The details
1. Lil JJ’s Smokehouse
Owners John and Brandi Berry renamed Berry Best BBQ, which was located in North Richland Hills, as Lil JJ’s Smokehouse in honor of their son, who passed away in 2024.
The menu offers several barbeque staples such as brisket, sausage, ribs and chicken. Food can be ordered several different ways including sandwiches, dinner plates and by the pound.
- 9321 N. Freeway, Fort Worth
- www.liljjsmokehouse.com
Named for 1836, the year Texas declared its independence, Outpost 36 serves barbecue, sides and signature cocktails with a Texas flair in Keller.
The menu focuses on Texas-style barbecue and the restaurant’s walls are covered in photos of iconic locations across the state with Texas country music playing in the background. Even the restaurant’s smokers, where the meat is prepared fresh every day, are named Willie and Waylon—after country singers Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
- 1801 S Main St, Keller
- www.outpost36.com
After starting in Stephenville, Texas, Hard Eight BBQ has grown to five locations across DFW. Meats from the pit include brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs and chicken and are sold by weight.
- 205 South Oak Street, Roanoke
- www.hardeightbbq.com
4. The Original Roy Hutchins BBQ
Specialties include beef ribs, only available on Saturdays and Sundays; fried catfish sold by the pound; burnt ends when available; and Texas Twinkies, which are large jalapenos stuffed with brisket and cream cheese and then wrapped in premium thick-cut bacon. Dine-in customers looking to satisfy their sweet cravings get a complimentary serving of peach cobbler or banana pudding.
- 3000 SH 114, Trophy Club
- www.royhutchinsbbq.com
The restaurant has been a Southlake staple for nearly 24 years. It’s known for its brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs and more. The property has been owned by multiple families since the 1950s and is currently owned by the Lafavers family.
- 530 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake
- www.feedstorebbq.com
Starting out as a food truck in 2017, JR’s BBQ-N-More opened as a storefront in Keller Town Center in early 2022. Besides a full selection of BBQ favorites, the menu features Mexican specials such as chicken tortilla soup, carne guisada plate and menudo.
- 121 Rufe Snow Drive, Ste. 127, Keller
- www.jrsbbqnmore.com/#
7. Goldee's Bar-B-Q
Goldee's Bar-B-Q, which was previously ranked #1 in the 2021 list, is now #3. The eatery is open Friday through Sunday from 11a.m. - 3 p.m. or until they are sold out. It is a very popular place, so heed the line tips listed on the website.
- 4645 Dick Price Road, Fort Worth
- www.goldeesbbq.com
Another top 10 joint on the list, Dayne’s BBQ is a short drive out west to Azle and came in at #7 on the Texas Monthly list. Founder Dayne Weaver started his journey in Texas barbecue as a backyard smoker enthusiast who sold meats on social media before opening the brick and mortar restaurant in 2024.
- 100 S. Front St., Aledo
- www.daynescraftbarbecue.com
Operating as a food truck, Sabar BBQ landed on the Texas Monthly list thanks to its menu of smoked meats with a unique Pakistani flair including Sichuan lamb ribs and Tandoori turkey. Sides like daal chawaal and fruit chaat round out the menu.
- 194 Bryan Ave, Fort Worth
- www.sabarbbq.com
Starting as a food truck, Panther City BBQ evolved into a restaurant on Fort Worth’s southside. Menu items include standard BBQ fare like pork, brisket, chicken, ribs and sausage and unique dishes such as pork belly jalapeno poppers and brisket elote. The staff also teaches a “BBQU” class monthly.
- 201 E. Hattie St., Fort Worth
- www.panthercitybbq.com