Tired of people pretending we(entire dfw area) don't have the best bbq in all of Texas.

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Cute-Education4089@reddit

I live here and after having Kreutz, Terry Blacks, and Burnt Bean (tbh ain’t mad at True Tx either) all before I moved here I don’t even try other bbq. I have can make some amazing brisket myself with a spicy carolina reaper mustard bbq sauce marinade. It also helps that I have seen many restaurants up here pop up on lists that make me want to avoid them. Also helps that I’m broke.

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Mysterious_Gur_608@reddit

Austin BBQ “gimmicky”??? You meant to say “vastly superior.” Seriously, fuck North Texas…y’all are just southern Oklahoma and think you deserve a prize.

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gwenbeth@reddit

Tbh I don't know of a good local bbq place here in collin county. Any recommendations near custer and 121 for a non chain place? Bonus points if I can afford it.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Vaqueros in allen and idk if either hutchins location falls under Collin

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DaddyGorm@reddit

Jay's BBQ in Abilene, TX is pretty damn good, got top 50 in the Texas Monthly last year I think

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Right_Letterhead_120@reddit

Transplants don’t really worry about BBQ. I’ve been here ten years and have probably had BBQ <20 times. How often do natives have BBQ? These posts make it seem like a weekly endeavor.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

I'm not a native. I came here for college and settled here. I now eat bbq every month

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OneMaharajah@reddit

UTD I'm assuming because of the Richardson flair. I will say that I like McKinney Hutchins over the Frisco location, it's more consistent and less busy if you haven't tried the McKinney location yet.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Nah I went to a&m now done with college for a bit.

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Soggy-Bedroom-3673@reddit

I've lived here almost my whole life and (1) we didn't have any decent BBQ until ~15 years ago, (2) I have BBQ maybe a few times a year. It's expensive and not healthy at all.

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Broad_Mushroom_8033@reddit

I was born here and have had all the known places and some unknown. Every time I think yea it was good but not worth the money. Hard 8 is generally fine btw

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TravelnGoldendoodle@reddit

Weekly--yes.

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Dallas2houston120@reddit

Most natives are smoking their own BBQ with the way prices have been for the last few years.

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OneMaharajah@reddit

Who cares, the best BBQ is all over Texas. I can't choose a specific city and say it has the best because I'll find good BBQ in Austin, then I'll find a great BBQ in bumfuck nowhere, East Texas.

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OneMaharajah@reddit

Also the best BBQ is the one you cook at home nowadays. These prices are insane and I'd prefer spending a day with my family making some BBQ to my liking.

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VeganWerewolf@reddit

Never been to the city of Lockhart?

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Top-Opportunity1280@reddit

It’s not all that great. Sausages are better than the beef. IMO

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TravelnGoldendoodle@reddit

Have you been to Smitty's? Terry Blacks?

Did you see the fire burning on the floor that you had to walk by to place your order?

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Aggressive-Tiger-545@reddit

All show

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TravelnGoldendoodle@reddit

Nope that fire has been burning since they opened years ago.

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ReeeeTardyOswald@reddit

Yeah, we load up on the sausages from there. Bought like 10 lbs of them last time. They actually freeze and reheat pretty well if you do it right too.

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ChopGoesTheWeasel@reddit

Save the trip. Nostalgia and history: yes. Actual good brisket in 2026: not there.

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VeganWerewolf@reddit

I disagree. Kreuz market is great.

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Aggravating_Lack_400@reddit

Holy shit yes! Someone else finally familiar with this place

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Csharp27@reddit

At Lockhart barbecue in Dallas their sausage is from Kruez market and it’s soooo good.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

No but would like to go. Despite that they are all traditional there. We here have more variety and creativity

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VeganWerewolf@reddit

How we gettin creative with the Q?

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Blending in different cultures and cuisines

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ToniBraxtonAndThe3Js@reddit

But you said that was gimmicky?

