Red Wagon BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · McLennan County ·

Red Wagon BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · McLennan County ·

Juicy brisket, turkey, sausage, wagyu beef links, amazing sides

Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null
Red Wagon BBQ by null

Information

9124 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705 Get directions

$10–20

See Menu
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Family friendly

Information

Static Map

9124 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705 Get directions

+1 254 292 8296
redwagonbarbecue.com

$10–20 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Family friendly
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy

Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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Pizzeria Lola from Ann Kim adds frozen pizza to the menu | Eater Twin Cities

"Also offering frozen, bake-at-home varieties, Red Wagon is described as a popular, small, local pizza restaurant." - Joy Summers

https://twincities.eater.com/2020/10/23/21530166/ann-kim-pizzeria-lola-frozen-pizza-to-go-minneapolis
Red Wagon BBQ

Robert W.

Google
The friendly staff welcomes you in with a smile and the incredible aroma of smoked meat. Michael was friendly and explained all the menu options to us. The food was incredible ! I had the brisket and turkey. Can’t wait to come back!

Gary L.

Google
Great bbq and the beans were amazing! Got one of the beef ribs and definitely was worth it. The sausage was great and the brisket was so juicy. A great spot to try if you are in the area!

LinnWest3

Google
A hidden gem on 933. It is worth the drive. We order 2 3 meat plates so we could try a little bit of everything. They were out of ribs (it was 5pm). We had turkey, chicken, wagu links and chopped brisket. Fried okra, Cole slaw, potato salad, beans. It came with all the trimmings. BETTER THAN TERRY BLACKS!!!! You can't even compare the two. This place is in a league of their own. The wagu beef link, nothing like it in this world!!!! Everything was above-above average!!! All of the sides were perfect. The employees are nice. You have to go, we will be back.

Phil F.

Google
This was out first visit to Red Wagon BBQ just a few miles from Waco, and what a great surprise. A throwback to a family run restaurant not seen much these days. The folks providing service could not have been kinder or more helpful. The brisket was juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the sides more generous and flavorful than any other BBQ around. If you are looking for a delicious meal in a peaceful setting, you will find it here!

DJ K.

Google
Amazing brisket and service! Make sure you try the jalapeño grits, there’s nothing like them! But totally underrated is the Sweet&Smoky Burger, hands down the best burger I’ve ever had, and I’m not exaggerating!!!

Michele D.

Google
Delicious brisket, okra, cole slaw and grits! These Colorado girls are happy! Dont forget to buy the fudge. It's amazing!

Monica E.

Google
This place is delicious!! I got the Brisket Bowl and it was absolutely amazing! Brisket, sausage, beans, Fritos, and cheese…a perfect combination. The homemade ranch and banana pudding were to die for!! The stuff was super friendly and the restaurant was very clean. The close when the food runs out so better go for lunch or an early dinner, it’s worth it.

Magination V.

Google
Best BBQ in Waco. Brisket is top notch. Ribs, chicken and sausage the best around. Prices are very good. Love this place.

Diet J.

Yelp
Sliced brisket, dry - was fantastic! Chopped brisket, wet - was amazing! Brisket crispy tacos - delicious! Smoked turkey - moist and yummy! Fried jalapeños - a little salty but some of the best I've had Mac n' Cheese - soul food and hit the spot. Michael was great and the food was wonderful. Service was given with a welcoming and kind smile. Michael checked on us to make sure everything was perfect. It's a small hidden gem. Worth the trip! Check the hours before making the trip.
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Michelle Z.

Yelp
Love Texas bbq, this quaint little bbq restaurant in Waco is amazing! The people working behind the counter are so patient when you're deciding what you want. Selections on menu are limited, but that's all the selections you need. So blessed to have found this place on the road. Would recommend and would go back if ever back in the area. Brisket, highly recommend!

jeff r.

Yelp
What a nice surprise in Texas. The beef ribs were outstanding and so was the brisket, Cole slaw, and hospitality.
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Kirk M.

Yelp
Went out to lunch on Saturday, July 19. At the new location. I ordered the half a pound of brisket and fried okra my wife. The heritage sandwich and coleslaw. The portions were large and the food taste great I definitely would recommend this place as a small town atmosphere. The staff are very nice and pleasant. The restaurant is very clean in the bathrooms as well. Don't miss this place. You'll really enjoy it.
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Miguel T.

