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

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

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

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

Ok got busy after I wrote the initial finally got to update. I went back the next two days had the ox tails and the chicken and dumplings. I'm in talks to adopt the family and relocate them to my house........sorry everyone else. Ok I'm not sorry. Such nice folks such great food I missed the Banana pudding now I've got to come back, You eat here and after you're hungry that's on you LOL they'll feed you better than you deserve. read more

Hands down best bbq in Texas. Everyone was so accommodating, friendly and so chatty. I felt like we had stepped into a friend's house for dinner! When in Waco- stop and eat here if you like good food! 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

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

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

Best BBQ in Texas and the sweetest people you will ever meet. True Southern hospitality at its best We had brisket, ribs, links, sweet potato casserole, collard greens, sweet potato cornbread and the smoked cabbage! It all was amazing! We will definitely be back 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

Great food, taste, variety and seasoning. Lots of Cowboy football memorabilia and family friendly environment. Not fancy decor so not for the bogie. Highly recommend! read more

The food was the best bbq I've ever had!! Besides the food I loved the workers/owners. They were very sweet. They made us feel right at home. Definitely worth your time and money, you won't be disappointed! read more

Off the Chain good ! All of it . Best in town. Sweet potato casserole is other worldly. Brisket tender and flavorful.

Easiest review I'll write all year. This restaurant is the epitome of southern hospitality. From the minute we entered we knew what we were in for, the service was outstanding from start to finish. We came in at 3 pm so it wasn't busy at all, it's a small restaurant though, so it appears more ideal for take out dining. Nevertheless it's all worth it. Between my wife and I we shared a 3 meat plate, which comes with 2 sides. We went with chicken, ribs, and brisket with the macaroni and cheese and sweet potato casserole. Also had to try a side of smoked cabbage. For dessert we ordered the banana pudding, the buttermilk pecan pie and the peach cobbler. Meats were cooked to perfection and sides were perfect. I've never had a better piece of bbq chicken and the brisket is world class. Ribs were fall off the bone good and the sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Desserts were also awesome, my favorite was the banana pudding. All portions in this order were generous and more than enough for 2 people to leave satisfied. We ate every bit of it. Thanks for a wonderful experience and if we're ever back in Waco we will see you again! read more

Great food, great people, great atmosphere and a decent price. This is my kind of place. Make sure you try the Mac and Cheese and the Sweet Potato Cornbread. We were traveling thru Waco and my wife wanted some Texas BBQ. We split the 3 meat plate. We were both more than full and we had to pack some of it up and save it for later. We will stop here again when we are passing thru Waco. read more

We were on the road home to Houston and decided to find a place in Waco for a late lunch. By luck we found Papa Jack's, and experienced genuine Southern hospitality and amazing BBQ plus truly delicious sides and the best coconut pie I've ever eaten. If you want wonderful, quality food cooked and served by kind, friendly people don't even think about going anywhere else. read more

Easily the best BBQ I've ever had! They make you feel right at home at Papa Jacks! I went with my family and they went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time! We had the brisket which was so tender it could literally fall off the bone best I've ever had, also don't forget the amazing sides smoked mac n cheese & smoked cabbage. To end the meal I had their epic Peach Cobbler! 10/10 experience we will be back! read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Brisket, Sausage Links, Smoked Mac N Cheese & Smoked Cabbage - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

You talk about the best service, home cooking, and fun atmosphere! This place has the best and I mean THE BEST bbq in Texas. The meat falls off the bone and it is juicier than ever! If you haven't been then you have to go! 10/10 recommend and the prices you can't beat for bbq. read more

Papa Jacks hands down best BBQ I've had. Great food. Great family that is just awesome and ready to converse with you and have a great wholesome time. Hole in the wall family bbq joints are the best and this place takes the top. read more

