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Sowell's BBQ
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Three Rivers

Sowell's BBQ

★★★★ 4.3 · 120 reseñas

Sowell's BBQ, located in Three Rivers, is a local favorite with a 4.3-star rating from 308 reviews. We offer a diverse menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including local specialties. Enjoy our BBQ through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery. We pride oursel...

Sowell's BBQ

Barbecue · Three Rivers

4.3 · 308 reviews Google
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About Sowell's BBQ

Sowell's BBQ, located in Three Rivers, is a local favorite with a 4.3-star rating from 308 reviews. We offer a diverse menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including local specialties. Enjoy our BBQ through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery. We pride ourselves on serving great...

Sowell's BBQ, located in Three Rivers, is a local favorite with a 4.3-star rating from 308 reviews. We offer a diverse menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including local specialties. Enjoy our BBQ through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery. We pride ourselves on serving great coffee and offering a wide selection of teas. Sowell's BBQ is open Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Saturday starting at 7:30 AM. We are committed to accessibility, providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot. Please note we are closed on Sundays.

What Customers Say About Sowell's BBQ

Sowell's BBQ is praised for its delicious BBQ, especially the brisket, generous portions, and friendly staff. Customers rave about the complimentary beans and cornbread. Some reviewers noted inconsistent brisket quality and concerns about COVID-19 precautions.

Popular Dishes

brisket (8) cornbread (4) beans (3) BBQ sauce Tres Rios plate sweet tea enchiladas baked potato with brisket

Best For

Locals Tourists Casual Groups Families

Tip: Visit closer to closing time for the freshest brisket flavor, according to one reviewer.

Features

📶 WiFi 🅿️ Parking 🚗 Delivery Accessible 🌅 Breakfast 🍽️ Lunch 🌙 Dinner Coffee
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy 👨‍👩‍👧 Family 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

First State Bank Building
Heritage
A 151m

First State Bank Building

edificio

View details
Tips Park
A 729m

Tips Park

parque

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Sowell's BBQ

Sowell's BBQ is located in Three Rivers, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • First State Bank Building (A 151m) — historic place in Three Rivers, Live Oak County, Texas Monumento histórico grabado de Texas

Parks & Gardens

  • Tips Park (A 729m) — park in Live Oak County, Texas, United States of America

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Sowell's BBQ

Sowell's BBQ is located at 114 W Thornton St, Three Rivers, TX 78071, Three Rivers.
Near Sowell's BBQ you can find points of interest such as First State Bank Building, Tips Park.
Sowell's BBQ offers barbecue cuisine.
Sowell's BBQ has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Sowell's BBQ offers the following services: dine-in, takeaway, delivery.
The most recommended dishes at Sowell's BBQ based on customer reviews are: brisket, cornbread, beans, BBQ sauce, Tres Rios plate.
Sowell's BBQ is ideal for locals, tourists, casual dining, groups, families.
Sowell's BBQ is praised for its delicious BBQ, especially the brisket, generous portions, and friendly staff. Customers rave about the complimentary beans and cornbread. Some reviewers noted inconsistent brisket quality and concerns about COVID-19 precautions.
Visit closer to closing time for the freshest brisket flavor, according to one reviewer.
308
Reviews

Sowell's BBQ Three Rivers Reviews

4.3
308
5★
61%
4★
22%
3★
6%
2★
4%
1★
7%
Reviews (120)
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Bobi Jo Cauley

Wonderful place to eat ! Great service, and the atmosphere is like being around family. Love It .

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Lisa Meyer

Delicious meal - cornbread, brisket, beans, and coleslaw. Owner is very friendly and funny! Thanks!

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Jenny Bode

Loved the complimentary beans and cornbread, which are readily available. Amazing food and great service!

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Caesar Villegas

Had a great burger with a side of ribs! The ribs were delicious and spiced well, no need for BBQ sauce! Had some outstanding service as well!

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Ruben Ruiz

Any food on the menu is worth the stop. There's always a self service beans and cornbread appetizer, which could easily be a meal by itself. The hours are limited, so plan accordingly. It is a must stop for us and we plan accordingly!

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Jeff Vesley

Great food and great atmosphere. Biker owned and operated.

J
John Schiefen

it was really great ....!!! they have Dynomite complimentary beans that are so good ....!!! but there brisket plate and there own bbq suace was the Bomb !!!! very friendly staff .....!!!! Loved it...!!

