Though I grew up in rural Virginia, the majority of my family lived in upstate South Carolina and Tattnall County, Georgia. The women in my family were superb cooks. Many of them had a specialty: one reliably fried her chicken juicy, crunchy, and golden-brown; another made buttermilk biscuits that were always flaky, layered, and tender, with a subtle, tangy flavor and a rich, buttery taste; yet another baked exceptionally delicate, intensely-flavored coconut cakes; etc. I was taught and encouraged by these ladies - my Meemaw and my aunts - to manage a kitchen, and, to this day, their influence abides. My father was a restaurant man, but at home, he, my grandfather, and my uncles, all of whom would've called themselves "traditional", mostly limited their culinary efforts to food they could prepare outside. From an early age, these men taught me to work with grills and smokers, which is to say that as soon as I was strong enough, I was put to work, hauling wood before a cook and clearing ashes afterwards. And that was as close as I got to cooking with the men, until one special day, when, at 10 years old, my Uncle Buddy allowed me to baste the hog as it spun on the spit. It was another three years before I was permitted to poke the fire. Cooking, for the men, was guided by custom and tradition, a set of rituals that they'd learned from their elders. They didn't prevent my participation because they didn't trust my talent; they just hadn't finished teaching me yet. But eventually, I earned my place by the fire, and, having proved myself capable, I was entrusted with special tasks of increasing importance: grilling meats (a throwaway - kid's play - in the men's eyes); making basting sauce - the "mop" - or what some call barbecue sauce; and, in my late teens, assisting with the butchery. In the decades that followed, I traveled the United States, trying dozens of local BBQ variants. I won't criticize the barbecue of places that don't do it well, but I will say that if you're going to make the stuff and charge money for it, maybe go see how it's done in Memphis and eastern North Carolina, where my favorite types of "Q" come from. Don't just light a fire and open for business; learn something first. At home, I've owned several smokers, and I've made and eaten a lot of a LOT of BBQ. I use pecan (or a pecan/cherry mix) when I want the taste of the thing I'm smoking to stand out, or when there's not much meat to the bite. Ribs, fish, and special dishes like pizza and involtini get the light smoke. I use hickory or oak when I want an old-school BBQ flavor, or when the cut I'm cooking is large enough that it won't smoke all the way through. Those woods make excellent pork shoulder, prime rib, and leg of lamb. The one wood I won't smoke with is mesquite. Never again. The few times I used it, my food tasted the way country air smells in the summer, when road crews get to resurfacing the County road. But I know that the problem is me, because one day, a while back, I ate outstanding mesquite-smoked BBQ at Lum's in Junction, TX. That morning, I'd left Luling for Van Horn, and, since I'd missed the more famous spots in the Houston area, I was set on finding a decent plate of BBQ before I left the state. Yelp and TripAdvisor said Lum's was a good choice, which gave me hope that the place would have what I wanted. I walked in, happy to note that Lum's was not so much a "restaurant" as a "dining hall," the sort of place that serves a basic menu to lots of people, quickly and without complication. You grab a tray, shuffle down the line, choosing from a meat (or two or three) and a couple of sides, a drink and maybe a sweet treat to finish. Park yourself in a comfortable chair at a heavy wooden table, and get to eatin'. The menu board offered brisket, turkey, pork ribs, pulled pork, pork loin, and sausage. There was chicken, too, but that's not why I was there. The sides included something called "Spicy Spaghetti" which, had I been sticking around, I'd definitely have tried, but pasta wasn't on my short-list of Things To Eat In Texas' Hill Country. I picked brisket (because Texas), pulled pork and ribs, and sides of potato and cucumber salads. My plate came with white bread. And with my feast, I drank sweet tea, as God intended. What did I miss? The spaghetti, and sausage, and pinto beans and mac 'n cheese. Next time. The meats were expertly done: tender, moist, not greasy, and they'd been handled carefully by the pit master, so that the seasoning hadn't been knocked off as they were shifted from smoker to service line. Before I left, I paid my respects to one of the owners and asked what sort of wood he uses, as I couldn't quite identify the smoky flavor. I was surprised when he said, "Mesquite... we're surrounded by it!" There was no acrid, creosote-y bitterness; instead, the flavor was smooth, savory, and delicious. Lum's showed me that mesquite can work. But not at my house; I just don't have the touch. read more

