Garland, often mistaken for Dallas’s sleepy suburb by those who’ve never ventured beyond the highway exits, is sprawling. Amid the strip malls and car dealerships, smoke signals rise. While Texas barbecue needs no introduction here, Garland’s pits offer surprises beyond brisket and sausage. In this list, you’ll find Korean-infused ribs, whole-hog traditions, and a food-truck gem slinging smoked jackfruit—all in this unapologetically practical city. Just follow the scent of oak and hickory.
BBQ KING
$$ | (972) 807-6910 | WEBSITE
BBQ KING is the Pakistani cousin of your typical Texas barbecue joint. Exactly like those spots, you get generous portions and bold flavors, but here they arrive with a special touch of jalapeno peppers. Prices correspond to the generous portions and they don’t take reservations. Unlike those places, the wait time won’t have you questioning whether you should have just ordered takeout instead.
Order the goat biryani with the server because it’s a standout that deserves special attention, and it’s too good to miss. BBQ KING is a reliable and casual spot to come with your family, with kid-friendly options and toddler chairs available. But it also works great for eating alone while enjoying the outdoor seating and contemplating the perfect balance of spices in their Nehari as the warm Texas breeze floats your way.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (972) 495-0417 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of solid barbecue spots in Garland, and this is one of them. Texas Roadhouse is known for their steaks and service, which are good, but we really love their tender cuts and friendly manager. You just have to know when to go here, because your timing makes all the difference. Visit after 4 pm on a weekday if you can. Then savor that subtly smoky steak with a side of attentive service in one experience. And if you go on a weekend, expect it to be packed. Is it still worth the wait?
We bet the regulars (fans of amazing prices) would say so.
No Doubt B.B.Q
$ | (972) 481-4368 | WEBSITE
You’re heading to this casual spot for a massive plate of brisket nachos. The barbecue joint’s brisket is smoky and moist, pairing perfectly with any side. But if you can handle double servings of meat, get the combo with a side of smoked sausage. It’s juicy, tender, and with a generous sauce drizzle, it makes you smile in your seat a little. Like many restaurants in Garland, No Doubt B.B.Q sees a steady lunch crowd, especially when workers from the nearby power company stop by.
It’s the kind of hearty meal that leaves you perfectly satisfied without needing extra seasoning.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
$ | (469) 250-1415 | WEBSITE
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit feels like the kind of place you’d find in Texas. Until you realize their beef brisket is smoked for hours, and then you remember you’re in Garland. The barbecue joint has been a local favorite for years and they’re actual wizards in smokehouse sorcery.
Platter-sized portions are just under $15 and they give you a loyalty card for a free side after your 5th visit—a goal you will quickly accomplish once you try their jalapeño cheddar sausage (say yes to the fried okra and green beans).
Spring Creek Barbeque
$ | (972) 675-2920 | WEBSITE
This barbecue spot used to be a different joint years ago, but it’s now our go-to place for smoked meats in Garland. It has a casual dining room, a few picnic-style tables out front, and the absolute friendliest staff working the floor. You have three main meat choices: ribs, brisket, or pulled pork—plus classic sides like mac and cheese and rolls. About half the menu is dedicated to barbecue plates, and our favorite order is the ribs with mac and cheese.
It kind of tastes like a backyard cookout and it’s just over $15 with tax.
Baker’s Ribs
$ | (972) 226-7447 | WEBSITE
For years, Baker’s Ribs has been a go-to barbecue joint in Garland. The spot serves up some of the best ribs, brisket, and sausage in the area. Prioritize those over the kids’ menu items. But definitely don’t leave without ordering the mac and cheese (specifically with the phenomenal potato salad and marinated tomatoes). This place runs a serious dine-in operation. There’s ample seating inside, but no outlets in sight.
And we recommend knowing what you want before you order because they’re always busy and if you hesitate, you might not get that initial acknowledgment—but that’s sort of the friendly, no-fuss charm of this place.
Intrinsic Smokehouse Brewery + BBQ Catering
$ | (972) 272-2400 | WEBSITE
You can find every Texas BBQ staple imaginable at this Garland smokehouse, but if you want the full experience, head straight to the counter. That’s where you’ll order Intrinsic’s barbecue. Many places serve brisket around here, but this particular spot makes the best version. The brisket is juicy and the massive portions of brisket nachos should overwhelm someone with a small appetite, but still deliver incredible flavor in every bite.
This is just the kind of satisfying, straightforward, and delicious meal everyone craves, which is probably why it’s also one of the most popular spots in Garland for a family outing.
Meshack’s Bar-B-Que
$ | (214) 227-4748 | WEBSITE
This BBQ joint is as welcoming as your neighbor’s backyard cookout. Everyone here greets you warmly—which isn’t always the case at a busy barbecue spot—and it’s casual enough that you can patiently watch them slice the specific brisket you want (the fattier end pieces are juicier and more flavorful). Take the hefty container to your car and enjoy the anticipation of fellow BBQ enthusiasts around you doing the same.
Your brisket here should also be paired with their potato salad that’s creamy and tangy. For the full experience, make sure to grab their pecan-smoked ribs that fall right off the bone. Get both.
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que
$ | (972) 271-6885 | WEBSITE
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is a casual Texas barbecue joint where the GM greets you by name and you can have a hearty meal for under $20. The BBQ sauce comes in little mason jars and the staff smiles at you with the same warmth as a summer day in Garland. For a truly satisfying plate, get the baked potato with smoked sausage, brisket, and bacon. It’s piled high with tender pulled pork bits and comes with a generous side of sliced brisket for only about $18.
We understand why dinner here might lead you to consider spending the rest of your evenings at Soulman’s, belt loosened yet full of flavor.
Rick’s Smokehouse Barbecue
$ | (972) 276-4353 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Garland’s most Garland neighborhood, this smokehouse serves really good brisket and the best fried okra in Texas (because they make it fresh daily). A meal here can be as satisfyingly simple as a plate of cheese potatoes with coleslaw and baked beans. But it can also be a nice rack of beef ribs and a side of ham from their classic barbecue menu right on display.
You can count on this place and its family-friendly vibe for when you need a good portion of barbecue with your lunch plate, or your dinner feast.