Barbecue worth the drive
Destination barbecue across the metroplex: joints worth planning a Saturday morning around, wherever in DFW you start.
How we picked
Each pick is a destination in its own right and has been recognized by Texas Monthly’s barbecue coverage. Several keep short hours and sell out, so check before you set off. These are editorial picks, not a ranking: the drive differs from every corner of DFW, so the order is not a score.
Goldee's Barbecue
Texas Monthly’s No. 1 barbecue joint in Texas in 2021, and back in its top ten in 2025. It serves only a short window each weekend and the line forms hours before opening, so this is an early start.
Dayne's Craft Barbecue
Out west past Fort Worth, and No. 7 on Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50: one of only two North Texas joints in that top ten.
Cattleack Barbeque
A Texas Monthly Top 50 joint again in 2025, open for lunch only a few days a week. Published hours disagree, so call ahead (972-805-0999) and expect a line.
Hurtado Barbecue
Texas barbecue with Mexican flavors: brisket barbacoa tacos and the Texas Twinkie, a bacon-wrapped jalapeño stuffed with brisket and pimento cheese. The original is in downtown Arlington, open seven days.
Zavala's Barbecue
South Texas–style barbecue where the tacos matter as much as the brisket; Texas Monthly has put it on its Top 50 tacos list as well as covering its barbecue.