Jim_Tardio

We will be attending a Cowboy's game in a few weeks at AT&T stadium, and staying at a hotel near the stadium.

I'm looking for suggestions on where to get that legendary Texas BBQ I've heard about all my life...preferably near the stadium, but we're willing to travel some if it's worth it.

Thanks for any suggestions.

spirobulldog

Go to The Pecan Lodge is one of the premier places for bbq in Texas. Lockhart Smokehouse and Mike Anderson's are both good too.

Other great spot to dine
Rise#1--This is all Souffle place-we just like to go for dessert only
Kenny's Wood Fire Grill
Eatzi's--This really isn't a true place to dine, it's more like an upscale grocery/deli--they do have many different stations set up and they do have seating for you to eat.
Pappadeux--chain throughout the south, but really good
Twisted Root Burger--Burger, onion rings, and Root beer
Crossroads Diner-Breakfast is amazing
Benedicts-another great breakfast spot
Jimmy's Food Store-Great place for Italian Sandwiches-this is also a grocery store/deli-really italian spot
Cane Rosso--Pizza
The French Room--Really upscale

BigRuss

Well, Spiro just gave you a list of Dallas restaurants and Jerryworld isn't in Dallas. The Pecan Lodge isn't a resto, it's a food purveyor at the Dallas Farmers' Market and it may sell out. You'll get lost trying to find Jimmy's or Lockhart without constantly looking at Google maps on your smartphone even though both are fine places at which to feed.

There are a lot of chains for BBQ - Sammy's, Dickey's, Spring Creek. But they're far more functional than transcendant.

Rudy's is a chain that produces GOOD barbecue and it has an outpost in Arlington. http://www.rudysbbq.com/page/locatio.../bbq-arlington

spirobulldog

BigRuss,
Just turn on your sound on your GPS or smartphone, turn when it says to turn and don't even look at it. I didn't find them hard to find at all. Perhaps, if your renting a car, spend the extra $ for a GPS. Usually, good BBG, Burgers, hole in the wall joints may not be on the most popular street corner.

The OP said legendary Texas BBQ. If your going to be in Texas, it might be worth your effort to drive 20-30 minutes to get the real deal. FWIW, I think Rudy's is good, but as BigRuss says indicates-not truly the real deal. I wouldn't give you 2 cents for Dickey's. Spring Creek is fair. I don't think I've even eaten at a Sammy's.

stumpworks73

If you happen to be flying into Love Field for your game visit, Big Al's Smokehouse on Inwood just a mile from the airport exit is one of my favorite Dallas BBQs.

Jim_Tardio

Thanks for the tips, folks. A friend that travels to Dallas on business speaks highly of the Trail Dust Steak House....have any of been there?

BigRuss

I haven't, but it's certainly close to the stadiums and may be a good place to take the family one day . . .

If you're going to venture to Dallas, I like Lockhart. Get a jalapeno sausage too (and don't wuss - they're just jalapenos, it's not like they're habaneros or scotch bonnets).

I'm guessing Spiro doesn't work in a commercial office building - Sammy's is (unfortunately) always the BBQ choice for catered lunches (and its lone redeeming food choice, the big effing onion rings, are never part of the selection), kind of like the execrable rot from Campisi's is the choice for a catered pizza lunch.

BigRuss

Oh, if you're going into Dallas, consider WORK in Deep Ellum (it's not far from Twisted Root). I'm going there next week, but a friend of mine who loves posting food porn pics (his "does this come with an angioplasty" lunches) goes there at LEAST once a week. Here's a review from the Dallas Morning News BBQ geeks - they run all around the state searching for the best smoked fauna they can find.

http://texasbbqposse.blogspot.com/20...-ellum_28.html

spirobulldog

I ate at Trail Dust several years ago and swore I would never go back. You might want to read Yelp reviews-most aren't very good. Texas Toast and Ranch dressing seem to be the highlight

Jim_Tardio

Thanks again for the suggestions guys.

No problem with jalapenos, BigRuss. I live in LA where there's a Mexican restaurant or a taco stand every 100 yards...the hotter the better.

Looking at a lot of sample menus online, I see much of the BBQ offered by the pound.

Isn't there just a nice sit-down place that serves a combo plate of BBQ, or something along those lines. It doesn't have to be considered the "best"...really good will do.

Thanks.

BigRuss

Well, BBQ priced by the pound isn't only SOLD by the pound - you purchase 1/2 or 1/4 and sides, fixins' etc.

This place also had good reviews:

http://www.woodshedsmokehouse.com/menu.html (review here: http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainm...smokehouse.ece)

ChristieP

Woodshed is NOT true Texas BBQ at all. It's very upscale, uses exotic meats, etc. I like it, but calling it BBQ is a bit of a stretch.

If you want real Texas BBQ in Fort Worth, go to one of these:
http://www.angelosbbq.com/
http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com/

jill_h

Sonny Bryan's in West End -Dallas downtown.

Smoke -- in Dallas just off of I-30 at the Sylvan Ave exit (?). Next to The Belmont Hotel

spirobulldog

Personally, I don't like Sonny Bryan's at all.

Smoke is a fancier version of BBQ. I haven't eaten there, but plan to eat there sometime. Think something like Caesar Salad with Grilled Romaine and smoked vinaigrette. Then BBQ Quail with peach bbq.

BigRuss

Sonny Bryan's isn't anything but a weak chain.

>

Um, is it BBQ'd smoked meat? Then it's BBQ. Just because it's not confined to 12-hour smoked brisket doesn't make it not BBQ.

ChristieP

To most people, "Texas BBQ" is indeed brisket or ribs, molasses-based sauce, and traditional sides like beans, potato salad, etc.

As much as I like The Woodshed, it is not that. Sure, goat tacos, hummus and camp bread, etc. are great, and very unique. But to call it Texas BBQ is a stretch...

Jim_Tardio

Well, thanks for the replies. The trip has come and gone and we ended up eating at a Saltgrass steak house. I was overruled when dinner time came around.

Saltgrass was more than decent and I enjoyed my steak there...but truth be told, it wasn't anything I couldn't have eaten right here in LA.

Real Texas bbq will have to wait for another trip

spirobulldog

Saltgrass is an ok chain type place. Certainly many places to go in Dallas for a great steak, Pappa Bros, III Forks, Perrys, Al Biernats, Capitol Grille, YO Ranch, Bobs Steaks and Chops.

BigRuss

Too bad, Jim. Next time, have a veto on the choice. Would take Texas Land & Cattle over Saltgrass for chains but for real top end steaks, D Magazine had a good feature a year or two ago (most of Spiro's list are mentioned).

Heavens

I'm from Dallas and happen to love Sonny Bryan's. Like other restaurants, depends on what you order. I love their BBQ sauce; not too sweet or thick. Their brisket is melt in your mouth tender with a touch of smoke. It's not fancy or gourmet, just great tasting basics. Authentic.

If you're in Dallas, near SMU, Peggy Sues Beef Bar is pretty excellent also. Be sure and try their onion rings. Great meat and sides.