Welcome to Early's BBQ and Catering
Early's BBQ and Catering, nestled in Willis, TX, is a beloved family-owned gem that has been delighting locals for decades. Renowned for its mouthwatering brisket, incredibly tender chicken, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, this hidden treasure serves up BBQ that truly melts in your mouth. Patrons rave about the unforgettable sausage and delightful sides, including delectable potato salad and the ultimate banana pudding. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Early's BBQ ensures every visit feels like a meal with family. Open Saturdays and Sundays until they sell out, this spot invites you to savor the genuine flavors of Texas BBQ.
Early's BBQ and Catering: Reviews & Ratings
10 stars all the way around, Early’s BBQ is a true hidden gem. The BBQ is phenomenal, the sides are fantastic and the service is amazing. This little place is family owned and operated, they truly care about their food and it shows. The brisket melts in your mouth delicious, the chicken is extremely tender, ribs are fall-off-the bone delicious and the sausage is wonderful. Early’s y’all have made our Sunday lunch and we will probably be back for dinner. Keep up the great work, Early’s BBQ!
Earlys has been serving excellent bbq to the local community for decades. The brisket here melts in your mouth. The chicken is delicious and the banana pudding is the best. This is one of the best kept secrets of lake Conroe & Willis. They are only open Saturday & Sunday. They sell until they run out, so come Early
This is what you call hole in the wall BBQ joint and I loved it. Staff were friendly and the BBQ was excellent. The sausage is melt in your mouth delicious. We sat outside on the picnic tables. There were tons of flies of course, but that’s to be expected sitting outside. They have tables inside as well. Will definitely be back.
Hands down THE best BBQ I've ever had in my life. Brisket falls apart nice, amazing fatty sausage, incredible potato salad. Everything on the menu here is absolutely top-notch. Come here if at all possible, it is absolutely necessary to experience this food.
Came early’s today for the first time! It surpassed my expectations. My kids and I are not big bbq eaters and it was amazing! The service was even better treating you like family! The peach cobbler and sweet tea was what my daughter called “heaven” highly recommend it and will definitely be returning soon!
Best BBQ around, with large portions. The service is very homey. Love this family very much. Go visit them on Saturday and Sundays. You will not regret it. My favorite is the brisket, sausage and potato salad. But, my family loves everything. I have to tell you, I don’t care for Mac and cheese. But Early’s is amazing.
I give it a 5 for overall experience and quality of food. This is one of those TX old school BBQ joints worth traveling to. It's definitely off the main drag. Owners living on site as part of a boat storage business. They've been in business 50 years and three generations. The building shows it's age and history. I count that as a plus. The smoke has infiltrated every corner of ever building. There is indoor seating, screened seating and open air picnic seating. Your choice. Old beer signs and photos from the past adorn the patchwork walls. It's a family operation, and children of the owners were playing outside. Another plus IMHO. They greeted my like family and it wasn't busy so I actually got table service and my drink filled twice. It was relaxed and casual. The food. First I'm generally one who prefers BBQ WITHOUT sauce. Good smoked meat should stand alone. But my plate came drizzled with their home made sauce. And I'm glad it did. The sauce complimented the meat perfectly. I would have missed out had ordered my plate dry. I got ribs, brisket and chicken. The chicken was a tiny bit dry but flavor was perfect. Smoked chicken skin is usually tough and bitter IMHO. But this skin was great. The ribs were served onthe bottom of the pile and soaked up all the fat and juice from the other meats. The meat fell off the bone and was very flavorful. Brisket is usually not my favorite of the meats but here it was. It was chunked rather than sliced and each piece had a nice bit of the charred crispy ends. They left a generous amount of fat on too which I think makes the meat more moist. The brisket really brought the meal home. The beans were average but I really like the potato salad it was cold and tangy just the way I like it. Perfect. The whole plate was served and presented stacked. It looked really nice. Not that presentation is an expectation at a BBQ joint but it really made me excited about what I was about to partake.
Ordered takeout for Mother’s Day’s lunch with family- brisket, sausage, ribs, chopped beef, potato salad, beans and mac-n-cheese. Everything was delicious. Brisket was lean but not dry and chopped beef had perfect amount of sauce. Ribs were meaty and tender, and sausage not greasy. Sides were yummy. Definitely recommend!
Location
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14340 Shepard Hill Rd, Willis, TX 77318, United States Hotline: +1 936-856-4645
Welcome to the flavorful world of Early's BBQ and Catering, a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Willis, Texas. Located at 14340 Shepard Hill Rd, this family-owned establishment has carved a niche as a go-to destination for barbecue enthusiasts and casual diners alike. With a reputation that’s been simmering for decades, Early's serves up an authentic BBQ experience that captures the essence of Southern hospitality.
The glowing reviews from satisfied customers paint a vivid picture of what to expect. A standout feature is the mouthwatering brisket, which has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that leaves patrons raving. The tender chicken and fall-off-the-bone ribs complement the brisket beautifully, ensuring that every visit feels like a feast. Moreover, the sausage is hailed as “melt-in-your-mouth delicious,” making it a must-try for any meat lover.
Aside from the star protein dishes, the sides at Early's also deserve a spotlight. Customers often rave about the potato salad and the delicious banana pudding, which are perfect accompaniments to the main dishes. As noted by a local enthusiast, “everything on the menu here is absolutely top-notch.” And let’s not forget the sweet treats; the peach cobbler and sweet tea have received compliments that elevate the dining experience to a homestyle level.
The ambiance reflects a quaint and cozy vibe, with both indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables that invite a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or casual afternoons. While some may find the outdoor setting a little buggy, the charm of the place keeps everyone coming back for more.
What truly sets Early's BBQ apart is the unparalleled service. The welcoming staff treat each guest as family, embodying the true spirit of Southern hospitality. As one reviewer aptly put it, “they truly care about their food and it shows.” This attention to detail and customer satisfaction is palpable, making every meal feel special.
Open only on weekends and selling until they run out, Early's BBQ and Catering operates on that delightful basis of quality over quantity. As the local reviews indicate, arriving early is key to experiencing their exquisite offerings. If you’re in the Lake Conroe or Willis area, this hidden treasure is an absolute must-visit.
So, gather your friends and family and indulge in what many are calling “the best BBQ” they've ever had. You’ll leave with a full belly and the promise of a return visit to Early's BBQ and Catering.