Dallas | BBQ

[TankedBevo 2,485]

1 hour ago, RiceOwl said:

I was at Blu’s on Sunday for the first time... Not sure what kinks you’re referring to, but I had a good meal.

My only complaint is that if you want to eat there, they still serve the food to you in a to-go bag.

Looks like it was one review by conVINCED on here and another review thru the observer that mentioned consistency issues. After searching this thread it looks like the vast majority here thought it was good to great. I’ll probably be stopping by tomorrow for lunch. Much appreciated

Edited October 18, 2019 by TankedBevo
Holy Run-on sentence

[Sparky 149]

On 10/15/2019 at 7:25 PM, TankedBevo said:

Has anyone been to Blu’s lately? I wonder if they’ve worked out the kinks since they’ve opened

Me and @threesheets went in early September and it was good.  The guy doing the carving needed a little more practice and the brisket needed a bit more smoke.  But all in all was good.  Been meaning to go back just haven’t made it.

[Junior Miller 1,502]

On 9/10/2019 at 5:07 PM, Both Tacos said:

Lando, I may have found competition to the worst bbq in Dallas. One of my employees birthday is today and asked him where he wanted to go for lunch. Knowing he likes BBQ, I said we can head to Hutchins here in McKinney. He says, nope let's go to Ray's BBQ in Allen. Never heard of the place but figured he has been to Hutchins with us plenty if times, he knows what we like.
Well, Ray's is a little shack and I thought "This place looks like someone that puts their heart into their meat, not the establishment".
Well, I was wrong. Got the 2 meat plate and they are lucky they had fried okra or I may have gone spider monkey on someone for serving up that excuse of BBQ. And yes, that is their "sliced moist brisket".
So here I am on the shitter now for the 3rd time since we got back, typing out this review.

 

I tried that place once and the brisket was inedible. The okra is legit and I usually go by there just to get a big side of okra if I'm cooking something at home and want okra with it. It's run by brothas and sistas so maybe it's a different style of bbq that I'm not accustomed to but I didn't enjoy any of the meats. 

Edited October 21, 2019 by Junior Miller

[Junior Miller 1,502]

On 9/17/2019 at 2:47 PM, threesheets said:

Anyone been to Winner's on 14th in Plano?  Owner (Deandre Jackson) played db at Iowa State, was preseason all Big 12 in '06.  I don't remember him but he was obviously a baller.

https://www.winnersbbq.com/

Went about a year ago and you get a ton of food. It's not all that great but they give you a lot of it. The sausage was the best thing and tells you about all you need to know. 

If I'm stuck on 14th Street in the Shiloh area and can't venture and need something I'd get a chopped sandwich. 

[RiceOwl 74]

Went to Delta Blue’s today... Good food, good ambiance, but very expensive...

It won’t be in my weekly rotation but I can see the appeal for the Plano business crowd who’s sick of Whiskey Cake and the like. 

[Both Tacos 1,806]

Hutchins in McKinney still goes hard.

[C-Man 27,247]

I can’t make it but my cooking buddy is doing another pop-up in FW on Race Street. Go check him out — Seven Acres BBQ. He’s opening a small place down there after the New Year. Among traditional bbq, I’m sure he’s doing his beef cheek tacos, which are absolutely divine.

[Landomatic 3,813]

1 hour ago, C-Man said:

I can’t make it but my cooking buddy is doing another pop-up in FW on Race Street. Go check him out — Seven Acres BBQ. He’s opening a small place down there after the New Year. Among traditional bbq, I’m sure he’s doing his beef cheek tacos, which are absolutely divine.

I can vouch for Seven Acres.  Wish he’d do more popping-up around Dallas.

[bigup2dahorns 3,343]

[bigup2dahorns 3,343]

[Skipper 6,185]

I totally missed Terry Blacks was opening a spot.  Great news but wish they could have found a more central location instead of right down the street from Pecan Lodge.

[bigup2dahorns 3,343]

[Landomatic 3,813]

3 hours ago, bigup2dahorns said:

 

Didn’t really say whether the brisket was any good or not, did he?

[bigup2dahorns 3,343]

Didn’t really say whether the brisket was any good or not, did he?

That’s usually not a good sign

[Landomatic 3,813]

27 minutes ago, bigup2dahorns said:

That’s usually not a good sign

 

Pretty much...

Here’s a sandwich.  Here’s the price.  Pie was good though.

