Absolutely the best BBQ! Incredible service and such a welcoming, heartfelt place. If we travel between Dallas and Austin again -- this stop is a must! read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

See all

TLDR: If you want BBQ and you are in Waco go here. Upon arrival the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making it feel like I was walking into their home. I ordered a 3 meat plate and got 2 brisket and 1 chicken as well as smoked cabbage and smoked mac n cheese. The prices were very fare and the whole trip was less than 30 dollars. The food was absolutely incredible. To start there is so much food you easily get 2 meals out of it. I've never had chicken melt the way this chicken did, incredibly tender with great flavor. The brisket was just as great and just made me blown away that they have mastered so many meats. The smoked cabbage was one of the best sides i've ever had, flavor almost reminds me of smoked green beans. The mac was incredible like the rest of the food. After our meal we spent some time taking to the owners who made me want to stay in Waco just so I could be a regular. To the owners, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the bbq and the experience. If i'm back in Waco this will be my first stop. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - 3 meat plate, Chicken, 2 brisket, Smoked mac and cabbage - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

Very Very Very good BBQ and all their food is just mouth watering! Please try it. I have told several people about their Bbq. Good people. The Owner and his wife are good hard working people. I wish I knew more people JUST like them. I gotta go back soon. :) read more

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!! The cooks are quite literally some of the sweetest people I've ever met. It felt like a community here. The decor is really sweet, and very fun if you're a cowboys fan. The food is so good and especially for the price. I LOVED the cabbage they served, not pictured but still please try it. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - sausage links, brisket, potato salad, and Mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

See all

Amazing food and customer service. Visited from California, I will be coming back here next time I'm in town

Great food, folks were lovely, and the atmosphere was down home. Definitely will be back.

I never expected such an amazing experience behind the nondescript storefront door, but WOW! This is by far the best BBQ I have ever sampled. There are only three tables so you may have to wait to dine in, although we were seated right away for lunch around 1:15 pm on Saturday. The staff is so friendly, and the game on the TV provided entertainment but never distracted my companion and me from our conversation. There's a family feel and we found ourselves quickly talking with the parties at the other tables. Next time I'm in Waco, Papa Jack's is definitely on my itinerary! read more

This place is absolutely amazing!!! The workers are so kind, I went for the first time with my friends a few weeks ago and they kept bringing us new dishes to try. You can tell they really just enjoy the craft of BBQ, the food is clearly cooked with love. This is one of very few restaurants I would plan ahead to eat at due to the hours and special offers!! The best BBQ in Waco, 100% read more

My husband and I eaten here several times and we love it. The brisket and ribs are our favorite plus all of the wonderful sides. We both love the smoked cabbage. My husband loves the collard greens, and I love the smoked mac & cheese. Don't forget the desserts! The staff has always been super kind and they make 100 you feel welcome. It's a small little joint, but that's why I love it. It's a true Mom and Pop restaurant. If you haven't experienced Papa Jack's, you're missing out. This is a true gem read more

This place is so amazing! The staff is super personable and very welcoming! Kim makes all the sides and I would highly recommend the smoked cabbage, collard greens, smoked Mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. I think we literally tried every side they offered and they were all so good! The BBQ could be some of the best I've ever tried, but those sides are definitely the best I've ever eaten! The ribs fall off the bone! The brisket was super tender! And, they had 2 types of chicken that were both absolutely delicious! Homemade BBQ sauce that was perfect! Forgot to mention that sweet potato cornbread! Wow!! I think they have different desserts, but Kim gave us this one on the house and I would order it again and again! You can't go wrong with anything you order from Papa Jacks BBQ! We will be back as soon as we come through Waco again! I can't even express how friendly and welcoming the staff is!!! Awesome experience! Even if you have to take a detour, you will not regret it! Just watch the days and hours that they are open. Even then, Kim mentioned we could call ahead and still pick up food during hours they were not open! This is a place dedicated to the best food and service experience possible! read more

