Best barbecue in all of Fort Worth? Here’s a list of the top joints

Fort Worth is known for its barbecue, but where to go?

In 2021, Texas Monthly observed that Cowtown was becoming a hotbed for exciting new barbecue joints, including them in its list of top 50 places to enjoy smoked meat.

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Barbecue that’s Fort worth-it

According to Texas Monthly, Goldee’s barbecue is the #1 barbecue spot in all of Texas. If you’re in town for only a few days, this is the place to go. It’s only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until they are sold out. Goldee’s suggests that you get there between 8-10 a.m. to grab your pick. The line will be long, so bring some lawn chairs in case theirs are filled.

Panther City Barbecue is the #10 ranked BBQ spot on the Texas Monthly list. Famously known for their brisket, they also have jalapeno poppers stuffed with burnt ends that is a customer favorite.

Dayne’s Craft Barbecue makes the top 50 on Texas Monthly’s list. The newer spot is known for their unique sausage flavors such as blueberry and gouda. Another must-try is the bacon brisket.

Hurtado Barbecue had a quick explosion of growth within its first two years of opening. Also listed on the Texas Monthly list, Hurtado is known for its Tex-Mex approach to barbecue. “... the pulled pork is impressive, but I’m continually drawn back for specialties such as the Big Red barbacoa tostada, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, house-made sausages, and creative weekend brunch items.” said Daniel Vaugn, Texas Monthly barbecue editor.

Lastly, but not least, Texas monthly ranks Smoke-a-holics among the must-tries. Their ribs are the crown jewel along with their specialty sides like loaded cornbread, dirty rice, and brisket nachos.

Old-school picks for Fort Worth tastes

While Fort Worth has a barbecue spot at practically every corner, these smoke shops are worth a taste. These five — “top five old-school spots” — are recommendations from Star-Telegram food editor Bud Kennedy.

• Railhead Smoke House — 2900 Montgomery St.

• Cousin’s BBQ — 5125 Bryant Irvin Rd. and 6262 McCart Ave.

• Angelos BBQ — 2533 White Settlement Rd.

• Sammies BBQ — 3801 E Belknap St.

• David’s Barbecue — 2224 W. Park Row Dr., Arlington
  
  

Hickory Stick, at 900 E Enon Ave, Everman — another old-school joint — was voted best BBQ by our readers in 2023. What started as just a kitchen and small front room with space for about 40 customers, grew to be a town favorite and popular gathering place for locals. Over the years, rooms were added, so the restaurant can now seat nearly 150.

These old-school classics stood the test of time. Loyal customers have been visiting these spots for years keeping them in business. The generational impact and relationship these businesses have with the Fort Worth community may mean much more than the quality of their meat.

Newer additions to the Fort Worth area are Meat U Anywhere in Grapevine, 407BBQ in Argyle, and LocalCraft in Newark.

What makes Texas barbecue different?

Texas style barbecue is known for their smoked brisket. Brisket is a cut from the cow or pig located beneath the shoulder, typically around the chest area. Other types of barbecue like Tennessee or Carolina, focus more on pork meats.

Texas smoke masters use dry rubs for their brisket.

“Traditional Texas BBQ is seasoned with a combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and black pepper. A little bit of sugar is added for sweetness and smoke from either mesquite or hickory wood provides that signature smoky flavor,” according to Dickey’s BBQ Pit.

Texas uses both dry rubs and sauces to enhance the barbecue flavors. No matter what the meat, it is prepped with a dry rub full of flavor.