Brian Nagele
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Texas as we explore the best barbecue restaurants in Dallas. In a city known for its rich barbecue tradition, these smokehouses have mastered the art of slow-cooked, flavorful meats that melt in your mouth. From tender brisket to succulent ribs and mouthwatering sausages, Dallas offers a diverse range of barbecue styles to satisfy every palate. Whether you prefer the tangy notes of Texas-style barbecue or the sweet and savory flavors of Kansas City-style, you’re in for a treat. Join us as we uncover the smoky, savory, and downright delicious world of Dallas barbecue that will leave you craving for more.
Cattleack Barbeque
13628 Gamma Rd, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
972-805-0999
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Texas Monthly recently listed Cattleack Barbecue as one of the Top 10 BBQ spots in the state, which means that scoring your favorites from this cult institution requires a bit of patience (and planning!). It’s open for lunch just two days per week, on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (plus the first Saturday of every month). It also gets pretty crowded, so be prepared to wait in line when you head to their North Dallas industrial park location. Luckily, the space is pretty large, so you won’t be squished while you’re waiting. But their pulled pork, marbled Akaushi beef brisket, and smoked ribeyes make the long lines worth it. You won’t want to miss the cheesy jalapeno grits, and Cattleack’s signature Toddfather sandwich is another classic–you can thank me later. Cattleack is open for both dine-in and takeaway.
Pecan Lodge
2702 Main, Dallas, TX 75226
214-748-8900
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You may already know Pecan Lodge from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and this ubiquitous Deep Ellum spot doesn’t disappoint. It’s renowned for both insane barbecue and long lines, but Pecan Lodge is certainly worth the wait. There’s a reason for those lines, after all–like the delicious pulled pork, tasty brisket, and homemade sausage links waiting inside. Just make sure to plan your trip to Pecan Lodge lest you be disappointed. They only open for lunch on Mondays (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.–or until there’s no delicious food left. Get there well in advance of the closing time to make sure you get everything you want. And don’t forget the sides, because Pecan Lodge’s homemade sides are just as good as their meats. The fried chicken, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler are all outstanding.
Slow Bone
2234 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
214-377-7727
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Located in the Design District, what’s most fun about Slow Bone is perusing its offerings and drooling over the wide selection of meats and side dishes. A lunchtime favorite, Slow Bone has a little bit of everything: daily specials, meat plates, and sandwiches, all of which are sure to delight the senses. My favorites? The slow-smoked brisket Texas Nail sandwich, the Frito pie, and the brisket chili. Slow Bone’s turkey is also somehow deliciously moist. And there are plenty of veggie sides to help you get your greens in: like roasted squash casserole, braised greens, and pea salad. Pro tip: even if you’re full, don’t skip dessert–the cornbread pudding is to die for.
Lockhart Smokehouse
400 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208
214-944-5521
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The Lockhart Smokehouse is a counter-service restaurant. So while you shouldn’t expect fancy from this understated establishment, you can expect a dizzying array of meats to choose from. Find everything from pork chops to pork ribs, delicious brisket, and more. There’s also a long list of sides to choose from. Not sure where to start? The ever-changing daily specials are guaranteed to impress, and the staff is happy to hand out samples. All meats are served on butcher paper, so you’re likely to get a little messy if you can’t wait to get home to sample your food. Pro tip: if you love deviled eggs, show up early to ensure you snag some. Oh, and did I mention they serve local craft beers?
Terry Black’s BBQ
3025 Main, Dallas, TX 75226
469-399-0081
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Another favorite Deep Ellum spot, Terry Black’s BBQ has got it all: ribs, brisket, turkey, and sausage, all cooked to perfection over post oak wood. The focus at Terry Black’s is on quality. They use their straightforward, time-tested technique on every piece of meat they make–and it shows. Whatever strikes your fancy, customers can purchase by the pound or in sandwiches, and Terry Black’s also serves up several mouth-watering sides. Try their mac-n-cheese, coleslaw, baked potato salad, and Mexican rice. And leave some room for some delicious peach cobbler. Make sure to check out the barbecue professionals doing their thing in the pit area, and then hit the top-deck patio for some amazing views.
Off the Bone Barbeque
1734 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
214-565-9551
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What started in 2008 as a way for a retired couple to stay busy has since turned into a well-respected barbecue establishment. You can find Off the Bone Barbecue in the Cedars/Southside neighborhood, where locals enjoy traditional Texas barbecue. It’s got more of a working-class vibe, yet everything is smoked to perfection. Some of my favorites include the southern pecan baby back ribs and the deep-fried corn-on-the-cob. Off the Bone adds some chile salt and lime after pulling them out of the deep fryer, which is *chef’s kiss*.
