Sunday, January 23, 2011

Super Bowl XLV BBQ


If you're coming to visit Dallas for the Super Bowl, and you think you are about the enter a Mecca of Texas Barbeque, then I'm here to let you down easy. Dallas and Fort Worth don't have BBQ that compares to the best in the state (you'll have to drive a few hours south), but there are some places worth your time. I know many of you will choose various accommodations, so I'll organize my list around the focal points of the Metroplex.

DFW Airport:

Cousin's (in the Airport) - Stop in Terminal D for their great smokey brisket and well made sides. Don't miss their multiple Fort Worth locations as well.

Bartley's (Grapevine) - Tasty ribs and pecan cobbler are not to be missed.

Big Rack's BBQ (Grapevine) - For BBQ with a sides of mammaries, grab a seat here and enjoy the view.

Hard 8 (Coppell) - If you want that Hill Country experience where ordering is done straight out of the pit, then this is a closer, if not perfect option near the airport.

North Main BBQ (Euless) - Award winning ribs can be enjoyed at this joint during their Super Bowl week only expanded hours.

Dallas:

Mac's Barbecue - If you need some good 'cue during the lunch hour M-F, then stop here for a chopped beef and hot link sandwich. Don't forget the fries and beans.

Pecan Lodge - The best sliced brisket in the city limits can be found here.

Baker's Ribs - In addition to their great sides, be sure to get the, you guessed it, ribs.

Meshack's - Some of the finest brisket around is here, but bring cash and plan to eat off-site.

Smokey John's Depot - With two locations in Dallas, you're never too far from their homemade beef sausage or the excellent ribs.

Smoke - Enjoy some of Dallas' best sausage and a huge beef rib in a swankier setting than your normal BBQ joint.

Baby Back Shak - Cornish game hen, boudin, bologna and chicken wings can be found alongside all the BBQ basics. Don't miss the Shak beans.

Big Al's Smokehouse - Ribs, sliced sausage and turkey are all great.

CT's Real Deal Bar-B-Que - Fill up with great BBQ with soul food sides.

Fort Worth:

Off the Bone - The best ribs around can be found here, but every meat is excellent. Home baked desserts are also great.

Angelo's - This Fort Worth institution serves a selection of excellent smoked meats and ice cold beer.

Smokey's BBQ - Incredible meats across the board. Finish off yur meal with some of the best buttermilk pie around.

Railhead Smokehouse - The frozen schooners are almost as popular as the brisket, so make it your stop for happy hour.

Arlington:

David's Barbecue - Currently the closet decent BBQ to Cowboys Stadium.

D-Two - The second closet decent BBQ to Cowboys Stadium.

- BBQ Snob

3 comments:

Don O. said...

And if we're lucky, maybe Lockhart Smokehouse will finally decide it's "early January" and be open for tasting! Good list, as always.

Doug Zedler said...

I've had Cousin's from their real restaurants multiple times, and I've tried Cousin's in the airport once. The airport Cousin's doesn't compare to the others. So, if you come to DFW, don't judge Cousin's by their airport location.

Anonymous said...

If you want real down home Texas BBQ, you've got to make the drive to Lewisville (15 minutes North of DFW Airport) for Dat's Good BBQ. Voted best in Denton County. Plus they have live music on Friday nights. The meat needs no sauce, greens, fried okra, squash, peach cobbler and a great atmosphere. 1168 Main St, next to Lewisville High School.

DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT