Central Texas' hidden gem at Interstate 35 Exit 358 — slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, homemade sides, and desserts that'll make you pull off the highway and never regret it.
Tucked into the small town of Abbott, Texas — right off Interstate 35 at Exit 358, about 25 miles north of Waco — Still Smokin BBQ is the kind of place that rewards anyone willing to take the exit. Don't let the roadside setting fool you. The slow-smoked meats here draw devotees from across Central Texas, and truck drivers traveling the I-35 corridor have made it a regular stop.
The kitchen relies on traditional Texas smoking techniques and a commitment to quality ingredients. Brisket is smoked to the point where it's tender, moist, and needs nothing extra. Ribs fall off the bone. The sausage — both regular and jalapeño — has that snap and smoke that's become rarer to find in a real smokehouse.
Beyond the meats, the housemade sides set Still Smokin apart: fresh-cooked vegetables, creamy potato salad, pinto beans (regular and jalapeño), and an array of homemade desserts including peach cobbler, banana pudding, and meringue pies. It's a full Southern BBQ spread, not just a meat stop.
The staff is known for generosity and warmth — truckers report being handed extra ribs just because they're "a little skinny," and repeat customers feel like they're coming home each visit.
Every meat on the menu is slow-smoked in-house. No shortcuts, no compromises — just real Texas BBQ done the right way.
Super moist, incredibly tender — "best brisket I've ever had"
Fall-off-the-bone tender, seasoned for smoke to shine
Juicy smoked chicken — half or whole available
Smoked turkey — a consistently praised crowd favorite
Regular and jalapeño varieties — made with real snap
Smoked ham — another pit classic on the daily menu
4.5 stars across 1,400+ reviews. People pull off I-35, and some make the drive specifically for it.
Don't let the lack of cars in the parking lot fool ya, STOP IN! 1 lb. of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, creamy mac & cheese with flavorful baked beans. Topped it off with a sweet tea and it was nap time. All that for only $18.99 — it was a bargain. And my trucking brethren, there's ample parking for us there.
— Road Dawg, MenufyyPlease do yourself a favour and stop at this place! As a truck driver, something like that on a road is a blessing. Bought a sandwich and 2 ribs — the lady said "I'll give you 2 extra since they are skinny." Thank you ma'am for that kindness! God Bless! They have parking for about 8 trucks.
— D K, MenufyyHighly recommend a visit for lunch when passing by! About 25 miles north of Waco, Texas on I-35 at Exit 358 is some of the best BBQ you will find anywhere. The friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the place are added bonuses. Do yourself a favor and put Still Smokin on your list of BBQ restaurants to try.
— TripAdvisor ReviewerThe food at Still Smokin in Central Texas is absolutely delicious, and the servers are incredibly friendly and attentive. I've been a loyal customer for years and have always been impressed by the quality and taste of their BBQ. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the prices are fair for the generous portion sizes.
— Cody S., MenuPix 2024Great stop for good BBQ — quaint and trucker friendly. I got the ribs on recommendation. I usually get 2 or 3 meats so I can try a little of everything. Ribs were great and sides were fantastic. Another spot on my list of good eatin' joints across the USA.
— Mike Neff, MenufyyWe were heading home from the Hill Country and my husband saw this place so we turned around and went back! This place is so good we are likely to make the 4-hour drive from home to go back there. True Texans never miss a chance to eat BBQ — and this one is worth it.
— TripAdvisor ReviewerTuesday through Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday. Note: Some sources list Sunday hours as 10:30 AM–2 PM — call ahead at (254) 580-9644 to confirm Sunday availability before making a special trip.
212 South Hickory Street, Abbott, TX 76621. Take I-35 Exit 358 — about 25 miles north of Waco, Texas. It's right off the highway and easy to access from either direction on I-35.
Yes — large trucks, semis, and big rigs are very welcome. Parking for approximately 8 trucks is available. Face the parking toward the frontage road and highway for best access. Still Smokin is well-known as a trucker-friendly stop on I-35.
The "Just Enough BBQ Plate" and "Two Meat BBQ Plate" are the top-ordered plates. Guests specifically call out the Texas Trash (Frito Pie with BBQ), the Stuffed Baked Potato, the Sliced Brisket Sandwich, and the Pork Ribs. The smoked chicken and turkey are consistently praised. For dessert, peach cobbler and banana pudding are favorites.
Yes — takeout is available during regular business hours. Catering is also offered. Call (254) 580-9644 for both takeout orders and catering inquiries.
Yes — the restaurant has wheelchair accessible parking, restrooms, and seating. Note that the entrance itself may not be fully accessible, so guests with specific needs may want to call ahead to confirm arrangements.