Was visiting family near Tarkington and wanted some Texas bbq and this is where I was sent to. It's the perfect example of a "hole in the wall". Do not let the outside or interior fool you, this is good bbq. We got the family pack (2kbs of meat, 3 sides, and bread). We went with the brisket and sausage for the meats. The brisket was outstanding. While I have had better, it was very good and Smokey (the bbq sauce they make pairs really well here). The star of the meat was the Texas sausage. After eating this, there's no doubt in my mind that this is housemade sausage. We got the regular but they had other flavors to choose from (jalapeno and cheese etc.). This is hands down the best Texas sausage that I've had. Onto the sides, do not sleep on them. They all tasted as though they are 100% made from scratch. The beans were amazing and had ground breakfast sausage in them. A bit on the sweet side but very vey good. The chicken and dumplings were amazing and contained large pieces of chicken (fresh) with large dumplings. The potato salad is exactly how I like it. It's mashed rather than cubed into pieces with seasoning and mustard. They also had an array of other items on the menu as well as some desserts. I will 100% be back to this family owned establishment. read more

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So yummy!! The smoked sausage, their own recipe, is DELICIOUS!! Brisket, and ribs smoked to perfection! Highly recommend read more

As a self proclaimed BBQ connoisseur I have eaten my fair share of smoked meats. Let's shed some light on this small town BBQ joint. As you walk in the ladies behind the counter great you with a warm and sincere Hello and welcome and just have 5 star southern hospitality through the entire ordering process. As there is just so many choices to choose from the menu is expansive. They steer you right. I got the 2 meat 2 side plate. The classic Ribs and sausage with pasta salad and CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS. What a side! The ribs were cooked and seasoned to perfection; TENDER, but not to where they are sliding off the bone. The sausage had a great Smokey peppery flavor and a nice casing snap. The pasta salad was fresh and everything had a homemade level of quality. Now the chicken and dumplings were exquisite. Thick and soft dumpling with pulled chicken and a nice creamy peppery sauce. Your traditional home town mom and pop restaurant vibes. Lots of seating, and love the community sponsorship on the walls. This place is cornerstone in this town and I can see why. 5/5. Recommend. read more

Rock'N R BBQ - Ribs, sausage, pasta salad, chicken and dumplings. - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Texas

Chicken, sausage, ribs, even the brisket are the best around. Great burgers. Chicken and dumplings are to die for. Although its hot outside now, try the chili when available. Don't forget the delicious desserts. read more

Back in TX newr my buddy's house, so of course we get bbq a couple hundred feet from the front door! I overorder as usual confusing how mouths were with us. My buddy got a the turkey sandwich which is his go to. He raves about it. Living in LA, I don't get TX bbq, so the 3 meat plate sounded awesome. All the meats were great. Brisket is sliced thin, tender, and flakey. The rib is perfectly smoked and fall off the bone without being too delicate. The sausage is perfectly spiced and smoked. Slaw was creamy and potato salad hit the spot. There was a sign touting a homemade chicken pot pie. Had to get that, too, since I'm a big fan. Good lawd. Crisp pie crust filled with chicken, peas, and carrots, all in a bath of creamy goodness. I must look crazy ordering all this and actually finishing it. I'm a happy camper and look forward to coming back for some more! read more

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We stopped here on the way back from a trip to Florida and we're not disappointed. We have driven by here many times w/o stopping - our mistake!! Rock'N R BBQ serves up some of the best barbecue around. My favorite is their sausage with their chopped beef not far behind. My wife had their chicken. It was moist and very tasty. The baked beans and macaroni salad were the perfect sides. The owner is very friendly and likes to visit with customers. They have several types of homemade cobblers for desserts. Definitely will be going back. read more

No complaint here. Friend wanted to stop and get something to eat, tells me he knows the best BBQ spot. We were driving from College Station back to Beaumont & this was the place he was telling me about. I was not hungry, but I had to at least try something so I got a half lb of the Brisket, sauce on the side to go. Hands down the best I've ever had. The brisket was moist, and actually had flavor threw out the whole slice. Most people/places have good texture but lack actual flavor deep into the actual meat, but this wasn't the case. Great flavor, perfect smoke, & texture on point! Sauce- thinner than most Texas sauces, sweet but also had a good balance of acidity. Really a great blend of a north meets south type sauce just in my opinion read more

Rock'N R BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Texas

Stopped here on our way home from Galveston. Not sure what to expect as the parking lot was empty but in all fairness it was just 12pm. Greeted by a very friendly lady who took our order and got us all fixed up. My husband and I both got a Chopped beef plate but different sides. The sandwich was absolutely delicious, I got the baked beans which had hamburger meat in them, but surprisingly made them taste even better than I could imagine. The Cole Slaw was just like my mom made and to end the meal my husband had the Banana Pudding Pie, which he said was amazing. I definitely recommend anyone driving by to stop in! read more

Delicious food!! Plenty of seating. And very professional staff. Tried baked beans, pinto beans, brisket, coleslaw. All were perfect. Try the banana pudding pie. You'll be glad you did and you won't want banana pudding any other way. read more

Good service good bbq the Philly sandwich add grilled jalapeños is the best. My husband gets the bbq baked potato huge portion

the best BBQ IN TEXAS IF YOU ASK ME. everything is homemade from the meat to the desert it's alllllll GOOD and they are the nicest people you will ever meet in a restaurant the owners are always there to meet and greet you. and always giving samples of new foods they cook. read more

Great bbq. Aways great. Their potato salad has ruined all other for me. I compare to theirs and sadly disappointed.

