Excellent food, everything fried to order. The corn nuggets are a bit of Heaven on Earth. Hours are weird but it's always worth your time. I can't recommend this place enough. Be prepared for to be transported to the past. read more

Well I indoctrinated another bbq lover To the Bryan institution of smoked meat Better know as Martin's Place He had ribs and sausage Very satisfied German potato salad was not his favorite I had sausage and brisket Brisket was dried and chewy But that's not normal Beans and tots were good Peach cobbler was great but the ice cream cup was old, thawed and refrozen crystallized Blue bell But cobbler made up for it read more

Martin's Place - It's an institution - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

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Amazing food, excellent customer service! You can see the history of the building in the discoloration of the ceiling tiles and the papers hanging on the walls from the years and years of smoke which adds to the ambiance and overall experience. We don't get to eat here as often as we used to since they semi-retired and started closing on Saturdays, but if I'm in the area during the week for a doctor's appointment I stop in for a to-go order. The sweet lady who runs the register always remembers me no matter how long it's been between visits. You can't beat the chopped brisket and the potatoes are amazing! Honestly, we've never gotten anything we didn't like. Definitely worth a stop! read more

This place is questionable when you arrive. The restaurant is small and old. The toilets are outside but not an outhouse. However, the food was delicious and the owner was very nice. read more

Friendly environment also the Best Brisket sandwich. Also, the 2 and 3 meat plates are huge.

I used to eat here almost 2 decades ago while in college and decided to stop by for a late lunch. Ordered the 3 meats plate: ribs, sausage and beef brisket with fried corn nuggets and mashed potatoes. Generous portion for $15. Both ribs and briskets were dry; sausages were ok. Both sides were tasted good. Oh well, hopefully they will taste better next time I am visiting in town! read more

Bottom Line: Mom & Pop BBQ joint in all it's rustic glory. Very reasonable prices for generous portions of hyper-smoked meats. A piece of Texas history that's earned its reputation for good eatin'. Top Line: For a mere $11.31 after tax I got a sliced smoked beef sandwich with a huge pile o' beef tucked under the bun, cole slaw, deep fried corn nuggets, and a glass of unsweet tea. A generous dinner at lunchtime prices. Gotta love that! The beef in the sandwich was some of the smokiest I've ever had. The meat had a very sharp, nearly acrid, smoke flavor that cut deep, long, & strong. An extremely rigorous flavor punch to the tongue from Martin's pitmaster. Well done amigo, well done! The texture of the beef was drier than typical. So while the meat was very tender, the lack of juiciness made the sandwich more substantial, and requiring a bit more saucing & washing down with tea, than usual. The sauce that came with the meal, for dressing the sandwich or dipping the corn nuggets I wasn't quite sure so I used it for both, had a mostly tomato taste. Sort of a ketchup or Campbell's tomato soup flavor to which was added a distinct vinegary tangy. Quite different from the other sauces I've had on this particular jaunt through central Texas in search of BBQ. The corn nuggets were nicely deep fried crispy on the outside & moist tender inside. Tasty enough that they didn't actually require dipping in the sauce to make my mouth do the Happy Dance. The cole slaw was crunchy texture & slathered with a mayo dressing that was pretty neutral in taste. The dressing didn't lean in either the sweet or tangy directions, so it came off as being a touch flat. It was, however, quite smooth & creamy in texture. This is not a book you want to judge by it's well worn cover. Martin's is an old institution in this area and you've got to forgive the rather dated, tired, and somewhat run down appearance to harvest the gastronomic gold these folks are dishing up. The food is good well-smoked generously portioned eats at economical prices. Eat what you love, love what you eat. Eat at Martin's in Bryan TX and find what *you* love about hole in the wall BBQ joints all over again. read more

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Love Martin's! I've been coming here with my family for the past 20+ years. Such a great family oriented place with great service! They have watched me grow up (though I was missed during my teen years for a bit due to me being a vegetarian for a few years). Food has been consistently good throughout the years. I recommend this place to anyone in BCS looking for delicious BBQ and great people serving it to you! One of my favorite restaurants in town. read more

