9 Best BBQ Spots in Dallas

Dallas is a quintessential American city with exciting activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With a bustling historical downtown, sprawling parks and botanical gardens, plus expansive museums for history and art lovers, there’s an endless supply of attractions to explore that showcase the best of Texas.

Of course, no visit to Dallas is complete without trying some of its acclaimed barbecue and this list will help you find only the best of the best. Whether you wish to dine in a gorgeous outdoor garden or simply enjoy your BBQ in an old-school warehouse setting, this guide has you covered for every occasion.

To satisfy your taste buds on your next Texas vacation, here are the best BBQ restaurants in Dallas to make your trip perfect.

Barbecue has been a Dallas tradition for well over a century. According to the Texas Historical Commission, it all began with local cotton pickers, who ordered meat by the pound from German butcher shops. Brisket joined the scene because, in a cattle state, beef was plentiful and inexpensive.

The shift from practical, working-class meals to trendy, craft culture began with the rise of hit chains like Dickey's but really took off in the 2010s as a slew of talented pitmasters took over. Today, Dallas shines bright with BBQ joints so beloved that they convince visitors to line up down the block.

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Pecan Lodge is one of Dallas’ top-rated BBQ restaurants and they serve a variety of savory smoked meats made to Texas perfection.

Try their famous ribs, expertly smoked brisket or get a combo plate to sample all of their hearty offerings. The Pitmaster Sandwich combines brisket with shredded pork and sausage, among other spicy and tangy toppings or you can keep things lighter with a plate of smoked turkey.

For sides, you have your choice of Texas classics, including fried okra, collard greens, plus many variations of potatoes and salads. If you still have room for dessert, you can try their renowned peach cobbler or banana pudding.

Even with its high praise and numerous accolades, the Pecan Lodge retains its casual Texas charm and is friendly for all budgets.

Local tip: the line around the building may look long at first, but it moves fast and is always worth the short wait.

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Just minutes from the Dallas Arboretum, the Smoky Rose is a beautiful and welcoming restaurant with some of the juiciest and most flavorful BBQ in town. Dine indoors or enjoy their spacious garden patio that feels like a destination unto itself.

For larger groups, the Full Board allows you to try all of their smoked meats at once or you can order meats à la carte, including ribs, spicy smoked sausages, shredded pork and their classic blackened brisket. Plus, their full bar features numerous local craft beers along with cocktails and other specialty drinks.

Along with filling sides like their famous mac and cheese and garlic sautéed string beans, the Smoky Rose is a great place to relax and enjoy an unforgettable Texas BBQ during your stay in Dallas.

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With rave reviews from locals, visitors and many top Texas food critics, Slow Bone BBQ is a must-visit restaurant that serves mouthwatering meats in a quaint yet cozy location.

Their slow-smoked brisket may be what made them famous, but it’s worth trying a tasting meal to sample all of their items, including jalapeño sausages, juicy turkey and last but not least, premium Texas ribs with tangy homemade BBQ sauce.

For sides, make sure to try their flavorful collard greens for an unforgettable pairing. With a no-frills and casual atmosphere alongside world-class meats, Slow Bone represents the true spirit of local Dallas BBQ.

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Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ is an outdoor restaurant right under a large Ferris wheel, making it a great place for families and groups to enjoy Texas-smoked meats and live music from local bands.

Enjoy the best of Dallas BBQ, from smoked turkey to cheddar and jalapeño sausages, smoked chicken, plus some of the city’s best brisket and ribs. Try some local-approved fried okra along with their homemade coleslaw and indulge in their classic peach cobbler for dessert.

Plus, the patio stays open late into the night, making this a perfect place to unwind with dinner and drinks after a busy day in Dallas.

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Although this is one of the pricier restaurants listed here, many locals insist that Terry Black’s BBQ has the best smoked meats in all of Dallas and it’s hard to argue otherwise. With highly blackened brisket, juicy ribs, plus a huge selection of homemade BBQ sauces, meat lovers will have no problem finding something to savor and enjoy at this Texas staple.

With ample seating both indoors and outdoors, complete with cozy string lights and large booths, you can enjoy your hearty meal alongside a vast selection of local wines and craft beers. For sides, don’t forget to try their super cheesy mac and cheese or go with their coleslaw for a true Texas classic.

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The Lockhart Smokehouse is one of Dallas’ top-rated BBQ restaurants and it serves expertly prepared meats alongside tangy homemade sauces, delectable sides and a large drink menu to make your night perfect.

As a staple of local Dallas BBQ, you can’t go wrong with their tender brisket that melts in your mouth, juicy smoked ribs that fall off the bone or spicy jalapeño sausages made fresh in-house.

For sides, try their buttery Texas toast or go with baked beans for a classic pairing.

Due to the fairly small capacity and exceptional popularity, there may be some wait time during peak hours. However, you’ll never regret waiting in line after trying these masterfully smoked meats and you can also order your food to go if you wish to dine at your hotel instead.

Whether you choose just one restaurant from this list or even decide to enjoy all of them, you’ll be treated to some of the finest BBQ Dallas has to offer. Some of these restaurants are perfect for a quick bite, while others offer a sit-down dining experience complete with garden patios and full wait service. However you choose to dine, all the restaurants on this list will provide unforgettable meals and a welcoming break from your busy day visiting all the essential Dallas attractions.

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Fort Worth legend (and Food Network darling) Heim BBQ has a solid presence in Dallas, with a Mockingbird Lane location so close to Love Field, it's become a favorite layover activity.

This convenient Mockingbird spot serves up Heim's legendary bacon burnt ends, caramelized to perfection. Any meat on the menu is worth trying if it's enjoyed with Heim's trademark tangy house sauce.

Skip the usual mac and cheese side and try a little zing with the green chili version. Other indulgences include donut-sized onion rings and the melt-in-your-mouth peach cobbler. Hit the patio and enjoy a true Texas feast.

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When you crave classic Dallas barbecue, Smokey Joe's beckons. A Dallas staple since 1985, Smokey Joe's began as a gas station and is now in its second generation, with Kris Manning at the helm. The classic charm is as evident as ever, but it would be an understatement to call this place cozy; if you need space, you're better off taking your order to-go.

The tender brisket is the clear winner there, promising a hint of sweetness. It's available by the pound, but if you want to spice it up, try the Texas Twinkie: jalapeno packed with brisket. The true meat lover will always go for the Texas Trinity, delivering a full pound of mouthwatering meat in the form of brisket, ribs and sausage.

It's tough to imagine making room for dessert after all that barbecue, but no visit is complete without a slice of buttermilk pie.

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Criminally underrated, Back Country BBQ is where you go when you want to skip the long lines and get your BBQ feast started. Serving meats and sides cafeteria-style, this is the ultimate old-school Texas joint. You'll find pure nostalgia, both in the rustic interior and in the authentic barbecue menu.

The tender brisket is a local favorite but nothing beats the sausage from Rudolph's. The BBQ side game is just as strong. The twice-baked potato casserole is a definite perk, although super filling. With homemade cream corn and spicy pinto beans on the menu, the only struggle is choosing just two sides.

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