As 2026 unfolds, you’re likely mapping out your culinary adventures for the year ahead. But before you dive into new flavors, you need to know where to find the absolute best smoked meats right now. There are plenty of decent spots for barbecue around town, but if you’re craving the real deal—the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite—start with this definitive list.
Meat U Anywhere
$ | (817) 251-1227 | WEBSITE
Meat U Anywhere does a “casual style” barbecue lunch, which really just means that you will be back at your desk with a happy stomach by the time the afternoon slump hits.
(This is the exact feeling you get after finishing their brisket plate.) The Lewisville spot will have their regular weekday service from 11am until they sell out, during which they’ll be serving a $22 combo plate with two meats and two sides, a cold beer option, and a guaranteed satisfaction from the tender ribs and creamy mac & cheese.
Chasin Tail BBQ
$ | (940) 321-0524 | WEBSITE
A big barbecue feast feels like the perfect amount of indulgence for a family celebration, and there’s no better place to do it than at Chasin Tail BBQ in Lewisville, one of the area’s most beloved smoked meat destinations. Order the 3-meat plate for around $43, which includes generous portions of pulled pork, ribs, or jalapeño sausage, plus two standout sides like their creamy mac and cheese or crispy fried okra. The brisket is also a must-try favorite. Plus many, many sweet tea refills.
Hard Eight BBQ
$$ | (972) 471-5462 | WEBSITE
If you’re convinced that authentic Texas BBQ is the ultimate comfort food, head to Hard Eight. The Lewisville spot from the team behind some of the area’s best smokehouses is serving up amazing brisket, perfect ribeyes, and just-right sausage. Go with an empty stomach—that way you’ll never have to regret skipping the peach cobbler when your friend orders it.
Just know that the brisket can sometimes be a bit dry and pricey, so you should plan to save room for the lively atmosphere and friendly service instead.
SAEMAEUL KOREAN BBQ BY PAIKJONGWON
$$ | (972) 242-8330 | WEBSITE
A Korean BBQ dinner is good. But a Korean BBQ birthday dinner? Better. Saemaeul Korean BBQ in Dallas is perfect for one of the latter, and you should definitely go. The premium restaurant will offer their normal a la carte menu all evening, but during celebrations the real fun begins. They’ll be cooking the beef special combo at your table, with attentive staff helping celebrate, and a lively atmosphere to follow. Get there early since they don’t take reservations.
Ham Ji Bak Korean BBQ
$$ | (469) 892-6094 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Korean barbecue but don’t want to deal with the usual crowds and chaos, make things easy—and delicious—and head to Ham Ji Bak Korean BBQ. This Lewisville spot serves up fabulous barbecued beef and bulgogi bibimbap alongside a great variety of banchan, all at reasonable prices (expect to spend around $25-35 per person for a full meal). It’s walk-in friendly for smaller groups, though you can make a reservation if you’re coming with 6-10 people.
We don’t know about you, but spending an evening enjoying amazing beef dishes with patient, kind service seems pretty perfect.
Crazy BBQ
$$ | (469) 900-8333 | WEBSITE
Crazy BBQ isn’t just serving all-you-can-eat barbecue—they’re doing complimentary ice cream, too. Grab a weekend table at the Lewisville barbecue spot—which concocts a truly fantastic samjang sauce—and choose between things like Pork Belly, Marinated Pork Short Rib, and Lamb Skewers. The great atmosphere and fast service are the perfect backdrop for your date night or special occasion. Make a reservation here.
Marshall’s Bar-B-Q
$ | (972) 243-4941 | WEBSITE
Marshall’s Bar-B-Q promises juicy turkey, smoked brisket, superb sausage, and a peach cobbler that’s the real star. And if that sounds like a good way to cap off your stressful week that involved two flat tires and one missed deadline, then you should head over there. The Lewisville barbecue spot is serving up hearty plates for around $18-$25, with friendly service all evening. Stop by for lunch with the family, or grab a table on the early side and make it your weekend comfort meal.
Tender Smokehouse Little Elm
$ | (972) 292-9516 | WEBSITE
Tender Smokehouse Little Elm is a very swanky place, and on any given day, they’ll be serving very generous portions. The brisket plate is $22 and includes potato salad and a side of their house BBQ sauce. The smokehouse is the latest in Lewisville’s BBQ scene, and though we find it slightly predictable, for a hearty meal in Little Elm, this is a safe bet. Reservations are available here.
