There’s nothing like Texas BBQ! Don’t leave Texas without trying some iconic brisket, ribs, and legendary sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. From good old-fashioned classics to fusion and unique flavors, Arlington’s got BBQ joints like nowhere else in the world.
Smoke’N Ash Tex-Ethiopian Smokehouse
Smoke’N Ash is the only Tex-Ethiopian Smokehouse in the world. Recently recognized by Michelin, the James Beard Foundation, and Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Smoke’N Ash is a bucket list restaurant to try in Arlington. Here, they blend classic Texas barbecue with traditional Ethiopian flavors to create a magical fusion. If you want our advice, order the Tex-Ethiopian platter so you can get a taste of everything from rib tip tibs, Awaze brisket, beefy collard greens, berbere macaroni and cheese, and more. Read the full story behind Smoke’N Ash to learn more about this restaurant that keeps getting everyone’s undivided attention.
Jambo’s BBQ
Come for classic Texas BBQ and stay for the stories! If you didn’t know, now you know, Arlington was Vegas before Vegas. Located on the historic Bankhead highway, this building saw outlaws and celebrities from the Prohibition Era and beyond like Bonnie and Clyde, Benny Binion, Jack Ruby, and more. If you’re a real history buff, ask to eat in the room upstairs where the gambling actually took place back in the day! You can even see the old train tracks where old outlaws allegedly would have escaped... If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories forever so, if you want more details on the infamous clientele, ask owner Paul Lovato to tell you all the stories he’s heard over the years.
And don’t forget to order some stuffed jalapeños and their signature Jambo Texan – a giant BBQ sandwich stacked with brisket, bologna, pork, sausage, AND ribs. Come hungry!
Hurtado Barbecue
Two Texas classics - BBQ and Tex-Mex - and lucky for you, Hurtado’s got both! This local favorite serves BBQ classics like brisket and ribs but adds some Tex-Mex flare with their birria tacos, brisket tostadas, hatch chile mac and cheese, elote, and even the cornbread. Check out their flagship location on Front Street in Downtown Arlington.
M’Jays House of Smoke
You might know M’Jays from their viral SUPER loaded baked potatoes, the Texas Spud and Three Headed Monster (they’re not kidding when they say loaded!). They’re serving up Texas slow-smoked BBQ with a soulful twist with dishes like the Big D’ Smokey Loaded Cornbread, Brisket Mac and Brisket Philly Sandwich. Make sure you get there early – they are known to run out!
225⁰ BBQ
This downtown spot's got BBQ classics with a Tex-Mex twist. Order some traditional BBQ like brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and ribs or try something a little outside the box like birria ramen and their brisket elote. 225⁰ is the perfect place to play some pool or catch a game on the screen.
David’s Barbecue
With over 100 years in business, this fourth-generation barbecue joint knows how to do Texas barbecue right. If you want real Texas BBQ, this is the place for you. They’ve got all the classics like brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and sausage and sides like barbeque beans, coleslaw, potato salad and fried okra.