Yelp
Ok, you may think twice when you drive up - but you couldn't be more wrong!!!! What an amazing little gem - the place is clean, personnel are super friendly and wow, is the BBQ DELICIOUS!!!!! Oh and you have to try the sausage!!!! While we were here the owner came out - did the rounds from table to table and genuinely wanted to know if we were good, if the food was to our liking - wow, just absolutely wonderful place to come and eat!!!! The potato salad uses mustard as a base, the cole slaw had a great flavor and yes the beans are great too!!! Don't forget the fried okra made fresh to order! We were looking at some container homes (shout out to Isaac from Cargohomes who told us we had to try the BBQ here - thank you, you were RIGHT!!!) Again, if you happen to be driving through or near Waco- it WILL absolutely be worth your time!!!
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Terri L.

Yelp
Recently stopped in here during a trip to Waco, Texas. Small, friendly bbq place. Nothing real fancy and not a lot of room, but food was awesome. The place was busy at lunch time and seemed like a favorite of locals. We even saw three young men ride up on horseback and came in for lunch! We had the bbq bowls, which we highly recommend!
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Jessica W.

Yelp
You can't believe how good everything is here!!! I'm serious! It's better than Terry Black's brisket! It should be illegal to be that good, because it makes no other brisket satisfactory. Their sausage is a whole experience. The service is fast, ambiance is rustic and small town feel. I've eaten here four or five times and every single time it has blown me away with the flavor, texture and quality.
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Brittani W.

Yelp
Amazing service and the BEST BBQ we've ever had! The baked potato was melt in your mouth delicious and the brisket was perfection.
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Yanne B.

Yelp
We were passing through and did a quick search on yelp for bbq and this place came up right away. It's located in an old gas station. Very cute. I order the platter with 1 meat -brisket with two slices of bread, mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. My order was for a 1/4 lb which equaled to 3 slices of brisket. It was a little dry but you could taste the smoky flavor. I added the BBQ sauce and it was delicious. The Mac and cheese was very good. The potato salad was not to my liking. It had too much pickles and relish for my taste. It would have been better if the bread was toasted. So minus 1 star for those cons. My fiancé got the Heritage sandwich. Which consisted of chopped brisket onions, pickles and a bag of chips. And of course the BBQ sauce. He loved it!! He took the jalapeños that came with my order and added it to his sandwich. Would I try it again, yes. If I'm ever in the area again I hope to try the Wagyu beef ribs. Family owned!!
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Isaiah A.

Yelp
Beef ribs, brisket and sausage are quite good, if you factor in at all that the price is fair, and there isn't a 5 hour line to get lunch then this could very well be the BBQ fix you have been dreaming about. Solid BBQ, very nice staff, and both indoor and outdoor seating without the wait makes this hidden gem a weekly staple should you not have time to turn on and baby sit your stick burner.
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Heather D.

Yelp
Popped in after a day trip to Homestead Heritage. I had the turkey breast and sausage, my husband had the brisket and sausage. Turkey was the best I've ever had! Sausage was delicious, the brisket was okay. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, the okra was run of the mill generic okra. Overall good food. If in the area again we will pop in.

DJ K.

Yelp
Don't miss it!!! Amazing food and service!! Michael's brisket is amazing and the jalapeño grits are the BEST but don't miss the Sweet&Smoky Burger!!! It is definitely underrated and probably hands down the best burger I've ever had. I keep coming back for the BBQ but somehow end up with the burger :)
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Denise S.

Yelp
Great brisket and sausage!!! Wish they had pork ribs...the Wagu ones weigh a 1/2 lb a piece!
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Dollie G.

Yelp
Amazing BBQ! We were in Waco to move in my son to his dorm at Baylor we did a goggle search about places to eat near the Airbnb we were staying at and this place popped up and had good reviews so decided to try it ( mind you my son and his dad are very picky about BBQ) . Upon getting there the parking lot was empty so we were kinda worried but hey we were there we walked in nothing fancy about the place tables and chairs but very nice and clean! We were immediately warmly welcomed menu is simply and straight forward brisket,chicken,turkey, sausage and sides but there are a few other items. My son got the brisket beans and Mac and cheese, his dad got the chicken with potato salad and FRESH TO ORDER jalapeño slices, and I got the sausage with coleslaw and jalapeño slices as well. EVERYTHING was delicious and fresh! Portions aren't huge as some other places but for the price it's a great meal! We were pleasantly impressed by this little whole in a wall BBQ joint! We were also glad to see that as we were eating more more people arrived to give them business! Service was excellent! Please give them a try if you're ever there!
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Lorana R.