During our stay in Waco my family and I ate at four barbecue restaurants and this was our favorite. It is owned and ran by the nicest family. You are greeted the minute you walk in and made to feel so welcomed. We were mostly interested in trying the smoked meats which were all so good but the sides almost steal the show. Whatever sides they recommend try them, you will thank yourself. We had never tried smoked cabbage before and it was amazing in addition to the smoked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie and a sweet cornbread dish that was one of the best things I've ever ate. We are so glad we chose this as one of the places we tried in Waco and if we are ever in the area again we will definitely stop by here. Wonderful food and wonderful people! read more

See all

Where do we start..... BBQ meets Soul food!! The meats were fresh & the absolute best sides we've ever had! Homemade with a little twist of love & secret spices. The service was great & run by a family that really loves doing this. Don't miss the chance to stop by if you are near. You will not regret it. Our biggest challenge is who do we bring back with us on our next visit!!! read more

Amongst the best brisket I've had in Central Texas! Fell apart on a fork. Also had the ribs, chicken, Mac n cheese, sweet potatoe casserole, smoked cabbage, collared greens, all excellent! A wonderful, loving family business I hope can expand and serve their delicious food to many more BBQ lovers! read more

I've been lucky enough to grow up around good BBQ and southern food my whole life and this place is an excellent example of both. It's the classic no frills restaurant where you pay for a great plate of food and the worst thing about the meal is figuring out what the "weakest" bite is. The only thing that can out shine the food here is the incredibly kind staff . Here you are treated like family. What a special experience and a bite that I will go back again and again for. read more

We moved to GA from CA 10 years ago and never experienced the Southern Hospitality you hear about until TODAY! Omg! The owner and her daughter are special ppl. They treat you as family and never seem to meet a stranger. The food is delicious! Everything is on point, but the real stars are them! We will be back ma'am...ty! read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Smoked mac n cheese, smoked cabbage, ribs and link. - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

I'm visiting from So. California. I had the rib meal with collard greens, potato salad, and peach cobbler. I also had a side of chicken and dumplings. Everything was delicious! The service was excellent. Jack, Kim and the young lady that served us were very friendly and made us feel welcomed and comfortable. The ambiance is casual and comfortable, it felt like I was eating at Papa Jack's house. Thank you for a great experience in Southern hospitality and excellent comfort food. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Ribs, collard greens, potato salad, slice of bread. - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

See all

This is why you come to Texas!! Food was great and hot!! I felt like I was at my Southern relatives dinner table, great conversation with the owners and family. I could see myself hanging out for Thanksgiving. I will recommend for any friends that go to visit Waco from San Diego. Thanks for true Texas hospitality. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Bbq Chicken, smoked Mac and baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

I am a former Texan (from Houston) who moved to California when my Dad got cancer. I came back this weekend since my daughter will be attending Baylor in the fall and wanted to introduce her to real Texas BBQ and this place did not disappoint! Everything was so good and fresh and the owners are super friendly. So glad I chose this place. I will be back! read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - 2 meat platter - brisket and ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

We adore this place and the lovely family who owns it. 2 years ago when I had my first baby, this was the meal that awaited me at home when I came home from the hospital. When I tell you I could have crawled right into a giant bucket of that mac n' cheese and just lived there for the rest of my life... Ever since then, we have made sure to do a huge takeout order from here anytime we have family in town visiting. We love to share this place with our friends and family every chance we get. I still want to crawl into a bucket of that mac n' cheese and just live there. so so good. read more

We cannot be more impressed than what we are with the start to finish experience. From walking in the door greeted with friendly attentiveness, to the casual down home feel, then the 5 star meal! Hands down the best brisket and collard greens I've never had. Half hour later and my husband is still taking about it and I'm sure we both will for days. The family welcoming environment warned my heart and made by belly so happy. That's what it is folks , food made with love by loving people. That's the secret sauce. Keep it up Y'all ! read more

See all

I would give this food 7 stars if I could, and the service 10. The store itself is a hole in the wall and a treat if you have the time. Brisket was to die for. Cut like butter, juicy, and perfectly smoked. Pork ribs falling off the bone and best I have had in this style. The smoked mac and cheese is crusty, smoky, cheesy, and salty. The sweet potato caserole was crunchy, creamy, and sweet. Generous portions, good prices, over the top friendly service. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Sign outside. Come inside! - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

