In case you haven’t noticed, we take two things very seriously at Concentre: 1) translating strategy into results for our clients, and 2) methodically ranking our favorite local lunch spots. Using spreadsheets, formulas—and yes, even macros—we geek out over everything from burgers to tacos. And since North Texas is home to more great BBQ restaurants than you can shake a hickory stick at, we thought it was high time we put this debate to bed. Here are our can’t-miss picks for all things rubbed, smoked, pulled, chopped and sauced. 
Top Five (or More) BBQ Joints in Dallas:
#8. Peggy Sue BBQ (Honorable Mention)
6600 Snider Plaza
Dallas, TX 75205
#7. Meat U Anywhere (Honorable Mention)
919 W Northwest Hwy
Grapevine, TX 76051
#6. Mike Anderson’s BBQ (Honorable Mention)
5410 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75235
#5. Lockhart Smokehouse
400 West Davis St.
Dallas, TX 75208
If you get to Lockhart Smokehouse on the right day and at the right time, you might just have a shot at ordering some of their signature Shoulder Clod. Don’t ask—just get there before they run out. And don’t be afraid to load up on the sides. Lockhart has cleverly elevated versions of creamed corn, mac & cheese and cole slaw. From brisket and ribs to turkey and Kreuz sausage, you can’t go wrong at Lockhart Smokehouse.
#4. Kenny’s Smoke House
5760 Legacy Drive #4
Plano, TX 75024
Five words: Brunch with deep-fried brisket. If that’s not enough to get you out of bed without hitting the snooze button, then consider Kenny’s brisket-stuffed jalapenos, collard greens with bacon, or Brussels sprouts. Pair any of those classic Southern sides with their magical marbled brisket, and you’ll understand what all the fuss over Texas BBQ is all about.
#3. Hutchins BBQ
9225 Preston Rd
Frisco, TX 75033
How long does it take to cook the perfect brisket? Ask the folks at Hutchins, and they’ll tell you it takes darn near four decades. Order the burnt ends or one of the many varieties of sausage, and we think you’ll agree it’s worth the wait. And what better way to reward all your patience than with the best desserts north of Hwy. 121? Plus, there’s an all-you-can-eat option, which unfortunately expires at closing time.
#2. Hard Eight BBQ
688 Freeport Parkway
Coppell, TX 75019
Be prepared for a true “pit-style” BBQ experience. As in, you walk up to a giant pit-style smoker, choose your favorite flavor of meaty goodness, and watch a pit master carve it right up. It’s dinner and a show without the fancy silverware or… well… a show. It’s just you and the meats. And the sides. And the desserts. You get the idea.
#1. Pecan Lodge
2702 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226
Among the Concentre crew, the BBQ at Pecan Lodge is the runaway favorite. You have to try the brisket, the pork rib, and the incredible beef rib. But we also highly recommend the fried chicken and the mac & cheese. So, the best way to do that is to order them all—in one glorious, five-pound behemoth they call “The Trough.” On the plus side, when you get The Trough you get to skip the line. On the minus side, you’re probably skipping the rest of the workday.
Of course, the results of our semi-scientific in-office poll are totally up for discussion. What’s your favorite local BBQ place? Feel free to let us know with your comments, and we’ll tell you why you’re wrong.