Yelp
Stopped here thinking it was still a convenient store only to find this gem! I wasn't there to eat but started talking to the staff who told me it was the best bbq in the state and offered a sample. Of course, I'm not going to turn down a sample but I didn't have high hopes. When they had the food truck set up at the heritage farms I wasn't that impressed. Well, I'm here to say they've perfected their process, on the brisket at least. Salt & pepper only, slow cooked TX brisket that had a thick chewy delicious bark, melt in your mouth gelatinous fat, and just the right amount of smoke. Perfection! I bought some and ate it like candy on the way home. I didn't try anything else but definitely plan to.

Tiffany K.

Yelp
This was our 1st time eating here and The Red Wagon did not Disappoint!! The Turkey was my favorite I definitely recommend this PLACE!!
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Jimmy T.

Yelp
Traveling back to San Antonio from Dallas, we stopped in for a lunch. My wife had the Brisket Loaded Baked Potato, granddaughter had the Loaded Mac & Cheese topped with Brisket, myself I had the Barbeque bowl and the Crunchy Taco. The Crunchy Taco was amazing, filled with brisket, mild chilies, lettuce and topped with a creamy avocado sauce and cheese crumbles. I wanted to try the banana pudding, made inhouse, but was too full to try anymore. The owner told me they've recently moved to this location, but the restaurant was up and running. Décor is classic BBQ joint style, seating indoor and outside. The owner and staff were welcoming and very pleasant. Pricing is very fair for the quality of food offered. Its a 10 minute detour off the I35 but worth it.

Angela N.

Yelp
Best BBQ in Waco, service is great and Vibe is perfect for a hole in the wall BBQ. Located in an old gas station. We love this place and my husband is a regular.
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Elizabeth G.

Yelp
We have been to Red Wagon 3 times since moving to Texas 6 months ago. We even brought family from the PNW! When I say we have tried our fair share of Texas BBQ I'm serious. We've tried food trucks, famous big bbq'ers, and a few in between. Red Wagon always hits it out of the park! We have tried many things. Today I got the burger and it was no joke the best burger I have ever had in my 40 years of life. It was crispy but juicy and flavorful. The bun was worth eating carbs. The fries were crispy and delicious. The beef rib is always on point. The brisket is always perfect. Sausage snaps and has so much moisture and flavor. The coleslaw is my favorite! It is creamy, and crunchy, the cilantro is a pro move! If I could buy a gallon I would :) the owner always remember us, and the staff is so warm and welcoming. You can tell it's a family run business because they treat you like family as the customer. We highly recommend giving them a chance if you haven't.

Barbara H.

Yelp
This place is amazing. I had the ribs and my husband had the loaded baked potato. It was all so good. If we lived here we would be here all the time
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Anna P.

Yelp
Red Wagon BBQ in Waco is hands down the best barbecue joint in town. I recently tried their burger and it was the best I've ever had. Great service!
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Ellie C.

Yelp
First time in Waco and I'm happy that we discovered this local BBQ restaurant right next to the Homestead Market! Red Wagon BBQ shares the same parking lot with the Homestead Market and the Quilt Shop, so parking is easy and the location is great. The BBQ food truck is pretty cute and they also have plenty of outdoor (shaded) seatings right next to their food trucks. I love the fact that they make so much efforts on decorating their dining space, and I recommend taking a cute pic of/with your BBQ right in front of the RW welcome wall. A very Texan vibe sure Our plan was to order a brisket + sausage combo but the sausage was sold out by the time we ordered, so the server offered us all briskets. The owners are all very friendly and sweet. They're very yummy, juicy and tender. Will definitely coming back to try their sausage

Skylar H.

Yelp
Friendly faces, amazing food, and a great atmosphere!! Absolutely recommend and will be returning!
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Asher L.

Yelp
Wow, this place is impressive, not to mention the wonderful atmosphere. The BBQ was up there with the best of the best. A must-stop if you're in Waco. Makes T-Blacks taste like McDonald's

Daniel A.

