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 decided to put together a list of sixteen of our favorites and let you decide.
Terry Black's Barbecue is one of 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 amazing! From mexican rice, to mac n cheese, cream corn, and green beans, nothing disappoints! They also have a lovely patio!
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 jalapeno cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, pulled pork, chicken, and St. Louis ribs. They also offer a fabulous brisket cueso and a delicious reuben. They also have happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6pm!
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 10:30 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!
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 location is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM, but the McKinney location is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM. Everything is delicious, but don’t forget to finish with some banana pudding for dessert!
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.
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!
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 ‘hood! 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.
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!
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.
Lakewood Smokehouse isn’t your traditional, get-in-line-and-pick-your-meats BBQ spot. Instead, come in, have a seat, and order off of their extensive menu! In addition to BBQ, they offer starters, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and more! They're open Sunday-Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to midnight!
Babb Bros offers barbecue that is dry-rubbed in their secret recipe for 24 hours then smoked for in-house for 16 hours! And while they used to have live blues every week, they're bringing live music back in June in a new way. They’re open every day for lunch and dinner!
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!
Want to branch out from Texas BBQ? 18th & Vine is an upscale Kansas City BBQ restaurant and full-service bar. They have a great happy hour menu with drinks and BBQ apps offered Monday through Friday from 4-7pm. 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!
While you might think the show stopper at Ferris Wheelers is the Ferris wheel that towers over the big patio, it may actually the BBQ! Head inside to order up 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!
Big Al’s, located near Love Field on Inwood, is currently celebrating year 40, which is a huge Dallas accomplishment! Also, 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!
Sonny Bryan's, which has been open since 1910, is 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!