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There are plenty of better BBQ's than this in California, Nevada and elsewhere, not to mention TX- but I heard it's the best in town here. I had the brisket, it seemed kind of dry, not the melt-in-your-mouth quality I was hoping for. They ask for a tip checkout but I'm not sure why- they didn't deliver or pick up anything. That all being said, the food was pretty good- not fantastic- but worth a try and better than fast food in any case. The staff was upbeat and friendly and the building was stylish in a western way. read more

This spot was delicious! The ribs were some of the best I've ever had, and we loved the pulled pork. The brisket was kind of dry and flavorless, and had a big strip of fat, but it was easy to just cut around. The sides were overall tasty, especially the beans, though all of them could have used a bit more salt. The BBQ sauces on the tables were great. The decor was cute too! They had a counter on the wall for how many likes they had on Facebook. We had fun following them and seeing it change! The guy behind the counter seemed a little cranky but he wasn't rude, the woman grabbing our sides and the girl who rang us up were super sweet. Overall it was a pleasant visit and tasty, and we would return! read more

Lum's - Ribs, brisket, beans and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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A definite must stop and try if you are in the area. Everything was delicious even at the end of the day. Staff was friendly, sweet tea was perfect with the mail with a clean and spacious area. Will absolutely be back to get it again! read more

Lum's - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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Clean bathrooms and fresh BBQ. We got the "2 plates" with brisket, ribs, sausage, cole slaw, creamed corn and Mac-n-cheese. The favorites were the brisket and the cole slaw. Forgot to take photos before we ate. Service is order in line. Pretty pricey for a lunch, but you do get a lot of food. Ambiance is comfortable and quiet. read more

Lum's - Brisket plate - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

This was my second time here. I had the sliced brisket, and cucumber salad. Both were delicious. The brisket was tender and had a nice bark to it. My spouse had the chopped beef sandwich and potato salad. He was disappointed. He thought they would chop up the brisket to make his sandwich. That wasn't the case. The chopped beef was in a pot with BBQ sauce already mixed in it. He said he would never order that again. Plenty of ample parking and it was busy. #JunctionTexas #KimbleCounty read more

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We always stop by Lum's on our holiday road trip. Lum's never disappoints. BBQ is 10/10. Their brisket is my favorite! Service is amazing. Hard to beat the warm southern hospitality of the people working here! Everyone here is so incredibly kind! You will leave here with a full belly and warmed heart! read more

Lum's - BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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My wife mentioned this place at the last second before going to another local BBQ spot I knew of. I had never heard of this place till she mentioned it. A coworker told her it was an amazing BBQ spot she had to go try and so we went with it on that statement. So glad we did! Terrific BBQ all round. Great service and great portions for the price also. My chicken was a half bird size! The turkey was most and tender and full of great mesquite smoke flavor and aroma. My wife's brisket was superb as was my son's pulled pork sandwich stuffed with meat. The banana pudding is the one dessert they make onsite in house. The others are brought in and made elsewhere FYI. My son loves cheesecake so he got that and devoured it. I'll be back here again any time I pass through town for sure. I see why they been in biz since 1976! read more

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Stopped in for lunch and was immediately struck by the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service -- super inviting for a small Texas BBQ joint. I tried their infamous spicy spaghetti, and I was pleasantly surprised! It wasn't spicy for me personally, but I can see how others might find a little kick. The texture and flavor were fun and unique as a BBQ side. The brisket was well done with a gorgeous smoke ring, though I think it could use just a bit more seasoning to really pop. Still, it was tender and satisfying -- typical of the classic Texas BBQ vibe this place is known for Portion sizes here are huge -- definitely worth it if you're hungry (and they don't skimp on meat). Sides and other offerings looked great, too. Overall, a solid BBQ stop worth checking out if you're in Junction or passing through the Hill Country read more