[C-Man 27,247]

4 hours ago, Landomatic said:

Pretty much...

Here’s a sandwich.  Here’s the price.  Pie was good though.

I thought the brisket was damn good last week when we went for lunch on Thursday.

[DDD Dad 14,346]

Anyone want to go there Friday? Late? Say after 1?

[C-Man 27,247]

Buddy’s (Seven Acres BBQ) final pop-up of 2019 is tomorrow in FW. His food is legit. Go check him out.

[bigup2dahorns 3,343]

You should post that in the mega FW thread

[C-Man 27,247]

Also, not sure if this has been discussed or not but the guy who started Sugarfire is opening a spot in Lake Highlands. I've seen him on various BBQ shows on Cooking Channel and Food Network. Runs around with Tuffy and Myron, I think. Anybody had it?

https://dallas.eater.com/2019/12/6/20998166/sugarfire-smokehouse-opening-lake-highlands-dallas-2020

Quote

Sugarfire Smokehouse, a popular St. Louis destination for the city’s characteristic style of barbecue, will open a Dallas location.

The growing chain, which operates 15 other locations across the country, will set down roots in a space at 6750 Abrams Road in Lake Highlands. The fast-casual restaurant will occupy about 3,200 square feet with seating for 68 diners, per a press release, that will boast an outdoor patio and “multiple bars.” There’s also a cutting station at the end of the ordering line, where diners can snag meaty samples as they wait for their plates.

Smoked meats are, of course, the name of the game at Sugarfire, with options like brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis style ribs on the menu. Those meats can be slathered in six different types of sauces, including a coffee-spiked option, classic sweet St. Louis barbecue sauce, and a riff on the Texas style. At other locations, sandwiches like the Big Muddy, a giant pile of brisket, smoked sausage, and horseradish sauce between two buns, are also a pretty big deal on the menu. Boozy milkshakes, beer, and other cocktails round out the offerings.

When Sugarfire arrives next summer, it will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stay tuned for more details on its arrival.

 

[DallasHorn26 586]

Anyone tried Austin's in Addison yet? I it's in the old Duke's Icehouse spot. I haven't been yet.

 

Sidenote. HQ Prime/Red Hot BBQ closed last week. I was never a big fan of their Q, but the burnt end appetizer was good. I lived near by and would drop in occasionally for game watching and beers.

[C-Man 27,247]

Anyone tried Austin's in Addison yet? I it's in the old Duke's Icehouse spot. I haven't been yet.
 
Sidenote. HQ Prime/Red Hot BBQ closed last week. I was never a big fan of their Q, but the burnt end appetizer was good. I lived near by and would drop in occasionally for game watching and beers.

My BIL went to Austin’s a week or two ago. Didn’t get a report, though, so I’m no help.

Weird about HQ. Wasn’t that a re-branding of Red, Hot & Blue? I was actually looking at their website because my buddy wanted to meet at a beer-centric place last night and was bemoaning there not being anything from Lovers to the north other than Bluffview Growler. He wanted to go to Blatt. I was looking at HQ to try something new and not really liking the shopping center across the street as far as hitting HH. Anyway, we ended up at Bluffview!

[C-Man 27,247]

Pics from my buddy’s pop-up.

[DallasHorn26 586]

26 minutes ago, C-Man said:

 

My BIL went to Austin’s a week or two ago. Didn’t get a report, though, so I’m no help.

Weird about HQ. Wasn’t that a re-branding of Red, Hot & Blue? I was actually looking at their website because my buddy wanted to meet at a beer-centric place last night and was bemoaning there not being anything from Lovers to the north other than Bluffview Growler. He wanted to go to Blatt. I was looking at HQ to try something new and not really liking the shopping center across the street as far as hitting HH. Anyway, we ended up at Bluffview!

 

Good Choice.  Yeah, it was  a re-branding. They had the same owners, but I think they moved away from the RED Hot franchising or whatever. Blatt is a good HH place though. I pop in there occasionally, but it's within walking distance of my place. 

[TankedBevo 2,485]

On 12/19/2019 at 9:12 AM, C-Man said:

Pics from my buddy’s pop-up.

This was in Ft. Worth right?

[C-Man 27,247]

6 minutes ago, TankedBevo said:

This was in Ft. Worth right?

