The best barbecue near McAllen isn't in McAllen — it's 15 minutes east in San Juan, where pitmaster George Watts III smokes brisket, beef ribs, and hand-made sausage over post oak. James Beard-recognized, Texas Monthly Top 50, and worth every minute of the drive.
McAllen has no shortage of places to eat, but real Central Texas barbecue — the kind you'd drive to Lockhart or Austin for — is a different hunt. That's why people leave the McAllen restaurant scene, hop on Expressway 83, and point the truck toward San Juan. Fifteen minutes later they're standing in line at GW's, where the brisket has bark, a clean smoke ring, and no need for sauce.
Pitmaster George Watts III earned a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Texas — the only one in the entire Rio Grande Valley — and a Texas Monthly Top 50 ranking at #5. Everything is smoked low and slow over post oak: brisket, beef ribs the size of your forearm, pork ribs, turkey, and sausage ground and stuffed by hand, with scratch-made sides that rotate with the season. No steam table. No shortcuts. We smoke a set amount every morning and serve until it's gone.
Coming from McAllen, the move is simple: order online for carryout before you leave so it's boxed and hot when you arrive, or come early and eat on the patio. Feeding a McAllen crowd or office? We also cater across McAllen and the Valley.
107 N Nebraska Ave, San Juan · (956) 601-0056 · Wed–Sun, 11 AM until we sell out.
Expressway 83 from McAllen to San Juan, exit Nebraska Ave. Quicker than waiting for a table somewhere that isn't this good.
Order online for carryout and grab it hot on your way through. Come early — we sell out most days by mid-afternoon.
Weddings, quinceañeras, corporate lunches across the McAllen business corridor — we bring the smoke to you.
GW's BBQ in San Juan, about 15 minutes east of McAllen at 107 N Nebraska Ave. James Beard-recognized, Texas Monthly Top 50 — brisket, ribs, and hand-made sausage smoked over post oak.
About 15 minutes. Take Expressway 83 east from McAllen to San Juan and exit at Nebraska Avenue. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM until we sell out.
Yes — order online and pick it up hot, or call (956) 601-0056. Order early; we smoke a set amount each day and serve until it's gone.
Yes. We cater weddings, quinceañeras, corporate events, and parties across McAllen and the RGV. See McAllen catering.
Order online before you leave McAllen and your brisket is sliced and waiting. Or come early, grab a tray, and eat it on the patio with the smoke still in the air.