Tugs Boathouse BBQ

The sausage is ⁵⁄₅ stars! I’m talking incredible
The brisket is average but the sausage was so out of the world that this place gets a great rating! Enjoy

One of the top three best pulled porn sandwiches I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot of pulled pork sandwiches. Don’t be discouraged that it’s in a little gas station. Pair your sandwich with some antiquing at the Yarn Shop and you’ve got yourself a top notch afternoon.

Only stopped and got a half pound of moist brisket so that’s all I’ll comment on. It was very good. I’ll be back to sample more.

Driving through Jonestown after camping and stopped by for some BBQ, and I was so happy we did. We had the pulled pork sandwich and I of course always have to have all the sides and everything was so delicious! It was good sized helpings and at an affordable price. I most def will go back, and hopefully soon. Might just have to make the drive.

Nice little local spot. Nothing fancy but the bbq was very good! Owner was there, and he’s very nice. I had brisket and turkey and tried the sausage. The beans were great! The sausage is tender and flavorful. I’ll be getting that next time.

So this will be a straight to the point review.
1. Signage to even let a person know this gas station is even a restuarant is scarce.
2. No ambience or country feeling inside. This is a BBQ «restuarant right»???
3. CUSTOMER SERVICE NEEDS SERIOUS IMPROVEMENT… We are customers coming in to pay you money for a service. Atleast act like you care we even gave you the time of day or the chance for our business. Such a disappointment leaving like we were annoying Tug or a staff member by simply ordering. Felt like I should order less or not ask anything. As positive feedback I recommend even just a basic greeting, and maybe a «How can I help you today?»
4. Number 3 will tear any business down no matter how good the food is… Attitude is everything, especially with a small business.
BOTTOM LINE: Culture of business will need to change or more and more customer will stop showing up…

We were kind of new to town and TX BBQ when we first ate here so I didn’t feel qualified to review. I’m still no expert, but have eaten at enough places to know that we both like this one the best as we are always comparing everyplace to Tugs. Thus far, the rub is second to none. My benchmark is always the flavor without any sauces. I’ll only dip when there’s not enough flavor and I am pleased that no sauce is needed here. I had the chicken which was very moist and juicy. My girlfriend had the ribs which were thick and meaty. Definitely coming back here.

Tug is back. He used to be in Lago Visa but is now in the converted Shell Gas Station in Jonestown. There are tables to eat inside or take it to go, and he offers the same menu by the pound, plates, sandwiches and wraps. The brisket was good as always. You can’t go wrong with BBQ and this guy has been doing it the longest in the area. He loves what he does. The menu also says they have tater or cowboy stew and Frito Pie and beer.

Good food, however I wanted to order a barbecue sandwich I watched the owner of the business taking out the trash with his bare hands to the back door to the dumpster comes back in and makes my sandwich without washing his hands nor wearing gloves so I fed the sandwich to my dog. Therefore he lost our business.

Passing through Jonestown to Lago Vista frequently, I’ve noticed the transformation from a temporary sign saying the «Best Ribs in Town» outside the Jonestown Shell Station to a new sign for Tug’s, permanently installed. It was time to give the place a try.
To my surprise, walking in the station the place really is functioning as a restaurant. There are no groceries to be seen, aside from the standard coolers for drinks. It looks just like a restaurant inside. Very clean with a pleasant ambiance.
The pitmaster/​owner appears to be your typical BBQ Pitmaster: overworked, tired and somewhat grumpy. He was trying not to be. But we like them this way in Central Texas, so no points deducted for that. It’s part of the charm.
I was skeptical when I saw that more than ribs were on the menu now. Brisket, Sausage, chopped beef, sandwiches, typical sides. The benchmark for a great BBQ place is that moist, fatty brisket. If it is done right, chances are the rest of the Q will be decent to great. It was. It was fantastic. Had a great bark with a mild bite, the beef quality was excellent and cooked perfectly. The spicing was on point. Next up, the ribs. Not as great as the brisket. Room for improvement here. Still, not bad. I think I got an older rack. I will try them again on the next visit.
I asked the pitmaster if the place made their own sauce, when he offered me some. «Yes…» he said, as if of course it was. That was great on the ribs and the brisket. I usually don’t like sauce with my brisket, but it complimented it well.
I didn’t try the sides. Probably will never try the sides.
I wasn’t offered any pickles or onions. They were behind the counter. I forgot to ask. He probably should have offered. Also did not offer any bread either.
I’ll be back here for sure.

Excellent Bar-​B-​Q and more to follow! Now in the old Shell station in Jonestown! Eat in or take out!!!