Almost as food as my dad's brisket! I'd give them 5 stars if they'd had dry (lean) brisket available but the wet (fatty) brisket still had a wonderful flavor. The smoked sausage was also a must. Extremely friendly service. Authentic Texas brisket shop atmosphere. We'll go back, but get there by 11:30am. ;)
Overview
If you're looking for a place to satisfy your craving for mouthwatering BBQ in Brenham, Texas, Lj's BBQ at 1407 W Main St is where you need to be. This family-friendly spot offers a relaxed atmosphere, great service, and, most importantly, some of the best BBQ in the area. From the moment you walk in, the smoky aroma fills the air, setting the stage for a truly memorable meal.
The menu at Lj's BBQ features a fantastic selection of traditional BBQ favorites, all cooked to perfection. Whether you're in the mood for tender brisket, juicy ribs, or flavorful sausage, there’s something for everyone. One standout dish is their smoked brisket, which is known for its perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. It practically melts in your mouth, and the seasoning on the meat is just the right amount of bold without overpowering the natural flavors.
Another crowd favorite is the ribs, which are cooked low and slow to achieve that fall-off-the-bone goodness. Each bite offers a savory, smoky flavor that will have you coming back for more. Lj’s BBQ also offers a variety of sides, including classic potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans, which complement the main dishes beautifully.
Lj’s BBQ prides itself on its use of high-quality ingredients and a time-tested smoking method that delivers consistently delicious results. They’ve built a loyal following over the years, with many locals and out-of-towners alike swearing by the authenticity and taste of the food. The restaurant’s commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience is clear in every aspect of the operation, from the friendly service to the meticulous preparation of each dish.
What sets Lj’s BBQ apart from other BBQ joints in the area is their attention to detail in every step of the process. For instance, the brisket is smoked for hours over hickory wood, creating a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else. Their homemade BBQ sauce, available in both sweet and tangy varieties, is the perfect finishing touch to any meal, giving each bite that extra kick of flavor.
In terms of atmosphere, Lj's BBQ strikes the perfect balance between casual and welcoming. It’s a great spot for a family dinner or a casual outing with friends. The dining area is spacious and comfortable, with friendly staff ready to ensure you have a great experience. Whether you're picking up a to-go order or enjoying a meal at the restaurant, you can expect fast service and a relaxed environment.
Lj's BBQ isn't just about the food, though. It's also about the community. The restaurant has become a local staple, known not just for its delicious BBQ but for the friendly faces behind the counter. Many customers return regularly because they feel like part of the Lj’s BBQ family. It's clear that the owners take great pride in their restaurant, and their passion for BBQ shines through in every dish they serve.
If you're planning a visit, it's always a good idea to check out the reviews. Many customers rave about the quality of the food and the excellent customer service they receive. If you're new to Lj's BBQ, try the brisket platter with a side of potato salad-it's the perfect introduction to what this fantastic diner has to offer. The portions are generous, and the flavors will leave you wanting to come back for more.
For those who may be looking for a quick bite or a full sit-down meal, Lj's BBQ offers both dine-in and takeout options. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or grabbing some BBQ to go, you can count on consistently tasty food that satisfies.
In the world of BBQ joints, Lj's BBQ stands out not just for the quality of its food but for its commitment to delivering a welcoming experience to every guest. If you're in Brenham, don’t miss out on the chance to try this local gem. With its unbeatable flavors, friendly service, and authentic atmosphere, Lj’s BBQ is a must-visit destination for any BBQ lover.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small platesDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Usually a wait âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 642 reviews
The chicken leg quarters and the potato salad stole the show! The brisket, sausage, and ribs were solid. Very good BBQ and deserves the top 50. The 3 meat plate is 28$ and comes with 2 sides. The plate is shareable for 2. The line if there is one moves very fast.
This place is on the Texas Monthly Top 50 so I had to stop in a while in Brenham. We got brisket, regular sausage, and turkey. All the meats were good. For sides, we went with potato salad, mac and cheese, and the street corn. If I could only pick two I would get the potato salad and the mac and cheese. I will definitely come back when I am in the area.
