Texans are proud of their barbeque. What began as a weekend tradition in rural communities has evolved into one of the most recognizable fixtures of Texas’ food scene. While the metroplex may be plagued by chain restaurants on every corner, you can always count on finding local BBQ joints putting their best foot forward to give you an authentic taste of Texas.
No trip to Texas is complete without a smoked brisket plate, so I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite recommendations in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. The next time you find yourself flying through DFW or Love Field, consider skipping the steakhouse & opting for a smokehouse instead.
Cattleack Barbeque
Farmers Branch, TX
Want instant street cred in the DFW metroplex? Tell a local that you’re planning on grabbing BBQ from Cattleack Barbeque. While the dining room may not have the glitz & glam of touristy BBQ joints, Cattleack more than makes up for it with their smoked meats. The line here can still get pretty long during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Go-to recommendations are the beef ribs, sliced brisket, and burnt ends (don’t forget to grab a beer out of the cooler!). The mac & cheese here is worth grabbing, and everyone raves about their burnt-end beans.
Pecan Lodge
Dallas, TX
Consistently ranked as one of the best BBQ joints in Dallas, Pecan Lodge is known for great food & long lines. This BBQ joint is located in the heart of the Deep Ellum nightlife district, and it offers both indoor & outdoor seating. Expect to wait 15-30 minutes in line (pro tip: gather up some friends and place a large order to skip the counter line).
While the brisket & sausage are incredibly good here, make sure to save some room for Pecan Lodge’s desserts: you can’t go wrong with the cobbler or the pudding.
Heim Barbeque
multiple locations
Heim has a couple locations in Fort Worth in addition to a smokehouse right across the street from Dallas Love Field (DAL), so there’s a good chance you could be staying near one. The vibe here is hip & fun, and the beer selection here is top-notch.
The burnt ends & sausage are my favorite options here, and this is one of the few BBQ places where I will gladly choose fries over other sides.
Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
multiple locations
While lines at other smokehouses can get out of control, I know I can count on Lockhart to get me great good in a timely manner. The location in the Bishop Arts District is my favorite: parking is scarce, but the surrounding neighbor will keep you entertained for hours. Lockhart also has locations in downtown Plano and at the Texas Live complex in Arlington (which is a great place to experience a game).
I’m partial to the brisket & ribs here, but sometimes I’ll order their shoulder clod (brisket’s leaner & beefier cousin) when I feel like switching things up. The staff is good about helping you find your cut, so let them know how much bark you want and if you prefer your brisket lean or fatty.
For sides, the coleslaw & bread pudding are big winners here.
Hurtado Barbecue
Arlington, TX
Located in downtown Arlington, Hurtado is about a 20-minute drive south of DFW airport. While you’re here, skip the Shiner Bock and pair your smoked meats with local beer from Division Brewing instead. As with most places on this list though, prepare for a long wait time during peak hours. For large orders, Hurtado lets you place orders online.
Hurtado sets itself apart from its peers by offering TexMex flair alongside its central Texas BBQ. The menu here includes items like brisket elote, hatch chile mac & cheese, and barbacoa. They also make the best green beans I have ever seen at a smokehouse: they are crispy & garlicky instead of the mushy beans you find at most other places.
Meat U Anywhere
multiple locations
Located on the northside of the DFW metroplex in Grapevine & Trophy Club, Meat U Anywhere offers a no frills BBQ option that gets people in & out quickly.
The chopped brisket & smoked turkey here are delicious, but swing by on a Friday or Saturday to sample their “prime time” meats like peppered tenderloin & prime rib. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, Meat U Anywhere’s breakfast tacos are to die for.
Meat U Anywhere also bottles & sells their own sauces. If you like what you find there, snag some bottles to take that sweet & smoky flavor home with you.
Hard Eight BBQ
multiple locations
Hard Eight is the quintessential Texas smokehouse. You can smell this place before you see this place you’re driving up, and the sweet smoke smell will tease the entire time you’re standing in line.
Hard Eight plays up the Texas decor a bit (so much so that some locals fear it has ventured into “tourist trap” territory), but there is no denying that the food here is fantastic. Patrons order their food directly out of smokers tended by staff, so getting food here is an experience.
While you can load up on hot & cold sides (the okra & banana pudding are my favorite), you will also find complimentary beans around the dining area.