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Meant to say that only about Austin

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Smart_Violinist_6168@reddit

Soulful Street Bites 1000000% (Addison location preferably)

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Aggressive-Tiger-545@reddit

No way! Austins bbq Addison

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Austion@reddit

Don’t forget about Cattleack in Addison, my favorite brisket in the game. Goldie’s in FW of course, but yeah, we get written off as the sterile, no culture business city and I’m happy with that.

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Aggressive-Tiger-545@reddit

Cattlelack in NOT Addison, but Farmers Branch. Austins bbq is on Addison.

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ImNotJo@reddit

Try the brisket at Panther City (don't bother with sides or anything else) and see if Cattleack is still your favorite. Cattleack definitely has the best BBQ side item in DFW - the burnt ends baked beans.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

I'll never forget cattleack

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adam_ltt@reddit

cattleack alone deserves way more statewide respect than it gets honestly. that place is ridiculously good

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Aggressive-Tiger-545@reddit

And ridiculously over priced

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dallascowboys93@reddit

Best bbq in DFW hands down. And it has a Michelin star now

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Straight_Beach@reddit

What do tires have to do with bbq

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w6750@reddit

It does not have a Michelin star, it has a Bib Gourmand

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dallascowboys93@reddit

Oh it’s Michelin recognized. Whatevs

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ray_TheGreat@reddit

Came here to say this...the fact that op didnt mention this place is blasphemous.

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kaiser_soze_72@reddit

Let them keep overlooking Cattleack. My re for us.

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ForzaFenix@reddit

Their opening hours suck though.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

It's mentioned bro😭

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ray_TheGreat@reddit

Well crap. I digress. Bless my heart

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ForzaFenix@reddit

Wish they had normal hours. I'm never able to go because I'm working.

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Chemical_Support4748@reddit

It's salty

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Aggressive-Tiger-545@reddit

Go to Austin's bbq Addison. It's a mom and pop place. Been there over 7 years. All those others are overpriced and overrated. And it's their last name Austin, not from Austin! Got different bands every Saturday.

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Careless-Ad-6328@reddit

The best BBQ is the BBQ you're about to eat. Don't worry about the rest.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

I don't agree. Dry brisket is inedible and so are bad sides. Only pork ribs are probably good pretty much everywhere

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TomUdo@reddit

Oh cool.. a bbq gatekeeper.

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Csharp27@reddit

So you know what gatekeeping is?

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ReeeeTardyOswald@reddit

Anytime someone mentions dry brisket, I think of Hard Eight BBQ. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day, but it was inedible.

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Priest_Andretti@reddit

Well ok. Dickey BBQ is basically not editable.

For legist BBQ, you are standing in line to get it. Hard 8 is great for when you just want to eat some BBQ (not Dickeys which is packaged trash) and don't want to stand in line or wake up early to get it.

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Csharp27@reddit

There’s a decent amount of upper mid tier places that rarely have lines and have great barbecue. Hard Eight just feels like it was designed just as a tourist trap. Like a barbecue place at an amusement park or something. If you want legit and to not stand in line go to Lockhart in downtown Plano or Vaqueros(actually top tier but hardly a line), I’ve heard good things about Tender but never tried. Honestly for what you’re describing True Texas barbecue at HEB has surprised me several times with how good it is. For sure better than Hard Eight.

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Csharp27@reddit

Hard Eight tries so hard to get the aesthetic and rustic feel down, but then they can’t keep brisket moist to save their lives. Like why even try so hard if you’re gonna suck that bad.

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Adultery@reddit

Don’t forget the wage theft

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3Time4Eater3@reddit

Wage theft? Please expand some

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Alivaronas@reddit

The Coppell location is better than The Colony but yeah just kinda ok.

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BestDressedDay@reddit

hard eight... more like hard pass

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TeaKingMac@reddit

Hard Eight answers the question, "What if we smoked the customers?"