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Jenny Moyer

Great food and Great people. Highly recommend! The Chicken fried steak is so good!

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Dennis Johnson

Good barbecue, and other food. The boss is a good person. Great service.

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Kay Everett

Best hamburger ever. Staff is so friendly and remembers us. Saved a sippy cup that our grandson left there. Awesome folks

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Diane Job

GREAT BBQ. Definitely need to stop in and greet some. They even have sweet corn bread and beans for everyone.

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Anne Chance-Battleson

Great food and ambience. It is like going to your Grandma's house. The staff is so friendly and kind. The food is filling and taste great. Highly recommend

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Mingo Pena

Very good BBQ. This is our go to place after visiting the Choke Canyon State Park near Three Rivers Texas

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eileen Alcorta

One of my favorite places to eat when I lived in three rivers and to visit haven't been there since 2019. I love that place.

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Matt Leinhos

Authentic Texas BBQ joint with great food and top-notch service where the staff works as a team. Would gladly go again!

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James Nance

Great BBQ the way it's supposed to be made and served. You can't go wrong here. Good old fashioned atmosphere as well.

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Lady T.

Loved it! So very cozy. Customer service is great and the food is on point. We will be back!

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Margaret Patton

Super friendly, great service, great food. It's the only place around I can get the grill smoked chicken I love.

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Javier Munoz

I came to sowell's The chicken is PERFECT!!! And just in time! I see why they run out of chicken early..ITS SOOOOO GOOOD!!! Beans great Service on point.

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Timothy Hanback

Needed lunch off highway heading down to island and this was a great choice!!! Excellent comforting food

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Jennie Ashmore

Polite server. Suggested some. We were into closing time but didnt know it. Glad we came in!

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Denise Hudson

If you EVER get the chance to stop in, DO IT!! DELICIOUS Texas BBQ!! Ranch beans and cornbread all made from scratch! If you want ribs, get there early! They sell out fast! Some of the most tender smoked brisket I've ever eaten!! The staff is great, you'll feel right at home!! If you leave hungry, it's your own fault!!

C
Caleb Cole

Hands down best brisket I have had. Food portions are HUGE! Pecan pie was amazing. Great place to stop if you are traveling between Corpus Christi and San Antonio.

A
Amir Mohammed

Nice people, great service! Meal comes with free corn bread and beans.

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Roberta Cauley (Bobijo)

Nothing better than homemade meatloaf on a dreary day

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Siouxz Q

Absolutely delish! Had the loaded baked potato w brisket and it was amazing. My friend had the stuffed (cheese and jalapenos) hamburger patty w fries and it was delish also (I ate a lot of it!) took the rest home to enjoy the next day!! Yummy!

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Solomon Moreno

The place is a local favorite and seems to be a undiscovered gem!! I must say the beef brisket here holds it own with Rudy's and Bill Miller. Whenever I think of Texas beef brisket this place will come to mind. Luckily my brother lives here, I live in SA. Not sure of the other meats, but if the brisket is this good the other meats must be delish.

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cheryl daro

Best brisket, at the top of my list!!!

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Daniel Rodriguez

Now country cooking doesn't get any better than this. From the bbque to their home made burgers freshly cooked. As soon as you enter, the aroma of bbque is pleasing and the ambience is very very country. Waitress are very polite. The scenery is beautiful. Oh, don't forget their country cornbread and beans as a appetizer. Honestly gotta say, everyone welcomes you, which you don't usually receive in SA.

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Mary Decker

Hole in the wall atmosphere...Brisket & beans were good. I saw a plate of huge shrimp on the table next to me that look scrumptious. Only open until 2pm. Breakfast & lunch

D
Diana T Pittman

Brisket is tender whether served on a bun or on a plate it melts in your mouth.. The cornbread is always the best sweet tasting top it off with butter yummy and endless bowls of pinto beans a must!!! My favorite ❤️ is the potatoes salad the infused flavors from an old recipe from Rick Sowells grandma is wonderful.

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James Fridelle

I don't order restaurant steaks often because I can almost always do it better at home. I took a chance and ordered the ribeye hoping they knew what they were doing. They made me an amazing steak. I asked for Medium. (Not medium-rare. Not medium-well.) What I got was a savory and flavorful steak that was very pink throughout but zero blood. A true medium. That is hard to do! Oh, my wife's crawfish-stuffed chicken breast was also very delicious.

