Guess Family Barbecue: A Waco BBQ Joint Worth the Detour

For quite some time, Guess Family Barbecue in Waco has been on my must-try list. Life often gets in the way, and free time becomes a luxury. Originally, a trip was planned to coincide with a visit from my mother-in-law, who was eager to explore Magnolia Market. However, plans shifted, and the Waco visit kept getting postponed. Finally, the BBQ craving became too strong to ignore, leading to a dedicated BBQ run with Waco and Guess Family Barbecue as the prime destination. Situated conveniently close to Magnolia Market, this trailer was an easy stop for some highly anticipated Texas barbecue.

Close-up of brisket and sausage on a plate

Initially tempted to create a picture-perfect, Instagram-ready order, the menu led me to the 3-meat plate, a choice driven by value and the desire to sample a variety. Opting for the Texas Trinity, I selected brisket, pork ribs, and jalapeño cheese sausage. Almost immediately, I wished I had ordered more – a testament to the quality. The 44 Farms brisket was exceptional, boasting a beautiful bark and a harmonious blend of flavor and smoke. The rendered fat added a melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Plate of pork ribs at Guess Family Barbecue Waco

The pork ribs were seasoned with a straightforward salt and pepper rub. While simple, this approach was highly effective, allowing the smoky flavor to dominate. The rub played a supporting role, letting the quality of the smoking process shine. The jalapeño cheese sausage stood out as one of the cheesiest sausages encountered to date. This house-made link featured a delightful snap to the casing, a satisfyingly coarse grind, and a pleasant level of spice. The fluffy cheesy grits, ordered as a side, were reminiscent of creamy mashed potatoes – a substantial and delicious addition to the plate.

Close up of jalapeno cheese sausage and grits

Guess Family Barbecue is the creation of owner Reid Guess, who honed his skills at Lamberts Downtown Barbecue in Austin. With his strong culinary foundation, the Waco BBQ scene is eagerly anticipating the opening of his brick-and-mortar location, expected this fall. For those visiting the Silos and short on time, Guess also operates a smaller truck within the grounds called Little Brisket, offering a convenient way to sample their barbecue with a sandwich. Waco’s BBQ landscape is definitely gaining momentum, and Guess Family Barbecue is at the forefront of this exciting development.

Texas Trinity plate featuring brisket ribs and sausage

Next time your travels take you between Austin and Dallas, make it a point to stop in Waco. You will have the opportunity to experience barbecue from Guess Family Barbecue, a place with the potential to be recognized as a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ destination. It truly is that impressive.

Guess Family Barbecue food trailer in Waco Texas