Hays County Barbecue

Reviews

• David W.

  star star star star star 4 June 2026

  What amazing experience!!!
  In the of Land BBQ, Hays County, is definitely royalty.
  I had the pork chops and sausage, with coke slaw.
  2 chops, about a pound, was more than enough for a hungry person.
  The sausage, mild, was one of the best I had with a hint of pepper in each bite
  The slaw, well I'm a snob when it comes to slaw, but with all that meat...who cares about the rabbit food.
  The only thing that made me sad was when I was done eating and there was no more.
  A MUST!!!

• Cindy S.

  star star star star star_border 31 May 2026

  Great place to stop before or after hitting the San Marcus outlets as it's right off the freeway! Came here for a quick lunch before hitting the road and tried a bunch of things.
  
  Loves:
  1. Amazing, THICK, moist brisket. Their brisket is the star here. Get it. Their slices are very generous, FYI.
  2. Green beans vegetable side dish- soooo flavorful. Loved it.
  3. Pork ribs- some of the best I've ever had. Yum!!
  
  Just okay:
  1. The jalapeño mac creamed corn was a disappointment. I wouldn't get it again.
  2. The sausages (tried hot and regular) were eh.
  3. The bbq sauces were surprisingly not great.
  
  Overall, would definitely return if in the area!

• Heather R.

  star star star star star_border 29 May 2026

  Rounds up to I'm a fan.
  
  We found ourselves within walking distance so why not? It was maybe 2.30pm on a Monday with so many parking spaces available I worried they were closed Monday as so many other restaurants.
  
  Right off I-35, miles of parking, lots of tables inside.  Plenty of sides to choose from and packed up in different sizes so you can easily make your picnic to-go for one or half a dozen. The ladies at the counter were friendly, hilarious, and efficient.
  
  We tried 1/2lb each of moist brisket and pork ribs, which meant five slices and 2 ribs. We'd grabbed sweet pickles, cheese, potato salad and pecan pie from the display, requested green hatch mac n cheese at the counter plus some bread (wheat and white are available). Also got standard onions/pickles in little trays. Mexican Coke and a can of some local pilsner. Over $40 after tax.
  
  Servings are well sized, not wasteful. Mr R is spoiled by his time in Georgia where they obsess over pork as Texas does with beef; he said these were perfectly respectable if less tender and I agree. The brisket was tasty by any local standard. Neither of us were nuts for the bbq sauce, but we don't habitually hose our entrees down with it either. All the sides were good, green Chile mac and pecan pie were probably the best.
  
  Mr R took care of our trays and didn't see any options for recycling, boo, so I took my bottle home.
  
  Price wise, this was more than I usually spend feeding us bbq but we were splurging with more sides, more lb meat/person. Per lb, it costs less at San Marcos BBQ where we eat it without current faux-rural decor. I think Hays Co aims at selling an experience as well as the food, but I understand how more modest meals like the sandwiches could be part of local families' weekly menus, especially if the location's convenient to them.
  
  San Marcos BBQ is still our favorite flavor but we don't regret trying this place at all and I'd be happy meeting friends here.

• James W.

  star star star star_border star_border 28 May 2026

  As a self proclaimed BBQ Judge and a True Native Texan, I know my BBQ, and I judge all BBQ as: Nasty, Alright, Good, Delicious, or Slap Yo Momma Good !!! I was soooo looking forward to eating here as I've heard so much about it, but I must say, for today, it's a three star bbq house. The brisket was good (just as good as San Marcos BBQ), the jalapeño n cheese sausage was alright (San Marcos BBQ sausage was better), the cream corn was nasty. It was not creamy, but watery, and it tasted like vinegar. I suppose it's the pickled jalapeños they put in it. My coworker and a couple of potential suppliers had the green chili Mac n cheese which they said was good. They offer two sauces, one sweet, and one tangy. I had to use sauce on the brisket, just like I did for San Marcos BBQ brisket, but I don't for Rudy's !!!! Brisket without the use of sauce is excellent brisket, just like a steak without steak sauce. Using sauce means you're wanting some flavor, and perhaps some seasoning. Don't get me wrong, I'll be back. As a matter of fact I was going back for dinner tonight but they close at 8:00 pm (WTH !!!) so that wasn't happening. Ended up at Hooters instead.

• Krista C.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 May 2026

  This place is loud and partially self serve, so it's good for large groups, but it was only so-so food wise. I spent over $11 for two thick pieces of brisket, and two sides. The potato salad tasted like they'd bought it from H-E-B the night before. The brisket was good, and the bbq sauce was good. They have a savory and sweet sauce and the savory was the best out of those for me. I wouldn't go here again, they didn't do anything wrong-they're just overpriced for the quality of food.