FANTASTIC! First of all, the sublime smell as soon as you open the door! Then, the friendly greeting immediately! We explained it was our first time, and her reply was "Oh don't worry, we are gonna feed you". She wasn't wrong! It's a small family business and they made us feel like we were guests in their home. I consider myself a BBQ connoisseur. A family road trip across the south tasting all the styles of BBQ, I feel like I have some experience. This is by far, hands down, the BEST bbq I have ever had. The brisket is juicy like a perfect rib eye, with flavor all the way through the meat it didn't even need (but I did have) the homemade and flavorful sauce. The ribs were equally as delicious and fell of the bone. I'm not a links lover, but they were actually also great. Now, the sides are an entirely other experience. If you are vegetarian...go just for the sides! Their choices are totally different than any other place you have ever been! The smoke cabbage??!!?? I haven't ever heard of that and it's my new fave. I even got an extra side to go! (For later) the beans have a little kick and are so full of flavor. Smoked Mac n cheese is gourmet level tasty. But buckle up for the sweet potato casserole! Oh. Em. Gee! Not your mommas topping...it's sweet and crunchy with Frosted Flakes and pecans and AMAZING! My teens (who don't like cabbage normally) finished my cabbage. It's truly something different. Also...they have kool aid! Now, the staff/family/owners...I wanted to compliment whomever made the food, he came out and showed me his technique and even shared some of his seasoning for me to try at home. They are the kindest and friendliest people who seem to tilt enjoy their business! If you are driving through or near Waco, make the stop. You will not regret it. It's small, but they will feed you! Say less! read more

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YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TRIP HERE!! We were on a BBQ roadtrip in Texas and this ranked #1-2 out of everything we tried. The place is unassuming but an absolute must. Friendliest customer service, and family owned makes it all the better:) Pictured above is the hot mess plate.. easily one of the best meals I've ever had(and I'm a huge foodie). When you go make sure to try the mac and cheese, collard greens, and smoked cabbage as the sides. They do takeout and dine in orders, well worth the trip!! read more

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

Our second visit-FANTASTIC FOOD! And Miss Kim makes you feel like you're in her kitchen and home. Ribs, Brisket, exceptional! Smoked Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole like pie filling! If you're in the Waco area, do not miss Papa Jack's! read more

What a fantastic little family run restaurant. The food was amazing. The brisket nachos were just the right amount of cheese and crunch. The regular brisket plate was so tender you could pull it apart with your fork. Meat was flavorful too. The sweet potato casserole was great and the Mac and cheese was good, but just not to my liking. I anticipated more baked cheese and it was not that way. The family that runs this restaurant were friendly and we loved hearing their story. If you are looking for a BBQ place don't miss this but note they are only open Thur-Saturday. read more

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

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This unassuming hole in the wall is actually quite a gem. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fair prices and some of the best bbq and sides I've ever had, I have to give it 5 stars. The owners themselves came out and made sure we were enjoying everything. They even shared their recipe for the smoked cabbage happily so we could make it at home! We will for sure be coming back when we pass through Waco. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Brisket, smoked cabbage, greens - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

Quite possibly the best Q i have ever had. Had the 3 meat (ribs, chk, brisket) all were superbly smoked. Collards were amazing as were the smoked mac n cheese and cabbage. Server was full of joy and very kind. Loved the REAL ambiance. It was indeed a blessing! Would give more than 5 stars if Yelp let me. read more

My wife and I had a delicious meal at Papa Jack's. She had the two meat plate, consisting of, ribs and brisket with smoked mac & cheese and colored green greens. I had a two meat plate as well consisting of, ribs and chicken with potato salad and baked beans. The meals were delicious! My wife, especially liked the Big Red barbecue sauce. We are visiting from South Florida here to experience the total eclipse of the sun. We struck up a fun conversation with owner Kim and explained to her that she needs to get out of her restaurant for at least four minutes during totality. She told us all about her secret barbecue sauce and treated us to free desserts as we were first-timers. Kim is an absolute sweetheart and together with her husband make a killer barbecue no matter what the meat. This is one of the top barbecue restaurants in all of Texas. Definitely check it out. read more