18th & Vine
4100 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
214-443-8335
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Pitmaster Matt Dallman is from Kansas City, and he brings Kansas City barbecue to Dallas at 18th & Vine, with favorites like crusty burnt ends and sweet-glazed ribs. The chopped brisket sandwich is to die for, and the house sauce will not leave you indifferent. You’ll also notice strong jazz vibes, which may seem strange for a barbecue joint, but they’re all part of its appeal. If you head to 18th & Vine on the weekend, be sure to check out their barbecue brunch, complete with hangover cocktails and all.
Hutchins BBQ
9225 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75033,
972-377-2046
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If you’re looking for a tasty barbecue on a budget, Hutchins BBQ would be my recommendation. Whether you go to the Frisco or the McKinney location, you’ll probably have to wait a while for a table. But once you sit down, you may have difficulty deciding between the brisket (a best-seller), the jalapeno sausages, or the St. Louis-style spare ribs. It’s also worth a weekend trip to Hutchins to try their famous Twinkies–and no, I’m not talking about those savory treats from your childhood. Hutchins’ version features massive jalapeno peppers filled with cream cheese, all of which is covered in bacon.
Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ
3317 Inwood Rd STE 100, Dallas, TX 75235
214-350-2649
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Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ is a longstanding, no-frills Dallas institution. Al Plaskoff opened it back in 1973, and not a lot has changed since then. You can still find him hanging around most days, serving up tender marbled meat, smoky pork ribs, and flavorful brisket. Most regulars go for the chopped beef sandwich for a healthy dose of yummy brisket stacked high on a bun.
Smoky Rose
8602 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
469-776-5655
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If you’re looking for the perfect place to beat the Dallas heat in the evening, Smoky Rose features one of the largest outdoor dining areas around–not to mention a perfect location close to the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake. They’ve got all your classic barbecue needs covered while adding some fun twists to favorites. My recommendation? The chicken-fried brisket, which is drenched in pepper gravy and served with a pile of mashed potatoes. Tuck into your meal while enjoying live music on the weekends.
Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ
1950 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
214-741-4141
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Located in the Design District in Dallas, it’s impossible not to notice the Ferris wheel looming over its big patio. Head on in and try one of the daily specials, or choose a meat combo plate. The brown sugar-glazed ribs are to die for but don’t sleep on the turkey. Sure, it’s not typical barbecue fare, but Ferris Wheelers does it right. They’ve also got plenty of craft beers to make those burnt ends go down a little smoother.
Sammy’s Bar-B-Q
2126 Leonard St, Dallas, TX 75201
214-880-9064
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Step into Sammy’s Bar-B-Q for a fun, family-oriented meal. You’ll be shepherded along the displays of food, where you get to pick your poison. The jukebox often plays in the background as Sammy’s patrons tuck into some of the best barbecues in Dallas. Brisket is undoubtedly the star, especially the borracho brisket–aptly named, it’s marinated in red wine and garlic before it’s smoked. Sammy’s ribs come in a close second and trust me when I say you’ll need a lot of napkins to clean up afterward. There are also plenty of sides to choose from, like crispy okra and zucchini casserole, which you can enjoy at the counter or at one of Sammy’s large tables.
One90 Smoked Meats
10240 E NW Hwy, Dallas, TX 75238
214-346-3287
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Even though One90 has only been in the barbecue game for a few years, it’s made a splash in East Dallas. This low-maintenance spot has received plenty of awards, and it’s even appeared on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Just don’t expect lots of frills or even to be able to eat at the counter. You can expect meats smoked with oak and pecan, served in combo plates and in sandwiches, tacos, and salads. One90 has just a few stools next to its counter, so you’ll likely have to take your meal home to enjoy it. Make the trip worth your while and purchase extra protein in a vacuum-sealed bag, which is super easy to reheat later.
Ten50 BBQ
1050 N US 75-Central Expy 1000, Richardson, TX 75080
855-783-1050
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The word to describe Ten50 BBQ might very well be “kitschy.” The space itself is a massive 10,000 square-foot dining hall where customers are herded through various metal dividers until they reach the outdoor pit. It might take a while to get through it all, but you’ll be entertained along the way by the trays of meat and wafts of smoke passing by you. And it’s all worth the wait. Ten50 makes hickory and oak-smoked meats that are to die for–especially the pulled pork and brisket. Don’t miss the homemade pickles or the onion rings, which go great with a craft beer.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Texasmonthly.com and Dallasobserver.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://dallas.eater.com/maps/dallas-fort-worth-best-barbecue-bbq-brisket-ribs-sausage
https://www.dallasites101.com/blog/post/best-bbq-dallas/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g55711-c6-Dallas_Texas.html
https://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/best-bbq-dallas/
https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/best-barbecue-dallas-14375399
https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2023/08/07/8-dallas-area-barbecue-joints-make-texas-best-list/
