Relocating to DFW

We all know there are different kinds of BBQ depending on what region you’re in, but of course, people here love good Texas BBQ! There seems to be a never-ending argument about where to get the absolute best BBQ around here, so we've together a list of eighteen of our favorites to let you decide.

Updated May 2023

18TH & VINE

Want to branch out from Texas BBQ? 18th & Vine is an upscale Kansas City BBQ restaurant and a full-service bar. They have a great happy hour menu with drinks and BBQ apps offered Monday through Friday from 4-7 pm. Be sure to check out the gorgeous patio or the upstairs living room space. The whole restaurant is located in a house so it has a very cool setting!

Oak Lawn | Directions

BIG AL’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ

Big Al’s, located near Love Field on Inwood, has been smokin' the good stuff since 1974! This joint is one of the biggest BBQ caterers in Dallas, so if you want to bring some Texas BBQ to your next event, call up Al to do so!

Love Field | Directions

CATTLEACK BBQ

Cattleack BBQ has been recognized by D Magazine, Texas Monthly, and The Dallas Observer as being one of, if not the best BBQ in Dallas! The catch? They’re only open Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, plus the first Saturday of every month. They do offer both dine-in and takeout, but you’ll need to plan ahead and get there early!

Farmers Branch | Directions

FERRIS WHEELERS

While you might think the show stopper at Ferris Wheelers is the Ferris wheel that towers over the big patio, it may actually be the BBQ! Head inside to order some great food and don’t miss out on their turkey! While it might not be what you traditionally think of for BBQ, it certainly is considered one of their best offerings!

Design District | Directions

HEIM BARBECUE

With a relatively new Dallas location off Mockingbird and two Fort Worth locations, Heim began as a food truck with long lines and sold-out signs. The brisket, sausage, and turkey seem to be the favorites across the board, and you can even get breakfast tacos here. Each location has different hours, so make sure to check their website before venturing out!

Multiple locations | See locations

HUTCHINS BBQ

This McKinney-based BBQ joint was established in 1978 and has since gone on to be named one of the Top 50 BBQ Joints in the World by Texas Monthly, along with numerous other accolades to recognize its barbeque. The Frisco and the McKinney location are open Monday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Everything is delicious, but don’t forget to finish with some banana pudding for dessert!

Frisco | McKinney

INTRINSIC SMOKEHOUSE & BREWERY

Located in old historic Downtown Garland, Intrinsic Smokehouse& Brewery is serving up handcrafted beers and slow-smoked BBQ. Add one of their specialty sides like their jalapeño cream corn or mac n cheese for a real Southern experience. Come down, grab a seat, and make yourself at home!

Garland | Directions

LOCKHART SMOKEHOUSE

Lockhart Smokehouse serves up “True Central Texas BBQ without I-35!” Doesn’t that sound perfect? We think so! They open daily at 11:00 and stay open until 10 PM or until the meat is gone. They also have happy hour Monday through Friday at all 3 locations -- Dallas, Arlington, and Plano! The Dallas location offers the ability to explore the adorable Bishop Arts neighborhood afterward! Don't forget about their catering services!

Multiple Locations

MAC’S BBQ

Although Mac's no longer has a Dallas location, we couldn't leave it off our list. If one of their three locations, Midland, Fredericksburg, or Brady, is on your road trip route in Texas, we highly suggest making a stop! They all have different hours, so be sure to check those before you stop. They also offer catering, so when you fall in love with their barbecue, you can share it with those you love back home!

Multiple Locations

OAK'D

Located in Dallas’ Old Town Shopping Center, OAK'D proudly serve handcrafted Texas BBQ. Their brisket is an art form all its own, infused with the vanilla-tinged flavor of Texas Post OAK smoke and cradled in a peppery bark. From the wide variety of perfectly smoked meats to their gourmet sides and OAK’D bakery, with homemade ice cream, biscuits, and other sweet treats, there’s something for everyone at OAK’D!

Greenville | Directions

OFF THE BONE BBQ

Award-winning chef Dwight Harvey offers everyone’s favorite BBQ staples, homemade sides, and a plethora of desserts, including lemon pound cake, triple-chocolate pecan cake, and southern peach cobbler. They’re closed on Sundays but are open for lunch Monday-Wednesday, and they offer lunch and dinner Thursday-Saturday.

The Cedars | Directions

PECAN LODGE

You may have noticed a long line of people in Deep Ellum that seemingly never ends and is there every time you’re in the neighborhood! Most likely, it’s a line of people waiting to get their hands on some BBQ from Pecan Lodge. They’re open for lunch Monday from 11 AM to 3 PM and Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM, or until sold out. 

Deep Ellum | Directions

SONNY BRYAN'S BBQ

Sonny Bryan's, which has been open since 1910, is an award-winning Texas barbecue! They have all the classic meals, but their menu items vary by location. They also have fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and two cobblers you have to try before you leave!

Multiple Locations

SMOKEY JOHN'S BAR-B-QUE

This Dallas icon has been a staple of the smoked meats scene for decades, and their expertise shows. The brisket is tender and juicy, the ribs are nice and smoky, and the cooks here absolutely cannot be beaten when it comes to sides. Chow down on collard greens, candied yams, and potato salad. Then be prepared to immediately need a nap!

Love Field | Directions

SMOKY ROSE

Come for the barbecue, stay for the aesthetic and patio! Located off the Dallas Arboretum in between Lakewood and Casa Linda, Smoky Rose has become a staple for Dallas Eastsiders. Their menu is extensive with more than just the typical meats and sides. Their meats include brisket, house, and jalapeño cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, pulled pork, chicken, and St. Louis ribs. They also offer fabulous brisket queso and a delicious reuben. They also have happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6 pm!

White Rock Lake | Directions

TERRY BLACK’S BARBECUE (featured header image)

Terry Black's Barbecue is one of Texas Monthly's 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas and for good reason! Enjoy their brisket, sausage, ribs, and turkey by the pound or on a sandwich. There’s truly something for everyone! In addition to their meats, their sides are also incredible! From Mexican rice to mac n cheese, cream corn, and green beans. Nothing disappoints! They also have a lovely patio!

Deep Ellum | Directions

THE SLOW BONE

The Slow Bone is another lunch-only BBQ spot; however, they’re open seven days a week and also offer catering and on-site events. Be sure to check out their website for their daily specials! If you’re more of a fried-chicken type, theirs is some of the best in town!

Design District | Directions

THE STATION AT KATY TRAIL

There’s BBQ…and then there is Chef Kent Rathbun Barbeque. Now you can sit down and enjoy what D Magazine Editors described as the “Best Takeout BBQ In Dallas”. Grab a cold one, get some sides, watch the game, and chill with friends!

Highland Park | Directions

VAQUERO'S TEXAS BAR-B-Q

Texas BBQ with a Mexican twist? Say less -- this spot is any Texan's dream! You can find the Vaquero's food truck in Grapevine, in the parking lot behind Hop & Sting Brewery. We recommend their tour of Tex-Mex platter, which includes drool-worthy BBQ Birria Tacos. Take your platter to the brewery patio and enjoy your BBQ with a side of great brews!

Grapevine | Directions

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