Watson's BBQ — Restaurant in Four Corners States

A diamond in the rough town.

Watson’s BBQ was quite a pleasant surprise. We needed to eat lunch on the road a little bit further from Albuquerque on our way to Dallas. When we got to Tucumcari we were concerned we wouldn’t find anything decent to eat judging by the look of the rundown town. However we tried Watson’s BBQ because of the reviews and found a gem. It was great!

The restaurant portion is located in the back right of an established feed store. We were warmly welcomed upon arrival, shown a quick tour, and our order taken. The wife and I ordered two different plates (1 meat - Pulled Pork, 2 meat - Ribs and Sliced Brisket).

Our hostess came to the table and chatted with us, and later one of the gentleman from the kitchen (both were probably the owners of the store/restaurant) while we waited for our food. They were both very warm and welcoming.

The food was stacked high with extras and were all delicious. The brisket did not have the fat trimmed off (which I like but is a common critique from the wife). The pulled pork, the ribs and the sauce were great. The sides, homemade sliced bread and the cookie were perfect additions. While eating the gentleman we talked to kept bringing more food out of the kitchen for us to try (Green Chili Apple Cobbler, Cheddar Sausage, and some more brisket). We left full and satisfied!

The seating area is small but there is outdoor seating on prettier days. The restrooms were clean. The decor included hilarious signage, license plates and taxidermy - as well as an entire feed and supply store.

This place was a great find. I wish we lived closer to make it...

My daughter was on college break so we took a road trip. We live in south Mississippi. We stopped at Tucumcari Ranch Supply to have a look. Met some of the nicest people on the planet { Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Stella Watson }. By the time we left I felt like we were old friends. These are truly real and good folks. They also made it very difficult to go through this state again with out stopping by.This was done with something called BBQ Ribs. I will go back for those Rib's. We got a few for the road ( should have bought the whole cow ). Next time I'm gonna eat em on site and I ain't gonna stop till he say's they are out. I figure anybody that can cook rib's that good can probably cook a old wore out tennis shoe and you would ask for second's. Saw something else that tickled me in that store I ain't ever seen in any store. So after eating them ribs I"m going to get my new friend Jimmy to cook me a batch of them bull ball's and anything else he can throw at me. WEE HAAA Baby. Do not pass up this little town with out stopping in to see Mr. Jimmy and Lovely Mrs. Stella Watson---Glad I did and will again. Great rib's!! If you don't believe me just ask me. Sign say's don't need no teef ta eat my beef. Next year i'm gonna find out--bringing my wife. Don't know if it counts but she does have 2 teef but they spread far apart. I picked up a good used pair of teef last year for her Christmas. Got em at a garage sale cheap. Only one missing . The very front one but she is ok with that cause it makes a good straw hole. Well worth the stop. ...

I was sceptical when I saw a BBQ establishment with this many five star reviews and hardly any negative ones. However, Watson’s earn full points for their juicy brisket and the smoky flavours that leave nothing to be desired. This(!) is smoked meat at its best! The homemade kielbasa style sausage with coarsely ground beef, pork and cheddar was also a culinary delight. Again well-smoked.

At the same time, with such masterly executed smoking, I found myself caught between feelings of pity and aggravation at the details which could elevate this simple venue to its own class: the brisket was cut along, and not against, its grains, rendering it a tough piece of meat, as can be seen in the picture. This was startling given the mastery performed at the smoker! the beans were a delight and definitely different, but also lacked any kind of seasoning; add salt, pepper, chili and a few herbs and you would have something kick-arse! the use of nitrite; it looks pretty, but it’s also unnecessary.

On a personal and subjective level, I would prefer cornbread instead of the toast; given the skills at work here, I am sure it would be stellar. The coleslaw was of the simple and sweet kind, which I do not enjoy, but that’s a personal preference. The cookie was of the sugar-cracker kind and tasted artificial.

I hope the owners read this. You have real potential to make something extraordinary and you are...