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Portales, New Mexico

Smoke doesn't rush.
Neither do we.

Low and slow, the way it was meant to be. Real Central New Mexican barbecue — proud, unhurried, and built on a foundation of bold flavor.

Smoky barbecue platter with ribs and brisket
Est. Portales Central NM BBQ
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Chef preparing barbecue in a smoky kitchen
805 W 2nd Street

Born from patience,
built on flavor

Coach J's B.B.Q. Shack started with a simple conviction: good barbecue can't be rushed. In the heart of Portales, we fire up the pit every morning and let time do the rest — hours of low, slow smoke that transforms tough cuts into something tender enough to fall apart at a glance.

We're not chasing trends or shortcuts. What you get is exactly what you'd expect from a place that takes its craft seriously: locally sourced ingredients, a rub recipe that's been refined over years, and the kind of hospitality that makes every visitor feel like they've got a seat at the table.

The difference
you can taste

It's not just what goes in the pit. It's how we treat it — and how we treat you.

Low & Slow, Always

Every cut spends hours in the smoker — never rushed, never pressured. Flavor develops on its own schedule.

Made with Care

From our rub blend to our sauces, everything is crafted in-house. We source locally whenever possible.

Portales Proud

We're your neighbors. This isn't a chain — it's a community table, and everyone's welcome.

Your table's
waiting

We're right in the heart of Portales. Pull up, sit down, and let us handle the rest.

805 W 2nd St, Portales, NM 88130
Open daily — call for today's hours
Coach J's B.B.Q. Shack restaurant exterior
Is this your business?This is my business