Yep. Race Street. It's a pretty neat little up-and-coming area. He's working on opening a spot along the street and they've done a couple of Saturday events where they block the street off and have music and vendors to let people know what is going on. We walked down and had a drink at a cool venue maybe called The Mail (or something like that -- maybe The Post). It's an old post office facility that burned. Anyway, they have live music and a cool patio.

[TankedBevo 2,485]

1 minute ago, C-Man said:

Yep. Race Street. It's a pretty neat little up-and-coming area. He's working on opening a spot along the street and they've done a couple of Saturday events where they block the street off and have music and vendors to let people know what is going on. We walked down and had a drink at a cool venue maybe called The Mail (or something like that -- maybe The Post). It's an old post office facility that burned. Anyway, they have live music and a cool patio.

He needs to go ahead and mosey on over to Dallas proper so I can get some of that brisket. Looks awesome.

[C-Man 27,247]

If anybody cares, Jody Dean's Top 20 DFW BBQ places can be found here:

http://jodydean.com/2019/12/30/jodys-top-ten-favorite-dfw-barbecue-restaurants-2019/?fbclid=IwAR1SNLwsIPx1ayB1MYvSsyaFt348rd2QXd8K_shEY4tj-xGW3JnOGHxyFHM

Maybe a head-scratcher or two in the 11-20 spots but the rest looks pretty good. I hear Hurtado is outstanding.

Quote

The Next Ten

***

20. Green’s Texas BBQ (Euless) – The youngest son of a local legend carries on the legacy. greenstexasbbq.com

19. 18th & Vine (Dallas) – Kansas City class, creativity and cuisine. 18thandvinebbq.com

18. Barbecue on the Brazos (Fort Worth) – Top-rated by the Star-Telegram. bbqonthebrazoscressontx.com

17. One90 Smoked Meats (Dallas) – Tiny little place that makes a big impression. one90smokedmeats.com

16. Mike Anderson’s (Dallas) – Old school, everything-you-want, cafeteria-style. mikeandersonsbbq.com

15. Off the Bone (Dallas) – Pecan-smoked, counter-style, and authentic. offthebonebarbecue.com

14. Smoke Sessions (Royse City) – Fast becoming a Central Texas-style favorite, the full parking lot says everything. smokesessionsbarbecue.com

13. Slow Bone (Dallas) – There’s usually a “Sold Out” sign by 2pm every day, and with good reason. slowbone.com

12. Pecan Lodge (Dallas) – The area’s most award-winning barbecue joint, by far. Expect a line. pecanlodge.com

11. Heim Barbecue (Fort Worth) – Started in a trailer four years ago, now known world-wide.  heimbbq.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The List.

An important note: if you plan on visiting any of these fine establishments, check ahead before you go. Many smaller or craft barbecuers have different days and hours of operation. Several on this list are only open one or two days a week, not always at the same location.

All rankings and comments regarding the restaurants or joints herein that have more than one location pertain to either the original or initial entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

And if you go…plan on setting aside enough time to wait.

 

 

 

The Top Ten

 

 

 

 

#10. Tender (Celina)

Rarely has anything been so aptly named. Celina has long been known as home to championship high school football. Now it’s known for championship world-class barbecue. They recently opened a second location in Frisco, but Tender’s original in charming downtown Celina borders on perfection. Melt-in-your mouth smoked meats and home-made sides – and I’m convinced little bread fairies make that incredible toast in tiny gnome-ovens in a secret room they must have behind the kitchen.

TENDER’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#9. Terry Black’s (Dallas)

In the Texas Hill Country, the name “Black” signifies meat royalty. Twins Mark and Michael opened their first location with father Terry in Austin back in 2014. Now the boys have come to Deep Ellum, with a huge 11,000 square foot Texas Taj Mahal. Besides the fantastic meats and sides, there’s plenty of seating – plus a big bar, patio and rooftop area. It’s all “market-style”, right down to the meat-cutter who counsels and seeks your explicit approval before expertly drawing the knife. And right now, rarely a line. Expect that to change as word continues to get out.

TERRY BLACK’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#8. Lockhart (Dallas)

Lockhart Smoke House now has three Dallas-Fort Worth locations, which puts them on the verge of the dreaded “chain” classification. Lockhart defies that label. The original in Dallas’ Bishop Arts District is a step into Central Texas greatness, with huge portions of meaty awesomeness served as the iconic Schmidt family has always done it: on butcher paper. No plates – and no need for a knife and fork, either (although they do have them). Lockhart is also the only place in this area where you can get legendary Kreuz Market Sausage – and plenty of Texas brews on draft to fill your frosty mug.

LOCKHART’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#7. Zavala’s (Grand Prairie)

What Joe Zavala Jr. started as a pop-up and catering business now has a brick-and-mortar home of its own in downtown Grand Prairie. The first thing you need to know is that Zavala’s is currently only open on Saturdays. The second is that there’s a line 100-people long half-an-hour before he opens, and Zavala’s is only open until the No Mas sign goes up – which usually takes less than three hours. Only in his new location since the middle of the year, Zavala would be the first to admit he’s still perfecting his menu – but Texas Monthly calls his brisket “flawless”, and that’s no exaggeration. Perfectly barked but not over-seasoned, juicy and moist to the point of being ridiculous, and accomplished with little more than salt, pepper and love. There’s a Tex-Mex touch here more places should try – including the delicious Sloppy Juan taco – and the result is sensational.

ZAVALA’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#6. Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth)

The first time I tried Panther City BBQ it was the middle of a terribly hot August day. Easily 110 degrees in the sun. No shade. My daughter and I had already been waiting in line for 40 minutes. The only seating available? The four or five ancient picnic tables (then) near Panther City’s trailer, also in the direct sun. Do you know how good something has to be in order to completely forget the suffering you endured to enjoy it? That’s how good Panther City BBQ is. The brisket is black Angus prime, and to die for (which I almost did in that heat). The beef ribs are epic, and available Fridays only. The first things they will sell out of will be the pork belly burnt ends and the brisket elote – a version of Mexican street corn so yummy that you may be inclined to fill up on it alone. If you’re testing your personal limits, get the Southside Slammer sandwich. Ordering for the office or family? Get the Hell’s Half Acre. Everyone will think they’ve gone to heaven. By the way, Panther City now has its very own covered patio for seating – which will be much appreciated come August.

PANTHER CITY BBQ’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#5. 407BBQ (Argyle)

You don’t have to live 10 minutes in Dallas-Fort Worth to know that the region is exploding. Areas we used to think of as “out in the country” are now dense subdivisions and neighborhoods, and those sleepy little communities that used to be on the outskirts of the city now seem like they’re in the middle of it. That’s partly why 407BBQ is such a treasure. Just pulling into the crushed rock parking lot feels right. Even though you’re minutes from DFW Airport and within eyesight of Texas Motor Speedway, it feels like that joint you love near the deer lease – except no one out that far ever has food this good. Spectacular brisket, of course – but how about smoked meatloaf? You won’t ever want meat loaf any other way again. Smoked bologna, too. Terrific sides, items such as the Spudzilla – what has to be the mother of the mother of all baked potatoes – and both peach and apple cobbler.

407BBQ’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#4. Cattleack (Farmers Branch)

Waiting doesn’t bother me. The ability to wait is a gift, and should be cultivated. I’m suspicious of people who don’t know how to do it. I can make a good argument that microwave popcorn is one of humanity’s worst inventions. So as I got to the counter at Cattleack Barbecue, I contemplated some of my most memorable waits. I think it was an hour to see the that new movie back in 1977. I believe it was called Star Wars. I lost track of how long Madi sat on my shoulders while we waited with the Manhattan throngs for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but I know it was long enough for my pocket to be picked twice. Those two waits were worth it, but not all have been. I don’t even want to think about how long it took last October to get my driver’s license. At Cattleack, it was a solid two hours from getting in line to getting my food – and it was worth every second. Had to be. Waiting that long at some legendary place in the Hill Country likely at least gives you a great view of your surroundings. Standing in the alley of an industrial park does does not, so the payoff had better be good. At Cattleack, it most assuredly is. Previously ranked elsewhere as the single best barbecue joint in Dallas, Cattleack deserves all the accolades it gets. There were visitors, tourists and guests from every point of the compass – most of whom were taking photos. I’m pretty sure I heard at least twenty different languages being spoken. I saw one 95-pound girl with a tray piled with what must have been a complete side of beef, going after it like Scrat and his acorn. She smiled. Whatever language she was speaking, I’m pretty sure I understood “Mmmmmmmmmm”. Cattleack’s reputation is that well-known, and completely deserved. The beef ribs and burnt ends go fastest, and save room for the Crack Cake – or if they have it that day, the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Just don’t wear a white dress shirt like the guy in front me did.

