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Tejas Barbecue by Wonder (LES)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tejas Barbecue by Wonder (LES)
7.8
Tejas Barbecue by Wonder (LES) is a delivery-focused Texas-style BBQ operation running out of a Lower East Side commissary, sending smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork across the neighborhood. You don’t eat here so much as at home or in the park nearby, with trays built around slow-smoked meats and classic sides like cornbread, potato salad, and carrot soufflé. It fills the niche for real Texas brisket without leaving the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked beef brisket platter, Pork spare ribs, Jalapeño cheddar sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Texas-style smoked brisket and ribs delivered from a Lower East Side kitchen.
Who should go: BBQ fans wanting real brisket without leaving the neighborhood.
When to visit: Evenings when you want delivery-friendly smoked meat platters.
What to order: Brisket, pork ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage with classic sides.
Insider tip: Build a mixed-meat bundle and reheat low-and-slow for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability during peak LES evenings. Best luck on side streets east of Clinton.
Dress code: No dress code — delivery-focused concept, so wear whatever you’d normally lounge or walk the neighborhood in.
Noise level: Not applicable on-site; food is prepared in a commissary kitchen. Noise level depends on your home or park setting.
Weekend wait: Delivery can run 35–55 minutes depending on demand; pickup typically under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Shorter delivery times (20–35 minutes) with minimal kitchen backlog.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — sides like cornbread, mac and cheese, and potato salad are the primary options.
Vegan options: Minimal to none — most sides include dairy or eggs, and mains are entirely meat-focused.
Gluten-free options: Several meats and some sides are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated gluten-free prep space is advertised.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is casual and off-site — this is a delivery-oriented BBQ kitchen, not an ambiance-driven dine-in spot. Great for a cozy at-home meal, not ideal for an out-on-the-town first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables — everything is pickup or delivery. Treat it like a high-quality takeout option for parks, home dinners, or group gatherings.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly in the sense that you’re eating at home; tender brisket, pulled pork, and cornbread work well for most ages. No on-site seating or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Delivery-friendly Texas brisket and smoked meats that maintain texture and flavor during transport — rare for the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a dine-in BBQ experience with ambiance, cocktails, or large-group seating; opt for a sit-down spot instead.
Tejas Barbecue by Wonder (LES)
8.2
This Lower East Side outpost of Wonder focuses on Texas-style smoked meats, with pork ribs, brisket, and pulled pork served in generous platters and sandwiches. It’s a reliable option when you want classic American barbecue without leaving the neighborhood, whether you’re grabbing takeout or eating in the compact food-hall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ribs, Brisket & Rib Plate, Texas-Style Pinto Beans
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Texas-inspired smoked ribs and brisket served right on Delancey.
Who should go: BBQ fans craving smoked meats and hearty platters.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when you can linger over platters.
What to order: Pork ribs, brisket and rib combo, Texas-style pinto beans.
Insider tip: Build a mixed-meat plate to taste ribs, brisket, and pulled pork in one go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Delancey and the surrounding LES blocks is limited and competitive, especially evenings; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are—no need to dress up for the food-hall setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak hours; you can hold a conversation but expect background bustle.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on crowd flow in the food hall; rarely a long wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with fast counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; sides like slaw, pickles, or cornbread are the main options.
Vegan options: Minimal; most menu items are meat-forward with few plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-free options: Many smoked meats are naturally gluten-free; ask staff to avoid sauces or sides that may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates or low-pressure meetups—BBQ platters and the food-hall environment aren’t ideal for intimate conversation but work well for something relaxed and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come within the food hall; grab any open table after ordering at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy barbecue; the casual setting works well for families, though seating can feel cramped during rush periods.
Best For
Better for: Consistent Texas-style smoked meats, convenient location, and quick service make it stronger for easy BBQ cravings compared to sit-down LES spots.
Skip if: You want a full-service experience, large-group comfort, or a quieter, more atmospheric setting—look to dedicated BBQ restaurants instead.