From Sharyland to downtown Mission, the Valley's best barbecue is a straight shot east on 83. GW's smokes brisket, beef ribs, and hand-made sausage over post oak in San Juan — James Beard-recognized, Texas Monthly Top 50, and the kind of brisket people cross state lines for.
Mission sits on the west end of the Valley, in citrus country — a straight run east on Expressway 83 through McAllen and Pharr lands you at GW's in San Juan in about 25 minutes. That's a real drive by Valley standards, and people make it on purpose. Some of them fly in from other states first. The brisket is that good.
Pitmaster George Watts III is a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas — the only one in the Rio Grande Valley — with a #5 ranking on Texas Monthly's Top 50. Everything is smoked low and slow over post oak: brisket with bark and a clean smoke ring, beef and pork ribs, turkey, and sausage we grind and stuff by hand, plus scratch-made sides that rotate with the season. We smoke a set amount fresh each morning and serve until it sells out — so from Mission, make it an early trip.
Driving in from Mission? Order online for carryout so it's boxed and hot the moment you arrive, or settle in on the patio and make the drive worth a whole afternoon. Hosting a Mission event? We cater Mission and the entire RGV.
107 N Nebraska Ave, San Juan · (956) 601-0056 · Wed–Sun, 11 AM until we sell out.
Expressway 83 from Mission through McAllen and Pharr — about 25 minutes to the best brisket in the Valley.
Make the drive count — order online so your tray is sliced and waiting. We sell out most days, so come early.
Weddings, quinceañeras, and parties across Mission and Sharyland — James Beard-recognized BBQ, delivered.
GW's BBQ in San Juan, about 25 minutes east of Mission at 107 N Nebraska Ave. James Beard-recognized and a Texas Monthly Top 50 pick.
Take Expressway 83 east through McAllen and Pharr to San Juan, exit Nebraska Avenue — about 25 minutes. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM until we sell out.
People drive in from other states for this brisket, so the trip from Mission is an easy yes. Order online so it's hot when you arrive, or call (956) 601-0056.
Yes — weddings, quinceañeras, corporate, and parties across Mission and Sharyland. See Mission catering.
Order online before you leave Mission and your brisket is sliced and waiting at the other end of 83. Or make an afternoon of it — patio, live music, and barbecue worth crossing the Valley for.