Could you smoke brisket in your backyard? Maybe. And could you pair it with sweet tea while your neighbor’s lawnmower provides the soundtrack? Absolutely. But barbecue isn’t just about meat and sauce. It’s a Texas tradition, and it’s one you shouldn’t let suburban sprawl deprive you of. You could try recreating it with store-bought sauce and a grill that’s seen better days, or you could taste the real deal at these 14 Arlington spots.
Jambos BBQ at Division Street
$ | (817) 275-7881 | WEBSITE
The train tracks running right beside Jambos BBQ might be even more prominent than the restaurant itself, and they’re perfect when you can’t decide if you want a classic Texas BBQ experience or just the unique ambiance of dining next to passing freight cars. They serve generous portions all day, but if you come during a busy lunch hour, you’ll get to enjoy the cozy old-school diner atmosphere while you dig into a Sadie BBQ stuffed potato or a pulled pork sandwich with your choice of three sauces.
225⁰ BBQ
$ | (817) 962-0226 | WEBSITE
The thing about Texas is, it’s known for its barbecue. And while we love brisket as much as anyone, we don’t always want to wait in long lines for it. Fortunately, 225⁰ BBQ at Ghost Food Park serves up generous portions, so you can pair their famous Texas Twinkies with fresh shrimp tacos while enjoying the lively food truck atmosphere. The brisket truly melts in your mouth, and the mac and cheese is really good, making it a strong contender among the top spots.
Just be sure to arrive early, as they can run out of popular items. The team never lets you down, serving everything hot and fresh with a smile, whether you’re grabbing street tacos or ordering a whole brisket for a gathering. It’s a favorite for its consistent quality and variety, from burnt ends to green spaghetti, all at reasonable food truck prices in a casual, bustling setting.
Damian’s Cajun Soul Cafe
$ | (817) 649-7770 | WEBSITE
The two main draws of this Arlington soul food spot are its family-gathering atmosphere, and its unshaking fried chicken. You can enjoy the former without worrying about formality thanks to the buffet setup and warm hospitality, and you can experience the latter without committing to a $22 full meal since it’s offered in a much more lunch-appropriate portion on the daily special.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
$ | (817) 465-7839 | WEBSITE
Eating barbecue doesn’t need to only be a nice weather activity. After all, it’s not like you’re going to get smoked in the Texas sun. You do it for the flavor, and it’s still on full display. Check it out while enjoying juicy brisket with signature sauce, or a stuffed baked potato with smoked turkey in a welcoming, heated, patio-enclosed table outside of Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in Arlington.
Colter’s Bar B Que
$ | (817) 572-3930 | WEBSITE
Colter’s Bar B Que is from the same family that’s been serving Arlington for years, and now you know their full story. If you’re familiar with their commitment to quality and customer service, then you won’t be surprised to hear that even the drive-through offers mouth-watering barbecue favorites like baby back ribs and chopped brisket sandwiches, and a loaded potato with creamy banana pudding that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Hurtado Barbecue
$$ | (682) 323-5141 | WEBSITE
Hurtado Barbecue serves the same menu all day, so if you’re in the market for another basic pulled pork sandwich, you can skip to the next spot. However, if you want to experience some of the best barbecue in Texas while diving into their unique Mexicue fusion, then order the brisket, and breathe in the hickory-scented smoke after you cut into the perfectly rendered bark on top.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
$$ | (817) 261-6600 | WEBSITE
If you think barbecue is just about slapping meat on a grill, you won’t hear any argument from me. But you will hear a recommendation, and that’s to try something better than basic backyard burgers. For example, any of the savory meats served at Dickey’s would fit the bill, and any day of the week, you can pair them with sides like fried okra and baked potato casserole, and sweet tea to wash it all down.
JB’s Smokehouse Barbeque
$ | (817) 640-8900 | WEBSITE
Like this Arlington barbecue spot’s other locations, JB’s Smokehouse has a small air-conditioned area for those seeking respite from the heat, consistently praised corn bread, and the best turkey legs in the neighborhood. At lunch, those popular items include perfectly toasted sandwiches with moist fillings, and creamy mac and cheese with just the right texture.
You’ll have access to all the barbecue classics starting at opening, or you could just get the beignets and cobbler, which are made with some of the most satisfying sweetness around (and perfect for ending your meal).
First Chinese BBQ
$ | (817) 469-8876 | WEBSITE
First Chinese BBQ is one of our favorite spots for authentic Chinese barbecue in Arlington, so whichever direction you decide to go with your order, you’ll be very pleased with your decision. Stop by any day during their open hours for Peking duck with perfectly crisp, golden-brown skin and tender, succulent meat, duck fried rice that’s a standout, and orange chicken that delivers on flavor.
The interior may be dated with simple furnishings and fluorescent lighting, but the atmosphere is unpretentious and focused on the food. Dishes are cooked to order and served with rich, glossy duck sauce, delicate pancakes, fresh scallions, and cucumber for a perfect balance of textures. At around $15-20 for generous portions, it’s very affordable compared to other roast duck joints in the DFW area, though they only take cash, which can be a drawback.
The service matches the straightforward decor—friendly but no-frills—making it a great value for those seeking traditional Chinese flavors without the fancy atmosphere.
Bodacious Bar-B-Q
$ | (817) 860-4248 | WEBSITE
Dinner at this Arlington BBQ joint is all about decisions. Do you want the tender ribs plain or with that signature sauce? Do you want your brisket sandwich lean or with extra juiciness? And with your meal, do you go with the baked potato or save room for banana pudding? The good news is, you can take your time choosing while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere, perfect for dates or casual gatherings.
Lockhart Smokehouse – Arlington
$$ | (817) 769-1747 | WEBSITE
You know what to expect from Lockhart Smokehouse, and that makes it a solid choice for fans of BBQ who like to keep surprises to meals that aren’t smoked. But don’t confuse reliable with ordinary, as this fun spot at Texas Live is far from that. They serve excellent brisket, perfectly smoked sausage, and one of the best turkey plates in Arlington, which is offered alongside standout sides like blue cheese coleslaw and creamy mac & cheese.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially around events at Globe Life Stadium, and the walls are lined with cool pictures to admire while you eat. Despite the crowds, service remains top-notch, with bartenders like Kirsten and Melinda creating a great vibe while mixing drinks. While some might find the brisket occasionally tough, most will enjoy the flavorful meats that make this a satisfying meal. At around $20-30 per person, it’s a worthwhile stop for a delicious experience.
Halo Hawaiian BBQ & Poke Bar
$ | (817) 303-2233 | WEBSITE
For some folks, barbecue means waiting hours for smoked brisket, while for others, it’s about finding comfort in familiar flavors without breaking the bank. No matter which camp you fall into, you’ll be content at Halo Hawaiian BBQ & Poke Bar. They serve the same affordable menu all day, which means you can satisfy a big appetite with Chicken Katsu and Loco Moco, or enjoy fresh poke bowls and well-seasoned meats with a student discount in the evening.
Spring Creek Barbeque
$ | (817) 465-0553 | WEBSITE
Spring Creek Barbeque is the best barbecue spot in Arlington, so when you work up an appetite exploring the city or shopping nearby, head to this Texas joint for some delicious brisket smothered in mustard-based sauce and some fantastic peach cobbler.
Smoke’N Ash BBQ
$$ | (817) 987-7715 | WEBSITE
Smoke’N Ash BBQ is a vibrant fusion spot in Arlington with plenty of parking in its plaza setting, making it a convenient destination for families. That makes it a prime spot for live music evenings, while its fantastic Tex-Ethiopian platters make it a great option for adventurous dining.