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Neville Spicer

Oh my what a gem. So very sweet both the staff and guests and I think I may have had the best piece of brisket I ever had. I'd go out of my way to eat there again.

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Lori Change

We love this place, the food is always tasty and plentiful, there's free cornbread and beans with your meal the owners are amazing and it's just a great place to come to get a home cooked meal.

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Kari Shearer

The catfish, hush puppies, and beans were delicious. If you still have room after your meal, get a slice of the pecan pie. It’s sweet, but very delicious.

T
Tad Wychopen II

The Grande Potato was excellent and the chopped brisket was really good. I'll plan on stopping here again on a trip from the valley to San Antonio! Kind staff and wonderful atmosphere!

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Willow Swan

Great food and excellent service. Great ambiance too. This is definitely a place to hit up for BBQ in Three Rivers or on the way to the coast or even for a little road trip for great BBQ from San Antonio. Worth the trip.

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Charlotte Trevino

The brisket is delicious. Waitress was very nice.

O
O

The BBQ was awesome and the staff friendly and courteous. Get there early and some delicious pie. Loved it!

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R B

This BBQ spot was delicious!!! From the cornbread & beans to the BBQ entree we ordered. We were lucky to meet the owners, who were SO nice & inviting. I will definitely stop by again.

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Rollin Rippel

Excellent chopped brisket sandwich. Very friendly and helpful waitress.

K
Kelli Rivera

Great atmosphere, service was great like family type of experience, good people

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Mark Gregurek

This place has some of the Best food in Texas. BBQ, Steaks, Seafood and some of the best juicy Hamburgers you will ever sink your teeth into!

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Melinda Welch

Wait staff was very friendly. The food was fantastic. Will be going back!!!

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Enaida De Los Santos

Sis and I were headed back to the RGV and we decided to stop in for a quick bite. I was craving BBQ. Great place, and great atmosphere. The food was excellent, it definitely hit the spot! I especially took a liking to the potatoes and the BBQ sauce.

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David Uhlmeyer

I ordered the kitchen sink burger with the sourdough jalapeños bread and had them change out my fries with Mac and cheese. The burger was loaded. I personally like things a bit more spicy, but the spicy level was still very nice. Just enough kick to notice but not enough to take away from the taste. Mac and cheese was just the way I like it, cheesy and wet. Great spot for a small town place.

A
Andrea Woods

Visited for the first time today on our way home from Freer. Wonderful atmosphere, amazing service & the food was to die for. Best burger in Texas! BBQ brisket was good too. Pecan pie tasted sublime - like my grandmother’s! We will definitely be back!!!

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Michelle Elizondo

The nicest people. When ever your in Three Rivers, stop in. Biscuits & gravy for breakfast & Brisket Sandwich for lunch. Complimentary Beans & corn bread with the purchase of a meal. A must place to stop.

A
Alan Hollingsworth

We tried the sliced brisket and the chopped sandwich. It was all wonderful, some of the best BBQ any of us ever had. The free-joles pinto beans and cornbread (free if you buy a meal) are super tasty. Prices very reasonable, service terrific. And the atmosphere is perfect local Texas BBQ. Right across the street from the town square, which was nice to walk laps around and sit in the shade on benches after eating. Halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi - if you're in one city and have friends in the other, this is an ideal location to meet!

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Jessica Porter

We were here in February camping at Choke Canyon State Park. The food was delicious, the owner and staff were friendly and sociable, and the portions are huge (warning... you'll go home with extras). The beans are fantastic and the cornbread is the best I've ever had. My husband even said the chicken fried steak is at the top of his best list. We'll be back the next camping trip!

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Carix Elizabeth

The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We walked in maybe 10 minutes til closing... not knowing they were about to close. They could have turned us away, but they had a very warm welcome for us. The food was absolutely delicious! The fried shrimp were very large and the batter had such a great flavor. The corn bread was a great touch and had such a great flavor as well! The atmosphere was great. The decor had us in awe when we walked in. The music really tied it all together and really made it such a great vibe. The kids loved really loved it amd asked of we could stop here the next time we drive through here. Needless to say, 4 out of towers are incredibly happy we chose to stop and eat here.

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hwbout

Stopped in for lunch. Our meals were both tasty and plentiful. The servers were super friendly and proficient. These small town barbecue type places are just so good. Glad we stopped.

