Photos of Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.
Where is Tucumcari Ranch Supply and Watson’s BBQ located on Route 66?
Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ is a one-of-a-kind Route 66 stop where an old-fashioned ranch-and-country general store shares space with a seriously beloved barbecue counter. The shop and BBQ are located at 502 S. Lake St. in Tucumcari, New Mexico, just a couple blocks off Historic Route 66 and close to I-40 for an easy detour.
Exploring Tucumcari Tonite? Check out more of the best attractions on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Do the store and restaurant share the same hours?
Current posted hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with Sunday and Monday closed. Since these are limited daytime hours, it’s best to plan this as a breakfast-lunch stop rather than dinner. The BBQ operates inside the store, so when Ranch Supply is open, Watson’s BBQ is serving too. If you arrive near closing, your best bet is to order food first, then browse.
Where can you park?
Parking is easy. There’s a dedicated lot right by the entrance. Even when it’s busy, most travelers find a spot without much trouble.
Is Watson’s BBQ sit-down or takeout?
Both. There are a few simple tables inside, plus a covered patio area when weather’s nice, and you can also get your order to go if you want to eat back at your motel or keep rolling.
What is on the Watson’s BBQ menu?
Watson’s BBQ offers classic smoked-meat barbecue plates and sandwiches—brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken are regular favorites—paired with homestyle sides. It’s widely regarded as one of the best BBQ stops on this stretch of Route 66. The BBQ Po-Boy is one of our picks for the 20 Best Route 66 Foods to Eat in New Mexico.
Watson’s BBQ Menu
Meats
- Brisket (sliced or chopped)
- Ham
- Pulled Pork
- Turkey
- Smoked Link Sausage (full ring, half ring)
- Pork Spare Ribs (full side, half side)
Plates
Includes two sides, a slice of homemade bread, and a cookie.
- 1 Meat Plate
- 2 Meat Plate
- 3 Meat Plate
- 4 Meat Plate
- Pork Rib Plate
Sandwiches
- BBQ Sandwich (includes pickles, onions, chips, and a cookie)
- BBQ Sandwich Plate (includes pickles, onions, two sides, and a cookie)
- Buckey Special Sandwich (brisket and sausage combo; available as sandwich or plate)
- Pigwich Special Sandwich (pulled pork and sausage combo; available as sandwich or plate)
Sides
- Potato Salad
- Coleslaw
- Pinto Beans
- Mac & Cheese
- Chips
Daily Specials
- Smoke House Burger (charbroiled burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and special sauce; includes chips, drink, and cookie)
- Po-Boy (pita bread with chopped brisket or pulled pork, topped with pickles, onions, and coleslaw; includes chips, drink, and cookie)
- Smoke House Salad (spring mix with cheese, tomato, guacamole, and your choice of smoked meat; choice of dressing; includes drink and cookie)
- Old School Frito Pie (Fritos with chili and beans, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato; includes drink and cookie)
- Green Chile Cheese Burger (lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, green chile, and cheese; includes drink and cookie)
- The Brute (1-lb smoke house burrito with BBQ pork or beef and beans, loaded with cheese and red or green chile; includes drink and cookie)
- State Fair Corn Dog Kids Meal (includes chips, drink, and cookie)
Low-Carber’s
- Bare Butted Burrito (no tortilla; BBQ meat, beans, cheese, red or green chile; includes drink and chips)
- Bunless Burger (burger without a bun; includes drink and chips)
- Homeless Dog (chili dogs without buns; includes drink and chips)
- Smoke House Salad (spring mix with cheese, tomato, guacamole, and your choice of smoked meat; choice of dressing)
Drinks
- Tea or Lemonade (free refills; gallons available)
- Can Drinks
- Bottle Drinks
- Route 66 Sodas
Where to Stay Near Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Route 66 hotels in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Blue Swallow Motel
With one of the most recognizable neon signs on Route 66, the Blue Swallow Motel is a must-add for your travel itinerary, whether you spend the night or not. The motel has been operating since 1939 and offers warm hospitality, comfy beds, a touch of nostalgia, and a convenient location near everything you’ll want to see in Tucumcari.
Motel Safari
Motel Safari is a classic 1959 Route 66 motor inn. Look for its historic camel sign, Googie architecture, mid-century modern decor, custom furniture, memorabilia, murals, and vintage billboard ads. The hotel also features modern amenities like flat screen TVs, free wi-fi, and “the best beds on the Mother Road.”
Roadrunner Lodge Motel
For a blast from the past, Roadrunner Lodge Motel is a restored 1960s Route 66 hotel with mid-century style and modern comforts. Rooms feature flat-screen satellite TVs, seating areas, and free toiletries. Select rooms play the motel’s private radio station with 1960s music and commercials and a fire pit outside allows visitors to relax and meet other travelers.
Attractions Near Tucumcari Ranch Supply & Watson’s BBQ on Route 66
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Really good barbecue lunch in Tucumcari. I had a sliced brisket sandwich and it was very tender and flavorful. Definitely a good spot for lunch when you’re in the area!