Brisket at GW’s BBQ in San Juan a cut above

SAN JUAN — I had lots of anticipation walking into GW’s BBQ Catering Co., and I’m happy to say it meets and exceeded my expectations. Just like a sign inside the restaurant says, “No Bull, Just Beef,” they stick true to that with the best brisket I’ve had in the Rio Grande Valley.

My expectations were very high with this edition of South Texas Flavor, with lots of friends and colleagues recommending this barbecue joint, which I pass by fairly often on my way to cover stuff at PSJA ISD. The sign out front, reading “Texas Monthly Top 25 Best New BBQ,” added tremendously to my expectations.

The sign in front of GW’s BBQ Catering Co. in San Juan. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

I brought my mom and sister along to try the place. GW’s BBQ was packed and only got busier once I left, which is always a good sign for any business.

I wanted to try some of everything they had, so I ordered “The Vaughn,” which is listed as feeding three to four people and comes with 1 pound of brisket, a half rack of ribs, turkey and jalapeño and cheddar sausage. It came out to about $66 — a little pricey, but you do get a lot of meat that can easily feed more than four people. I also tried the mac n cheese and hashbrown casserole sides.

The Vaughn at GW’s BBQ comes with one pound of brisket, 1/2 rack of ribs, turkey and jalapeño and cheddar sausage. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

They also serve fried chicken, brisket sandwiches, al pastor pork belly and sides such as beans, and corn bread.

All the meat laid out on my tray looked like a feast fit for a king. My photos don’t give it justice, but trust me, it looked glorious.

After ordering, we found spot near the corner and were immediately greeted with great customer service from David. Going around the restaurant assisting people, and giving it a friendly and welcoming environment, your effort was highly noticed, David.

Everything in my meal looked amazing, and I didn’t know where to start so I chose the main thing I wanted to try: the brisket.

A piece of brisket on bread with barbecue sauce at GW’s BBQ. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

It was love at first bite. The brisket was phenomenal. It was lean, very moist and remarkably tender, easily my favorite food off the tray. The flavor was out of this world and paired great with the texture from the crispy exterior.

I couldn’t get enough of it, but the challenge for me was that I had to save room for the other meats as well.

The turkey was also great. It was very moist, which I know is a must for good turkey with lots of people disliking the dryness sometimes with it.

I don’t usually go for any sausages or ribs at barbecue places, but these were good too. I really liked the jalapeño and cheddar sausage. It wasn’t as spicy as I had hoped, but still had a great flavor.

The sides were also top-notch.

Hashbrown casserole at GW’s BBQ in San Juan. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

I’m a bit disappointed they didn’t have a baked potato, but that’s just the potato maniac in me. I got the next closest thing, which was the hashbrown casserole. It was something new to me. I liked it and it surprised me with a little bit of spice to it.

The mac n cheese was also good and I enjoyed the little crumbs added on top of it.

Overall, everything was great and hit the spot. No wonder the place was full and was named in that Texas Monthly list. It also got my Mexican mom’s seal of approval, who said we need to come back soon.

The long lunch line at GW’s BBQ Catering Co. in San Juan. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

If you’re a barbecue lover, this needs to be added to your list. If you’re just wanting to try something new for lunch, make the trip out to San Juan. You won’t regret it.

GW’s BBQ Catering Co. is located at 107 N. Nebraska Ave. in San Juan. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly and come with an empty stomach and a heart full of desire for some meat.

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