I don't often leave reviews but this place earned it. Easy access off of I-35 and well worth a quick detour. Adds 5 minutes to the trip tops. Service off the charts as noted by other reviewers. Passion for bbq and service vibes. We did brisket, sausage and a bunch of desserts. Everything was spot-on. Brisket texture, moisture and smoke perfect. Sauce may be my all time favorite. Pies and peach cobbler for dessert. Loved them all but their twist on cobbler is a must. Will be back next time I'm through Waco for sure. read more

10 out 10 recommend! Best BBQ I've ever had. Very welcoming as soon as we walked in. Generous with their servings. Ordered brisket and sausage. Woooow!!! Will be coming back to Waco for this food!! read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Brisket, link, pinto beans, Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

Jan 1st, 2026. My first meal of the year, I was craving BBQ. This is the Luckiest Discovery I have ever had! This place is like no BBQ I have ever tasted, and I am a Texas Born BBQ Lover. The brisket flavor punches you with a delicious zing of spices, yet a fork can't pick it up. The thick slices have no choice but to fall apart. The juices! The SMOKED Mac N Cheese is above & beyond, The Cabbage, (they even had black eye's peas today!). Every bite, of every portion just kept getting better the more I ate. I will be back soon! This Amazing BBQ was named "NUMBER 2 PLACE IN TEXAS TO EAT" here on Yelp for a Very Good Reason. BBQ Aficionados.... GET READY. read more

We visited from Houston on an impromptu road trip and while we had a great time overall, stopping by Papa Jack's before heading back was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I regret not getting anybody's name but the young lady that took our order and overall took care of us was extremely hospitable and helpful. As soon as we placed our order and headed to the dining room, we were greeted by what I can only assume is the main man in charge who was cutting meat, scooping sides and lip syncing the tunes on the radio. He went out of his way to personally welcome us and even comment on my shirt that he liked. Once we got our food, we noticed that my friend's side of cabbage was accidentally plated as a side of beans and when we quietly brought this up, he was given the side of cabbage on the house. Excellent customer service and felt organic, never forced! Now the best part of the visit - tasting the food. When I tell you that my friend is a very picky eater and is the kind of person to say exactly how he feels.. I was worried he might not like it. But then I saw the way his eyes got wide after taking a bite of the mac and cheese... He didn't hesitate to say out loud that it was the best he had ever had. Then he tried the brisket and I thought he was gonna faint, he said it was the best smoked meat he'd had since his family get-togethers as a kid. I couldn't agree more but I'll also add that their rib was fall off the bone and some of the best I've ever had and their BBQ sauce is so unique and it was everything I never knew I needed. It wasn't too tangy, it wasn't too sweet, had just enough spice, it was perfect. After sitting there for a bit with our minds completely blown, we decided to not finish our plates so we could take a bit to go so that our families could try it.. but not before we were offered a free dessert from the gentleman in the kitchen. I got the buttermilk pie and my friend had the coconut pie. Both were deliciously homemade, the perfect cherry on top. The last thing I want to mention.. when we were finally getting to leave, I asked the lady that was in the kitchen if I could have an extra cup of BBQ sauce to go and unfortunately, I didn't leave with one.. Instead, I was gifted a complimentary mason jar filled with some!! The food was absolutely elite, but somehow the pure hospitality and genuine customer service was even better. I'll be back VERY SOON! read more

See all

The first Sunday of the month Papa Jack's opens for Sunday brunch(12-5 or sold out!). On this special day once a month they offer a variety of southern dishes. I had a smothered pork chop (think brown gravy), with cheese grits and okra/tomato. My wife had baked chicken with dressing and fried sweet corn and scalloped potatoes. It was one of the best down home southern dishes I have had it years. read more

We were here from Upstate New York after dropping our daughter off at college. we happened upon this place and all I can say is that it exceeded any expectation. First off, the food was absolutely amazing. I've had bbq all over the state of Texas. none of it even compares to this place. Even better than the food though was the hospitality. They were kind and welcoming. by the time we left it felt like we had made new friends and family. They showed my husband and our friend the pit out back. We all hugged and I had tears when we left. This one place made our whole trip. We can't wait to visit Papa Jack's again! read more