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Angela

Ya"ll! This Texas BBQ spot is One of the Best! Everything was so good! From the Chicken to the Thick cut fries! We came in an hour before closing time, and we were super happy we were served right away. We travel through here a lot, but hadn't really stopped anywhere to eat here in a very long time. We were very impressed with everything! We'll definitely be coming back again! IG: Chica_Foodie

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Will Toomey

Amazing BBQ & Amazing People! I was asked by my boss (at the last minute on my drive in from Pleasanton) to order food for 40+ people on a big BP frac job. I called Sowell's and spoke with Sierra and told her my situation and told her my budget and she told me she would call me right back with a quote. Not 5 minutes later, Sierra called me back and told me that she could fill my order and have it ready in less than a hour. Needless to say all of the food was gone in even less time and everyone raved about how much they enjoyed the BBQ. Thank you Sierra for making me the hero of the day. Cannot recommend Sowell's BBQ enough!!!!!!

Carix Elizabeth
Carix Elizabeth

The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We walked in maybe 10 minutes til closing... not knowing they were about to close. They could have turned us away, but they had a very warm welcome for us. The food was absolutely delicious! The fried shrimp were very large and the batter had such a great flavor. The corn bread was a great touch and had such a great flavor as well! The atmosphere was great. The decor had us in awe when we walked in. The music really tied it all together and really made it such a great vibe. The kids loved really loved it amd asked of we could stop here the next time we drive through here. Needless to say, 4 out of towers are incredibly happy we chose to stop and eat here.

hwbout
hwbout

Stopped in for lunch. Our meals were both tasty and plentiful. The servers were super friendly and proficient. These small town barbecue type places are just so good. Glad we stopped.

Angela
Angela

Ya"ll! This Texas BBQ spot is One of the Best! Everything was so good! From the Chicken to the Thick cut fries! We came in an hour before closing time, and we were super happy we were served right away. We travel through here a lot, but hadn't really stopped anywhere to eat here in a very long time. We were very impressed with everything! We'll definitely be coming back again! IG: Chica_Foodie

Will Toomey
Will Toomey

Amazing BBQ & Amazing People! I was asked by my boss (at the last minute on my drive in from Pleasanton) to order food for 40+ people on a big BP frac job. I called Sowell's and spoke with Sierra and told her my situation and told her my budget and she told me she would call me right back with a quote. Not 5 minutes later, Sierra called me back and told me that she could fill my order and have it ready in less than a hour. Needless to say all of the food was gone in even less time and everyone raved about how much they enjoyed the BBQ. Thank you Sierra for making me the hero of the day. Cannot recommend Sowell's BBQ enough!!!!!!

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Tiffany Trevino

We stumbled upon this place, driving through looking for some barbecue and they delivered. Everything was delicious especially the Complementary beans and cornbread, and not to mention the sweet tea. 10/10

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Michelle Carey

We got the brisket it was amazing. Big portions good to share or take home for leftovers. Staff was attentive and the owner was typical small town Texas friendly. If your from New York or Cali you might have a stranger danger experience but for me this place was what Texas exemplifies. Extra friendly and you immediately feel like family. We were passing thru on our way back home to Bandera when we found this diner. We will be back.

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Eddie Escobedo

Good food and good people. If your in three river you need to stop here

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Brianna Carmichael

Great food! My husband got the large Tres Rios plate and said it was amazing, the brisket plate was delicious and portion sizes were generous, we both had leftovers. The place was packed when we got there but the servers were right on top of everything! Great service, great food and a great atmosphere!

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mary santiago

The staff was very friendly. I ordered the brisket sandwhich and it was delicious and packed with a big portion of brisket. I only ate half. Friends in my group ordered the hamburger. The patty was an inch thick patty and it was also very good. The kids loved the fries and chicken strips. They also offer complimentary beans and corn bread. I highly recommend this place if you ever pass by Three Rivers.

B
BigEats

Hands down the best bbq around for miles. Brisket is juicy and seasoned well whether it's lean or fatty, fried catfish was excellent and so were the sweet potato fries. If you're looking for bbq and don't want to be let down like a lot of other bbq places around here then come here. You'll love it!

E
Erika Simmons

Best brisket, best BBQ sauce my boyfriend and I have ever had, and the most delicious green beans ever. Plus, the cornbread is absolutely amazing. If you’re in the area or driving by, you need to eat here. 10/10 would recommend.