Yelp
You'll have a hard time finding brisket that beats Michael's!! The sliced moist brisket just melts in your mouth and the sauce has a perfect tang. My favorite sides are the fried jalapeños and the mac n cheese. Good Texas bbq seems to always hide in rustic surroundings. In an old gas station, this is no exception. Besides the great food, the service is very quick making it the ideal workday lunch location when you don't have a full hour or more to burn.

Gary P.

Yelp
Really good BBQ. Beans, Cole slaw, Mac and cheese all good. Been to lots of BBQ in this great country. This is the second best for us ever. Thanks.
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MariElena V.

Yelp
We are visiting from Huntington Beach California and have had 3 different places for bbq and this had the best brisket so far! Great place

Todd G.

Yelp
We had a wonderful meal! The brisket sandwich, the Heritage, was filled with meat and the buns were tasty. A very, very pleasant surprise find!
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Shayla B.

Yelp
It's all about that good ol' Texas BBQ! And Red Wagon... baby, you've got it! While visiting the Homestead Heritage, My family and I worked up an appetite. We initially wanted to go to Cafe Homestead up the street, but didn't want to wait an hour and half to be seated. I have to say, this was the best decision that we had made all day! The Red Wagon is a small BBQ joint located in the Homestead Association right next to the Homestead Market. We could smell the lovely BBQ right from the parking lot, and it smelled damn GOOD! We each ended up ordering something different which worked because we all got to try a little bit of everything. We ordered: -Chopped Brisket Haystack Sandwich -Brisket Plate -Smoked beef sausage plate (my plate) -BBQ chicken plate -We all got a mix of different sides including baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. My Mom and I also had the Kai sweet tea. Let me tell you about this smoked sausage... mm mm mmmmmm! Soooo dizzam GOOD! One of the owners said that he smoked it for hours and made it with cheese and jalapeños. I mean dear GAWD! I want some more! Everyone was picking that sausage off my plate! It was flippin' amazing! The chicken was nice and tender and had a nice char to it. Both the brisket and chopped brisket sandwich were ridiculously good! Slow smoked and juicy with the perfect amount of flavor! The coleslaw was a hit! Some of the best that I've had in a long while. You can taste its' homemade lovin' with each and every bite! I didn't try the potato salad, but my God Mother adored it! The only real disappointment were the baked beans. They lacked in flavor big time which was surprising because everything else was so good! The sweet tea was kickin' too! My Mom and I both loved it! This place is kind of like a little shack inside. It's covered by a tent and has about 7 wooden tables for dining. There's an adorable welcome sign on the back wall! Price points are reasonable for the amount of food that you receive, and the people working here are really friendly! The only downside is that they are only open on Friday and Saturday for a few hours. I think they also cook at the local farmer's market. We totally lucked out with this one! Aside from their underwhelming baked beans, everything else was amazing! I would totally come back here if I were out in the area again.

Joshua W.

Yelp
Wow! Glad we stopped here! Best brisket I've had in Waco. Michael, who I believe is the pit master, served us. First class service and really neat outdoor dining atmosphere. Will DEFINITELY be returning! Thank you Michael and team for a great lunch!
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Sherri P.

Yelp
Wonderful food and wonderful service! One of my favorite places! I typically eat a particular diet... No sugar, gluten free... And this place fits the bill in the most yummy way! Staff has always been so willing to help meet my needs. : )
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Rok J.

Yelp
For lunch I had a very flavorful & juicy sliced brisket sandwich, cole slaw side, and a glass of sweet tea. The brisket was super tender & rich in smoke flavor. Portion size of brisket was generous, to say the least. The brisket sandwich is highly recommended. Cole slaw was crunchy fresh. The slaw dressing, in spite of a slightly herbacious note, was pretty neutral in taste, allowing the cabbage flavor to play first fiddle. The sweet tea was typical, okay and not much more. Folks who were manning the wagon were fun & friendly. Setting is rustic, tent walls under a meatal roof. Infrared heaters kept the inside space warm enough, in spite of it being a 60 degree F breezy day. If you are in the area visiting Homestead Heritage Craft village or the Brazos Valley Cheese store, stop into the Red Wagon for a mighty tasty meal.

