Fort Worth’s BBQ scene is a bit like stepping into a friendly duel—every pitmaster thinks they’ve got the winning brisket, and every local has a story about the ribs that changed their life. The city’s smoky legacy isn’t just about tradition; it’s an ever-evolving blend of old-school flavors and creative reinventions. If you think you’ve tasted it all, Fort Worth will prove you wrong. Growing up visiting family just off Camp Bowie, the aroma of oak smoke on a Saturday afternoon signaled one thing: make room for seconds.
Finding the best BBQ in Fort Worth can feel like hunting for buried treasure, only your map is stained with sauce. After countless racks of ribs, melt-in-your-mouth turkey slices, and debates over the best spot in line, I’ve earned a few opinions—and some smoky wisdom. Below, you’ll find a guide shaped by appetite, curiosity, and more than a few messy napkins. Whether you crave tender brisket or inventive sides, read on. Your next BBQ favorite might be just around the corner.
1. Velvet Taco
If you think Velvet Taco is just another taco spot, think again. This place bends the rules with global flavors, smoky meats, and creativity at every turn. The atmosphere feels laid-back but buzzes with energy, making it easy to lose track of time sampling the menu.
What elevates Velvet Taco above the crowd is their inventive use of BBQ in unexpected ways. One bite of their Brisket Taco and you get tender, slow-cooked beef paired with just the right amount of sauce and crunch. It captures the spirit of Texas and adds a fresh spin.
The Rotisserie Chicken Taco also deserves your attention. It’s juicy, flavorful, and piles on the veggies without ever pretending to be boring. At Velvet Taco, BBQ isn’t limited by tradition—it’s remixed with attitude.
2. Torchys Tacos
The buzz around Torchys Tacos isn’t just local hype—it’s warranted. Walk in any day, and the line is proof people crave their bold flavors and cheeky menu. The place mixes a friendly, no-fuss vibe with food that feels bigger than life.
Torchys stands out for their fearless approach to tacos. They’re not afraid to get playful or pile on a mountain of textures with smoky, satisfying results. The Smoked Brisket Taco is a must if you want BBQ flavor without straying from taco territory.
Their Brushfire Taco brings heat, fire-grilled chicken, and a generous scoop of cool, creamy slaw. The combo pays tribute to Texas barbecue traditions while carving new ground. When you’re hungry for BBQ in a tortilla, Torchys delivers.
3. Riscky’s Steakhouse
Riscky’s Steakhouse sits right in the heart of the Stockyards, where cowboy boots never go out of style and plates groan under generous portions. The atmosphere manages to balance old-school charm and a casual vibe, which makes lingering over a meal all too easy.
This isn’t a spot just for steak lovers. Riscky’s knows how to treat their meats, especially when it comes to barbecue favorites. I’ll never forget the first time I forked into their smoked turkey—juicy, with just the right hint of woodsmoke.
If you’re in the mood for BBQ, try their tender brisket or classic BBQ chicken. The portions are Texas-sized and the flavors serve up Fort Worth tradition on every plate.
4. Riscky’s Barbeque
+1 817-626-7777
See Menu
Riscky’s Barbeque has been a Stockyards staple for generations, and there’s a reason locals keep coming back. Walk in and the smell of slow-cooked meats says you’re about to eat well. It feels like a place where classic Texas barbecue doesn’t mess with a good thing.
The beef ribs here are legendary. They’re smoky, peppery, and piled high, giving you plenty to dig into. I still remember tackling a platter—elbows deep, napkins required, and worth every bite.
Don’t miss the BBQ chicken or sliced beef brisket. Both are standouts for tenderness and the right balance of sauce and smoke. Riscky’s is a reminder why Fort Worth takes its BBQ seriously.
5. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is the kind of spot where you can smell the mesquite smoke before you walk in. The massive pits and steady crowd set the stage for some serious barbecue. Every visit promises a line, but that’s part of the fun—and always worth the wait.
What really separates Cooper’s is the choose-your-meat, pay-by-the-pound experience. It feels more like a backyard feast than a restaurant, with meat so flavorful you’ll want to try a bit of everything. The pitmasters happily offer samples if you’re stuck deciding.
The “Big Chop” is their signature move. It’s huge, juicy, and tastes like Texas tradition in every bite. The brisket and turkey also shine, each with a perfect smoke ring and tenderness you’ll remember.
6. Woodshed Smokehouse Restaurant
Woodshed Smokehouse Restaurant is where BBQ meets creativity on the Trinity River. The open-air patio buzzes with energy and the scent of seasoned wood smoke, drawing locals and visitors alike. Chef Tim Love’s penchant for fire-cooked fare is unmistakable, making for a menu that surprises even well-traveled barbecue fans.
