As chain restaurants increasingly crowd the Bryan–College Station barbecue landscape, locals continue to flock to C&J for its consistently tasty options. In addition to hitting all of the traditional meats and sides, C&J also offers burgers and catfish. Order this to go: the brisket plate: tender beef that’s seasoned (but not overseasoned) and served with tangy, spicy sauce provides the kind of Texas barbecue experience that doesn’t disappoint. Flavorful pinto beans and ranch potatoes round out the perfect C&J meal, further enhanced by a spoonful of fresh peach or blackberry cobbler. Pro tip: If you’re closer to College Station than downtown Bryan, you can visit the original C&J, on Harvey Road, or its newest location, on Southwest Parkway.

Note: Review reflects COVID-19 protocols in place at the time of visit.