When it comes to barbecue, there is no doubt that it reigns supreme in Texas. The smoky meat slathered in a finger-licking sauce has its own community here. And the choices? They’re enough to overwhelm any first-timer, from moist to lean brisket and pulled or bone. There are also numerous mouthwatering sides to try, including baked beans, collards, and mac ‘n cheese.

But you don’t have to go to the barbeque belt of Central Texas to get your fix. You can find some amazing choices right here in downtown Dallas. And to help narrow down your choices, here are 5 of the best barbecue in Deep Ellum worth waiting in line. If you’re in the mood for something else, don’t miss all the  restaurants in Deep Ellum, Texas.

Angry Dog

angry dog

Deep within the Deep Ellum district, you’ll find Angry Dog, known for serving good food and drinks since 1990. The local Dallas restaurant is quite popular in yelp with hundreds of positive reviews and a 4-star rating. And because of their food, friendly waitstaff, laid-back attitude, and longevity, the place has built a loyal customer base.

The name Angry Dog comes from their specialty, which is an all-beef hotdog with your choice of toppings. You’ll also enjoy every bite of their chicken-fried chicken sandwich and burger that you can build yourself. Their grilled chicken for $12.95 is another must-try. It’s juicy and served on a bed of rice with sauteed mushrooms and red onions. And if you’re thirsty, you can try out one of their over 80 beers from their full bar. They also have their own iced tea, which combines the refreshing taste of raspberry and locally blended regular teas.

Pecan Lodge

best bbq in deep ellum

You can find a variety of smoked meats, sides, and desserts along with wine and beer served at Pecan Lodge. Located in Main Street Deep Ellum, the BBQ eatery is popular for its legendary barbecue, so expect to find long lines every time. Additionally, it has gotten thousands of amazing feedback on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating as well. So no wonder it has been featured on shows such as Drive-Ins and Dives, Man Fire Food, and Food Network’s Diners.

In April 2019, Tim Herriage rated Pecan Lodge #1 in DFW on a special edition of his Business and BBQ podcast (but that was before some others listed here were even open in Deep Ellum).

You can have your fill of mouth-watering ribs, mesquite-smoked brisket, house-made sausages, and sides made from scratch. You can also satisfy the craving of your sweet tooth with their heavenly peach cobbler and banana pudding. And if you can’t decide which one to order, why not just try them all? For about $79, you and your 4 friends can order The Trough, which comes with pork ribs, sausage links, pulled pork, and beef ribs.

Furthermore, there’s live music on Pecan Lodge every Friday and Saturday night. It’s perfect for anyone looking to feast on an epic dinner and Texas beers while enjoying some good tunes.

Niwa Japanese

niwa japanese bbq

Niwa Japanese blends a rustic and modern ambiance with servings of elegant cocktails and authentic yakiniku experience. It gives you the chance to grill your own premium grade beef, seafood, and vegetables. This entire concept is excellent and something new in Deep Ellum. 

The Japanese bbq restaurant has a 4.5 star rating in Yelp. It also has a solid line of noodle bowl appetizers and several dipping sauces. Your meat platter even comes with convenient labels for each kind of meat you’ll order. Plus, their menu offers a wide selection of Japanese sake, beer, and craft cocktails. 

Eating in this best barbecue in Deep Ellum is an exciting experience. It’s ideal for a nice dinner with the entire family of a fun night out with your friends. Make sure to try out their house tare hanger steak and short rib in karubi marinade.

Mac’s Bar-B-Que

Mac's Bar-B-Que

Mac’s Bar-B-Que Deep Ellum is a Dallas institution. If you’ve ever been to one of its locations as a kid, you’ll find that it stays true to its roots. Even today, the barbecue place is not fancy or trendy, just some round tables with wood and brick panels surrounding it. 

However, in terms of bbq goodness, Mac’s is the holy grail of solid chopped beef sandwiches and a whole lot more. Most of the crowd here are locals looking to enjoy genuine food and not those dishes made for an Instagram post. You can drop by for a quick bite, or you can also call if you want to pick up your order.

Terry Black’s

Terry Black's

The industrial interior of Terry Black’s and its barbecue chops are very impressive. Their indoor dining room and two-level outdoor patio are spacious. You’ll also find their cafeteria-like service enjoyable as it’ll make you feel like you’re back in high school. 

What’s interesting about this 4.5-star Yelp rated bbq restaurant is that you get to pick your sides first in the queue. And for only $2.50 for each side, you’ll be able to revel in their bright and fresh green beans or delicious mac ‘n cheese. When you head on to the meat cutters section, the meat cutter is more than willing to chat and educate you about your meat of choice. This will ensure that you know what you’ll feast on.

All the meat you’ll order is cut and weighed as well, so you have control of how much or how little you want to eat. Their chopped beef, pork ribs, and turkey has a price tag of $18.98 per pound. On the other hand, their sliced brisket and beef ribs are priced at $22.98 per pound.

 

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