't in a hurry, so we thought we'd stop for lunch. It looks like everything you'd expect for a barbecue restaurant. Everything rustic and country. There was a menu painted on the wall with no prices anywhere. They have a nice selection of sides in meats. My wife ordered the 2 Meat Plate with Brisket and Sausage, Potato Salad and Pinto beans. I was thinking about Pork Butt; however, when I saw it , I decided to pass. Strike 1! I ordered the Brisket Plate with Black -Eyed Peas and Coleslaw. When the young woman handed it to me, It had Pintos on it rather than Black-Eyed Peas. When I cited the error she indignantly snapped, "That's what you ordered!" Strike 2! (who argues with civil paying customers?) I said, " I'm not trying to be any trouble. I just want what I ordered." at which point the older woman told her to give me a side of Black-Eyed Peas, which at this point seemed completely academic. We found a table, found our way to the drinks and also to the Barbecue Sauce and various condiments. I really wish I could say that this was the best Barbecue that I ever put in my mouth but unfortunately, I have to say just the opposite. Strike 3! This is singularly the worst barbecue experience that I have ever had anywhere in Texas or elsewhere in the country. The Brisket was gray, dry, and there wasn't a smoke ring in sight. It was no better than the Pork Butt had looked to me, in fact it was probably worse. My wife loves Sausage and she is not as discriminating about it as I am, but she said that was the worst Sausage she ever bought from a Barbecue Restaurant in her life, and she's the lifelong Texan in this couple, not me. I see mixed reviews out there besides my own and I'm wondering if perhaps the problem here is just inconsistency with the food because other than that and the little service blip, this wasn't a horrible meal but it was pretty far from a good one. Sorry Nathan's, I so wanted to like you.

    If I could give this place less than 1 star I would. We were in Brenham and saw this place which…read moreclaimed to be old school Texas BBQ. Well, the meat tasted like it came from an old school. The brisket was dry and tasted like it had been sitting around for days. The sausage was literally uneditable even drowned in BBQ sauce. The sides were okay, but it's hard to ruin potato salad and mac and cheese. I actually threw my food in the trash. It was almost $60 for 2 people. Even the diet pepsi was bad. Do not under any circumstances eat here.

    True Texas BBQ

    True Texas BBQ

    (5 reviews)

    OK first time to try this H-E-B barbecue here in Brenham from what I understand they've had several…read moresetbacks and they were scheduled to open in October 2023 but due to a fire and other issues they opened approximately four days ago. My first impression was yes this is a good thing. To place an order, you must approach a tent covered kiosk and type in your order with your phone number and they will text you when your order is ready that's the simple part...... the hard part is actually getting the order that you placed . A customer in front of me ordered several sandwiches only to find out that some of her items were not placed in her bag, and they actually recalled her order, and they had to simply reassemble the order altogether; that was rather depressing, but I thought, simply by ordering three items they could not mess up my order.....Not so fast. I simply ordered a rack of ribs, 1 pound of sliced turkey and a single individual order of collard greens.. when I got home, I realized that they did not include the collard greens. Wow technically 1/3 of my order was missing altogether. As for the quality of the food that I actually received, the ribs were quite large and flavorful although I thought the smoky flavor was a bit much but the turkey was absolutely fabulous. I could cut it with a fork. . They do include sauce and other condiments, but they're spicy sauce was way too spicy for any of us to consume, and their sweet sauce must've been made with an overabundance of molasses because we threw those sauce packets away. So the spicy sauce must've been prepared in the house because you had to dip it into a container while you waited for the food to be prepared but the sweet sauce was in a pre-packaged container and yet there was no indication of any ingredients, even though it was obviously Prepared by an off site vendor(probably H-E-B out of San Antonio) . I suggest having a bottle of "Head" sweet barbecue sauce, handy to enhance the meal. Although they did offer pickles and onions with the order, there was barely enough to simply cover two slices of bread. I spent over $60 for this meal, and to get such a lame amount of condiments is unacceptable. They at least should have asked me how many portions of pre-bagged, onions, and pickles That I would like to have included with my order. I will give them another try because I have yet to sample their brisket and other highly anticipated items on their menu ..........

    It was in the H‑E‑B store. Sure food is good. But not my idea of a restaurant…read more Can't comment on service or ambiance. It was a grocery store!

    LJ's BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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