There's a reason why LJ's is listed in Texas Monthly's best new comers; the food is outstanding and it's a throwback to classic Texas BBQ joints. LJ is right there behind the counter asking what you want and cuts your protein. The rest of the staff were friendly asking about sides and drinks and settling the tab. Sausage was good and crisp but not one ounce of grease dripped. The ribs were tender and juicy with a light taste of seasoning that complements the Smokey flavor. Brisket was super tasty, flavorful bark and very tender. The only thing I didn't like is that two of my slices were too think, like a quarter-inch. It's a small dining area but there is outdoor seating and the ambiance feels like a small town joint selling good Texas 'Que.

My wife and I drove from Katy. Where there is very good BBQ not as good as LJ's. The Brisket and Pork ribs are probably the best we have ever tasted. We will be coming back for sure.

Good barbeque and sides Ill be back Had the brisket and beans and cold slaw Really good

Wow. What a great meal! The brisket was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The pork ribs were great. I would have liked a touch of sweetness to them, but it was not at all necessary. Just my opinion. The pork steak was smoked just right. The jalapeño cheese sausage was incredible. Don't miss the Mac and cheese. Maybe my favorite of any BBQ place I have been, ever. You can tell that everything is made with love. Great job. We will be seeing you again soon.

I've lived in Texas for most of my life. (40+ years) I've had church bbq, gas station bbq, homemade bbq. This one tops them all. I believe the words that came to mind as I ate were: T R A N S C E N D E N T and brisket N I R V A N A. The brisket is so luscious that it melts in your mouth. That is, if it doesn't fall apart before it reaches your mouth! The bark and smoke ring are perfection. The star of the meat show. Get it by itself AND on the brisket mac n' cheese. You'll be transported to another place. The jalapeño cheddar sausage has a nice heat to it that complements the meat. When you take a bite, it has a good snap. The cheddar helps to tame the jalapeño, but you still have some lingering heat. The turkey is exceptionally moist and expertly seasoned. The best I've ever had. The green beans were tender, fresh, and super flavorful. The elote corn salad was tangy, zingy, and a refreshing departure from traditional sides. The homemade pickles were crunchy and delightful. The perfect ending to the meal was the homemade banana pudding. It was perfectly sweet, creamy but whipped, and banana-y. I ate the whole thing! Upshot: LJ's is as legit as it gets. It'll make you wanna slap yo mama, slap yo daddy, slap yo dog. (But don't.) The love that goes into the food will infuse you and make you wanna hug the proprietor. Do that instead. (I did!) No pics except this one of the empty nana puddin. You'll have to go experience it for yourself.

Such an easy stop off 290. And there were only a few folks ahead of us. Just enough time to decide on an order. We went with the 3 meat plate (moist brisket, ribs, peppered turkey) with 2 sides (mac n cheese and pinto beans). Ribs and brisket were both excellent- smoky and moist. We'd get these again and again. Turkey was disappointing since there wasn't a smoky flavor and wasn't very moist. It was also peppery, which I need to start asking about when I order turkey. That's on me. The mac n cheese had what I'd call white queso component. This isn't your kids' Kraft mac and cheese. Very creamy, slightly spicy and kinda addictive. Yum!

BBQ and service here are great. Brisket Nachos are worth the hour + drive Everything was very good.

We made a quick stop at this place for a small snack and I was not disappointed. The brisket sandwich was delicious - you could taste the butter all over the bun! The ribs were fall off the bone good, too. The BBQ sauce was good just like it - TANGY. And I'm a fan of elote so I had to try it. Yummy, yummy, yummy - you gotta try it! Next time I go in, I must try that brisket mac everyone was ordering!

Here we go with another Top 50 visit! We're out here in Brenham, TX visiting a local's favorite, LJ's. We came in o. a Saturday (1/27/24) about 30 min after they opened. There were maybe 10 people ahead of us in line which moved pretty quick for a BBQ joint. Quick shout out to the super friendly and welcoming staff here! They were all in great spirits and amazingly friendly, despite me wearing my Dodger hat in the Houston area lol. After I saw what they had on special, I decided to keep it simple with a 2 meat plate so I can try their General Tso's Pork Belly Burnt Ends and their Green Chile and Queso sausage. Despite serving a massive brisket portion (thank you) I have to be honest when I say it was a bit on the pot roast side for me with not a lot of smoke. But the beef was cooked beautifully and noticeably moist and tender. If you like peppery ribs, and I do, you'll love these ribs! Really easy to eat, lots of meat on the bone, great flavor. The pork belly burnt ends were also some delicious eating, I always enjoy any kind of Asian spins on Texas barbecue. Despite not being much of a looker, the green chile and queso sausage stole the show for me, wow!!! Sooooo much flavor and ooey gooey cheese. Great texture on the meat and casing too! My wife enjoyed the sides more than I did, I thought the elote salad was a bit too cold to savor the flavors in it and the potato salad was a bit in the unseasoned side. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience that I wholeheartedly recommend!

Good people and great food! You feel welcome here if you are a BIB or a BOB The important stuff, brisket. Clearly they know what they are doing here. The brisket was so moist you could cut it with your folk. Ribs were fall off the bone, and I will dream about that Mac and cheese. If you are not from Brenham stop in to a place they call you friend Tip- make it in early before the Mac and cheese sells out.