Came here several times during my childhood and stopped by a few months ago. I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed talking to the waitress. The food is true, authentic southeast central Texas barbecue- if you want the fancy bells and whistles, just go to Austin. I would like to emphasize "authentic"... this is the OLDEST restaurant in BCS, therefore the amenities are NATURALLY going to reflect that! If you can't use a restroom unless it's less than 5 years old and looks like it came out of a Southern Living magazine, then you're out of luck in that department. Martin's ROUTINELY scores a 100 on their health department inspections (available on KBTX), so I'll let those numbers speak for themselves and enjoy some delicious brisket while I'm at it! read more

Came in here with a friend that recommended it. Definitely a old place. Still has the old horseshoe bar. Lots of old pictures of the place and Aggie pictures. It smelled the smoke from pit inside that I thought was great. Service was good. Very friendly. I ordered the sliced brisket sandwich. Pretty much just brisket on a regular hamburger bun. Brisket had a good smoke flavor. A lil on the dry side for me as I had to put sauce on it. Overall everything was good. Cool old place. read more

This place is the best! The ultimate hole-in-the-wall. You have to get the Aggie (the owner's husband invented it!) The space is in need of repairs but that's what gives it some charm. We talked with the owner and she was very nice, told us some stories about Martin's over the years. read more

DISCLAIMER: It was raining when I visited, and that DEFINITELY affects the experience. The rain is going to make smoking VERY difficult, and as a result, the meat will not be up to par and the whole restaurant will be smoky. First impressions: Gross looking bathrooms with entrances adjacent to the front door. Ew. I held it in. Tons of smoke inside the restaurant (like I mentioned, due to the rain). By the time I left, all my clothes and my person reeked of smoke. Interior is decorated much like many other BBQ places, but the lighting is a bit dim. Find yourself a seat and peruse the menu, someone will come take your order (eventually). And then your food will come (eventually). The wait was, honestly, much longer than I expected (around 30 minutes total), especially considering there were only 2 other tables at the time. I ordered the two meat combo, for which I chose ribs and brisket with cole slaw and house potatoes. Onions, pickles, and bread free if requested. $10.75. (Each additional meat is $1 extra, but ribs can only be one of them). Water/cup of ice is 10 cents. Total cost is $11.75 after tax. The ribs were dry and chewy, and the brisket was rather dry as well. I don't know just how much the rain affects the meat, but I would avoid going when it's raining at all costs. Totally not worth it. The meat was also covered in BBQ sauce, which I prefer to apply at my own discretion. The sides, however, were pretty good! House potatoes is basically mashed potatoes, but thicker and less creamy. Cole slaw is solid. Onions and pickles were served on top of the meat, so the pickle was warm and covered in sauce (not a fan of that). Having experienced Franklin BBQ in Austin, I compare all other BBQ to it, and Martin's simply cannot compare. This place does seem to have good reviews though, so perhaps it's worth coming again when the weather is sunny. Misc: Parking lot is unpaved! read more

Martin's Place - The interior. Camera isn't very good, but all the smoke in the restaurant doesn't help either. - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

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Amazing history. Good food. Good price. Brisket, sliced, was amazing. Smokey meaty heaven. Sausage was very good. Feid Okra and Corn Fritters were fresh made to order, and very good. Even the Iced Tea, unsweet, had a bite to it and was great. Chopped beef brisket is more like beaten to a mush: many like it that way, many don't. So keep that in mind. It got only 4-stars because the pork was boring, and unless you are a mind reader, they drown all your meat in their sauce without asking you (it was very good, but come on). Bring a change of clothes (and underwear), unless you like to smell like a smoker-dude all day. Of course, I would not change a thing. read more

Martin's Place - The Main Counter - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

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Been going here for over 3 years and the food is always yummy! If you call your order in ahead of time you can cut down the wait. Love this place! read more

Just simple BBQ and great service. The atmosphere is exactly what a real Texas no frills BBQ joint should be. Walking through the front door is like walking into a time machine. Yes everything is very antique, but it's all very clean. You can't beat them on price. And the front door opens in the wrong direction which is a kind of fun. read more

