Skip to main content

Ernie's Smokehouse TX BBQ | Our Story

A Texas BBQ Legacy Since 1997

In 1997, Ernie Sr., a retired U.S. military veteran, opened Laredo's first authentic Texas barbecue restaurant. Built on hard work, family values, and a passion for authentic low-and-slow Texas barbecue, Ernie's Smokehouse quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, the family proudly expanded to two locations, serving generations of barbecue lovers throughout Laredo. In 2004, the family made the difficult decision to close the restaurant's doors, but the passion for barbecue never disappeared. Determined to preserve the family legacy, Ernie Jr., a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, continued serving customers through catering and special events. In 2016, he reopened Ernie's Smokehouse as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Encinal, Texas, where the tradition continued until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the restaurant to close. Rather than letting the story end there, Ernie Jr. returned to Laredo with a new vision. Today, Ernie's Smokehouse Texas BBQ proudly operates from Golondrina Food Park in Laredo, Texas, where nearly three decades of authentic Texas barbecue tradition meet bold culinary creativity.
Signature Dishes

Signature Dishes

While honoring the time-tested techniques that built the brand, Ernie's Smokehouse has become known for pushing the boundaries of barbecue. Classic smoked meats are transformed into one-of-a-kind creations that keep customers coming back for more. Some of our signature creations include: - The Texas Cuban Sandwich, a South Texas twist on a Cuban classic featuring our slow-smoked meats. - The Donut Burnt End Brisket Sandwich, a limited-edition favorite that quickly became one of our most talked-about creations. - Our famous BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag), where we load your favorite bag of chips with smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage, queso, cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños, crispy onions, and your choice of toppings. - Loaded Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese - Brisket Loaded Fries - Brisket Queso & Tortilla Chips - Creative seasonal specials that showcase the versatility of authentic Texas barbecue.
The Low and Slow Way

The Low and Slow Way

Every brisket spends hours in the smoker — no shortcuts, just wood smoke and patience until the bark sets and the fat renders through. That dark crust and pull-apart tenderness are the whole point.
The Dishes That Spread the Word

The Dishes That Spread the Word

Texas Twinkies — jalapeño poppers stuffed with brisket and wrapped in bacon — and loaded brisket fries became the photos Laredo couldn't stop sharing. The food did the marketing.
A Gathering Place

A Gathering Place

At Golondrina Food Park, families pull up on weekends and end up sharing tables with strangers. Ernie's gave Laredo's north side more than BBQ — it gave them a place to gather.
Order with AppOrder online