Is This The Worst Buc-ee’s In Texas?
I'll have to admit right up front that I haven't been to all the Buc-ee's in the Great State of Texas, yet, but out of the many Buc-ee's I have been to, this one in Madisonville, Texas is by far the worst.
I must also admit up front that I love Buc-ee's, for all the same reasons that everyone else does:
- Cleanest bathrooms anywhere
- Delicious, made-fresh food (Bar-B-Que!)
- Buc-ee's and Texas-branded souvenirs (proud Texan)
- Fun gift ideas
- Friendly service (good attitudes)
- Every kind of snack you can think of... seriously.
- can you say... Wall-O-Jerky?
- Reasonable prices (for the most part)
- Never having to hear the phrase "Your shower Is ready"
There are probably more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.
So What's Wrong With The Madisonville Buc-ee's?
Major Problem: This Is THE Smallest Buc-ee's Ever
The Madisonville Buc-ee's is on Interstate 45 just north of Huntsville, Texas, between Houston and Dallas. The amount of traffic that wants to stop there, especially on a busy weekend or travel day is mind-blowing. There have been two occasions so far that when approaching this Buc-ee's, I was forced to drive away in frustration. Admittedly, I didn't NEED any Beaver Nuggets, but I WANTED the Nuggets, along with a big drink, bar-b-que sammich, a big-ol-bag of hand-cut tater chips, and a clean potty break. But I was not going to sit in a long line of vehicles waiting to get into the parking lot. So, I held it and moved on to try my luck (and leak) elsewhere.
The Buc-ee's in Madisonville has been around quite a while now. If I were to make a guess, it is probably one of the first they built. If you look at the more recently constructed locations you will find cavernous bathrooms and over 100 gas pumps, Madisonville has maybe 50 pumps. BTW: If you have never been to a Buc-ee's then I realize what I just wrote here sounds insane, but go once, and you'll get it. The newer buildings are more like a smallish Walmart, while Madisonville is more like a neighborhood grocery store size. One time I stopped there on a fairly busy weekend, only to find an actual line for the men's room. The men's room!
My wife and I were recently traveling through there during the week, it was early in the day and they weren't that busy yet. Just know, if you show up at the Buc-ee's in Madisonville, Texas on Thanksgiving weekend or any travel-related weekend, you better not be in a hurry.
I know Buc-ee's is working on upgrading some of the older locations and I'm sure this one is on that list, although I have not confirmed that yet.
Here are a few more pics from possibly the worst Buc-ee's in Texas. Not because it's a bad store, location, or people, just simply because it is really busy.
What a great problem to have.
Is This The Worst Buc-ee's in Texas?
Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver
2024 Four States Fall Auto Show with Jay Leno
Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver