Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico is an old-fashioned town and country store that’s home to the best barbecue in Tucumcari, if not the state.
Tucumcari Ranch Supply opened at its current location in 1980. The souvenir shop, supply store, BBQ restaurant, and museum is owned by Jimmy and Stella Watson who have operated the multi-functional business for more than 40 years after gaining outright ownership in 1983.
Today the business carries a variety of hardware items, animal and pet foods, animal health products, western clothing and accessories, food products, souvenirs, gifts, and home decor. But, most Route 66 travelers come for the food.
Over the years the Watsons strived hard to make sure their business kept up with the times. The on-site barbecue restaurant is one way they’ve ensured that customers will keep on coming. Jimmy’s father originally served barbecue here in the late eighties. In 2008, they brought the food back in what turned out to be a very wise decision.
Watson’s BBQ has been met with numerous awards and accolades through the years. It was named one of the 50 best barbecue joints in America by Yelp in 2018. It was named the New Mexico representative on Thrillist’s list of Best Small-Town Restaurant in Every State. And Travel + Leisure magazine named it the 13th-best barbecue restaurant in the United States.
Route 66 travelers stopping in for lunch have their choice from a small but mighty menu of barbecue favorites. Choose from brisket (sliced or chopped), ham, smoked link sausage, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, or turkey as a plate or on a sandwich with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, mac and cheese, or chips. There are also some specialty items, like a smokehouse burger, a barbecue po-boy served in a pita, or an old-school frito pie.
Eat your meal in their small dining room or take it for the road!
Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ
Address: 502 S Lake St, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm (Monday-Saturday)
Visit their official website for up-to-date menu and hours.
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