Punkin's Bar-B-Que & Catfish — Restaurant in Pauls Valley

During our recent road trip through Paul's Valley, we decided to make a stop at Punkin's BBQ and Catfish. The restaurant has a diner-like atmosphere to it. The service was friendly and our server was attentive to our needs throughout the meal.

I opted for the two-meat BBQ dinner, which included pulled pork, chopped brisket, hand-cut French fries, fried okra, and Texas toast. The pulled pork stood out as the star of the plate, with excellent flavor and tenderness. However, I found the chopped brisket to be slightly disappointing, as it was a bit greasy and mushy in texture, although the flavor was still enjoyable. The hand-cut fries, despite my usual reservations about them, surprised me with their thin and crispy nature, making them quite tasty.

My wife ordered the BBQ sandwich accompanied by house fried chips. The chopped brisket worked well in the sandwich, adding a flavorful touch. The chips were crispy and offered a satisfying side to the sandwich.

The sauces were flavorful and complemented the meat nicely, without overpowering it. Additionally, the restaurant provides a relish bar with peppers, onions, and pickles. However, it's worth noting that they offer only a small saucer-type plate for these condiments, and an additional charge of $1.95 applies for another plate. Our server did mention that we could pile it as high as we desired, so I took advantage of the opportunity.

Punkin's also offers a variety of desserts such as pies and cobbler, although we didn't have the chance to try any during our visit. Notably, the payment process differs from the usual, as you pay for your meal at the register by the exit, rather than settling the bill with your server.

Overall, our experience at Punkin's BBQ and Catfish was satisfying, with the meal leaving us with plenty of leftovers to take home. The pulled pork was a standout, while the chopped brisket could use some improvement in terms of texture. The hand-cut fries were surprisingly delicious, and the BBQ sauces were a delightful addition. The only minor downside was the additional charge for a second plate at the relish bar. If you find yourself passing through Paul's Valley, Punkin's BBQ and Catfish is worth considering for a flavorful and...

My husband and I went today. The service was great, the food was good, but when you first sit down, get your drink order then they place a small red plate on your table. I had no idea what it was for. We placed our drink order and ordered fried mushrooms for our appetizer. The young lady then brought out two more plated took our order then said help yourself to one visit to our pickle bar. So we went to the pickle bar which consisted of two types of pickles, sliced onions and two types of Jalapeños. We got a few pickles and sliced onions and set back down, immediately a employee came up to me and said your not supposed to use those plates at the pickle bar I told her I didn't know where the plates were, there isn't any plates beside the pickle bar. We used the plated placed on our table. She tapped on the one very small 3" plate that was set on the table when we sat down. Which was very embarrassing for me to be corrected on which plate I picked up for such a poor selection any way. When we finished our meal I also went back to the woman who corrected me and gave the 2.oo for the pickle bar price for my mistake. I felt very embarrassed and will not go back again. First time visitor . Last time visitor.

It's not the pickle bar that was the problem, it's the fact that she was so concerned with what plate I used that she had to come over from the cash register and scold me for the mistake. It was very insensitive and embarrassing. The small red plate I know now is for the entire party sitting at your table, and the sign at the pickle bar said $2.00 So I paid that. I was not picking apart anything, simply saying the items available because it not like I got a dinner plate and filled it full, I sampled the two types of pickles and grab some onion for my...

We purchased 2 vehicles from down the road and we had been wanting to eat here for quite sometime. Well we were finally able to make it 20 min before close. 1st impression, your typical bbq joint. We were greated right away and they didnt seem annoyed at all for coming close to closing. Our waitress asked our drinks and told us the special of the day. We also ordered the redneck sampler, consisted of fried pickles, fried cheese sticks, fried green beans. It was okay nothing special but I did like the flavor of pickles and wish there was marinara sauce (we didnt ask either) I ordered the special it was a spicy smoked chicken salad sandwich with fixins on toast and came with house made potato chips. It was amazing. My husband tried as well and he loved it. He got the catfish and rib combo with french fries and okra. Hands down the BEST hand breaded cat fish ever. No fishy dirty taste. All white meat. Ohhhh M Gee!! It was amazing. He also really liked the ribs, they fell off the bone tender. Fries and okra good too. Daughter had catfish and again amazing. She also got fries and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was ok, she didnt like it. I tried it the flavor was there but maybe not fresh... but not sure. Our server was the best we have had in a while. Service, cleanliness was all excellent. If ever passing through Paul's Valley this is the place to stop. We...