texas bbq tour fort worth

Texas Bar-B-Q Tour

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Fort Worth, TX 76107

Arlington Heights

Serving Fort Worth Area

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This is an excellent tour for any first-time visitor to Ft Worth Totally worth the money Billy Ray (our guide) is a hoot. He's a genuine Texan and a veritable fountain of knowledge regarding the history of Ft Worth. He also has many humorous stories and jokes to share with everyone throughout the tour. The Tour takes to various points of interest around Ft Worth (including the Stock Yards) and various delicious BBQ spots around town. The food is awesome. There is a lot to see in Ft Worth and this tour is a great way to start to get to know this town

Do not recommend this tour for small groups. May have been better with 12+ people. Having to listen to the tour guide boast about himself (mostly unrelated to the sightseeing) the entire time was obnoxious and ruined it for us. Also, instructions to "come hungry" were not good...we didn't see any food/BBQ for more than 2 hours after the tour started (and we were all hangry). I had been looking forward to a day of fun and relaxing sightseeing and the tour guide being so pushy and interjecting himself into every conversation was beyond irritating. Not worth the money.

Billy was a fantastic tour guide. His information and choice of locations were interesting and enjoyable. The 3 BBQ venues visited were FANTASTIC! Very fun, highly recommended.

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Bikes and BBQ: Electric Bike Tour of Fort Worth

• Use of electric bicycle
• Use of helmet
• Local guide
• Local taxes
• Bottled water
• Enjoy the special of the day - chopped BBQ sandwich, sides, cobbler, and ice tea.
• Entry/Admission - Fort Worth Water Gardens
• Entry/Admission - JFK Tribute
• Entry/Admission - Sundance Square
• Entry/Admission - Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
• Entry/Admission - Fort Worth
• Gratuities. For groups of 6 or more, 20% gratuity for your guide is included in the ticket price.
• Beer and wine is available at Cooper's BBQ but not included in the ticket price.
• 129 W Leuda St, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA One block west of South Main at the intersection of W Leuda and Galveston - across the street from the Rahr & Sons Brewery.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Must be age 16 or older, weigh 250 pounds or less, and be able to confidently ride a bike.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
• Sundance Square
• Fort Worth Water Gardens
• JFK Tribute
• Coyote Drive-In