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Ramiro Moreno

Best enchiladas & baked potato with brisket ever… I’m from the valley, we got good bbq places. However, they exceeded my expectations! Bbq sauce is delicious too!

mary santiago
mary santiago

The staff was very friendly. I ordered the brisket sandwhich and it was delicious and packed with a big portion of brisket. I only ate half. Friends in my group ordered the hamburger. The patty was an inch thick patty and it was also very good. The kids loved the fries and chicken strips. They also offer complimentary beans and corn bread. I highly recommend this place if you ever pass by Three Rivers.

Tiffany Trevino
Tiffany Trevino

We stumbled upon this place, driving through looking for some barbecue and they delivered. Everything was delicious especially the Complementary beans and cornbread, and not to mention the sweet tea. 10/10

Erika Simmons
Erika Simmons

Best brisket, best BBQ sauce my boyfriend and I have ever had, and the most delicious green beans ever. Plus, the cornbread is absolutely amazing. If you’re in the area or driving by, you need to eat here. 10/10 would recommend.

Ramiro Moreno
Ramiro Moreno

Best enchiladas & baked potato with brisket ever… I’m from the valley, we got good bbq places. However, they exceeded my expectations! Bbq sauce is delicious too!

BigEats
BigEats

Hands down the best bbq around for miles. Brisket is juicy and seasoned well whether it's lean or fatty, fried catfish was excellent and so were the sweet potato fries. If you're looking for bbq and don't want to be let down like a lot of other bbq places around here then come here. You'll love it!

Michelle Carey
Michelle Carey

We got the brisket it was amazing. Big portions good to share or take home for leftovers. Staff was attentive and the owner was typical small town Texas friendly. If your from New York or Cali you might have a stranger danger experience but for me this place was what Texas exemplifies. Extra friendly and you immediately feel like family. We were passing thru on our way back home to Bandera when we found this diner. We will be back.

R B
R B

This BBQ spot was delicious!!! From the cornbread & beans to the BBQ entree we ordered. We were lucky to meet the owners, who were SO nice & inviting. I will definitely stop by again.

Brianna Carmichael
Brianna Carmichael

Great food! My husband got the large Tres Rios plate and said it was amazing, the brisket plate was delicious and portion sizes were generous, we both had leftovers. The place was packed when we got there but the servers were right on top of everything! Great service, great food and a great atmosphere!

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Alvarez Maximiliano

First time going there ate some ribs and they were really good my waiter was really helpful on helping me choose... will be back soon

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Christopher Baker (Baker)

Nice bar-b-que for 3 Rivers. Staff is very nice. Has a South Texas authentic touch

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Jerry Barton

BBQ is the best around. However, they do more than just BBQ. Burgers, chicken, and all lunch and dinner items are great. They also have an amazing breakfast menu. The service is spectacular and the prices are not bad either.

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Rita Lewis

Casual dining. Been there twice. Brisket maybe a but dry but most is anyway, burgers home cooked food. Onion rings were really good too!

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Cammeron

We went on a drive and ran into Sowells. The biggest Cheese Burger and Fries I've ever had. It was great and drank ice tea.

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Silvana Sherwood

Good food ..great people, we had the catfish plate and a slice beef sandwich, beans and coleslaw delicious.

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RoughneckRichard Evans

Staff is great. We could use some live music and something to do in this town. Wish one of these places would pick up on that. We would be here every night.

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David Phillips

Very rustic atmosphere. Food was great, service was friendly, helpful A+.

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Dinah

The food was delicious and I loved that chopped brisket sandwich was on a hamburger bun instead of sandwich bread.

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Sue Sparkman

Was in Three Rivers this morning for TR Garden Club sale and saw sign for breakfast. Had the Friday special of biscuits and sausage gravy with coffee. Good home cookin'. Couldn't eat it all and took the rest home. Enjoyed the good service and relaxed atmosphere. The western decor was interesting also. It was hard to not want BBQ that early, because it smelled so good. I'll bet they do a good business at lunch. Will go back next time I'm there.

A
Ash Ketchum

The ladies were fun and polite. This place has so much character. And they have self corn beard and beans which I thought was different. Would come back here again. Everything here is like home cooked which I love but not enough flavor. I would come back here again though.

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Ryan K. Harris

Don't expect a plate when you order a BBQ plate, it's served on wax paper. Down home atmosphere and attentive staff. Had Brisket and Sausage and loved them both.

