If you live in Texas, lucky you! Texas is famous for having some of the best mouth-watering, stomach-filling brisket. If you live northeast of Dallas, you’re in even more luck because some of the best BBQ in the state is right in your backyard. Here are my choices for the best brisket places to celebrate National Brisket Day on May 28. Tag us at #dallasmoms if you grab some brisket on National Brisket Day!
GARLAND
Meshack’s BBQ Shack
240 E Avenue B, Garland, TX 75040
Ready for lunch? Really ready? You’re going to have to get there early and wait in line outside for Meshack’s. But it is worth the wait. This Texas Monthly Top 50-nominated stop is cash only, so come prepared. No seating and you get it to-go, but your family will thank you! Make sure you grab some white bread to have with it.
Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery
509 W State St, Garland, TX 75040
Head down to the quaint downtown Garland area and check out this award winner. They have it all. Amazing brisket, sausage, sides (like these enormous nachos above; my fave), and they run ridiculously yummy Sunday brunch specials. Make sure to ask Cary and his team for some of their burnt ends. You won’t be disappointed. Need a beer to go with? They’ve got you covered.
DALLAS
Pecan Lodge
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
You have to get there early at this Deep Ellum spot, too. Again, worth the wait, and bonus: You get to people watch while you’re there. Texas Monthly named this as one of their Top 50, and my family definitely agrees! My favorite thing to get at Pecan Lodge is the Hot Mess, which is a giant sweet potato stuffed with barbacoa. Their menu covers all the meats, including chicken fried steak!
Lockhart Smokehouse
400 West Davis, Dallas, Texas 75208
Lockhart in Bishop Arts serves amazing comfort food in a trendy part of town. The menu features brisket, sausage, pork, chicken, and ribs that my kids fight over. I personally have to have some of the Blue Cheese Slaw with my brisket. It’s the best I’ve ever had! They have two more locations in Plano & Arlington if you live out that way.
MCKINNEY
Hutchins BBQ
1301 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069
My family and I are all from McKinney, so I might be biased about this place! Head over to Historic Downtown to try some of the best food you will ever get. Another Texas Monthly Top 50, Hutchins is a family owned and run restaurant that will delight you with meats, sides, and desserts. They are famous for their Texas Twinkies, which are jalapenos stuffed with brisket, cream cheese, and wrapped in bacon. Oh my!
ROCKWALL
Smoke Sessions
307 W, Hwy 66, Royse City, TX 75189
Smoke Sessions started as a small trailer in Fate, and now Chad Sessions and his wife are greeting guests at their first brick-and-mortar location in Royse City. Order up a two-meat plate and try their brisket and sausage, but don’t forget to try the turkey, mac & cheese, and potato salad!
Sideways BBQ
2067 Summer Lee Dr #105, Rockwall, TX 75032
Sideways has thrived in the Rockwall Harbor for years. The people and food are what keep their customers coming back. Along with a gorgeous view of the lake, you can always count on delicious meat and sides. Owned and operated by local folks and former military, Sideways features a full bar and live entertainment. Try their NTBA Bloody Mary shot, named for a local BBQ group, that features their famous burnt ends. Tell Josh I said hi!
Are you hungry yet? I am! In short, Memorial Day is coming. Grab some brisket from one of these awesome, local joints and take the family out on a nice picnic!
{Read More: BBQ Road Trips in Texas}
