Martin's BBQ, in Bryan, ......... Texas a Texas Tradition since 1925! Now A Historical landmark.
I don't know what is the oldest BBQ business in Texas , but I do know one of the oldest, best tasting, and most charming BBQ restaurants has definitely definitely got to be Martin's in Bryan , Texas. It represents a totally different era . When you enter the restaurant you know you are crossing a time and space configuration. I can't tell you when the first time I went to Martin's but I believe it was in the 1960's when we took a turkey in to be cooked for a holiday meal.
My Dad grew up in Bryan and told me in the 1930's my Grandfather would kill a chicken on Sunday mornings and take it to Martin's to be cooked and then picked up after church was over. I believe he said the cost was around a dollar.
The second time I visited the restaurant was in 1976 when I was a carpenter. Lots of tradesmen would go there for lunch. I remember it well. Laughing, tanned, wrinkled faced men usually missing a finger or two, enjoying a chopped beef , chips and a cold sweaty longneck Pearl Beer. And there were always a few old war veterans at the domino table in the corner with a cold one and a camel smoldering. ( no smoking allowed todaay other than the bbq pit). I continued to go to Martin's off and on through the years and still try to pay a visit every now and then, depending on my cholesterol level. A group from the office known as HAD (Husband's against Dieting) used to go religiously every Friday.
Not much has changed since the early days. Things look and sound pretty much the same at Martin's. That is what makes it so unique and enjoyable! Martin's BBQ is a quiet place where folks can actually visit and enjoy their meal . No loud music or boisterous folks, just respectful individuals from all walks of life enjoying a homestyle old fashion BBQ meal and a visit. Postmen, plumbers, Texas Aggie professors , Lawyers........you will find them all at Martin's when you go there... And Please do not get in a hurry . This is not FAST Food. This is classic barbeque at its finest . The waitress-cashier-hostess, Betty Meece will take good care of you until check out. And she does so with a bright and shining smile every time.
The standard BBQ fare is available, but one of my favorite sides are the "German potatoes." YummmmY! And the price. .....Well you can fill up big time for around $6.00 at lunch time.
Martin's Highlights
- Started By the Kapchinski Family in 1925 . ( the 3rd generation still runs it.)
- Current building built in 1939 (Same Year Aggies won the National College football championship)
- Registered by The Texas Historical commission.
- Located halfway between Downtown Bryan and Texas A&M University in College Station, on College Ave. at Sulphur Springs.
- See a A wonderful Video ! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1732211730515992530
If any of you are ever in Bryan/College Station call me and I will be glad to meet you at Martin's for Lunch! :0)
Trey 979-229-8465
entering, Liz
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