A BBQ Experience Worthy of Its Ranking! LJs BBQ is a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ award winner, and it's clear this spot absolutely deserves the recognition. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, with a nicely decorated dining area and plenty of seating. The staff was incredibly friendly, which made the experience even better. But of course, the real star was the food. Let's start with the brisket. I tried both the lean and the moist cuts, and they were both cooked to absolute perfection. The bark was fantastic—a deep, flavorful crust that gave way to incredibly tender meat. We were also offered a sample of the burnt ends, and they were delicious, a rich and savory bite that left me wanting more. The Hatch Chili Oaxaca sausage was another highlight. It had a smooth, mild flavor that let the sausage itself shine. The cheese had a nice texture and a subtle hint of chili that wasn't overpowering. The ribs were also outstanding. They had a great bite, just the right amount of pull from the bone, and a wonderful flavor. The classic salt and pepper rub was perfectly balanced, enhancing the meat without dominating it. For the sides, I was impressed with the potato salad. It was wonderfully creamy, loaded with big pieces of potato and bacon, and had just the right amount of onion for a nice tang. The mac and cheese was also great, with a very creamy sauce that had a fantastic flavor. While the noodles were a little on the softer side, it didn't take away from how delicious the dish was overall. Overall, this is a top-tier barbecue joint that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly great BBQ experience.
We pulled into Brenham with stomachs growling and fingers crossed that LJ’s still had burnt ends. The sign didn’t say SOLD OUT, so we jumped out of that truck like we were running from a vegan potluck. TL;DR: LJ’s BBQ in Brenham delivered on brisket bark, burnt-end brilliance, and a cold elote curveball that worked. Mac and cheese got the daughter’s stamp of approval, and I got my 31st Texas Monthly passport stamp. It was midday on a Saturday and the BBQ roadtrip was rolling hard. My daughter decided to join me for a father-daughter bonding session forged in smoke and meat. We pulled into LJ’s around 1:45 PM, praying to the brisket gods, and were rewarded with the best news you can see on a Texas BBQ door: no sold out sign. I’ve been here before, and last time I left with tears in my eyes and a sausage-less soul. But not today. The line was gone, the staff was smiling, and the counter was still slinging burnt ends. We ordered a two-meat plate with burnt ends and moist brisket, plus sides of mac-n-cheese and elote. The burnt ends were barky, rich, sticky, and divine. If a cube of brisket and a candy bar had a lovechild, this would be it. The slice of moist brisket was textbook central Texas. Fat cap rendered just enough, deep pink smoke ring, bark that snapped back like a good comeback. Now listen, this BBQ dad has a strict no-fly zone when it comes to mac and cheese. I didn’t even flinch in its direction. But my daughter? She dove in like it owed her money. One bite in and she gave it that look: eyes closed, slow nod, total reverence. She called it cheesy in all the right ways. I call it: not my business. Then came the elote. We both bit in and paused like someone had hit the mute button. Cold? Cold corn? We hadn’t read the menu close enough. But then… we kept eating. It was creamy, cheesy, tangy, and hit different on a warm day. That cold elote snuck up on us and stuck the landing. The vibe in LJ’s is old-school butcher paper, red-and-white checkered tables, and good tunes humming low. Before we left, we got the all-important stamp in the Top 50 passport and snapped a pic outside by the mural. I rocked my orange shirt like a man on a mission. And I am. Why did the burnt end break up with the sausage? Because it needed space to meat its true potential.
If you live in Brenham, driving through Brenham, or just visiting Brenham... you have to eat lunch at LJ's BBQ! Literally the BEST BBQ in the state of Texas! Typically, I order their Mac n' Cheese and Brisket bowl ... Absolutely the best thing to order on the menu! Once in a while (like today) they have the most amazing brisket tacos with salsa and guac on top as one of their daily specials! These brisket tacos are the BEST! Follow their Facebook account for updated daily specials. Don't forget to grab some of their banana pudding too! So good! I've also had mostly everything else on the menu and it's all phenomenal BBQ! Lastly, the service and owners are incredible people. They are always so friendly, kind, and personable. They treat everyone like family!
Lots of places think they have good barbecue! LJ's definitely knows what they're doing! Perfect cooked brisket with real cucumber pickles in great barbecue sauce! You guys definitely deserve being in the top 50! I would say top 10 if you ask me! Had to make a trip to Brenham today and I asked two people where I should eat & both said LJ's! Keep doing what you're doing! 5 Stars
LJ’s BBQ is a must if you’re traveling down 290! The brisket was moist and delicious. The place was busy, but the staff have the process down so that it was a quick wait. Plenty of great meat options as well as great sides. It’s right off the exit, so take the quick detour for an excellent experience!