R&S Barbecue — Restaurant in Waco

Going to R&S was not supposed to be in our plans. I took my family to Waco for the Dr. Pepper museum, and we were supposed to eat BBQ on our way home to the Houston area, but time got away from us. I Google searched the highest rated BBQ in Waco and ended up here. Definitely not the typical Texas BBQ joint but nonetheless was good, just not what I was hoping for. No wood pile, no smokers to look at, food preparation done out of view, and Gospel music in the background. Very good service and helpful with the menu. Our order was slightly messed up, but was corrected. All four of us ordered brisket, but when we started asking for particulars were told to take it up with the chef. We all ended up with lean brisket, which was good, but we normally order moist, ends, with bark, or mixed. A couple of us had ribs, which were very good, but not great. My wife ordered sausage, and it looked and tasted like grocery store sausage that had been overcooked and partially sliced. The Mac and cheese was good, so where the green beans. My daughter let me try her potato salad, it was ok. The price was good, about $16-18 a person. I would have been upset about paying top BBQ prices for this food, because it wasn't top Texas BBQ. Not every place has to be awesome and expensive, and it was definitely better than going to a chain restaurant like Rudy's. (Sorry, no pictures this time. When we were served our food it didn't scream "You'll want to remember...

As someone with a discerning palate, I can confidently say that R & S Barbecue is a cut above the rest. From the moment I met the owner, Sharon Davis, I knew that I was in for a treat. Her warm and inviting demeanor set the tone for what was to come - an exceptional dining experience that exceeded all expectations.

The food, prepared by Sharon's husband Richard, was nothing short of sensational. Every bite of the BBQ was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The ribs were tender, the brisket was juicy, and the pulled pork was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sides were just as impressive, with the mac and cheese and baked beans being standouts.

Compared to other BBQ places in Waco, R & S Barbecue is hands down the best. The attention to detail and the care that goes into each dish is evident in every bite. But what sets this restaurant apart is the incredible hospitality of the owners. Sharon's sweet and welcoming vibe combined with Richard's culinary expertise creates a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

In summary, I give R & S Barbecue a resounding five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If you're looking for the best BBQ in town, look no further than...

Named for its owners Richard and Shannon, this tiny hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint is the real deal. It offers sandwiches, meats (chicken, brisket, ribs, sausage, chopped beef, ham, or turkey) by the pound or in combination plates, and desserts. From slaw and mac n cheese to peach cobbler and banana pudding, the accompaniments are BBQ classics though you can also get nachos and tacos here too.

I stopped by for a brisket sandwich. At $14 with chips included, it wasn’t cheap, but it was absolutely worth it. For starters, the sandwich was sizeable, a two-hander if there ever was one. It was also very tasty. The moist, smoky brisket was among the best I’ve ever had, and it paired well with pickles and onions. Though the meat delivered plenty of flavor, the housemade sauce added a welcome tang.

R & S may not be as big, as storied, or as well-known as some of Waco’s other BBQ establishments, but if you’re coming for the food above all, you can’t...