Best BBQ in Fort Worth (2025)

Southside favorite blending Central Texas technique with Tex‑Mex touches like brisket elote and flacos tacos. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and repeatedly praised by local critics, it’s a community hangout with real smoke and late hours Wed–Sun.

Weekend-only juggernaut from a tight‑knit crew, known for lucidly smoked brisket, silky turkey, and inventive sausages. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand and ranked near the top by Texas Monthly; the line is part of the ritual—and worth it.

Derrick Walker’s ‘Tex‑Soul’ barbecue layers rib tips, loaded cornbread, greens, and deeply seasoned brisket. Featured by Texas Monthly and beloved by Near Southside regulars, it’s an authentic Fort Worth voice with heart and smoke.

Fort Worth’s craft‑cue trailblazer, still locally owned, famous for bacon burnt ends and prime brisket. Open daily with full bars, it’s a dependable stop noted by regional and national outlets and rooted in the city’s barbecue renaissance.

Since 1958, this taxidermy‑lined classic has served hickory‑smoked brisket, pork ribs, and famously cold beer. A Fort Worth institution celebrated by generations of critics, it’s where many locals first learned what Texas barbecue tastes like.

A Cultural District stalwart with a loyal crowd, heaping plates, and icy schooners. Come for meaty pork ribs and sliced brisket, stay for the Fort Worth attitude and a menu that’s fueled lunch breaks for decades.

A Pakistani‑Texas trailer turning heads with seekh‑kebab sausage, tandoori turkey, and Sichuan lamb ribs alongside textbook brisket. Lauded by major Dallas‑Fort Worth critics and included in Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50, it’s singular and thrilling.

A short hop west of town, this family‑run spot turns out peppery brisket, jalapeño‑havarti sausage, and an excellent burger. Ranked top‑10 statewide by Texas Monthly in 2025, it’s a worthy detour for serious eaters.

Tex‑Mex‑leaning craft ‘cue—think brisket tacos, Texas Twinkies, and smoked elote—now with a Fort Worth outpost. Covered by local media and open daily, it brings a vibrant, independent perspective to the Near Southside scene.