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Plus a half a star.... Wish there were half stars. Anyways. Food was very tasty. The brisket sandwich is well portioned for $5. The quality of the brisket is also nice. It was very lean and minimal bbq sauce to mask the flavor of the meat. Although the aroma of smokey goodness is in the air, I didn't really get the smokey flavor or smoke ring imbedded in the meat. Brisket had good texture as well. Also tried the roasted chicken. (White meat only.... G/f's choice) The chicken was incredibly moist. Once again minimal BBQ sauce to mask the flavor of the chicken. And portions again are great. As well as price. $4.75 for half a chicken. Highly highly recommend. Now for sides. The onion rings were really good. Some sort of vinegary tang to the batter once fried. Potatoes were also good. Had some bacon added to them which is always a plus. Would def recommend. Sadly this is a slow moving place in terms of service but it's an okay compromise for quality well priced meats. Also if you are "iffy" on restrooms this is definitely not your 5 star establishments. Just know you are sacrificing bells and whistles for amazing food and home cooking that's just to die for. Have an open mind and empty belly because you'll love it. Be sure to try it next time in Bryan. read more

Martin's Place - Half a white meat chicken with potatoes and cole slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

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The only real deal in town and real pit BBQ! If you want seasoned up oven roasted brisket this isn't your place. They let the smoke do it's magic. And years of practice makes it consistent. Fair prices as well. Coming from a local of 55 yrs. read more

Historical Landmark! German potatoes were not available today BUT potato salad and fried okra made up for it! Great customer service and the food was worth the drive from DFW to Bryan/College Station. read more

Martin's Place - Partial menu - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

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Driven by this place a dozen times and never paid any attention to it. Would recognize it as a restaurant unless you look real hard. Great food, and the prices are really inexpensive as BBQ goes. The charm is the smoke stained ceiling tiles, kindness of all those that work there and the atmosphere. A lot of the patrons have been coming here for 20+ years. Try the plate with fried okra and onion rings. Love it read more

I have passed by this historic little building for years yet never stopped. I wish that I had. I think if they lit that beautiful neon sign to let passers by know they were a functioning business, then neighboring restaurants like J. Codys & Chicken Oil would feel the affect. As I said this is a quaint very historic place. They probably haven't changed/replaced a single thing in years. You walk through and old wooden door and a screen door and the smokey bbq goodness aroma immediately lets you know you are in for a treat. There are tables but I especially enjoy they diner-like bar that you can sit at and visit with the regulars (whom seem to make up for most of the business). It is a family owned place and staff is a bit quiet unless you are like us and talkative to get to know them. There are exterior restrooms which are indeed aged but you go there for the food afterall. Now the food: We had brisket (very tender but could be more smokey), sausage (which I don't eat but family said that it was really good), chicken (a tad dry) and sides. We went with the beans which were average. Their sauce was comparable to Rudys mild in flavor. But we got a meal for 2 (split 3 ways) for only $12. For the price you cannot beat it! The overall ambiance was nice and comfortable. Smokey, quiet with no loud music, you can have a conversation and you don't feel rushed. I would go back for that at-home feeling alone. Add a good amount af tasty cue for a very reasonable price and I am hooked! read more

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Well, it's set way back in the middle of a field Just a funky ol' shack and I gotta get back ... ... okay, so it's not reeeeeally in a field! But that's still totally cool. Martin's is a landmark and it shows in the total lack of ambience or trappings. They are a food counter, here to serve you food and boot yer tail out again. We popped by and ordered dinner on Friday. I went with a 2-meat combo (sausage/ribs), fried corn nuggets, and tater tots. Mr. O. ordered a pound of meat (1/2 pound beef brisket, 1/4 pound of pork and ribs), house potatoes, and fried okra. Awesome, health food! We took our feed back to the Hyatt Place and scarfed while watching Ben 10. First things first: it's a little surprising that there's no chicken on the menu! Secondly: ... oh, it hurts to say this. ... Neither of us liked the ribs! :-o Maybe that's because it was literally smoked meat and nothing else, and we're used to rubbed ribs. They were so bland, even liberally covered with sauce. In some spots they were like jerky. **sobs** But anyway, the rest of our meal was delicious, and we'd definitely return next year. read more

Been a long time since I've been here. I left Texas for a job in California. It's no surprise that when I visit home, there are a few favorites. Martin's is at the top of that list. This place is timeless. With each visit I feel I've stepped back in time. I ordered the Brisket and Spareribs. Both were cooked to perfection. Just enough fat in the brisket and the ribs were tender and flavorful. Just enough of a burn on the edges and a nice med-heavy smoke flavor. The sauce was a typical Texas tomato base sauce. There was no sweet like many Kansas City style sauces. The sides were also very pleasing. Love that Fried Okra! Make sure to visit when you are not in a hurry. The large lunch crowd and single wait person make for pretty slow service. It is what it is so enjoy you're company until the delicious BBQ is served. read more