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Larry Cerda

Typical South Texas barbecue joint with blue collar oil field patrons and friendly staff that eximplify South Texas charm. Complimentary boracho beans and corn bread are amazing. Green bean and coleslaw sides were a hit. Mesquite smoked Brisket Sausage were on point. Wanted to try the ribs, they were sold out, :(. Had the chicken, it was more than ample serving of a half chicken that was flavorful but a bit dry. They offer one sauce , vinegar based semi sweet sauce. I’ll be back.

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Steven May

Brisket was a good mix of fatty and not, potato salad awesome, wish coleslaw was mayonnaise and not vinegar base. They served an awesome cornbread! Owner is very nice and hospitable. Definitely worth a stop if you're passing through.

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Tanya Greeve

We had a great breakfast here a few days ago. The food was really good and served hot. All made fresh. We also got apple pie to take home for later. We had ribs there a month ago and they were good too. The only thing I would suggest to them is to wash your windows!

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J.E.G.

1st time there. Traveled from McAllen just to check it out. Great burgers, pork ribs were cold. In my opinion, they were under cooked. It’s a nice clean place. The service was good. We will return to try out the BBQ Brisket….

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Jodie Brown

Was finally able to stop by to give the bbq a try, and overall, it's not too bad. The shrimp basket and onion rings are legit, and the brisket is ok. Would recommend giving it a try closer to closing time to get the freshest brisket flav.

O
Olan Teague

Not sat down and ate here swung in got a BBQ sausage sandwich to go. Very good brisket. So I stopped again got just a BBQ sandwich. BBQ and sausage about 14 bucks Pretty good sandwiches though. Place "looks" like it would have great other food. Many locals in eating. The BBQ sauce not my style, not a fan but I'm I ST where the sausage and Brisket are often more different than what you fund in many east and north Texas places where I am from. I wanted to take the whole pan of cornbread with me though'.. see pic

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Jay Bee

IMPRESSED, is the first word too come to mind. We got here late in the evening so there wasn't much BBQ left. However, we noticed a sign on the front door advertising a Doritos Casserole... naturally we had to try it (I was with two colleagues). Doritos with Enchilada sauce and Ground Beef...two sides (Beans & Corn or Rice). I am always down to try something different and I am glad I did. The Doritos Casserole is where it's at (Deliciousness). Real hole in the wall joint with good food. Rumor has it their burgers are pretty awesome as well. Saw a sign about Homemade Biscuits & Sausage Gravy as well as Texas sized pancakes. If I didn't live 90 minutes away I would be there for breakfast. If you are in 3 Rivers...I would say try it.

Jodie Brown
Jodie Brown

Was finally able to stop by to give the bbq a try, and overall, it's not too bad. The shrimp basket and onion rings are legit, and the brisket is ok. Would recommend giving it a try closer to closing time to get the freshest brisket flav.

Olan Teague
Olan Teague

Not sat down and ate here swung in got a BBQ sausage sandwich to go. Very good brisket. So I stopped again got just a BBQ sandwich. BBQ and sausage about 14 bucks Pretty good sandwiches though. Place "looks" like it would have great other food. Many locals in eating. The BBQ sauce not my style, not a fan but I'm I ST where the sausage and Brisket are often more different than what you fund in many east and north Texas places where I am from. I wanted to take the whole pan of cornbread with me though'.. see pic

Jay Bee
Jay Bee

IMPRESSED, is the first word too come to mind. We got here late in the evening so there wasn't much BBQ left. However, we noticed a sign on the front door advertising a Doritos Casserole... naturally we had to try it (I was with two colleagues). Doritos with Enchilada sauce and Ground Beef...two sides (Beans & Corn or Rice). I am always down to try something different and I am glad I did. The Doritos Casserole is where it's at (Deliciousness). Real hole in the wall joint with good food. Rumor has it their burgers are pretty awesome as well. Saw a sign about Homemade Biscuits & Sausage Gravy as well as Texas sized pancakes. If I didn't live 90 minutes away I would be there for breakfast. If you are in 3 Rivers...I would say try it.

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MUTTERS

Heard this place was good, but I was disappointed. I've been all over Texas for good brisket but this isn't it. I ordered moist but had to use a knife and had a hard time chewing. Please if you want to know what good moist marbled brisket go to Mumphord's Place Restaurant in Victoria Tx.