CATTLEACK’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#3. Hutchins (McKinney)

Born in 1978, Hutchins BBQ started life in Princeton, Texas as Roy’s Smokehouse. It became so successful that founder Roy Hutchins eventually built his house next to it so he could go outside in the middle of the night and check his pit. It’s one thing to love barbecuing enough to build a pit next to your house. It’s a whole ‘nother level to love it enough to build your house next to your pit. When Roy retired in 2006 he passed that love on to his sons, who showed their own devotion to the craft by elevating Hutchins to the ranks of one of the best barbecue restaurants in the state – just one year after a devastating fire savaged the family business. In fact, the love of making both great barbecue and customers happy is evident in everything Hutchins does – from the award-winning brisket to the quickly-sold out bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeño and cream cheese Texas Twinkies. And although the barbecue gets the attention, Hutchins’ fried catfish might be the best around. Going there the first time was literally a religious experience. Had angels sung “Hallelujah!”, it wouldn’t have surprised me one bit. Hutchins’ second location in Frisco is primarily home to the family catering operation – and if they opened one down the block from me I might be there every day. Oh, and expect a line. I got there half an hour before opening, and within another 30 minutes the crowd already stretched around the building. And did I mention they have a drive-thru?

HUTCHINS BBQ’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#2. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Fort Worth)

The pursuit of great barbecue is like what they used to say about the United States Postal Service: neither dark of night, snow, sleet nor rain can keep me from the task at hand. This, I know, thanks to my visit to Dayne’s Craft Barbecue on 5th at Currie on Fort Worth’s happening near west side. It was my last chance to try Dayne’s before starting the final draft of this list – and having heard so many great things about this new Saturday-only spot behind Lola’s Trailer Park Bar, I knew I had to go. And naturally, it was raining. Hard. Wanna know what? Having now tried Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, I’d be inclined to endure a hurricane for it. Perfectly seasoned, smoked and sumptuous beef brisket is the emphasis, and it sells out fast, but that’s just the start. You need to try the Bacon Brisket – a slab of bacon smoked and sliced like…brisket. Dayne’s turkey might be the best I’ve ever had, anywhere. The juicy beef ribs are monster, just like the menu says. The Triple Cheddar Pepper sausage practically flies over the counter onto the trays of excited patrons, but you have to try the gouda and blueberry when available. It’s one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten – like a charcuterie board in a sausage skin. And although the Flamin’ Hot Street Corn and TJ’s1802 Mac & Cheese are unforgettable, Dayne’s had me at Loaded Red Potato Salad. It can’t storm hard enough to keep me away. The towable smoker sits out back and right now cover amounts to an awning and a couple of pop-up tents, but Dayne’s is hoping for a building of its own sooner rather than later. In any case, don’t let even the nastiest storm stop you. Watch this place. Dayne’s will be on top of everyone’s list before you know it.

DAYNE’S WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

 

#1. Hurtado Barbecue Co. (Arlington)

Hands down, Hurtado Barbecue Co. blew me away. Open Friday evenings from 5 until 8, Saturdays from 11 to whenever they sell out, and then Sundays next door at Legal Draft Beer Co., Hurtado sits on Front Street right by the train tracks along Division in Arlington’s fast-growing burgers and beer district. Right down the street from Babe’s Chicken and Arlington Music Hall, to be exact. The frigid weekend morning I went I might have missed it – had it not been for already-forming line and the three television camera crews who were there shooting footage. That day Hurtado was set up for service under a pop-up tent, with warmers and lights powered by a breaker box both kept tripping. How do you get people to stand outside on a frosty morn in an hour-long line to wait for anything? By being transcendently good at what you do, and that’s what Hurtado does. Until Hurtado opens its own building – which will be soon, I hear – that’s it. You get your order and find a spot at one of the picnic tables around the corner on an empty grass lot. The ginormous beef ribs and stunning pork belly burnt ends go fast, of course – but the brisket is an epiphany unto itself, as is the house-made spicy sausage. A huge treat for me was discovering smoked quail on the menu, and it’s one of the delights included on Hurtado’s formidable El Jeffe platter. Hatch Chile Mac (and cheese) was stunning, as was the Serrano Cole Slaw and Spicy Charro Beans. And, in one more nod to our regional Tex-Mex heritage, smoked elotes – which sold out faster than one can spell “give me more”. To be honest, sitting out in the cold enjoying that meal while the occasional freight train whizzed by was about as perfect as it gets for a Texas-native, or at least this Texas-native – and I had plenty left over to take home, where totally hid the container in the back of the fridge so no one but me could have it. You’re darn right I’m going back for more.