Disclaimer: I am not really a BBQ fan, so you take this for what it's worth, but I enjoyed myself at Rock'N R. It's a small, unassuming place with basic decor. You walk up and order and go along the line, like has been my experience at most BBQ places. The baked potato I got was cooked perfectly-soft, light and fluffy. I really liked it and the sweet tea. I was there with a large group for dinner and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food and certainly were headed into food comas afterwards. I would recommend if in the area for sure. read more

Rock'N R BBQ - LOL! - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Texas

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Spent 75 dollars for take out, after paying I realized I forgot to get couple jalapenos, they refused to let me get some unless I ran my card again for 50 cents. Never again.! read more

The food was okay but the portions are extremely skimpy. I ordered to go at the end of the day, but that is no excuse. There were about 3 bites of beans and the chopped beef was nearly burnt and had a lot of fatty pieces. I think I'll stick to other bbq pjs es from now on. read more

Moved to Tarkington Prairie back in 2011, had no idea this place existed. It's at a fantastic location, where 321 and 105 cross. Strangers get to swing by while passing through. Never heard a cross word about the food nor the gals that work there. Their potato salad is the best I've ever had. When I get the three rib plate my two sides are both potato salad. Can't say anything bad/good about other sides, never had em. It's always double potato salad for me. Drop by and sit a spell. They make homemade desserts as well. read more

Great little Tarkington Gem! I'm not a huge barbecue fan, but have ate my fare share of it all over the U.S. I absolutely loved the chopped beef sandwich here! The taste & texture was a great balance of what it should be. Portions are in no way skimpy! Price was cheap for the quality & quantity, It will be my new go to spot for barbecue. The two young ladies serving the delicious food were friendly and down home, definitely added to the comfort food atmosphere. It's not a "fancy eating place", but the food makes it feel homey. Come on Tarkington help this little local gem stand out! read more

This is definitely a solid choice for BBQ. When I lived out in the area I often came here for brisket. Never once did it disappoint.

Had to stop to try and I am happy I did! This is not a "washed out" flavor bbq chain, It's a full flavor family owned establishment. Had the large chopped beef sandwich with pickles and sauce and my tastebuds were in heaven with all the great flavor. Speaking of heaven... oh my gosh, after looking at the sides they offered I couldn't make a decision on what to get. To my delight they offered a small portion at a cost of $1.25 so I tried them all! The potato and macaroni salad were just like my Mommom made, brought back memories of summer pool parties at her house. Beans were a little different but surprisingly awesome. Bottom line.. out the door for under $13 feeling totally full and looking forward to my next trip to Rockin R BBQ! read more

Gotta update this thing. I visited again day before yesterday for lunch, figuring anybody can have an off day. I wanted to give them another shot at the brisket. This time I asked for the fatty end, and that was a good idea, but that can't have been the only reason it was better. The first time, the beef was overdone, not very smoky, no rub, no bark, and salt didn't even wake it up much. Today, it was done perfectly, nice and smoky, nice bark, well seasoned, and pretty much everything brisket should be. Wow. I tried the smoked chicken and sausage as well, and both were quite tasty. Good smoke on both, and the sausage did very well in the sauce. The chicken and the brisket would too, but they don't need it. I debated four or five stars on this one, as I've had better in Texas, but it was a long way from here up in Lockhart. That and the pork the other day wasn't much to write home about, but that might have been better on a different day too. Heck, I should drop it a star just for the inconsistency, right? But I just can't give that brisket less than five. Dang, that was yummy. read more

The potato salad here is the BEST by far we've ever had. The waitstaff is abrupt but efficient with their customers. The sausage is okay, the smoked chicken is GOOD, BBQ sauce on point, brisket is the bomb. read more

Best barbecue any where! God bless you Janet. Great location. Easy parking. Excellent service. read more

Stopped by there last weekend on the way to the preserve property. Smokey place but the food was great. Love the ribs and sweet tea. I'll be back for sure read more

Stopped in for lunch and man it was good. Got the combo plate with beef and ribs. The brisket was great. The beef ribs were good but not fall off the bone. Still very tasty. They claim best on the planet which I would have to disagree with but for a small stop out in the country it was great. read more

