I’ve seen the questions rolling in: “Where should we eat while we’re in Dallas for the SBC?” Well, friend, you’ve come to the right place.
I lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for four years while pastoring a church in Irving. During that time, I took it upon myself, a humble servant of the Lord and lover of smoked meat, to find the best places to eat for such a time as this. One church member and I made it our personal ministry to find the best BBQ in the metroplex.
Also worth noting: my parents owned a BBQ restaurant in my hometown of Gadsden, Alabama for 20 years, and these days I smoke meat in my backyard like it’s a second job. So when it comes to knowing good food, especially BBQ, this isn’t just a hobby; it’s heritage.
One of my favorite parts of visiting a new city is skipping the chains and tourist traps and tasting what makes the local scene special. That’s what I want to help you do here, show you where to eat well with the little free time you’ve got between the exhibit hall, business sessions, and floor debates. If this guide offends anyone, please know I offer it in the spirit of grace, truth, and good taste. (But also… I’m not wrong.)
So here it is the definitive food guide for the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas.
BBQ
Pecan Lodge (2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226)
This A Deep Ellum staple, Pecan Lodge is frequently hailed as one of Dallas’s premier BBQ spots. I have never had anything here that I did not like, but the brisket is a must after standing in line for a while. The jalapeño sausage offers a delightful kick if you’re into that sort of thing. Their Banana Pudding is very popular also.
Terry Black’s (3025 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226)
Originating from Lockhart, the BBQ capital of Texas, Terry Black’s now a must eat spot in Dallas also. The brisket has a peppery bark and tender interior with tons of flavor. The jalapeño-cheddar sausage is very popular and boasts a perfect balance of spice and richness. Don’t miss their creamy mac & cheese and their cornbread.
Hurtado’s(900 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201)
This restaurant offers a unique fusion of traditional Central Texas BBQ with Tex-Mex flavors. Their signature “El Jefe” platter includes a generous sampling of meats, and the brisket tostadas are a standout. To me, they have some of the best sides you can find. Take some friends and get one of the platters, there will be plenty to eat and probably some left over.
Worth the Drive
Hutchins BBQ (1301 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069)
In my opinion, this is the best BBQ in DFW. It’s a bit of a drive and it is absolutely worth it. Hutchins is family-owned establishment since 1978, renowned for its juicy brisket and flavorful jalapeño cheddar sausage. The fried okra and mac & cheese are local favorites, making it a well-rounded BBQ experience. Splurge by getting a “Texas Twinkie” which is a large jalapeño stuffed with brisket & cream cheese and wrapped in premium thick cut bacon. Everyone gets free dessert too! There are two locations, but I recommend the one in McKinney.
Cattleack Barbeque (13628 Gamma Rd, Farmers Branch, TX 75244)
The only issue with this restaurant is they are only open a few days a week, and close relatively early because they always sellout. Really, this place is a hidden gem that the locals like to keep a secret. Their beef ribs (dinosaur rib) and burnt ends are exceptional, and the burnt end beans are a must-try side. Arrive early, like an hour before they open, there will already be a line.
Goldie’s Smokehouse and BBQ (4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76140)
Recently crowned the No. 1 BBQ joint in Texas by Texas Monthly, Goldue’s is worth the trek. Their brisket is tender and juicy, with a perfect smoke ring. I also recommend the ribs. Sides like cheesy grits and lemon kale slaw are among the most popular.
Zavala’s Barbecue (421 W Main St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050)
Zavala’s combines traditional Texas BBQ with Mexican heritage, offering dishes like brisket tacos and cheesy jalapeño hominy. The brisket is moist and flavorful, making it one of the DFW area. My recommendation is to call ahead, even the day before to make sure you get what you want.
Panther City (201 E Hattie St, Fort Worth, TX 76104)
Located in Fort Worth’s historic Southside, Panther City BBQ offers Central Texas-style barbecue with a Tex-Mex twist. Their brisket elote and brisket burritos are unique offerings that set them apart. The establishment also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue marathon.
Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ (1950 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207)
This is one of the lesser known spots, but not far from the convention center at all. They have a great “backyard” which does include a Ferris Wheel you can ride. Do not sleep on their waffle dry brisket nachos.
BBQ Joints to Avoid
I’m not here to be mean, just helpful. You only get a limited number of meals during your time in Dallas, and I’d hate for you to waste one on a place that looks promising on Instagram but leaves you disappointed.