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Covri@reddit

I've had bad pork ribs way more often than bad brisket in Texas. Bad brisket can at least be covered in sauce. Bad pork ribs you're gnawing meat off the bone.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

If you've only visited good places who pride themselves on brisket then yeah sure. I've eaten so much dry brisket at random places

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Covri@reddit

I’m old enough to pre date the bbq explosion of the last 25 years. I’m also dumb enough to try places that don’t have cars in the parking lot. I stand by what I said lol.

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Then_Supermarket18@reddit

I've had the worst bbq that way

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3stricksURout@reddit

**Glances at Dickie's BBQ plate 🍽 **

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ForzaFenix@reddit

I like their loaded potato

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DawsonNY@reddit

Love this.

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permalink_save@reddit

You mever had Dickeys

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taemean@reddit

We have good BBQ, but definitely not as good as Austin. KG>Kafi, some combination of Parish/Leyroy & Lewis/Franklin/Micklethwait/La BBQ>Cattleack & Goldees. If you count Daynes, then you need to count Barbs, which is much better.

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redditmyeggos@reddit

Don’t know about all that. I love some of the stuff around but I’d take KG over anything in DFW except Goldee’s

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ForzaFenix@reddit

KG? Kevin Garnett? Kerry Gold?

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Soggy-Bedroom-3673@reddit

An Austin BBQ spot run by an Egyptian expat who quit his job as a banker (?) to move to Texas to learn how to make BBQ. Makes Egyptian-inspired BBQ that is super innovative and delicious.

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redditmyeggos@reddit

Kareem El-Gayesh actually

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After_Term5658@reddit

Kansas City

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LuckyLoquat4660@reddit

Austin is better than Dallas at a few things but BBQ isn’t one of them!

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rsf0626@reddit

Idk man. Austin has some elite bbq places

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psycwave@reddit

Isn’t terry blacks literally from there tho

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Terry blacks is overrated

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psycwave@reddit

Copium

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ChopGoesTheWeasel@reddit

Wild thought: there’s great bbq all over Texas

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Then_Supermarket18@reddit

Another wild thought: some regions and cities have a higher concentration of good BBQ than others

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TheElPistolero@reddit

Because good bbq isn't hard to make.

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MightyCaseyStruckOut@reddit

Absolutely. Some of the best brisket I've ever eaten was at a hole-in-the-wall BBQ joined called Rejino Barbecue in Olton (a small town in the panhandle). I stopped by there on a whim and couldn't believe how good it was.

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TravelnGoldendoodle@reddit

True

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medisamurai@reddit

As long as there is a Dickey’s open, let’s pump the brakes

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ilfusionjeff@reddit

Nobody mentions the true North Texas OGs like Cousin’s, David’s, Colters, Hickory Stick… those places to me are the real Texas BBQ and they were all here before I was born and I’m old lol. Those places are the real original Texas BBQ before there was such a thing as “craft BBQ” and before PE started investing in Craft BBQ joints. Don’t get me wrong I love some Goldee’s, Hurtado and Panther City but to me, I also love the multi-generational BBQ places that haven’t ever changed.

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4chanquads@reddit

I grew up 15min from Hutchins McKinney, my bbq tier list is so messed up 😭

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squidlikeovertalker@reddit

It doesn't matter if it's the best, it's gotten too expensive.

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guncontrol420@reddit

Smokhouse in San Antonio is the best I ever had

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IntelligentSinger783@reddit

I don't like Texas BBQ at all lol. Commercial establishments are nothing but White people boring.

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Then_Supermarket18@reddit

I'm not sure what you mean by commercial establishments (aren't they all?). North Texas BBQ is famously influenced by Tejano, Black, and Jewish deli traditions

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IntelligentSinger783@reddit

Exactly all the ones in Texas I've been to are commercial establishments and they are boring. The only ones I've been too that are good are a guy in the hood with a trailer with a smoker on it.

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ForzaFenix@reddit

BBQ is a universal table. Get outta here with that BS.

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IntelligentSinger783@reddit

Texas BBQ is boring AF. No heat, lacks spices, sides are all lackluster baked potatoes and salted smush veggies BBQ on Chicago aquarium smokers by black folk is far superior flavor. No fake smoke no petroleum on the tongue. Just good sauces and rubs.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Saying this about dallas bbq is just insane

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IntelligentSinger783@reddit

In your opinion, in mine it's sane.