Lum's - Brisket , jalapeno sausage . Spicy spaghetti, Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

PROS: * The BBQ was tasty. * Best coleslaw I've had. Wasn't drenched in mayonnaise, which is rare these days. * Potato salad was also very good. Also just the right amount of mayonnaise. * Their BBQ sauce had a nice flavor. CONS: * They don't have BBQ baked beans which I would think would be standard for any BBQ restaurant. * The spicy spaghetti wasn't heated at all and tasted terrible in my opinion. Unique taste but hated it. * Chocolate pie was pretty bad. Tasted like Reddi-Wip with a little chocolate mixed in. * Pecan pie was literally the worst pecan pie either of us have ever had. Zero pecans! Unless you count the two decorative pecans on top. We'd go back there maybe but no desserts or spaghetti next time. read more

Great service and friendly staff. The place was clean and welcoming, and I really wanted to like it more. Unfortunately, the BBQ didn't hit the mark for us. The brisket was dry, the mac and cheese overly mushy, and even my kids could not find anything they wanted to eat. I'm hoping it was just an off day, because the vibes were otherwise great--and those hats at the register were awesome. Wish I had grabbed one. Sorry for the lowish rating...it pains me to give it. I would have given 2 star based on my food...3 only because the place is well run, clean etc... read more

Lum's - brisket, turkey, cucumber salad and spicy spaghetti - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

It's changed a bit over the years... Can't say they've ever been over friendly. But they serve you & food is Good just wwwaaayyy to much salt. Still worth trying if you enjoy BBQ. Just need ya' look past the lack of friendly service. read more

I'm currently on a road trip from Texas to California and needed some 'cue to soothe my soul. There are two options here in Junction TX and this would be the one to go to. Tender brisket is kinda expected here in Texas and I can confirm it is as delicious as expected. The real highlight though was the sausage and the pork loin. Damn I've never tasted such tender smoky delicious pork loin in my life before. This is life affirming, almost life changing barbecue and just a short stop from I-10. I leave fatter and happier! read more

Lum's - Food - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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If you are a fan of BBQ, just BBQ, and not the fancy fusion BBQ that seems to get all the wrong attention then go to Lum's in Junction. We had lunch here while returning home from the Caverns of Sonora (another great place to visit). This place is good basic BBQ. Old School BBQ as I call it. A flavorful smokey brisket, good sausage and sides. I had the two meat plate and my wife had the pulled pork sandwich. The pulled pork could have used a little more flavor but the two meat plate was on point. You also get a good portion of food!! My two meat plate had enough for me and my wife to share. (Look at the pic). We had brisket and sausage later that night for dinner. The service was great and everyone was friendly. They had an outdoor patio that looked like a nice place to enjoy BBQ on a pretty day or sunsetting evening. I will stop here my next time through Junction. read more

Lum's - 2 Meat Plate - Brisket and Saisage - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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The brisket couldn't get any dryer and the bark was almost inedible. Pork ribs were a little more tender than jerky. If you squirt the sauce into your mouth you can get it down. Service was really friendly though. read more

The bbq was really good and the atmosphere was also! I had the brisket and pork both were a hit for myself and my husband. We highly recommend it! read more

Ok. Beans were cold. Everything was just meh. Not impressed. If I was guessing I would say the owner worked down the street and then opened his own place. The ribs and bbq sauce are eerily identical to competitors. The potato salad is straight out of a carton. They had only sausage and ribs when we got there. Two meat plate is $22 Bbq sauce is vinegar based. The place is clean and neat. They have outside tables that are pet friendly. read more

Without a doubt the best BBQ I have EVER had, so it was the perfect last restaurant to eat at in 2024! A local recommended to try the BBQ here and my husband and I stopped in about 45 minutes before they closed. Immediately upon getting out of our truck, it smelled heavenly! We felt extremely welcomed by the staff, it's hard to find true southern hospitality anymore - but it is heavy here! Everything we tried was beyond delicious, especially the brisket!!! They also had some really cool merch, and a nice spot outside to sit. I'm sad to live so far away, because I could easily eat here a few times a week! read more