Sullivan Old Town BBQ
$ | (469) 451-5599 | WEBSITE
Sullivan Old Town BBQ in Lewisville is serving up Texas-Style Barbeque, and you need to get in line. (Seriously? We’ll save you a spot.) They have tables all day for a menu of things like tender pork chops, top-tier mac n cheese, and brisket with unbelievable flavor. Each plate runs about $18 a person, which you can consider an investment in experiencing one of the best BBQ joints in Texas.
VAQUEROS TEXAS BAR-B-Q
$$ | (214) 531-3101 | WEBSITE
If you’re usually skeptical about finding exceptional barbecue in a shopping center, let us direct your attention to Lewisville’s Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q. The inviting spot in Watters Creek is serving up some of the finest brisket in Texas for around $25-35 per plate, with standout dishes like Al Pastor pork belly burnt ends and brisket nachos. Savor those bite-through ribs with someone who appreciates a casual patio as much as they appreciate good food.
Barrel & Bones The Colony
$$ | (469) 353-8810 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for somewhere to sit, relax, and maybe meet a new friend who loves brisket as much as you do, Barrel & Bones is for you. The Lewisville barbecue spot offers a wonderful dining experience with friendly and attentive staff, complete with an incredible menu spread and standout dishes like buffalo fried deviled eggs. There’s a great bar experience ($12-18 for cocktails) and a full dinner experience ($25-40 for entrees). Take your pick here.
401k Bbq Shack
$ | (214) 938-6900 | WEBSITE
A Texas barbecue craving and 401k Bbq Shack are a perfect match. The Lewisville barbecue joint, from the friendly owner Robert, is one of the best barbecue spots in town, and they’re serving up generous daily specials. Alongside the brisket, expect flavorful sausages and the Hebron special with a taste of everything. Also tender turkey, delicious potato salad, and peach cobbler with Blue Bell ice cream. Plates run about $15 per person, and you can stop by for a quick, tasty meal.
J & M BBQ Food Truck
$ | (972) 292-9134 | WEBSITE
Do you have $15 burning a hole in your pocket? Consider J & M BBQ. The Lewisville food truck is serving up brisket that’s legit, with good smoke rings and bark, and some say it’s the best they’ve ever had, especially in brisket nachos. For the record, we’re not suggesting you skip the sausage or the smoked turkey, and we think those holiday hams are pretty amazing. But still—it’s an option. And as our colleague said, it’s the only way to enjoy top-notch BBQ without wearing a suit.
Manna Korean BBQ & Shabu in Lewisville – Hot pot
$$ | (469) 444-3232 | WEBSITE
Manna Korean BBQ & Shabu is a Korean barbecue spot, but on Saturday nights they’re taking a hot pot and grill approach. Their fantastic combo option features both amazing meats and the Huo Guo soup base, and they’ll be guiding you through the menu. If you’re into dining with friends in what feels like a bustling weekend destination, it could be a great choice. Try the #33, #1, #2, and #4 dishes if you want a delicious meal with attentive service.
Brisket Rules
$ | (469) 796-9681 | WEBSITE
Brisket Rules is a straightforward barbecue counter at the Harvest Hall food hall in Grapevine where you should grab a BBQ charcuterie platter on a lazy Saturday afternoon in jeans and a t-shirt you don’t mind getting a little saucy. (Weekend barbecue at a casual food hall.) The $32 platter starts with sliced brisket and smoked sausage, followed by things like pork belly and pickled vegetables, and crackers and cheese. The choice is yours.
Bartley’s BBQ
$ | (817) 481-3212 | WEBSITE
Ring in 2026 with a pecan cobbler, some live music, and fall-off-the-bone ribs at Lewisville’s Bartley’s BBQ—a spacious restaurant perfect for a relaxed and family-friendly evening. The barbecue joint is doing a $25 family meal deal, complete with tasty sauces, flavorful sides, and generous Po Boys—and if you’re feeling particularly hungry, you can add on custom-smoked meats for just $2.50 per pound.
(And come on, it’s barbecue season, you should add the brisket.) They’re doing continuous seatings with plenty of tables, and you can secure your pickup order for the next day.
Old House BBQ
$ | (972) 460-6799 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a cozy, no-frills spot for a hearty meal, we have an idea—so long as you like barbecue. The Lewisville restaurant that specializes in, yes, Texas-worthy smoked meats, is doing a $20 meal that includes tender ribs, perfectly smoked brisket, and well-seasoned sides. Bring someone you want to share some seriously good food with, and watch the friendly staff serve up free soft-serve ice cream as you enjoy that mom-and-pop vibe.