HURTADO BARBECUE CO.’S WEBSITE

 

[Knoxtnhorn 6,065]

At Hutchins right now.  Great as always.

[Shaddie 1,651]

26 minutes ago, Knoxtnhorn said:

At Hutchins right now.  Great as always.

I hate you. Unless you bring me some brisket. 

[Knoxtnhorn 6,065]

Friends are in town from TN.  It'a been our go-to since moving back to TX 2 1/2 years ago.

[DDD Dad 14,346]

Meh. Hutchins significantly above Pecan Lodge?
Whatever.

[conVINCEd 21,469]

Looks like I need to make a few mini-roadtrips around the metroplex. 

[Knoxtnhorn 6,065]

5 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

Meh. Hutchins significantly above Pecan Lodge?
Whatever.
 

Haven't been to Pecan Lodge yet.  The reason we go to Hutchins by default is that our friends are heavily into hockey.  Their daughter plays in Nashville.  They always want to hit two hockey shops - Allen and Frisco.  Hutchins is more convenient.

Edited December 31, 2019 by Knoxtnhorn

[DDD Dad 14,346]

PL is a clear step above Lockhart IMO which he also has rated above it.

 

The whole article is suspect for the rankings (not who is in the top 20, just where they should be ranked within it).

 

But this shit is all subjective anyway so eat what you like.

 

[C-Man 27,247]

1 hour ago, DDD Dad said:

PL is a clear step above Lockhart IMO which he also has rated above it.

 

The whole article is suspect for the rankings (not who is in the top 20, just where they should be ranked within it).

 

But this shit is all subjective anyway so eat what you like.

 

Not sure what qualifies Jody anyways but always find these interesting. He does say the difference between the top 10 are pretty slight. 18th & Vine doesn't belong anywhere near this list. That place SUCKS.

[Landomatic 3,813]

7 hours ago, C-Man said:

Not sure what qualifies Jody anyways but always find these interesting.

Is he the guy on the Ticket in the mornings with Gordon and Greg?

Quote

18th & Vine doesn't belong anywhere near this list. That place SUCKS.

Truth ^

[Landomatic 3,813]

9 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

But this shit is all subjective anyway so eat what you like.

Have you forgotten where you are?  There is only one way.  The surly way.  Those who disagree shall be negged to bolivian.

That said, Cattleack at #4 is a fuckin joke.  Haven't tried his 1 and 2 yet, but I can verify that Cattleack is a far cry better than Hutchins.  Hell I'm not sure Cattleack isn't above 4th in the whole damn state, let alone DFW.  List sucks.

[bigcigar 1,164]

Any guy that makes a list with Lockhart above pecan lodge and cattleack at #4 can go fuck himself.

[C-Man 27,247]

1 hour ago, bigcigar said:

Any guy that makes a list with Lockhart above pecan lodge and cattleack at #4 can go fuck himself.

I'm curious what the place is that he didn't even consider because the staff was so rude, no matter if the food was good or not.

[Landomatic 3,813]

On 12/31/2019 at 9:45 AM, C-Man said:

I'm curious what the place is that he didn't even consider because the staff was so rude, no matter if the food was good or not.

John Mueller has a place in DFW? 🤷‍♂️

[DDD Dad 14,346]

I'm curious what the place is that he didn't even consider because the staff was so rude, no matter if the food was good or not.

[Rougarou 594]

On 12/31/2019 at 8:33 AM, bigcigar said:

Any guy that makes a list with Lockhart above pecan lodge and cattleack at #4 can go fuck himself.

I mean, Lockhart Smokehouse is better than current day Pecan Lodge. I used to go when it was at Farmer's Market as well and think Lockhart is consistently better than Pecan when it was there and first getting tons of acclaim and awards, both Bishop Arts and DT Plano. Sorry.

Also Hutchins is fantastic. Do they still do all you can eat in Frisco?

Had Cattleack for the first time about two months ago and it was good, but really greasy (even more so than Lockhart which is the greasiest of all) and the lines and parking make it not worth it compared to the above.