Just stopped in with our group of ten and enjoyed every moment. Family service was hospitable and casual, smoked chicken was the best I've had, and i got a free lesson on proper collard greens prep. Definitely stop here and treat yourself. read more

this place it's amazing!! the food that's the best I have eve, and really you feel lu a family the owner's so kind and friendl... 100000000 stars I loved read more

Driving through Waco and stumbled upon Papa Jacks. Amazing service, the nicest people/owners too. It was grandmas food like you remember. Mac & cheese was like nothing else we have had, so good. We had sausage, ribs & brisket with sides. Ask for the cornbread...so hot with melted butter. Highly recommend when in Waco! read more

This place is amazing! The food and service were amazing. It felt like eating at a family member's house. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Even the locals were engaging in convo and telling us how great the place is. read more

Probably some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted. Gerald cooks it up beautifully and they treated me like I was long lost family. I am from out of the area and found it by chance. If you live in the area you can't miss out. Thanks for the smoked cabbage and cobbler, but the meat was the real treat! read more

Papa Jack's is a 10 plus. Not sure what's better the people that run it or the food. Easy answer: the people because without them you couldn't get the service and the most delicious and flavorful BBQ and sides in existence. Don't let the building site fool or mislead you. These folks and food are not to be missed. They're just so lovely and kind. read more

Melt in your mouth brisket! I also had the smoked cabbage and smoked Mac and cheese. All incredible. My son and I felt right at home and enjoyed chatting with the family and the other customers! We'll be back! read more

The brisket is the most tender and juicy I've tasted in the area,and the portions are more than generous, the sides are also fantastic. I definitely recommend this place! read more

The food was fantastic and the service was great. The vibe there was good it was nice. I was comfortable eating.

First of all let me say that this place felt like home! When we walked in, the warmth and hospitality felt in the restaurant was reminiscent of when you go to Family Reunion and get introduced to family. When this happens, there are some occasions when this means that the food is "ok". Then they brought the food... lightening fast! I ordered a brisket plate with veggie sides, smoked cabbage and collard greens. The smoked cabbage was wedged, but the smoke flavors were infused throughout the layers. The collard greens had just enough "bite", and were cooked to perfection, and the beans had a delightful pop of creole flavoring! Then she brought out the sweet potato cornbread. I am watching my carbs so only had one bite, the bread was absolutely scrumptious! The brisket was tender, and the barbecue sauce was Smokey-sweet, yet tangy flavor that was a perfect compliment to the meat So often if the sides are good, the meat is only ok, or if the meat is good, the sides are bad, or if the food is overall good, then the service is terrible. Not at Papa Jack's! We will definitely be back!!!! read more

Ate here while passing through town, found it on Yelp. The place is pretty small but makes up for it with wonderful BBQ. You won't be disappointed. read more

Do not go to a chain - go straight to Papa Jack's!! The food and atmosphere are awesome. You'll be taken care of like you're family and it feels a little bit like you are sitting around grandma's kitchen table. Make sure you try the sweet potato cornbread - it is amazing (so was every bit of everything else). read more

"Then you love a little wild one and she brings you only sorrow All the time you know she's smilin' you'll be on your knees tomorrow, yeah You go back, Jack, do it again" (Steely Dan) Our lunch at Papa Jack's was one of the very best dining experiences we had on our Texas vacation. I saw that Papa Jack's had a perfect 5-Star Yelp rating across 77 reviews, and that's pretty hard to do, right? Now I understand why. The food was tremendous, the hospitality was tremendous, the customer experience was tremendous. Kim, one of the co-owners came over to our table to see how we were doing, and she is an absolute charmer. Our server was equally charming, and of course she was Kim's daughter. The cook came out to greet us, and I'm not sure if he was the namesake of Papa Jack or not, but he was Kim's husband and was also charming. We were treated like long lost relatives and its been a very, very, very long time that we felt so welcomed and appreciated as customers. We ordered a brisket sandwich and a sausage sandwich with sides of cabbage sweet potatoes, and mac and cheese. When Kim found out we were first -timers she hooked us up with a complimentary slice of pie. Our food was perfectly delicious! We learned that Kim is a legendary neighborhood figure and regularly provides meals to folks down on their luck. Trust me, you have to go visit Kim and her family and enjoy a home cooked meal that is brimming with love and pride and deliciousness. . read more

See all