If you’re not from Texas, there are a few things that immediately come to mind when you think of the Great State: football, saying “y’all,” and barbecue. Or at least that’s what came to mind for me when I moved here over a decade ago!
BBQ is part of the culture here. Whenever we have friends or family visiting from out of town, we always make sure to take them for some classic Texas BBQ. Typical Texas barbecue includes beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, and smoked sausage.
My go-to selections for Texas BBQ are brisket and ribs, and my favorite sides are mac & cheese, potato salad, and beans.
Texas BBQ Tip: Most places sell their meats by the pound. A pound of meat for one person is a lot! If you plan on sampling a few different types of meat, I’d recommend between 1/4–1/2-pounds, so you don’t overdo it. I had a friend visiting from out of town who ordered two pounds of meat for himself…and couldn’t finish it!
There is no shortage of BBQ joints in Collin County, and I’ve included my top four picks that I have personally been to and recommend to friends.
Best BBQ Restaurants in Collin County
Tender Smokehouse
With locations in Celina, Frisco, and now Aubrey, Tender Smokehouse is one of my favorite BBQ restaurants in Collin County. I remember hearing about Tender when we first moved to Collin County almost five years ago, and it did not disappoint. The brisket is amazing, with your choice of “lean” or “moist” cuts. All the sides are delicious, from the mac & cheese to the potato salad to the beans. Chef’s kiss. If you still have room after all that, get the banana pudding.
Texas BBQ Tip: When we have family in town, we usually get their family bundle, which includes two pounds of meat and three sides.
Hutchins BBQ
You know the barbecue must be good when there’s a line on a weekday. That’s what you’ll find at Hutchins BBQ. Hutchins BBQ is often named as one of the best BBQ restaurants in Collin County and has made the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list. Hutchins is a family-owned and -run restaurant, and you can’t go wrong with any of their offerings. They’re known for their Texas Twinkies, which are jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Lockhart Smokehouse
I was so excited to learn that there was a Lockhart Smokehouse in Plano. We’ve previously been to the Lockhart location in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas. This is another BBQ place where you’ll find people lined up, and it’s worth the wait.
Hard Eight BBQ
Hard Eight was my introduction to Texas BBQ when I first moved to Texas. You’ll often find a line at Hard Eight, especially on the weekends.
The smokers are right outside the front door, and as you queue up to choose your meats, you really get to experience Texas BBQ smoke (in a good way!)
Heading to Dallas? Check out Best BBQ in Dallas!
What are your favorite BBQ joints in Collin County?