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ForzaFenix@reddit

There's plenty of black and hispanic folks making BBQ in Texas. You need to get out more.
Also.....I'm originally from Chicago. And let's just say it's not known for its BBQ.

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IntelligentSinger783@reddit

Not known because there are plenty things it does well. And yeah I get out lots. Traveled through Austin houston and DFW trying all kinds of kinds and the BBQ is meh imo. Your opinion is different and that's ok. You should try getting out of state. Lots of better options

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Dale_Gribble-@reddit

Who cares

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Then_Supermarket18@reddit

Panther City is Mexican food?

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ParsonJackRussell@reddit

If you haven’t, check out Yearby’s at Parker and Alma and for sides Slow Bone is great

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Watchmaker2112@reddit

Fine by me, I'm tired of people moving here.

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PhoenixAquarium@reddit

I am moving to Austin in November. One less person in the DFW.

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Right_Rev@reddit

Man, I truly wish that I could afford to move there. Happy trails!

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PhoenixAquarium@reddit

Partly the reason why I am moving. I am looking forward to being in nature again. I have nothing against DFW. My partner had to decide between the Big 3 and chose Austin.

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OddSand7870@reddit

I agree the nature is wayyy better. But mountain cedar from November to March is hella bad. That alone keeps me from ever moving there.

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SparkleTruths@reddit

How is Austin part of the big 3?

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PhoenixAquarium@reddit

I meant the Texas Big 3. Sorry for any confusion.

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downtime37@reddit

Big 3

I'll guess, Tesla, Apple and maybe Dell?

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lurkerlurking123@reddit

take me with you

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blue-gill@reddit

Enjoy Cabo Bobs,the #4 fish burrito is sooo good!

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PhoenixAquarium@reddit

I opted for the Burrito bowl but next time I will go for the Fish Burrito.

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BoofMasterQuan2@reddit

Yeah growth is terrible

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Wholenchilada@reddit

Amen.

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ChosynLabs@reddit

Same

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ajm__@reddit

We don't, the hill country does and it's not even close

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number231@reddit

I’ve lived in Houston, Austin and DFW, and I’ve had a lot of different Texas BBQ over the years, including old-school Houston/Gulf Coast-style BBQ, East Texas “church” BBQ, and Central Texas BBQ. Central Texas is still my favorite style, and I’ll give Lockhart its history. Austin also deserves credit for innovating the modern brisket game.

But the idea that good BBQ only exists south of some imaginary line near Waxahachie is silly.With the national popularity of Franklin and other modern pitmasters, you can find really good Central Texas-style BBQ all over now. Not everywhere, obviously, but it’s not limited by geography. There are even native Texans making top-tier brisket in NYC that could compete with plenty of places here.

Good BBQ can be made by anyone, anywhere, if they take the time to do it right and don’t start coasting once they get successful. I’ve seen places peak early and get complacent. Pecan Lodge comes to mind. I’m also afraid Lockhart as a town is starting to lean that way a little, in my opinion.

For me, if it’s good, I don’t care where on earth it came from.

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3Time4Eater3@reddit

Have you never hit central Texas? The pit BBq there is superior to anything I've had in Dallas, imo.

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masquefetiche@reddit

I’m from Tennessee so…

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obscurica@reddit

Why are we having an internecine Texas bbq war when there’s Oklahoma to make fun of?

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Midnight-69@reddit

Tbh I thought the heart of it is Austin area

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chilichilichilidog@reddit

Who cares, it’s all good

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AntiqueDoctor2326@reddit

People who think driving a few hours away makes what you cook taste different are braindead

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Emergency-Bonus-7158@reddit

Do you actually think this person believes the physical location is what makes the difference here?

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Broad_Mushroom_8033@reddit

Agree, I feel like a blind taste test would yield some interesting results to many

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Agitated_Seat9373@reddit

There's good bbq all over Texas wtf cares if one city is the best?

