Situated along Interstate-10 in Arizona just east of the New Mexico border and laying about halfway between Phoenix, Arizona and El Paso, Texas is the city of Willcox.

Originally founded in 1880 as a minor stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad, the city grew and was incorporated in 1915. The area is ideal for cattle ranching and this, plus being a stop for the railroad resulted in the city becoming a major center for cattle raising.

While cattle are still important to the local economy, agriculture is also important with cotton being a major product earlier in its history.

While the railroad still passes through the city, the main transportation link today is Interstate-10 which crosses the southern border of the United States linking Atlanta on the East Coast with Los Angeles on the West Coast.  
Interstate-10 is the major southern thoroughfare for the transportation of both goods and tourists and Willcox caters to both with the cattle, cotton, pecans and other crops it ships to the rest of the nation along with its growing U-Pick farms and wineries that cater to tourists.  Willcox is also a convenient jumping off point for visitors to nearby Chchise Stronghold recreation area and those hiking to the ruins of nearby Fort Bowie.
Whether you are spending a day or so visiting the sites in the Willcox area or simply driving past on Interstate-10 and if you are hungry or just looking for a unique dining experience swing by Big Tex BBQ for a meal.

While the railroad still passes through the city, the main transportation link today is Interstate-10 which crosses the southern border of the United States linking Atlanta on the East Coast with Los Angeles on the West Coast.

Interstate-10 is the major southern thoroughfare for the transportation of both goods and tourists and Willcox caters to both with the cattle, cotton, pecans and other crops it ships to the rest of the nation along with its growing U-Pick farms and wineries that cater to tourists. Willcox is also a convenient jumping off point for visitors to nearby Chchise Stronghold recreation area and those hiking to the ruins of nearby Fort Bowie.

Whether you are spending a day or so visiting the sites in the Willcox area or simply driving past on Interstate-10 and if you are hungry or just looking for a unique dining experience swing by Big Tex BBQ for a meal.

Situated in an old red railroad car at 130 E. Maley St. in Willcox and in the immediate vicinity of the Willcox Historic District, the old train depot (which is now the Willcox City Hall) and Rex Allen Theater and memorial, the restaurant provides good food in an old time atmosphere.

While Barbecue (Bar-B-Q or BBQ) appears to be their specialty, the menu includes a number of other western and traditional American casual dining meal and sandwich selections. The food is very good with hearty serving sizes and reasonable prices. The service was friendly and fast the two times my wife and I have visited so far.

If you have time after your meal, you can enjoy a stroll down S. Railroad Ave. through the historic district with its old buildings and monument, theater and museum all dedicated to 1940s cowboy singer and cowboy star Rex Allen who hailed from Willcox.