Some days, there’s nothing quite like the taste of slow-roasted and hickory-smoked pork shoulders, spareribs, and sausage. Add some specialty barbecue sauce, fresh apple cider vinegar coleslaw, and a buttery brioche bun, and you might just be in heaven. There are few better locales to relish this delicious, Southern fare than the great city of Plano, Texas. Read on to discover a list of our top picks for the best barbecue spots in Plano so you can try them and see what you think.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Image via Unsplash by Jon Tyson
If you’re looking to experience great smoked meat classics from the likes of Lockhart, Texas, the “barbecue capital” of the state, look no further than Lockhart Smokehouse in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District. This popular spot uses the counter service method of the legendary barbecue restaurants in central Texas, so when you get there, just head to the counter to order, pay, and pick up your food. While you wait, grab a seat or sip on a cold beer from the full bar.
This place offers barbecue options, including brisket, shoulder clod, chicken, turkey, pork chops, ribs, and sausage. If you’re trying to decide between the variety of smoked meats on the menu, someone behind the counter will be happy to give you a sample. Make sure to add a diverse flavor palate to your meal by getting a side like baked beans, Lockhart or blue cheese slaw, brisket deviled eggs, potato salad, or mac and cheese. You can find this spot at 1026 E. 15th St. in Plano.
Winners BBQ
Winners BBQ is the perfect place to go to get a huge helping of comfort food and celebrate the big or small wins in your life. They offer typical barbecue meats, including chopped and sliced brisket, pulled pork, chicken breast, sausage, and ribs. Choose a homemade side for your meal like potato salad, mac, and cheese, green beans, baked beans, or coleslaw. If you’re bringing a big group, consider saving some money by ordering a group special like “The Party Time” or “The Family Time.”
Make sure to try one of their best-selling dishes, the “MVP” baked potato with butter, cheese, sour cream, and smoked meats. If you’re feeling famished, upgrade your meal to the “G.O.A.T.” potato to include all five meat choices on it. Another great option is the “Cyclone” sandwich, which has three different types of meat in a hamburger bun. Keep in mind that they also have catering options for events. Visit this popular barbecue spot at 3200 14th St. in Plano.
PK’s Smokehouse
With its small beginnings as a food truck in the Dallas area, PK’s Smokehouse has become a much-beloved brick-and-mortar restaurant among Plano residents and neighbors alike. Owned and operated by the lovely wife and husband duo Pat and Kelvin Sutton, this Southern soul food utopia offers a variety of hearty, sumptuous barbecue options sure to nourish both your body and soul. Support a local, Black-owned, family-owned business while enjoying tender smoked meats made with homemade barbecue sauces and a top-secret Louisiana spice rub recipe.
Along with all the classic meat options, you can find sides like cream cheese corn, potato salad, seasoned rice, candy yams, collard greens, and cabbage. They even have crispy Southern fried fish fillets for any seafood fans. If you can’t decide between all the delectable entrees, try the dinner plate sampler platter that comes with four types of meat, bread, and your choice of two sides. Consider ending your meal with a delicious peach cobbler or vanilla pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth. Head to 909 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 460, to try this excellent barbecue joint.
2Taste BBQ and Kebab
If you’re looking for true Texan barbecue and craving authentic Halal food, 2Taste BBQ and Kebab may be a perfect restaurant option. This casual dining spot offers a unique fusion of American barbecue and Desi cuisine, providing a large variety of both smoked meats and kebab platters. Meat lovers will have a hard time choosing an entrée from the huge menu that includes mouth-watering brisket, ribs, beef links, rib-eye steak, fried chicken, wings, and cheeseburgers.
You can also try one of the many delicious sides available, like fries, mashed potatoes, fried okra, lemon rice, or one of their most popular dishes, blooming onions. This savory snack consists of fresh onions cut and coated in seasoned batter, fried until golden brown, and served with melted cheese or house-made spicy hot sauce. Quench your thirst with a soda, cherry limeade, Arnold Palmer, Masala tea, or another sweet beverage. Visit this establishment at 3201 Alma Drive in Plano for a filling lunch or dinner.
Ari Korean BBQ
If you haven’t tried Korean barbecue yet, you’ve been missing out on a delicious, fun, and interactive experience. At Ari Korean BBQ, you can grill your own beef, pork, chicken, and other meats on a grill built into the dining table itself. After selecting your meats, your servers will bring you a variety of refreshments and sides while you wait. Nibble on dishes like kimchi, seasoned soybean sprouts, braised baby potatoes, stir-fried glass noodles, fish cakes, steamed egg, pickled radish, and zucchini, but remember to save room for the flavorful main course.
If you can name it, this spot has it when it comes to meat. Choose from short rib, brisket, bulgogi, pork skirt, belly, shoulder, jowl, and even beef intestine. Wrap your meat in salad leaves to make a custom barbecue taco. For those over 21, complete your meal with a shot or two of soju, a famous type of Korean alcohol made with rice. Korean barbecue is always better in groups, so grab your friends and visit 120 Legacy Drive in Plano to celebrate a special occasion or simply spend time together eating good food.
Whatever type of barbecue you’re craving, Plano, Texas, is sure to have an ideal eatery for you. While barbecue can be a comforting, filling meal to make you feel a sense of home, it can also be a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures and give your taste buds an exciting adventure. Did we miss your favorite spot? If we did, let us know at Huffines Chevrolet Plano so we can add it to our list.