Stopped in because the sign said I could get the best BBQ in the planet. Commuting back to Huntsville, needed something driver friendly so I ordered a chopped beef sandwich, small potato salad to go. Wow, the meat tasted great, bbq sauce was brown sugary and tangy. And that was some of the best potato salad I've ever had. Whipped like mashed potatoes, not chunky at all. Excellent flavor. The staff is super accommodating and sweet, which made the visit even better. I hope I travel that way again for work soon, I'll definitely eat a sit down meal and try more selections. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed! read more

The chicken, potato salad ,and beans are absolutelty to die for. Everything we have tried here has been delicious but the above is my favorite. read more

The finish on the brisket and ribs is sweet, almost candied. That' s whats unique about the que here. My brisket and rib plate were great. Smoley, sweet, & tender. I'll stop in again! read more

Discovered this BBQ place on our way to Jasper TX from Kingwood. I agree that the beans and potato salad are very good. I could fill up on those alone. We've had brisket, sausage and ribs in our two trips there and each are awesome. BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy but enjoy the meat w/o the sauce first and taste the dang love they put in their meats. Prices are comparable to others if not slightly cheaper. They also have different luncheon specials for that rare person who might not feel like BBQ that day. All you Kingwoodians....take the 30 minute drive and see for yourself. read more

Great BBQ, the beans and potato salad were rockin! Everything we had was good. I'd definitely go there again. The chef is a chef! Prices were fantastic! read more

I went to Rock'N R BBQ when visting a frend for the weekend. This is the best BBQ I have ever eaten. Sure wish he would open up a restaurant in my local area of Houston. However, the Cleveland restaurant is worth the drive. The potatoe salad is better than my own. I will defiently go back and try the ribs next time. read more

The sign out front says "the best barbecue on the planet". It's no joke. This place has some of the best barbecue I've ever tasted. I am a over-the-road truck driver and I have eaten BBQ in every state throughout this country and this place has everyone beat. What else can I say. They simply have the best barbecue on the planet. A added bonus is the owner. A beautiful woman in her cowboy hat serving you awesome BBQ. As Good As It Gets !! read more

Best BBQ I have found. Friendly people and great service. Don't like anyone's else BBQ. I give them a 10 out of 10

Best BBQ in the area. Try the brisket with the signature sauce. Nothing beats the potato salad and baked beans.

This little place has been "Rock'n" the Prairie for many years now (see what I did there?). Hubby and I love having it right around the corner. In a town that is eat-up with BBQ places, this one stands out as one of the best! It's one of only two in town I'll eat at and the ONLY place with Gumbo that I'll eat (other than mine and my mom's). The Gumbo is a very dark roux, different than any you'll have most anywhere else. Their brisket is always delicious and flavorful as are the ribs. I hear they get their sausage from the Schulenberg area, which makes the best sausage in Texas. Their potato salad is unique, different than most with sour cream in it. They also have mac salad, cole slaw and pinto beans. Not a lot of sides, but all of the traditional sides for BBQ. Tuesday - Friday they have daily lunch specials. I've had the smothered pork chops and fajita tacos and they were both delicious. OH and let me not forget the stuffed baked potato! She uses the good cuts of the brisket and chops her meat fresh each day. I make this point because a few weeks ago I tried a new place that recently opened in the HEB parking lot. I got a stuffed baked potato that wasn't good at all. The meat had been soaking in sauce (I'm not a sauce person) and had hard pieces that weren't edible. I'm not sure this wasn't meat left over from previous days, soaked in sauce to mask the dryness. You WILL NOT find that at Rock'n R!! If you're ever passing through our little community of Tarkington Prairie, you should come hungry and plan to stop in and getcha some BBQ~~ Unless it's a Sunday or Monday, they're closed. read more

Thank you Yelp for pointing-out this excellent BBQ place. This is one of those places that I wouldn't have thought to stop at without Yelp. We were traveling through town during dinner and decided to give it a try. The staff is very friendly and the food is very good. My wife and I had the brisket (mine was a sandwich) and it was really good. They will offer to sauce it, but I would recommend getting it on the side since they sauced it a little more than I would have. I also had a cup of chicken and dumplings, which was outstanding. My kids had chicken strips and a burger and enjoyed both. If you are going through Cleveland, give Rock'N R a try, it's definitely a hidden gem. read more

Would be really good if the owners had a better attitude! She's always so unfriendly and once we arrived 2 min prior to opening and were treating terribly. Not going back due to lack of customer service skills! read more

Love this place. I'm from Raywood and my girlfriend took me to eat here. They have the best baked beans ever and sausage links have a great flavor. read more

Awesome, delicious real-time barbeque! Brisket outstanding. Potato salad, slaw, beans are all down home cooking. In & out quick. Will be back..... read more

Always fresh BBQ and sides. The dinners and chop beef potatoes are good sized portions.

We were passing by on the highway and stopped to eat. Very good food. I had the gumbo and the rest of my party had turkey plate. Friendly staff. read more