No matter how you spell it, the aroma and taste of anything smoked, rubbed and slathered in sweet and spicy sauce makes our mouths water—and nobody does barbecue better than Texas.
And when your travels take you to Arlington, or one of the nearby Dallas tourist attractions, you better come hungry (and with plenty of moist towelettes). From ribs to hot links and fried okra to banana pudding, here are the four Arlington restaurants that do Texas BBQ right.
Jambo’s Barbeque Shack 2502 Little Road
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or until sold out)
At Jambo’s, you get the homey feel you expect from a Texas business claiming to offer true Southern hospitality. You also get generous portions and well-seasoned meats. The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, as are the ribs that you can so effortlessly pull off the bone. But, what this barbecue joint is really known for is the Jambo Texan—a sandwich containing every piece of meat on the menu (brisket, bologna, pulled pork, sausage and ribs) piled sky high between pieces of Texas Toast. The Sadie and bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos are other customer favorites, and make sure you save some room for homemade apple cobbler, or at least get it to go. If this location doesn’t work, there are two more in the area, another in Arlington and one in Rendon.
Cokers Bar-B-Q 2612 West Pioneer Parkway Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cokers is one local’s pick that doesn’t disappoint. For more than 17 years, it’s been serving finger-lickin’ goodness amidst all of its really cool and old Coca-Cola memorabilia. They slow smoke their brisket and ribs until they’re lusciously tender. For an extra kick, try their hot links or add their barbecue sauce with the pepper sauce to your meats, and dip your side of fried okra in it too! The pulled pork with Carolina sauce and stuffed baked potato are sure to leave you satisfied.
Eddie Deen Crossroads Smokehouse 1004 N. Collins St. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until sold out
Eddie Deen’s offers lip-smackin’ good food for a great price, not to mention really down to earth service. There are so many good items on their menu, it’s hard to choose. But foods that always please the palate are the ribs with their honey-glazed finish, braised brisket tacos, collard greens, the spicy barracho beans and a slice of chocolate fudge pecan pie. Perhaps something small this smokehouse has done that is greatly appreciated by its customers is setting up a nice area inside the restaurant where you can help yourself to as many onions, peppers, pickles and the usual condiments you want.
Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1206 E. Division St. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This family-owned, cafeteria-style service barbecue joint is the perfect fill-your-belly kind of place to go after seeing a Rangers or Cowboys game. At Bodacious Bar-B-Q, the sausage links are juicy and delicious, the brisket is full of flavor and the ribs are so good you don’t even need barbecue sauce—although their house-made Bodacious BBQ sauce has just the right amount of spice to it. Top your meal off with some tasty banana pudding or a fried pie.
Where to Stay
After treating yourself to Arlington’s best barcue, treat yourself to one of Arlington’s best hotels.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Arlington 1721 Pleasant Place 817-784-8750
At this Holiday Inn Express, you can expect a comfortable, clean and pleasant night’s sleep. The hospitable staff, hotel amenities, complimentary breakfast and central location to area attractions make this hotel perfect for both single and family travelers.
Blue Cypress Hotel 117 S. Watson Road 817-633-4000
A stay in Arlington’s boutique hotel offers a wonderful experience. With coffee in the lobby 24/7, as well as a pool, gym, business center and onsite restaurant, this modern hotel was designed with business and leisure travelers in mind.