Brisket was excellent! Ribs fell off the bone. Sweet potato casserole and mac&cheese were amazing. Wonderful flavor. But the best part is talking to the owner, his wife and the sweet waitress who were so kind and welcoming! Ohh and cobbler was fantastic read more

Absolutely amazing food with an incredibly friendly and talented family who own it. Our son will be headed to Baylor in August and we discovered this place on our second trip to Waco in June for orientation. The meats were all smoked perfectly and tasted amazing. The sides: sweet potato casserole and Mac n cheese....so damn flavorful. After our bellies were stuffed we were given homemade peach cobbler and again, wow. If you are in this area please head in and try it. You'll be hooked. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - My favorite chair in dining room. Everyone else posts pictures of the food but we loved the decor. - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

THE most legit and incredible BBQ experience I ever had. They don't open on Sundays except for the first Sunday of the month which was when we went. Miss Kim's hospitality is unmatched, but what's even better is her and her husband's cooking. We had the Marry Me chicken, the brisket, ribs, the gumbo, smoked mac and cheese, smoked cabbage, sweet potato casserole, yams, and the scalloped potatoes. Every single thing was AMAZING. You don't need a knife for anything because all the meat just falls off the bone. Don't even bother with other BBQ places in Waco. Papa jacks is where its at! read more

Friendly service. Customer service was great however, I was highly disappointed. I ordered ribs, chicken, double mac, and a pecan pie. The ribs were burnt and old and maybe because it was three hours before closing. The seasoning salt in the Mac was so heavy I couldn't eat it. I also ordered double Mac and received beans I don't eat. The chicken was seasoned well but extremely juicy. However, I know a lot of people who would enjoy. My bread was forgotten and the pecan pie had to sitting out uncovered for a hot minute. The portions sizes are great but if I can't eat it there's nothing to celebrate. 2 stars for the great service and chicken. read more

This is going to sound like a commercial because it was SO GOOD. The food 10/10. The hospitality 10/10. The atmosphere...not 10/10, but it comfortable and clean and once you eat this food, you'd be willing to eat it anywhere. We had a sampling of things: brisket, ribs, hot links, collard greens, mac and cheese, cheesy broccoli corn casserole, peach cobbler. Everything was incredible. The collards are BY FAR the best collards ever made. The brisket was perfection. Miss Kim will tell you how to make both in as much detail as you'd like. Please go--and leave a huge tip. These people are lovely, are making excellent food, and they are doing big things in the community--like feeding the unhoused on the daily. read more

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

I highly recommend this place. The meat is so tender and full of flavor. We had the ribs and chicken with smoke cabbage, collard greens and sweet potato casserole. Everything was perfect. The people are super kind and helpful too. I will be back read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - Ribs, chicken, smoked cabbage abs collard greens. - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas

Don't let the looks sway your decision to stop here. This place serves amazing barbecue. The sides are delicious as well. We love our barbecue and this doesn't disappoint. They don't have alcohol but you won't miss it. read more

The previous reviews don't lie. If you are lucky enough to be here on a day they are open - you must go! The smoked cabbage is worth the trip alone. But then you get to the meat - perfectly bbq'd. amazing smoke flavor. Then you get to the key lime pie - oh my! Amazingly friendly staff, made me feel like a regular even though it was my first visit and I ordered to go. So glad I stopped here! read more

Ms. Kim is so lovely. We felt so welcomed and our food was incredible. All employees came and greeted us throughout our time eating making sure everything was great. The brisket is so juicy, tender and moist and the smoked Mac was incredible! All the pies are so delicious! So happy to have found this local spot. Cannot recommend enough! read more

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Great food and wonderful service. Treated like family. Brisket was amazing and chicken was tender and moist. Kim and Papa were so welcoming and friendly too. Had buttermilk pecan pie to top it off ! Outstanding! read more

This an absolute must go. The brisket is God sent. Stop trying to scroll and find a spot that'll give you better service or a taste of real Texan food. read more

Papa Jack's BBQ - This is an absolute must go spot. Stop looking for anything else. Go and find out for yourself. - Barbeque Near Me - Waco, Texas