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Norman Anthony

The food is ok. The free beans weren’t done when I got there 11:49am, but they were so hot they burned my mouth. I had the catfish, and it was ok. The tartar sauce is very bland. The service was fast and friendly. My biggest issue is cleanliness. They wipe the tables after every customer, but with the same old dirty rag. And only wipe. You’re in the middle of Eagleford oilfield, and big ranch country. Everyone that comes in is dirty. The tables are filthy dirty, with caked on grime that looks to have been building up for years. So much so that you stick to them. Like I said, I watched them WIPE the tables with the same rag after people left, but hey, they need to be washed/scrubbed/disinfected once in a while.

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Matt 00000sa

Well the brisket was good, mac and cheese was tasty sausage on point didn't really care for the free beans they offer or there corn bread also free other than that ,probably not coming back.

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Steves Cut&Clean

Very hospitable place and very attentive staff. I have eaten here before and it was good but this time the brisket was a little tough with little smoke flavor .chicken was delicious.

Matt 00000sa
Matt 00000sa

Well the brisket was good, mac and cheese was tasty sausage on point didn't really care for the free beans they offer or there corn bread also free other than that ,probably not coming back.

Steves Cut&Clean
Steves Cut&Clean

Very hospitable place and very attentive staff. I have eaten here before and it was good but this time the brisket was a little tough with little smoke flavor .chicken was delicious.

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Jordan Huggins

If you would like to pay high dollar for a stomach ache this is the place to go. I couldn't believe how terrible the food was.. dry brisket, dry sausage.. the potato salad tasted like it came out of a container. To top it off after we got our food the waitress never checked on us.. NOT ONCE. Lady at the counter was beyond rude. Never going again! Go to vans!

F
Fred Holmes

Fun place with a lot of character. The ladies running it are friendly and helpful. Had the chicken fried steak and it was good but not the best I've ever had. The large serving is HUGE and most people will be happy with their regular portion. Why so few stars? They gave me food poisoning.

m
mia park

not covid-19 safe, mediocre food and service. the positive: a charming place that is homey. my partner says the brisket was ok. could improve: they could practice better covid-19 precautions - the staff and diners didn’t attempt to mask, the cornbread and beans are served buffet style in uncovered containers, the unmasked server was uncomfortably close and kept touching my partner while taking his order. the server was barely polite, maybe we caught her on a bad day. i ordered enchiladas to-go so i could take a work call in the car while my partner dined in. see the photo of how they packed the paper wrapped tortilla right into the sauce, making a mess when i went to unwrap it. the enchilada cheese tasted like a kraft american cheese single and the rice was dry. my partner was never told that my to-go food was ready. when he inquired about it while trying to get out of there cuz covid, the server rudely said that it was already on a table behind him. we’d hoped to have a more delicious and comfortable kind of dining experience at a small town texas bbq restaurant.

mia park
mia park

not covid-19 safe, mediocre food and service. the positive: a charming place that is homey. my partner says the brisket was ok. could improve: they could practice better covid-19 precautions - the staff and diners didn’t attempt to mask, the cornbread and beans are served buffet style in uncovered containers, the unmasked server was uncomfortably close and kept touching my partner while taking his order. the server was barely polite, maybe we caught her on a bad day. i ordered enchiladas to-go so i could take a work call in the car while my partner dined in. see the photo of how they packed the paper wrapped tortilla right into the sauce, making a mess when i went to unwrap it. the enchilada cheese tasted like a kraft american cheese single and the rice was dry. my partner was never told that my to-go food was ready. when he inquired about it while trying to get out of there cuz covid, the server rudely said that it was already on a table behind him. we’d hoped to have a more delicious and comfortable kind of dining experience at a small town texas bbq restaurant.

B
Bill Richards

Awesome beans and potato salad, but the brisket was tough and undercooked. The staff were extremely nice.

D
David Hornsby

Brisket was dry and out of ribs. Open at 10 ordered at 10:45 no ribs and was a regular menu item. No sides were brought out after ordering potato salad and beans. Won't be back

L
Loopy Milk

Waited longer than necessary for service. Table was dirty and the food took forever to show up. Onion rings were bland. Ordered a grilled chicken salad. Lettuce was unrefrigerated/old, tomatoes were old and sour. Chicken was dry and tough to chew. Only truly good thint about the meal was my water. Definitely not coming back.

D
Daniel M

BBQ was bland. No smoke flavor at all. Potato salad was very bad. Service was ok, but we never got the corn bread as others have mentioned. Very disappointed given all the 5 star reviews.

