Watson's BBQ in Tucumcari, NM

Tucumcari Ranch Supply
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When Don and I travel, we're always game for odd and curious lunch stops. But we weren't just trying to please ourselves, when chose Watson's BBQ while on the road in New Mexico.

There were lots of words surrounding the cement block building, when we pulled up. "Where you get your butts rubbed and your pork pulled" Hmmm? 

With Family on Route 66

​When we reached Tucumcari, we'd been on the road (in 2 cars) for 11 days, with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Heidi and Jamie were excited about this cross country trip to their new home in Texas. But they were tired of making decisions. 

They asked Don and me to plan the route and stops.  Heidi said, "We want to travel like you guys. Take us where you'd go." So we took them to Tucumcari, on old Route 66. We turned off the Mother Road and found Watson's, a block away.

All Good

I'm not usually intimidated by signs with jumbled letters and questionable humor. But we were all weary travelers and we had a 2-year-old with us.

Don and I arrived first, so I ran inside to check the place out. I headed in, then popped out the side door (where a kitty cat greeted) and raced to the parking with my announcement. "Looks fun! Let's do it!"

Charlie is Game

Charlie wasn't at all intimidated by the appearance of the old Ranch Supply Store. She led the way to the door and paused to check out some of the cow figures. 

Charlie approved. She would have been even more enthused, if she could have read that sign for "Cowtown Donuts".

cCharlie was also not a bit threatened by the golden bear, near a few dining tables. Those teeth and claws look pretty intense, but maybe she found courage by clutching her Baby Yoda and clamping down on her Paci.

​So Much to See

There was so much fun stuff packed into that old building! I loved the music corner. There was even a sign inviting "Me" to play and a church pew for the audience!

Of all the signs at Watson's, I liked the one on the piano best. I wasn't really tempted to play, but I appreciated the invite! There could have just as easily been a sign saying, "Do Not Play".

Since 1982

The piano wasn't for sale, but there was plenty to buy at Watson's Ranch Supply Store. It reminded me of a country general store, with everything from feed to western shirts.

It was nice to know we could stop, eat and shop at this Mom and Pop operation. Owners Johnny and Stella Watson, were busy at work when we entered. They first opened their store in 1982. The bbq (and donuts) came along later. 

Not For Sale

There was plenty of stuff that wasn't for sale. A few displayed dolls and lots of license plates! 

A trip to the restroom gave me a peek at a work space, that seemed to involve present wrapping. I think?

Some furry paws looked ready to pounce from above.

​BBQ in Back

In the back corner of the store, we found the order window. surrounded by (once again) more signs and words!

The word WELCOME was the most noticeable of all the words.

​If we'd taken a seat at the cozy booth beneath the gun, we could have added names to the wall.

 Actually, I doubt there was room for one more name.

​Food Options

​We studied the chalkboard for a bit.

There was also a display of food pictures, that showed even more options.

Along with BBQ pics, I spotted some donuts and some people. The crew that smokes the meat?

Stella

We were narrowing down food decisions, when Stella's head suddenly appeared in the window. She apologized for her brief disappearance. She'd been working the cash register in the store.

Stella asked if it was our first time, then happily gave us the lowdown.

Time to Eat!

The long table right in front of the window was open. We took seats and moments later, Johnny appeared with our food. Quick!

Johnny handed over our heavy plates, along with apologies. "Sorry about the heat in here. We're having some problems with our air-conditioner." We assured him we were fine. And we were. We weren't running around serving customers.

Where's the Beef?

What was I thinking when I snapped this food photo, with no meat in sight? You can see the big sugar cookie, slaw, macaroni salad and sauces.

Don ordered 2 meats, brisket and pulled pork. But his meat was hidden in foil, beneath his bread! 

Top 50 BBQ List!

I don't have close up photos of the brisket or pulled port, but the mesquite smoked meat was pretty amazing. 

Heidi and Jamie were especially impressed. They'd been excited about moving back to Texas, where they could once again enjoy amazing BBQ. But here we were eating mouthwatering BBQ at a Ranch store in New Mexico!  
Turns out Watson's BBQ is well known. It was ranked 35th (by Yelp) out of the top 50 BBQ places in the U.S.!

First Brisket

There were a lot of firsts for this 2-year-old on our road trip. Grand Canyon,  Las Vegas, first ice cream cone even.

This was Charlie's first brisket and she approved. She especially liked the sauce.

Good Folks

As we ate our road trip dining feast, I absorbed some more of the nearby wall decor. I'm not sure about Bob, but I'm guessing he was a well-loved local, who possibly shared words of wisdom now and then.

I also absorbed a few nearby conversations. The Watsons may have been rushing to help with food orders and merchandise sales, but they managed to chat with customers, as if they had all the time in the world. It was clear that locals and travelers were welcomed with warmth and respect. What lovely people.

Out Back

After finishing up, I had to at least take a peek at the "dining yard" before we got on the road.

I was amused by all the rusty collections.

I could picture a group of Route 66 motorcycle riders, making use of the red picnic tables.

I wondered about the decorated wagon. Maybe used in an annual parade?

Cattle pens? Was that another whimsical sign, or do they sell pens for cattle? It's a ranch store after all.

I didn't peek in the outhouse to see if it was real.

I was so amused by the fun clutter that I forgot to even look to see where the meat smoking occurred! I did see some kind of grain dispenser that was not a decoration. 

By the time I dashed around to the front parking lot, Charlie was ready to sit down and have another meal. She eventually said good-bye to the cows and we were off!

We headed back on the road feeling full and satisfied. 
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Nothing better than sharing a memorable dining adventure with family, while on the road!