Stationary Service With a Full Smoke Menu
The BBQ Bus in Williston, North Dakota for when you want smoked meats without driving to a restaurant or waiting for delivery windows
T-N-T BBQ LLC operates The BBQ Bus at 423 Golf Course Drive in Ray, North Dakota, a stationary location where you can order prime rib dinners, smoked brisket, pulled pork, shrimp, brisket pizzas, brisket tacos, and chicken tenders without calling ahead or coordinating pickup times with a restaurant kitchen. The setup serves anyone in and around Williston looking for food that's been smoked or grilled and is ready to take home or eat onsite. You pull up, order from the menu, and leave with proteins and sides that don't require reheating or additional preparation.
The menu at The BBQ Bus mirrors the catering options but is structured for individual meals and smaller groups. Brisket and pork are smoked offsite and held at temperature in the bus, then sliced or portioned to order. Prime rib dinners are plated with sides like baked potatoes, salads, rolls, or french fries. Brisket pizzas and tacos use the same smoked meat as the main platters, so the flavor stays consistent across the menu. The location doesn't have indoor seating, but the food is packed for immediate consumption or short transport.
If you're near Ray and want food that's been smoked and seasoned without waiting through a restaurant service cycle, stop by The BBQ Bus to see what's available that day.
How the Service Works at a Fixed Location
You arrive at the bus, review the menu posted outside, and place your order at the service window. The kitchen preps each order using proteins that have already been smoked and are being held at safe serving temperatures. Brisket is sliced to order so you get a portion with both lean and fatty sections. Chicken tenders are fried in batches to avoid sogginess. Shrimp is cooked when you order it, so it comes out hot and doesn't sit under a heat lamp.
When your order is ready, it's packed in containers that keep the food separated and prevent steam from softening the sides. You'll notice the brisket has a visible bark and a smoke ring just under the surface. Baked potatoes are wrapped and stay hot for twenty minutes or more. Salads are dressed lightly or left undressed depending on how soon you plan to eat. T-N-T BBQ LLC portions sides to match the protein size, so you're not left with extra fries or an undersized portion of meat.
The bus operates on a schedule that varies by season and demand, so calling ahead or checking hours before you drive out ensures the location is open. If you're ordering for more than four people, placing a call a few hours in advance gives the kitchen time to prep larger quantities without delaying other orders.
Common Questions About the Ray Location
People in Williston and Ray often ask how the bus setup compares to a restaurant and what to expect when they visit. Here's what applies to most situations.
What's different about ordering from a bus versus a brick-and-mortar restaurant?
The menu is the same, but the service is faster because the proteins are already smoked and held at temperature, so you're not waiting for cook times—you're just waiting for portioning and plating.
How does the kitchen keep brisket and pork at the right temperature without drying them out?
The bus uses insulated holding units that maintain temperature without direct heat, so the meat stays moist and doesn't continue cooking while it waits to be sliced.
Why is the location in Ray instead of Williston?
The Golf Course Drive location provides space for the bus setup and parking without the congestion of a downtown area, and it's accessible from Williston with a short drive.
What sides work best if you're eating in your car or at a park?
Baked potatoes and rolls are easier to eat without utensils or plates, while salads and fries require containers and forks, so choose based on where you're heading after you leave.
How does the bus handle larger orders during busy times?
If more than three groups arrive at once, the kitchen prioritizes orders in the sequence they're placed, so expect a short wait if you arrive during peak hours or right after a local event lets out.
If you're in the Ray or Williston area and want smoked meat without sitting through a full restaurant meal, drive to The BBQ Bus at 423 Golf Course Drive to place your order and pick up food that's ready when you are.