M
MJ M

They are supposed to be a BBQ restaurant and yet they do not serve BBQ after 6pm. Ordered the catfish instead and would not recommend it. It's bad when the only things edible are the hush puppies and fries. Even the coke was off.

M
Matt Bennett

Coworker and I ate here right before going to an oilfield rig. Both him and I got food poisoning about 7 hours later. Not kidding, we both were throwing up and had severe diarrhea. I thought I was just dehydrated, until my coworker said he just started to vomit also. First time I’ve had food poisoning and hopefully the last. Sorry Sowell’s BBQ but I was in pain for hours and haven’t eaten anything in 24 hours. Hopefully I get over this soon.

D
David

I walked in at 0710 and ordered a $1.50 bowl of grits. At 0726 I was still the only customer and had to ask if they would be much longer as I needed to be at a Talisman class at 0740. They came to the table and almost didn't melt the butter. And they were $3.00, when I asked, they said that's the small bowl, which wasn't an option that I saw. I still tipped of course so the end result was a lukewarm bowl of grits for $5.00. I passed a lot of Mescan joints lookin for an American/homestyle place that might have grits. No ones perfect, but it was disappointing.

C
Chris Brown

I know they have great food, as I've eaten there before, but this is about today's service. Stood at the counter looking over the menu, waiting patiently to place my order for 10 minutes. Not once was I acknowledged, greeted, or told someone will be with you in a moment. So I just walked out and left.

M
Mary Johnson

Travelling through the great Texas cities and the family and I were craving some good BBQ . Let me start by saying the moment we walked it was like the whole restaurant stopped and looked and got some harsh stares, being of color this was discomforting! But , I decided to not let that ruin our day and continued to order. Now this food definitely wasn't the fresh nor good.. From the chicken fried steak being so chewy and bland to the brisket being cold and tasted days old and the coleslaw and potatoes salad tasted spoiled. NEVER AGAIN!!! This place needs to operate without using a microwave for every dish I didn't order a frozen TV dinner I wanted some good ol fresh BBQ as advertised. But oh well save your time and money and go elsewhere.

K
Kristie McCready

My boyfriend and I have been traveling across country and made a pit stop here for lunch. It was some of the worst service and BBQ I’ve had. The green beans are from a can, the Mac and cheese had no flavor, and the chopped brisket was just smashed up fat and grease. I couldn’t even eat the meat. The waitress was not friendly at all. She took our order and NEVER came back. Not to refill drinks, ask us how our food was, hell she didn’t even bring us our food, or our ticket. Honestly I am shocked that this place has so many great reviews. I walked out of there so disappointed. I never leave reviews but this was that bad.

s
steve mccann

Ordered the chicken fried steak and it was really chewy where the knife could barely cut through it. The mac and cheese was really overcooked and mushy. Maybe just a bad day in the kitchen but wasn't all that thrilled

K
Kenneth James

Tried to eat there just now but couldn't get waited on. We sat by the window and was ignored. People came in way after us and waitress rushed to them. After awhile we walked out. Sad part no one acknowledge we existed. We are at Live Oak now and people are friendly.

Kenneth James
Kenneth James

Tried to eat there just now but couldn't get waited on. We sat by the window and was ignored. People came in way after us and waitress rushed to them. After awhile we walked out. Sad part no one acknowledge we existed. We are at Live Oak now and people are friendly.

Chris Brown
Chris Brown

I know they have great food, as I've eaten there before, but this is about today's service. Stood at the counter looking over the menu, waiting patiently to place my order for 10 minutes. Not once was I acknowledged, greeted, or told someone will be with you in a moment. So I just walked out and left.

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About Sowell's BBQ

How to get there

114 W Thornton St, Three Rivers, TX 78071

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.3/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
308 reviews
💰
Moderate Price
Price level
👨‍🍳
barbecue
Cuisine type

Services

🥞 Breakfast
🥐 Brunch
🍽️ Lunch
🍾 Dinner
Coffee
🍰 Desserts
🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery
🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In
🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
10:30AM-2PM
Rating
4.3/5
💬 Reviews
308
💰 Price Level
$$
⏱️ Typical Visit
People typically spend 45 min here
📞 Phone
+1 361-786-3333
🌐 Website
m.facebook.com

Amenities

📶 Free WiFi
🅿️ Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
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The Neighborhood

Location

114 W Thornton St, Three Rivers, TX 78071

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