These spots often get recommended, but in my experience, they’re more touristy than tasty. If you’re serious about good BBQ, I’d steer clear of:
Heim BBQ
Spring Creek BBQ
Cousins BBQ
Hard Eight BBQ
Tex-Mex, Tacos, And More
You can’t talk food in Dallas without talking Tex-Mex. There are so many places to get good Tex-Mex in DFW that I wouldn’t pretend to have tried them all. Honestly, I’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to this genre.
That said, I’ve eaten more than enough to know where to start. Whether you’re craving fajitas, tacos, tamales, or just that bold, comforting Tex-Mex flavor, these are the places I confidently recommend. Some are near the convention center, others are worth the short drive, but all of them will leave you full and grateful.
Uno Mas Tex Mex (1525 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201)
This is near convention center and some of the best Tex Mex, if not the best, in DFW.
E Bar Tex-Mex (1901 N Haskell Ave., Dallas, TX 75204)
Joe T Garcia’s (2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164)
A Fort Worth institution since 1935, Joe T. Garcia’s offers a limited but perfected menu in a lush garden setting. The fajitas are what people usually get and they are great. Prepare to stand in line for a while until a table is available. This place is cash only, but they do have an ATM.
Lupe Tortilla (4535 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX 75001; multiple locations)
Hands down, the best fajitas in DFW. The queso and chips are great also. I have never had anything else on their menu outside of the fajitas, they are that good.
Fuel City Tacos ( 801 S Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207)
A 24/7 spot combining a gas station with a taco stand, offering quick service. These are some of my favorite street tacos. Make sure to get street corn and some pie too. Cash only, and do not go at night.
Chilangos Tacos (10777 Harry Hines Blvd #130, Dallas, TX 75220)
Another hole in the wall taco joint. If you’re flying into Lovefield it’s not far from there. If you want to try Tacos this is high on the list.
Other Must Eats and Some Fast-Food Options
Not everything is BBQ and Tex Mex in Dallas. If you are here for an extended time, or maybe want a quick meal, or a taste of home here are some good options for you as well.
Babe’s Chicken House (1006 W Main St, Carrollton, TX 75006)
This is family-style Southern comfort food. You choose your main dish—like fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, or smoked chicken—and the sides (mashed potatoes, cream corn, green beans, and biscuits) just keep coming until you’re full. The biscuits with honey is one of the best things you will eat while in Dallas. A must!
Tommy Tamale (680 N Denton Tap Rd #350, Coppell, TX 75019)
Great tamales with a twist! My favorite is the Tommy Bowl which is your choice of 1 or 2 Tamales – Includes rice, queso, TX beef chili, tamales, cheese and pico de gallo.
Braum’s (multiple locations)
This is a fast food place that serves some of the best quick service burgers you can find. They are operated out of Oklahoma and only open stores within 300 miles of the farm to guarantee everything is fresh. Their ice cream and shakes are an amazing treat.
Chicken Express (multiple locations)
No frills with this place. Chicken, sides, rolls, and biscuit. Oh, and the sweetest tea you will ever drink in your life.
Of course I could mention Whataburger and In-N-Out too, but you may have those where you live and probably already knew about them. You will not have the opportunity to eat all of these places, so choose wisely. If I could only eat one of each here is how I would do it:
BBQ: Hutchins
Tex Mex: Uno Mas Tex Mex
Fajitas: Lupe Tortilla
Tacos: Fuel City
Other: Babe’s
Fast Food: Braums
Enjoy your time in Dallas, and I hope this guide helps you make the most of every meal. Be kind to your server, tip well, and look for ways to share the love of Jesus wherever you go. I hope to see you, or meet you for the first time, as we gather together to do the important work of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Jared Cornutt
Jared Cornutt serves as Pastor of North Shelby Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. Jared’s motion to amend the BFM2000 made at the 2023 Convention was overwhelmingly adopted, the first amendment to the BFM since its initial adoption. Jared graduated from the University of Alabama in 2013 and from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2015 with his Master of Divinity. He is currently a student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO pursuing a Ph.D. in Historical Theology and will also earn a Th.M. in the process. Jared is a regular speaker at D-Nows, camps, revivals, and other church related events. Jared is married to Kandace and together they have four children. He is a founder and leadership team member for The Baptist Review.