Martin's Place is one of those restaurants that you just WANT to be good more than it actually is. It's so crusty and ancient and scenic, wouldn't it be the coolest thing ever if they also had great food? This place is more a museum of BBQ history than an actual working restaurant. The small brick building was built 80 years ago, which surprised me because after looking at the interior of the place, I would have thought it would be older. The interior of Martin's Place looks like it pre-dated the Texas War of Independence or maybe it was brought over from Europe after being used in a grubby pub for centuries. Upon entering, you experience the heavy woodsmoke which fills the room and stays in your clothes the rest of the day. The dining room has U-shaped countertops have worn spots where thousands upon thousands of plates have sat over the years. The linoleum has been scraped to the floorboards in heavily trafficked areas and the ceiling is black and yellow with untold layers of the BBQ smoke of the ages. I peered into the kitchen and it was like a smoky, greasy black dungeon. Even the other patrons looked like they were about a hundred years old themselves. This place probably could have used a renovation about fifty years ago, now it's just so worn and run-down and ancient that it's a curiosity and conversation piece. It's too cool to fix up. Martin's has got style. That said, the food was just average. The moist brisket wasn't especially tender and lacked seasoning. Flavor was sparse, and unfortunately the sauce didn't add anything - it's very weak. The potato salad was pretty good as a chunky yellow mustard variety. The corn nuggets were rather interesting and tasty. My companion said his ribs were much better than the brisket, but I didn't get to try it. I don't know if I'd come back for the food, but this is somewhere I'd definitely bring my out-of-town friends or family for the experience. They sure don't have places like THIS in Pittsburgh, PA! read more

For some of the other reviewers, I would think you would notice the address on Yelp, but this place is NOT in College Station. It's in Bryan, and you have to pass by the giant "Bryan Vikings" water tower on your way back to College Station. Just remember, if it's great food from a local restaurant, you're almost certainly in Bryan. The BBQ is amazing, the atmosphere is awesome, just don't go if you don't want to smell smokey after you leave. Also, not a place to go if you're in a hurry. This place is slow-paced and laid-back, so only go if you want to relax and enjoy the food at their pace. One thing that not many people know is they'll cook a chicken for you for 75 cents/lb., so if you ever see a great deal on whole chickens at the grocery store, buy one up and head over to Martin's. They'll have it ready the next day and the meat will just fall right off the bones. Oh yeah, and to Greg D., Kapchinskie is Czech. I'm not sure how anyone can live in Bryan for more than 2 years and not know who Czechs are or where they come from. Ever had a kolache? read more

Excellent Brisket and German Potatoes. Pleasant atmosphere. Great prices. read more

Martin's Place - View from the bar table. - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

Great food! Cheap prices!!!!! Neat story, and did I meantion.... Wow the prices were very very reasonable. The only down-side... I went on my lunch break from the office-- now my hair, business suit, heels, jewlery all smell like BARBQ smoke. Do not go on your lunch break from work!!!!! :-/ OH NO! read more

After hankering for BBQ for about a year, I finally made it to Martin's and had an A-OK time. My recommendation: go for the brisket sandwich, maybe the sausage, but avoid the ribs because they can be extremely dry and even charred. Skip the fried food because it adds to your wait time and it's not so good: fries were bland, onion rings tasted like old cooking oil and not in a good way, and the fried corn nuggets were fine when hot but not great. I'm starting to think I'd rather go to J.Cody's for the great sides and the sometimes excellent steaks...even though Martin's has the old time decor and all that smoke like a shrine to BBQ from days past. read more

*in song* 5 starrrrsss for the best place in college stationnnnnnnnnnn. Anyplace elssseeee and you'd just be OKKKKKK Since you are heeerreee I can't stay AWAYYYYYYYY .... HAYYYYY AYYYyeaaaaaaaaaayeay yeaaaaammgirl yeah that's some good BBQ. *Ahem* After you leave you will reek of smoke. Like....plan your day around going to Martin's because people will look at you weird if you go back to class/work/home afterward. It's like having a drug habit: you go on a Martin's bender and then run home to wash the shame off and hide the stench of beef from your friends and family. No, I have not been to Martin's today. Yes I would have invited you if I went. Locally owned and quite tasty - I always get the BBQ Plate with double brisket, fried okra (YEAH THEY HAVE IT), and German potatoes (if they haven't run out). Eat that plate and then try not to come back. It's impossible. read more