Lastly, to the article posted above. I've been to the Sugarfire in STL downtown a few times and this is not a win for BBQ in DFW to get one. It's basically a StL-flavored Dickie's BBQ with more interesting flair and dining build outs.

Edited January 3, 2020 by Rougarou

[DFWTexEx 277]

2 hours ago, Rougarou said:

I mean, Lockhart Smokehouse is better than current day Pecan Lodge. I used to go when it was at Farmer's Market as well and think Lockhart is consistently better than Pecan when it was there and first getting tons of acclaim and awards, both Bishop Arts and DT Plano. Sorry.

Also Hutchins is fantastic. Do they still do all you can eat in Frisco?

Had Cattleack for the first time about two months ago and it was good, but really greasy (even more so than Lockhart which is the greasiest of all) and the lines and parking make it not worth it compared to the above.

Lastly, to the article posted above. I've been to the Sugarfire in STL downtown a few times and this is not a win for BBQ in DFW to get one. It's basically a StL-flavored Dickie's BBQ with more interesting flair and dining build outs.

I so agree with all of this.  PL has always been overseasoned to me.  Cattleack was so greasy and rich that I had to take a break from BBQ. No doubt both those places have some very skilled guys at the pits and I can see why they are popular and get so much recognition.  Lockhart's brisket has always been spot on for me, so that's my preference.  I have not been to Hutchins.

[bigcigar 1,164]

It’s been several years since I’ve been to Lockhart in bishop arts, but I’ve been to the Plano location a few times in the last 2 years.  It’s consistently overpriced trash - some of the worst bbq I’ve had.

I liked the original location. It wasn’t super consistent, but at least the food was edible when they were off. On a good day, it’d compete with Hutchins, Cattleack and PL. 

[Knoxtnhorn 6,065]

I'm going to have to try the Dallas Lockhart's location.  The one in Plano didn't seem that great.  

I'd like to see some of y'all rank a DFW Top 5.  Below is my meager list.  Keep in mind, we've only been back a little over 2 years.

1.  Heim - Pork belly burn't ends = the best thing I've ever tasted.

2. Cattleack

3. Hutchins

4. Lockhart's - Plano

5.  Smoke Sessions - thought it was a little overpriced for the product

6. Soulman's - on Broadway in Garland.  Yes, I know, but I swear it delivers.

Then there's a big gap to the following places that are/were pretty bad....

*Cooper's Old Pit BBQ @ The Fort Worth Stockyards.  Very disappointed.  We spent Spring Break at the Stockyards last year and all I could think about was this that we were going to eat at as well left.  The bbq - brisket, beef rib - was so salty, I couldn't eat it.

*All the other Soulman's.  Mesquite, Rockwall, Royce City, etc... not good.

*Shorty's BBQ in Sunnyvale.  My best friend's daughter had a basketball game in Mesquite a few weeks ago.  We looked up reviews in the area and settle on this one.  He travels throughout Texas and has been to every renown bbq joint in the state.  The brisket looked like bologna - absolutely no bark or fat and was incredibly chewy.  It was god-awful.

[Knoxtnhorn 6,065]

5 minutes ago, bigcigar said:

It’s been several years since I’ve been to Lockhart in bishop arts, but I’ve been to the Plano location a few times in the last 2 years.  It’s consistently overpriced trash - some of the worst bbq I’ve had.

I liked the original location. It wasn’t super consistent, but at least the food was edible when they were off. On a good day, it’d compete with Hutchins, Cattleack and PL. 

Interesting that we were both typing about the same Lockhart location/experience at the same time.

[C-Man 27,247]

Cattleack is still my favorite on this side of the Metroplex. I think Pecan Lodge has suffered from opening up service to all day long. Just hard to stay consistent and I'm not sure how much Justin is on-site anymore. I rarely see him when I'm there. Hutchins is great but haven't been in a long time. Terry Black's just opened in Deep Ellum and it was terrific when I went the first week it was open. Big, big fan.

I think Fort Worth (and also Arlington) seem to be opening the best new places. Hurtado (mentioned above) is about to open a brick-and-mortar in old downtown Arlington. I'm dying to get over there to try it. I hear it's fantastic. Panther City is supposedly the best in FW now but they've got a ton of new-ish options.

[conVINCEd 21,469]

I quit going to Lockhart-Plano a few years ago after multiple trips that ranged from bad to mediocre. 

[Ths71 472]

In Frisco I like Tender Smokehouse much better than Hutchins.


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