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katie4@reddit

“The best color is blue!” “No, the best color is green” “Y’all are crazy, the best color is pink!”

You can have a favorite color but it’s weird to tell others that their favorite color sucks and your favorite color is superior.

(Also my favorite BBQ is Terry Blacks followed by the Salt Lick when I make it down there, and I’m happy for you when you are able to get your favorite BBQ!)

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o_g@reddit

followed by the Salt Lick

So your opinion on good BBQ can be completely disregarded

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nickbahhh@reddit

Yearby's in Plano needs more love. I'll put it up with any of the big dogs in the state.

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IwasIlovedfw@reddit

Well...Houston has The Pit Room, which is the best anywhere.

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PurpleIceCream14@reddit

Dallas has good BBQ but so do many places in Texas. What’s important is Texas has the best BBQ in the world.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Agreed

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Beef_Candy@reddit

There's a lot of great bbq joints all over Texas. DFW has some great ones too.

My biggest problem is consistency. I've gone to cattleacks and had good bbq. Then gone back and it's been terrible. Same for hurtado. Goldies. Terry blacks. Hard eight.

The only bbq I've had that has consistently been great, and frankly was better than any other I've had anyways, was Louie mueller. THEY should be the poster child of Texas BBQ. end of story.

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ToddtheRugerKid@reddit

I'm going to keep the location of the best brisket I've ever had a secret.

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TheKillingFields@reddit

Austin got the vibes though

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No-Drama-187@reddit

Puleaze. I need to know where you're going, because I'm convinced DFW knows nothing about BBQ.

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Fabulous_Hand2314@reddit

i don't even rate the BBQ anymore. I only rate the sides and sauce.

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ice-eight@reddit

I've tried as many of the Michelin starred BBQ places in Texas as I can, and it's not that they're not all great, but I still like Goldee's better than any of them. The Michelin people just can't handle eating in a dilapidated shack next to a garbage dump

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psycwave@reddit

Austin has better modern and funky BBQ

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venusduck_III@reddit

Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum ruined BBQ for me forever because I haven't been able to find better BBQ place than that. DFW easily has the best BBQ I've ever had!

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ForzaFenix@reddit

It WAS great back before the current location. Still good, but not the same.
I go to Terry Blacks down the street.

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Chemical_Support4748@reddit

It wasn't that good

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venusduck_III@reddit

I was very impressed. Kinda pricy but worth the cost

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lilbrunchie@reddit

I’ve been a Dallas resident almost my entire life and I’m not sure how you can claim this. We have a few amazing spots but the average bbq in Houston and Austin is objectively better than Dallas.

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charliej102@reddit

Less than 10% of the people who live in Dallas have been there more than 30 years, so it's not surprising they make strange claims about Texas.

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ForzaFenix@reddit

Hey, I've been here for 20. I'm getting there.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

I don't eat at the average spot. I'm ranking best of the best

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Pleroo@reddit

lol

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hueystone@reddit

Lockhart would like to have a word. Dallas needs to have several seats lmao.

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ForzaFenix@reddit

DFW has come a LONG way in the past 15 years. In 2010 Austin - Lockhart was the winner, no contest.

Now?

It's mighty close.

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PaulM27@reddit

Why even care that much?

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TomUdo@reddit

Because he is not from Dallas.

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Crying_in_99Ranch@reddit

Dallas has stepped up in recent years for sure. It's gonna take some time for people to recognize that. Austin has all the publicity and famous pitmasters and has a lasting impression. I'm okay with flying under the radar and the good spots not getting flooded with visitors.

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PondersOverYonder@reddit

SE Oklahoma has the best bbq

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Didn't even say Kansas city, Memphis or st Louis lol.

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punjabkingsownersout@reddit (OP)

Didn't forget goldees but yeah forgot zavalas

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997streetcup@reddit

Depends what resrurant your at, geographical location means nothing. As a general statement sure.

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CryptoM4dness@reddit

Best barbecue on earth.