Woodshed sets itself apart by smoking just about everything—from brisket to veggies. The smoked turkey is tender and full of bold flavor, while the house-made sausages pack plenty of punch. On one visit, I grabbed a seat by the river and savored every bite of their slow-roasted beef.
The rotating menu keeps things interesting. Don’t miss the smoked artichoke hearts for something different or the lamb brisket for a twist on tradition. Woodshed gives classic barbecue a modern Fort Worth update.
7. Railhead Smokehouse
Railhead Smokehouse feels like the place where BBQ stories are born. With the laid-back setting and the unmistakable smell of oak smoke drifting across the lot, this is the kind of spot you hear about from locals. I landed here on a rainy afternoon, left satisfied and with an urge to return.
Portions are generous and the brisket stays perfectly tender. The sliced turkey is a close second—juicy, balanced, and done right every time. Their no-nonsense approach to smoking lets the flavors, not the sauces, do all the talking.
If you’re hungry for a classic, try the ribs. Pair them with classic sides like potato salad, and it’s easy to see why Railhead has such a loyal following in Fort Worth’s crowded BBQ scene.
8. Angelos Barbecue
Walking into Angelos Barbecue feels a bit like stepping into Fort Worth’s BBQ hall of fame. There’s sawdust on the floor, trophy bucks on the wall, and the kind of smoky aroma you want to bottle up and take home. It’s been serving classics since 1958, and you sense that history with every bite.
The brisket here is a rite of passage for any local. Tender, perfectly smoked slices are paired with just enough bark and juice to keep you coming back. During my first visit, I couldn’t decide between the ribs and brisket—so I didn’t. I never regretted that call.
Order the sliced turkey or beef sausage if you like variety. Angelo’s delivers on flavor, tradition, and no-frills charm that keeps fans loyal, generation after generation.
9. Spiral Diner & Bakery
Spiral Diner & Bakery turns classic comfort food on its head, offering BBQ flavors even if you’re steering clear of traditional meats. It’s a breath of fresh air in a city dominated by smokehouses, and you can’t help but appreciate the vintage diner vibe with a hip twist. My first visit was all about curiosity—and I walked away impressed.
Spiral’s vegan BBQ plates are anything but boring. Order the BBQ “Cowboy” Burger, and you’ll get a smoky, tangy bite that could convert even the most loyal meat eater for a meal. Their house-made barbecue sauce brings the Texas heat you’d expect, just in a plant-based way.
The BBQ sandwich and mac ‘n’ cheese are crowd-pleasers. Spiral stands out because it lets anyone get their BBQ fix, side-stepping tradition without losing soul or flavor.
10. Riscky’s BAR-B-Q Sundance Square
Riscky’s BAR-B-Q Sundance Square delivers all the classic Texas barbecue charm in the heart of downtown. The setting feels urban but relaxed, and you’ll spot everything from business lunches to family outings enjoying plates piled high. My quick lunch stop here turned into a full-on feast before I knew it.
The brisket sandwich is a reliable favorite, loaded with smoky slices and just enough sauce to keep things interesting. The ribs deserve a mention, too—tender and coated in just the right amount of savory rub.
Sundance Square’s Riscky’s serves tradition without skipping convenience or flavor. Grab a BBQ platter if you want to sample everything, and you’ll see why this spot draws a steady crowd all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular BBQ dish in Fort Worth?
Brisket tops the list in Fort Worth. Tender, smoky, and sliced or chopped, it’s served everywhere from diners to upscale BBQ joints. Ribs and smoked turkey are also local favorites.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan BBQ options in Fort Worth?
Yes—Spiral Diner & Bakery leads the way, serving plant-based BBQ sandwiches and sides with smoky, tangy sauces. Many BBQ spots now offer vegetarian-friendly sides and some creative twists on meatless BBQ.
Is Fort Worth BBQ different from other Texas regions?
Fort Worth BBQ leans heavily on beef, slow smoking with local woods, and simple seasonings. Rustic flavors and a “let the smoke speak” style set it apart from saucy or pork-heavy BBQ in other regions.
Which Fort Worth BBQ restaurants are good for families?
Riscky’s, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and Angelos Barbecue are favorites with families because of their relaxed atmosphere, generous portions, and kids’ menu options.
Do BBQ restaurants in Fort Worth offer gluten-free options?
Most major spots offer gluten-free choices, especially on meats and traditional sides. Always ask the staff for details or recommendations when ordering.
Can I get BBQ for takeout or delivery in Fort Worth?
Definitely. Nearly every BBQ joint listed offers both takeout and delivery, making it easy to enjoy Texas barbecue at home, at work, or anywhere in the city.