BBQ restaurants in Dallas are anything but ordinary—think smoked brisket with global flair, industrial-chic smokehouses, and unexpected sides that steal the show. It’s where I roll up my sleeves for ribs one minute, and savor kimchi slaw or jalapeño-cheddar grits the next.
I’ve got mesquite-smoked beef ribs with espresso rub, a local craft beer, and live music in the background—right here in bold, barbecue-loving Dallas, Texas. Who knew BBQ could be so creative, yet so satisfyingly smoky?
"Smoke, spice, and Southern swagger? This is Dallas BBQ—innovative, hearty, and full of unforgettable flavor."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique BBQ Restaurants in Dallas:
1. Smoke Signals of Greatness at Cattleack Barbeque
Cattleack Barbeque was born out of owner Todd David's lifelong passion for barbeque, and many people think it's the best-kept barbeque secret in Dallas. The meats on offer include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, ribs, and homemade sausages; all meats are prepared with Todd's Special Reserve BBQ sauce. The menu also includes sides, sandwiches, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. Cattleack is open from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of every month. Visitors are advised to arrive as early as possible to ensure the best selection and to avoid the long lines that typically form.
13628 Gamma Rd, Dallas, TX 75244, Phone: 972-805-0999
2. Get in Line for Legend at Pecan Lodge
Open since 2010, Pecan Lodge is an award-winning barbeque eatery run by pitmaster Justin Fourton and his wife Diane. The restaurant is proud to prepare its food according to traditional family recipes, and the barbeque pit burns 24 hours a day. All the food served is made from scratch whenever possible, including the sausage, which is ground and stuffed in the restaurant. Other meats on the menu include pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and beef ribs. These are perfectly complemented by sides such as fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw. Groups of four to five people can share the generous meat sampler.
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226, Phone: 214-748-8900
3. Savor Riverside Flavor at Babb Bros BBQ
Located right at the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Trinity Groves, Babb Bros BBQ offers hickory-smoked meats and an authentically Southern atmosphere. The menu is composed of a good selection of meats, side dishes, and desserts; meats can be ordered in a sandwich or as part of a combo plate that comes with your choice of two sides and one to three meats. Babb's also offers a full-service cocktail bar, and the restaurant is proud to act as a venue for live blues music played by local musicians every Friday and Saturday night between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
3015 Gulden Ln #105, Dallas, TX 75212, Phone: 214-745-2224
4. Dig into Memphis Heat at Baby Back Shak
Specializing in Memphis-style barbeque, Baby Back Shak is a bare bones joint with amazing food. All the meats are prepared with a special blend of herbs, spices, and sauces; the recipe is a family secret that has been passed down for generations. Meats can be ordered by the pound, as part of a combo plate, or in a sandwich, and a good number of side dishes and salads are also on the menu. Guests should note that Baby Back Shak closes at 5:45 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and at 6:45 on Fridays and Saturdays.
1800 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75215, Phone: 214-428-7427
5. Feast the Texas Way at Hard Eight BBQ
Family owned and operated, Hard Eight BBQ boasts friendly Texas-style service and a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The wide meat selection includes brisket, turkey, and two types of sausage, and all meat is cooked in a pit over fresh mesquite wood. However, the restaurant offers more than just barbeque; other customer favorites include the prime rib and the 16 oz. hand cut ribeye with onions. The menu also features several types of poppers, kabobs, side dishes, and desserts. Hard Eight BBQ offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and live music is played on the patio every Friday and Saturday evening.
688 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX 75019, Phone: 972-471-5462
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Is Dallas known for its barbeque?
- Yes, barbeque is one of the defining cuisines of Texas, and Dallas is a great destination for sampling some of the finest BBQ available.
- What types of barbeque options are available in Dallas?
- Dallas offers a wide range of barbeque options, from tiny hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants featuring live music.
- What makes the Dallas barbeque scene special?
- The Dallas barbeque scene is known for its dedicated pitmasters, each committed to either perfecting traditional family recipes or creating inspired gourmet masterpieces.
- Is it easy to find good barbeque in Dallas?
- Yes, you won’t have any trouble finding great barbeque joints in Dallas.
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