De 15 beste barbecue-restaurants in Dallas
Get your meat fix! Texas is known for its take on barbecue. From the smoky meats to the savory sides, these Dallas barbecue joints will satisfy your cravings.
Delve into the thriving culinary scene of Dallas with our ultimate guide on the top BBQ spots in the city.
Updated July 2024
Terry Black's BBQ
Come for the barbecue, stay for the margs. The food line up at Terry Black's speaks for itself - pork and beef ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, creamed corn, tangy coleslaw - it's all worth the wait. Catch the pros in action in the open pit area, or make your way to the top-deck patio for sunny views of Deep Ellum.
Sweet Georgia Brown
BBQ and soul food are both on the menu at this South Dallas restaurant. Served cafeteria-style, Sweet Georgia Brown offers smoked ribs and sausage, along with fried chicken, collard greens and candied yams. The generous portions here will leave you with plenty to take home and snack on later.
OAK’D
Located in Dallas’ Old Town Shopping Center, OAK'D proudly serves handcrafted Texas BBQ. Our 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. Everything from our scratch kitchen is locally and regionally sourced; flavored just right, no matter what’s in season. From the wide variety of perfectly smoked meats to our gourmet sides and OAK’D bakery, with homemade ice cream, biscuits and other sweet treats, there’s something for everyone at OAK’D.
Pecan Lodge
Since making its debut in Deep Ellum, Pecan Lodge has been a hit to Dallas’ BBQ scene. There’s always a line wrapped outside the door, but it’s definitely worth the wait! From the slow-cooked meats to the made-from-scratch sides and homemade desserts, you’re in for a treat of delicious goodness.
Lockhart Rookhuis
Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy at this Bishop Arts spot. Lockhart Smokehouse is a counter-service restaurant serving all their smoked meats on butcher paper. The menu offers all your favorite meats and sides, as well as a full bar serving local craft beers and cocktails.
Off The Bone
Head to the Cedars/Southside neighborhood for traditional Texas-style BBQ. The southern pecan baby back ribs are a must-try along with their deep-fried corn on the cob – it doesn’t get more Texas than that! Save room for dessert and try the lemon pound cake and southern peach cobbler.
The Slow Bone
Head to the Design District for this low-key diner. The Slow Bone offers daily specials with BBQ sandwiches, meat plates and even Texas favorites like Frito Pie and brisket chili. They’re only open until 3 p.m. daily so it’s the perfect spot to come for lunch.
Smokey John's Bar-B-Que& Home Cooking
For over 40 years, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking has been serving up hearty, Texas-style portions of traditional hickory-smoked BBQ. From pork ribs or hot links to fried catfish or brisket, Smokey John's offer a wide variety of some of your Southern BBQ favorites, giving you the ultimate taste of fresh, local flavors.
Smokey Joes BBQ
Make your way to South Dallas for a taste of Smokey Joe's family recipes. The Black-owned business has been around for more than 30 years and for good reason - people line up for sausage links, brisket sandwiches and sloppy fries.
Cattleack Barbecue
Tucked into an industrial park in North Dallas, Cattleack is a two-days-a-week-only operation serving some of the best BBQ in Texas. Recently included in the Top 10 BBQ spots in the state by Texas Monthly, Cattleack brings delicious barbecue varieties with standards like pulled pork, fatty brisket and beef ribs among seasonal specials. Its dining room was recently expanded, so while the lines are long, there is plenty of space waiting for you to enjoy a hearty plate of sausage and sides.
Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ
Combine your BBQ-tasting experience with a Ferris wheel ride by the patio of this family-friendly restaurant. Must-try bites include the chopped brisket sandwich, waffle fry nachos, and fried okra. Top it off with the decadent peach cobbler, which is drizzled with a sweet cinnamon sauce.
Sammy's Bar-B-Q
Step into the cozy, rustic space of Sammy's Bar-B-Q, where finger-licking ribs and friendly services await. Affordable prices and generous sides are just a couple of the highlights at this family-owned eatery.
Mike Anderson's Barbeque House & Catering Company
Mike Anderson's Barbeque House is a local go-to spot for comforting sandwiches and decadent sweet treats. From jalapeño-infused links to pulled pork, you'll soon be coming back for more exceptional BBQ. Don't miss the exceptional banana pudding or indulgent triple decker chocolate cake.
Big Al's Smokehouse BBQ
Uncover tried-and-true Texan delights at Big Al's Smokehouse BBQ. Operating for five decades, this culinary establishment proves that good things take time, from homemade rubs to hickory smoked-cooking.
Baby Back Shak
Baby Back Shak never fails to impress with BBQ dishes that have been passed down through generations. Along with classic Texan grub, Baby Back Shak serves additional mouthwatering eats such as Cornish hen and smoked bologna—all of which are provided with your selection of cole slaw, green beans, baked potatoes, corn, and more.
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