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Stopped in on the way back from Big Bend. Was treated with the great smell of smoke from the pits. I had a two meat plate with ribs and brisket. Sides of spicy spaghetti (new to me) and Mac and cheese. Everything was on point. The pricing was good and a bit cheaper than what we find in San Antonio and definitely Austin. read more

Lum's - Two meat plate - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

If you happen to be passing through Junction, this is a great little spot for lunch. Brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage were both great and the potato salad is the crown jewel of the sides. Really friendly staff and lots of locals (also friendly) - don't skip this one. read more

Lum's - Brisket, jalapeño cheddar sausage, mac n cheese, coleslaw, green beans and potato salad. Nothing not winning here! - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

Hit this place after driving about 12 hours across west Texas. Good find. They take their food seriously. Pulled pork was a little too wet for my taste but I enjoyed the flavor. Coleslaw and cucumber salad both healthy side options. Worth going off the freeway a few miles. read more

Driving back from San Antonio International Airport and wanted some Lunch. Stopped in Junction, Texas, and pulled up to Lums Barbecue. We arrived around 12:30pm and my timing was perfect - because right when we walked in, with only about 2 people ahead of us, a bus load of people walked in right behind us - at least 40. Anyway, we looked over the Menu board and decided. My Wife is going with their Sliced Brisket Sandwich, Suzanne, my Wifes sister, is having their Chopped Brisket Sandwich and I'm going with a 1-Meat Plate (sliced Brisket) with 2-Sides - chose Potato Salad and Mac-N-Cheese. We are also having drinks. While going through the line and watching them slice up the Brisket and preparing the meals, the Texas BBQ Aroma of Smoked Meats fills the air. We located a table for us and the Sandwiches look really good, as does my Brisket Plate. My Wife and Suzanne Loved their Brisket Sandwiches, both saying it's really good. I totally agree - my Wife and I both say that this is the Best Brisket we have had in the San Angelo area, and Junction, Texas, is 1 1/2 hours away from us - and it is the Best we have had out here. The Brisket is Juicy, Very-Very-Tender and Flavorful throughout. Love that Potato Salad, it's made the way Potato Salad should be. The Mac-N-Cheese is good but for me the Cheesy part is thin - but it's still some good stuff. I also provide you with two slices of white bread with the 1-Meat Plate. There is a Huge bottle of their BBQ Sauce on each table for you to douse all you want - it's also Very Tasty. We Loved what we ordered so much that my Wife and I decided to stop in here on our way home for Dinner that night - and we did. Suzanne was on time for her check-in at the Airport and we began our return trip, stopping in at Lums BBQ in Junction. It's Saturday night and there are a good number of people here, but the line moves quickly. The Aroma of Smoked Meats is still filling the air - and it's a Beautiful Aroma. This time we decided to order and share the 2-Meat Plate, Sliced Brisket & Regular Sausage, with 2-sides, chose Potato Salad and Beans. While going through the line we also ordered a pound and a half of their Sliced Brisket to take home. There is a lot of Meat on this plate and it all is Glistening. Poured some of their BBQ Sauce on the plate and began with the Sausage. Let me tell you, this Regular Sausage has some Spice to it. It's also Very Juicy, Tender and full of Flavor - and cuts easy with the fork, which is a Big Plus for us. The Sliced Brisket is the same Tastyliciousness we had for Lunch - with a slightly Charred Edge. This is what Texas BBQ should be - it's the BEST. The Potato Salad is also the same as what I had for Lunch and the Beans are Very Meaty with a light flavor. They give you so much meat on this plate that we didn't finish it all and took home some Brisket and Sausage - along with the Pound and a Half of Sliced Brisket, we have enough for several more days. My Lovely Wife chatted with them, for what she could due to the line going through, and she thanked them for the Best BBQ around. The ride home didn't seem to take very long - and I do believe our Tummies were smiling all the way. That was our Dinner for Saturday Night and for Sunday Dinner we enjoyed some more Brisket and the leftover Regular Sausage with Hush Puppies and Mixed Veggies. The Brisket & Sausage were as delicious as it was Saturday - both times. Our Monday Night Dinner consisted of more Sliced Brisket atop Baked Potato with Butter and Shredded Cheese along with Lums BBQ Sauce - and a Beautiful Salad my Wife prepared That Brisket re-heats up very nice - just like we first had at Lums. And we still have some leftover, but not enough for a Brisket Pie (never had one, but I would love to give it a try). Anyway, if you are ever cruising down Interstate 10 and come across Junction, Texas, You Gotta Stop in at Lums BBQ on Main St. for some 'Hill Country Texas Barbecue'. Ya Gonna Luv whatever you choose - it's some of the Best in Texas. read more