There is a reason Martin's has been family owned since 1925...it's the best barbeque I've ever had! Brisket and pork were juicy and tender, and I was able to get a BBQ sandwich with both! Who else lets you get a two meat BBQ sandwich? For sides I got the curly fries which were crunchy and seasoned so that they had a bit of their own character and the fried corn nuggets. All fried foods are prepared on the spot, and let's just say that one bite of those corn nuggets had me in comfort food heaven. I didn't sample their desserts, but they had a peach cobbler that sounded amazing. This is a must-visit in the BCS area, and I'd happily find an excuse to go back to BCS just to hit up Martin's again! read more

Simply Amazing! This is real BBQ. Brisket was just perfect. I love their sauce, not too sweet with right amount of smokiness. Sausage was just OK. Next time, I am going to try the ribs. I don't know if this is normal, but it took 30 minutes to get our food. We weren't in a hurry so everything was cool. Definitely heading back next week. read more

So I give this place 5 stars simply because the food is cheap, good...and really the only great bbq place in College Station. We had a big group and walked into this place and it was kinda scary in how old the place looked (part of the charm). I recommend the bbq chicken (on Fridays only) and ribs. All the sides were really good, especially the fried corn fritters. Our eyes were watering from the smoky-ness of the place and our clothes stunk of bbq afterwards but I think it was worth it. read more

Okay so walking in this place can throw someone off a little, but not me- I love local hole-in-the-walls. This is not a place to ask for a water with lemon. You want a pop? You get a can. You want a cup? Get it yourself. This place is simple. Nothing fancy to look at and in somewhat a state of disrepair. The wall was adorned with old news clippings that showed the true work and love that really went into the food. Now, moving on... to the food... I had the beef brisket, corn nuggets, and cole slaw. Let me tell you- I will never, ever find a place with better brisket. So juicy so tender so yummmmmmmm. What the house made BBQ sauce lacked in flavor, the brisket's flavor more than made up for! The corn nuggets were perfectly crispy and not greasy, and the cole slaw had just the right amount of sweetness to it! Sure, I'm typically a healthy eater and not a big BBQ type- but this place gave me a mouthgasm :) read more

Martin's Place - the history of martin's place - Barbeque Near Me - Bryan, Texas

Best food in town! You can smell the smoke blocks away. You can taste the smoke when you walk in the door. If your in hurry, either switch to a slower gear or keep looking. This place is old school and goes at its own pace. They have a wall full of newspaper clippings and a collection of books & magazines that list this in their top BBQ picks. What to order: brisket read more

This place sucks. Yeah, yeah I know it's historical... but that doesn't make up for gross food that we waited an hour (literally!) for. Slow, old, unfriendly. St. Louis has better BBQ. Suck it Bryan, TX! read more

Whoa is OLD OLD place. It is so quiet when you walk in. Guess there is only 2 person working and they are the server and chef. Order 2 combo for take out it was perfect BBQ but it was cold by the time we took back to our hotel!! Girls LOVE IT!! Will be back next time we are back to TX!! read more

Definition hole in the wall. Got the 2 meat combination with 2 sides and could not finish it. Generous portions and fantastic meat. Definitely recommend. Service was very nice. Called in ahead so it reduced the time. Definitely check this place it, you won't regret it for the price, atmosphere, and quality! read more

A true Texas classic. Have been coming to Martin's for 20 years--excellent BBQ--same waitress, same cook. Tasty, tender brisket--and served in the sauce (rather than squeezing the sauce out of bottle at the table). Some truly outstanding sides--especially the potato salad and especially especially the fried ocra. read more

This place is AWESOME. I love the historic building, quaint atmosphere and dare I say, some of the best BBQ in Brazos Valley. More review to come... read more

This is hands-down the BEST bbq to be had in the B/CS area. Aside from the incredible ambiance, complete with handwritten signs, broken shades, and the sweet smell of an oak pit, the food is incredible. Just ask, and the proprietor will show you both of his pits, one which dates back at least forty years. Also, they cook their bbq on an actual oak pit, unlike most places around here. It doesn't get much better than Martin's. =) read more

This is some amazing barbeque! We had to wait for a while to get our food, but it was well worth the wait! Perfectly seasoned green beans, yummy German potatoes and melt in your mouth barbeque! I will be eating there again when I visit my daughter! read more