Barbecue is perhaps the perfect hearty summer food. It just tastes better when enjoyed in glorious weather. But let’s be real, it’s always barbecue season in Dallas. Central Texas-style barbecue is well-loved (and frequently imitated) across the country. From roadside shacks to generations-old barbecue establishments, there’s no shortage of delectable barbecue spots in Dallas. We’ve gathered our picks for the 11 must-try barbecue spots in Dallas, perfect for all meat-lovers and barbecue connoisseurs young and old.
See Also: The 9 Best Frozen Summer Cocktails In Dallas
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1800 S Akard Street / Website
Enjoy barbecue inspired by both Dallas and Memphis flavors. The joint is known for its signature Shak Rub, which is a secret family recipe that is used on all of the joint’s meats. Ribs, brisket, pork, Boudain, turkey legs, chicken drumsticks, and more fill the menus. Make an attempt at a healthy meal by adding one of the flavorful proteins to a chef’s salad or, throw the diet out the window and order a baked potato loaded with barbecued meats and all of the cheesy, buttery fixings. Walk-ins are welcome or order takeout online using their website. Closed on Sundays.
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218 Bryan Ave., Fort Worth / Website
This popular joint opened in 2017 after its owner, a Chicago native, moved to Dallas and became enamored with the art form. Big T, as he’s so affectionately known, started his craft with a smoker he got for his birthday, he perfected his barbecue technique and sold pieces to his friends, and launched his business from there. The loaded menu includes brisket, hot chicken, ribs, hot dogs, and an array of decadent sides. The joint is open from Friday to Sunday. It’s best to arrive early so you can snag a meal before they sell out.
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13628 Gamma Road / Website
Pitmaster Todd David prides himself on his longstanding tradition of serving high-quality, flavorful barbecue. The joint, while wildly popular, can be tricky to snag a bite from. It’s only open Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until they sell out. The joint hosts a whole hog roast on the first Saturday of every month that is both tasty and a fun time to gather with the local barbecue-loving community. Check the website for information on weekly specials. Walk-ins are welcome but get there early if you’re determined to snag a bite as they frequently sell out.
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4645 Dick Price Road, Fort Worth / Website
Head to this renowned barbecue joint for truly mouthwatering meats. This legendary spot has been a Fort Worth fixture for just under ten years but its founding pitmasters have more than ample experience crafting and learning under Texas’ top pitmasters. The menu features brisket, pork ribs, turkey, jalapeño and cheese sausage, and housemade sausages, along with classic sides like potato salad and cole slaw. Be sure to save room for the delicious banana pudding for the ultimate southern meal. The joint is open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. until they sell out. It’s best to arrive early if you’re determined to purchase a meal.
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Multiple Locations / Website
This tried and true spot is guaranteed to have delectable Central Texas-style barbecue. Find brisket, beef shoulder turkey, pork, ribs, and Kreuz Market sausages imported directly from Lockhart, Texas. Delicious sides include brisket-stuff deviled eggs, blue cheese coleslaw, and classic baked beans. The joint has an array of draft beers, bottled beers, and craft cocktails, and with a few locations in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, it’s eat-in friendly. Walk-ins are always welcome.
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1812 N Haskell Ave. / Website
Head to Loro for a unique take on barbecue with a southeast Asian flair. The menu features an array of flavorful, original roasts like Malaysian chicken bo ssam, char siew pork belly, oak-smoked salmon, smoked prime bavette, smoked beef brisket, and high-grade smoked baby back Duroc pork ribs. Unique to the joint, find rice bowls made with coconut rice, seasonal pickles, Thai herbs, and your choice of barbecued meats. The bar includes sake, unique craft cocktails, frozen alcoholic drinks, and a lengthy list of draft beers. Walk-ins are always welcome.
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201 E Hattie Street, Fort Worth / Website
Panther City BBQ has been a Fort Worth establishment since 2014 and the joint regularly sells out of its succulent roasts. The menu is loaded with barbecue classics like pork brisket, chicken, ribs, and smoked bologna, among others, all of which are smoked fresh daily over post oak wood. Unique to the joint, find tasty pork belly jalapeño poppers and brisket elote (Mexican street corn). First come, first served. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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2702 Main Street / Website
This renowned barbecue joint started at the Dallas Farmer’s Market and quickly became popular around the Dallas Fort Worth area. The family-owned joint sticks to secret family recipes and prides itself on original, high-quality flavors. The menu features barbecue classics like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and freshly housemade sausages. It’s best to come early in the day to guarantee you can purchase a meal as the joint frequently sells out. Walk-ins welcome. Open all week.
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307 State Hwy 66, Royse City / Website
The popular barbecue from Smoke Sessions sells out, without fail, within hours of the shop’s opening. This quality, family-run, Central Texas-style barbecue joint has competed in competitions and bolstered its reputation in those circles as well. Their menu features smoked brisket, pork ribs, turkey, beef sausage, pulled pork, garlic parmesan ribs, and spicy garlic and pepper jack sausage. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu with sips like the smoked margarita and the Texas mule. Walk-ins are welcome, check their Instagram for updates on live music acts and what has sold out for the day. Closed on Mondays.
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3025 Main Street / Website
Enjoy Central Texas-style barbecue perfected over generations of hard work. The menu features a host of tasty meats like prime sliced brisket, pork ribs, chopped beef, turkey, beef ribs, sausage, and jalapeño cheese sausage. Order a protein on a sandwich special or pair it with tasty sides like pinto beans, Mexican rice, cream corn, baked potato salad, cole slaw, and mac and cheese. Or, save some for later and order a chilled meat package that can be reheated at home. Walk-ins are welcome or place an online takeout preorder using their website.
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2234 Irving Blvd. / Website
Swing by The Slow Bone for delicious, succulent barbecue and some of the best-ranked fried chicken in the state. Every day the joint freshly crafts its signature meats and tasty sides. Select from stellar sides like potato salad, sweet potato praline, Brussels flower au gratin, and pea salad, all of which are vegetarian. The joint makes its own condiments and sauces, too, so you’re guaranteed a unique, chef-crafted flavor. Pitmaster Jeffrey Hobbs is a longtime Dallas chef having worked at dining establishments big and small. His attention to detail truly sets this spot apart. Walk-ins are welcome daily, however, it’s best to come early to secure your meal.
Photography by: Oscar Salgado / Unsplash