Chad P.

Yelp
Amazing setting room for massive family. Best brisket in 700 miles. Authentic Texas BBQ sauce nice. Unbelievable Banana pudding.

Doug S.

Yelp
Always great bbq and I understand they are moving north to the old Bargain Barn building. Great!

S. C.

Yelp
Best barbecue in Waco! I ordered some brisket and one of the ribs, and it was phenomenal! I will definitely be back!
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DonnaRose P.

Yelp
Red Wagon BBQ is hands down the BEST barbecue in central Texas! Exceptional quality and flavor characterize everything on their menu. The brisket is moist and tender. The sausage is a favorite of my guys. My favorite? The bbq bowl--a tasty sampler of brisket, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, pickles and onions!
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Janet G.

Yelp
Love! We're passing through Waco on our way to Lubbock. Glad we went out of the way for this cute place with excellent farm to table bbq. Don't let the outside seating scare you away. It's August in Waco and we are comfortable under the fans and covered picnic tables. Try it!!
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Hoshea H.

Yelp
No doubt, absolutely the BEST brisket in all of Texas! Sausage is really good as well.

Mark B.

Yelp
Wonderful barbecue, its a pleasant outdoor experience. Go before 12:30 and its quicker to get your food.
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Tracy S.

Yelp
We love the food here. It's organic and you can tell the difference between this place and other BBQ places. The food tastes clean and delicious. The plates may be small and more costly but that's what you pay for humanely raised animals! I will gladly pay more for organic food. My husband said the half chicken is the best he's ever had and we both love the brisket. Saturday is very busy so we normally go on Friday. Great now I told everybody the best time to go..... It's right next to the Homestead grocery store. I get BBQ then hit the store for all my health food to take home.
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Megan L.

Yelp
so glad we stumbled upon this little place! So cute and the chicken was great! Super sweet and friendly couple working. Will come back if Im ever passing through Waco!

Melisa D.

Yelp
This is the best, most tender and delicious BBQ in town! The Red Wagon BBQ is a true treasure to have locally!! We are so glad we found it and we for sure will go back again!!
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Luke P.

Yelp
I have had Red Wagon many time as it is just down the road for me and is is always fantastic! If you get yourself a beef rib you dog will have a treat and chew toy for many months :)
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George L.

Yelp
Cant make it to Franklins in Austin, for the Waco area , this is the next best thing!!!! Best BBQ in Waco!!
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Kimberly R.

Yelp
The food here is amazing! Beef is organize and grass fed, it's tender and buttery. All the sides are so fresh and taste great. The Haystack sandwich is really the best thing to eat, the coleslaw is just perfection!!!!
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Caryl R.

Yelp
Heading to Austin and looked for something off the beaten path. Take the detour! What a great stop. Ordered 2 brisket sandwiches and a haystack. Soda is all natural and has no caffeine. Everything was very good. Barbecue was lean and served on a fresh whole wheat homemade bun. Amazing! Take a moment and wonder in the general store...it's truly awesome!
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Jason J.

Yelp
I have had some very good BBQ in Texas. I've always wanted to try Red Wagon BBQ, and today I thought I'd finally stop by and give it a taste. The beans were very good. I really enjoyed the spice and sausage mixed with it. I'm not a big coleslaw fan but for some reason the food at Homestead always makes things taste new, and the coleslaw here was one of them. It went well with my brisket. The sauce was very good flavor and the smoked brisket was juicy and of good quality. You can tell the staff chooses the meat they believe will be best. I'm glad I stopped by, and I was not let down. The brisket and sauce combination may be my favorite that I have tried. I do wish you could get a piece of bread or two along with the plates. I like knowing I can have tasty BBQ with complimentary sides as a healthy choice with the all natural foods Red Wagon chooses to sell.
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Terri S.

Yelp
Probably the best barbecue in town. I just wish they were open more days or longer hours.
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Caleb T.

Yelp
Brisket, a Texas bbq tradition. Red Wagons is moist on the inside, with a delicious "crust" that only the best know how to achieve. I have had brisket in literally scores of places. High end 'jacket and tie, valet parking', to greasy 'butcher paper plate' establishments and everything in between. This is the best hands down. Highs: The Brisket! :-) Lows: Limited hours and limited supply. Get there early. Once they sell out your out of luck!