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Great brisket & sides, especially the coleslaw & pinto beans. Quick, friendly service too.

Late in the day, but the meat was excellent! Briscut had a great smoke ring, jalapeno sausage and great ribs. Generous serving

Excellent service & BBQ. Really good sauce. Clean restaurant & restrooms. Wii definitely come back again.

Amazing surprise in West Texas. Came to Junction on our road trip to charge our EV and stumbles upon the best BBQ in West TX. Pros - super clean interior and friendly service. The ribs were absolutely juicy and packed with authentic flavor. The brisket was so tender and the sausages were delicious Cons - none! Definitely stop by this place when you are in the area. A local favorite and an incredible BBQ experience read more

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Perfect sliced brisket sandwich with jalapenos. Yum -Lums. Beautiful smoke ring, good smoked flavor, tender, juicy, sliced in front of me, served with a side. This was a great choice for lunch. The place is spotless. Clean. The help yourself bar with sauce, and other stuff was clean. Clean bathrooms. Nicely appointed decor. Comfortable table and chairs. Well Done Lums. I'll be back on my next trip through Junction. read more

Lum's - Sliced Brisket Sandwich with a side of beans - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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I went back the same day that's how good it was, I usually feel sick after eating bbq but I didn't feel that way with this place .... Delicious which we had this place in the woodlands read more

Lum's - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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Another awesome visit to Junction, another belly filler at Lums BBQ. The meats are smoked just right here and there isn't a need for sause to cover up mistakes here at Lum's. On this visit I tried a sandwich. A regular size burger bun filled with a layer of jalapeno and cheese sausage and chopped brisket. It was awesome, and filling... I got to taste my kids barbecue, too. The pulled pork and sausage were good too. I tried the bean, they had a smokey flavor to them...the cream of corn was creamy peppery,...the cucumber salad was fresh and lightly vinagery, and my daughter totally devoured the Mac and cheese - so it must've been good. Lum's provided us a good hideaway from the rare rainy storms in Texas, at the same time it was a reminder that Junction has a capable pit master and a place to get together. If you are in Junction, TX, don't miss. read more

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We dined in and the one meat plate portions were HUGE. Brisket and ribs were tasty, pasta salad was on point and were the pinto beans. Mac and cheese and corn were nothing special. They had run out of cucumber salad and I bet that would have been great. Good iced tea, nice dining area and friendly staff. read more

The man at the counter got my order wrong, and was so rude about it, saying "that's what you asked for"....giving me chopped instead of sliced brisket. I didn't want to make a big deal, so I just kept the chopped brisket. Big mistake! It was all chunks of fat and ends so burnt the were like jerky, swimming in oil and bbq sauce. To top it off, the potato salad and mac'n'cheese were bland and tasteless. Total disappointment! Save your time and money and just keep driving... read more

We walked in after a long day of travel. They were about to close in 20 minutes and they still served us. They were very kind and the food was amazing. They only had brisket and sausage left. We had both. The brisket had a great bark and super tender. Sausage was delicious and the barbecue sauce was different but so good. Ext time we travel through Junction we will definitely stop!! read more

great local joint that's in a highway town. off the main strip a bit. ribs weren't as tender as i liked but the brisket is good. never had spicy spaghetti so that's worth a try if you haven't either! read more

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The service is phenomenal The food outstanding The Decor is just right, not over the top. read more

Great stop for food in Junction! We stopped on our road trip from CA to TX. There is plenty of patio seating which is dog friendly. Lots of parking. BBQ was good! I got a 1 meat plate for $15 which included two sides, which I picked creamed corn and Mac and cheese. The meat was well cooked and the sides were flavorful. Would stop again! read more

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Best bbq in Junction, staff is always quick and helpful, great sides as well, not just out of the box Mac and cheese, the smoked turkey is amazing, get there early, or it might be gone! read more

Ok!! Let me share why 3 stars!!! First off, NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO WELCOME FEELING WHEN YOU WALK INSIDE! new customer and pretty much all bbq places are confusing because of the way they are set up so welcoming and asking if it's your first time? Would really help make you feel comfortable and not like a headless chicken!! So you are in line, kind of forming your own line, you could see from a couple steps away from servers, how unhappy they look working there.. not sure if they are the owners and if they are? Sad to say that they don't show to be proud of the business. Whatever happened to "welcome everyone, please be ready with your order so we can speed up the process and get everyone to enjoy our delicious bbq! If it's your first time here? We will gladly explain the process when ordering! Thank you for your patience!" With a smile NOT THAT HARD AND DOESNT TAKE you MORE THAN 2 min to say it!!! When I was giving my order, they were just dry, not friendly at all!! Felt like prison line, seriously!!! Smile and take pride in what you are serving!! Ok the food!!! So much to choose from which is great!!! Also desserts, a great variety!! Ordered the 3 meat plate: pork ribs, brisket and turkey with 2 sides "beans, coke slaw" comes with I believe he said pickles/jalapeño and onions and bread which they forgot to put in except for the 2 slices of bread. I ordered 6oz of spicy spaghetti on the side. Also chocolate pie, peach cobbler, chips, a pecan milk candy. The meats were too dry, smoky flavor but just too dry! No problem if we had enough bbq sauce but they only gave 1 small bbq cup which isn't enough for the 3 meat plate. The flavor was good but brisket should be moist and not too dry like it was! The sides were ok, the beans had too much condiments "some type of strong herb!" the coke slaw was perfect, the spaghetti needed more creaminess, it was too dry. The chocolate pie which a lot of people mention it, was perfect!! And the peach cobbler was too!! The serving size is big so you can easily share 2 people and have left over and for all that I ordered $43 was not bad!! Also a drink and 2 bag of chips so e had a lot of food and snacks with dessert! Ambiance is country relaxed style and decor is nice!! Lots of sitting area Service is a big thing for me! That make me come back for more, and ofcourse the food which meat was too dry read more

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First of all, I don't give 5 stars for a place that doesn't have okra or fries. But y'all, this brisket was likely the best we've ever had. We're lifelong Texans with lots of top BBQ places checked off the list. The ribs. SAME. Falling apart but still the right chew and the bark was perfection on brisket and ribs. Smoke was perfect. The sauce is good, but you barely even need it. The sides were probably a 3.5, honestly. Nothing special. The spicy spaghetti is spicy for spicy's sake. The flavor is hot. Not much else. Same for the green beans. They were hot enough to be inedible. The corn was very good. The desserts we tried were also meh. Too sweet. This should tell you how EPIC the brisket and ribs were! read more

Some of the best BBQ in the State of Texas! Brisket anyway! Amazing! Fast service and right off the highway 10 in Junction TX! Yee-haw!! read more

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First time stopping here. It's a regular stop for my family and I can tell why. The food was delicious and the meats were flavorful and juicy. Top notch service and kind people there. I enjoyed the comfortable and welcoming greeting we all received. Very clean and organized sides station. Thank you for the great service and delicious food! Highly recommend read more

Lum's - Entrance - Barbeque Near Me - Junction, Texas

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