Pecan Lodge has been named the best barbecue in Dallas two years running, an incredible distinction in Texas where competition is saturated and barbecue aficionados are as scrutinizing as they come. Along with wife Diane, founder and pit master Justin Fourton recreates both of his grandfathers' recipes, fusing West and East Texas into a delicious blend of styles. Burnt Ends is one of the more popular dishes, consisting of meat, fat and crust from brisket that has been twice baked and is packed with barbecue flavor. The mac and cheese is also to die for and comes topped with bacon bits. Be advised, the wait for service is generally slow depending on the crowd, so show up early and be prepared to lick your lips as you take in the aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Lockhart Smokehouse's famed flavors draw people in from far and wide. Casual, as a good barbecue joint should be, their attitude towards meat is anything but casual. The Central Texas-style eatery churns out flawlessly smoked brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Meats are sold by the half-pound and sliced to order, so you can get the exact amount of meat you want every time.
The casual, sit-down, picnic-table atmosphere at Bartley's Bar-B-Q makes this the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon or a pleasant early dinner. Known for their great barbecue, this restaurant packs people in and definitely makes them come back. No visit to Bartley's is complete without sampling the authentic barbecued bologna, guaranteed to melt in your mouth. Other barbecue selections include beef preparations, turkey and chicken, as well as a variety of side dishes, such as baked potatoes and sandwiches.