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 129 W Leuda St 129 W Leuda St, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA One block west of South Main at the intersection of W Leuda and Galveston - across the street from the Rahr & Sons Brewery. See address & details
• 1 Fort Worth Water Gardens Stop: 10 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Fort Worth Convention Center See details
• 3 JFK Tribute Stop: 5 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Sundance Square Stop: 5 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Coyote Drive-In See details
• 6 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• V241DImichellep 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best ride everrrr! My husband and I had a fantastic time! The process was easy and the ride was amazing!! I would highly recommend this company. Until next time!!! 😊 Read more Written January 18, 2024
• nataliesJ6599XF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super fun family day with Pedego bikes in Fort Worth. Touring around Fort Worth on an electric bike was the perfect day trip for our family. Our 2 boys kept commenting about how much fun they were having and that it was the best trip ever. Even though the sights were also great (we stopped at the Stockyards, Sundance Square, Dream playground & Water Gardens) the kids just enjoyed zipping around with the bikes most of all. The store owner Vicki was super helpful providing directions and available all day if we needed her and even gave us water for the road. We will definitely be back to do this again and would be a fun date day as a couple. I would not recommend this for families with little kids because riders need to proficient at riding independently and responsibly, since at times you will likely need to travel in the bike lanes alongside traffic. However, for responsible older kids, teens and of course adults our family would HIGHLY recommend Pedego bike rentals. Read more Written January 9, 2024
• ACleverSobriquet 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific, Friendly, Helpful We had reservations for a family of three but at the last minute, one of our members was just not willing to give it a go. I was very frustrated and embarrassed, but the wonderful owner was so sympathetic and understanding. She actually helped ME by determining that it simply wouldn't be safe to let someone so unwilling ride, and even offered us a complete refund. That was so very kind and appreciated. Read more Written January 9, 2024
• ACleverSobriquet 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific Customer Service Vicky was so kind and patient, handling one very reluctant member of our party with more grace than I did. Many thanks to her for her understanding and generosity. Read more Written December 28, 2023
• Gypsy_Blood39 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent time! My son and I had a wonderful time with Vicki, exploring so much of Fort Worth. I was delightfully surprised by how much ground we covered. Doing this early in our visit to the area was helpful to get a lay of the land and saved us a lot of time getting around for the rest of our vacation. With Vicki guiding us, we saw much more than we knew existed in the area. We were shocked by the Fort Worth Water Gardens - you would never know what’s behind the initial water sculpture. We were able to experience the river and Trinity Trail, taking us to the Stockyards in perfect time for the cattle drive before having a delicious lunch. I could go on and on about the wonderful experience but you have to see for yourself. I highly recommend it! Read more Written November 13, 2023
• OCBB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Marco and Keeley are wonderful tour guides. They kept us entertained with fun facts about Fort Worth. We felt safe riding throughout downtown Fort Worth. The cattle drive was fun to see. I recommend you take this tour while in Fort Worth. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• Experience365987 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Saturday Ride Ease of reservation, bikes were ready when we arrived. We tested the bikes out before we rode and returned them at the end of our session. We rode over 15 miles on the bikes and they battery held the charge well. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• Departure56451623369 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best family fun rejuvenating adventure. We had an amazing adventure. From start to finish it rates as a 10. All three of us had different bikes, it took 2 mins to learn how to operate and then we were off on the best 2 hour adventure. We went to Sundance, then to the stockyards and river trails. Perfect day for a completely beautiful ride. Fort worth is full of wonderful things to see, when you take the time to slow down a bit and explore. The location of the shop is central to any direction you want to go. Vickie took the time to go over the operation of the controls of the bike, what to expect, how to use bike signals (remember those), gave us a local map and with confidence that can only be built with experience told us to have fun. I am 65 yrs old,but today I was a kid again. We had a blast. Read more Written September 2, 2023
• tobya683 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Experience! Great company with super friendly staff. Bikes were fantastic and the staff even better. They gave us helpful information and things to do around the city. Read more Written June 19, 2023
• TCW5 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pedego Fun! My son and I did a weekend visit to the Fort Worth & Dallas areas. First stop was Pedego where we rented electric bikes and did the trek through town, stopping at Fort Worth Water Garden, to the stockyard area to watch The Fort Worth Herd do their cattle drive. Very bike friendly area with bike lanes and/or bike signage the whole way. Pedego staff was great spending time making sure we had the perfect size bikes, were comfortable with our route and making sure we were all set up for our 2 hour rental. Had a wonderful experience. Read more Written June 13, 2023
• Hickingbottom 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great ride! I love riding the electric bikes. I look for the bikes in every town I am visiting. I was in the Ft. Worth area recently and found Pedego electric bikes Fort Worth . I was not sure of when I would be able to do it so just called the day of and was able to get 3 Electric bikes . I talked with Vickie when I called and she told us to come on over and she would be happy to accommodate us . She ask for our heights so when we arrive she had our bikes out and ready to go. We had 1 person in our group who had never ridden an electric bike so we ask if he could ride for a minute to make sure he felt comfortable and she said of course ! After his test ride he was comfortable so then she check to make sure the rest of us felt comfortable. We did not know much about the area so she gave us a map and suggestions . We did get a little loss so we called and she told us again ( our fault for not paying better attention 🤪. We enjoyed our ride through the downtown area and the Trinity River and finally to the Stockyards where we parked and locked our bikes up and watch the Cattle drive while sipping on a cocktail. We were running few minutes late getting back so we made a call and she told us not to worry she would be there. I would highly recommend this shop due to the location and also the hospitality of Vickie who was very professional and hospitable! Read more Written June 4, 2023
• jeffcY8257IA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome e-bike ride!!! Great trip along the trinity trails, down to the Stockyards, then back toward the Ft Worth Zoo and Colonial CC. Great views of the river, downtown, and through Panther Island and parks. Great ride, ended up over 18 miles! Read more Written May 28, 2023
• GroundedTraveler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lots of fun and great experience! First of all, this was the best “text with a business before purchasing” I’ve experienced. I signed up solo, and they let me know my options because if others didn’t sign up the tour wouldn’t happen. When others did sign up they let me know immediately. The tour itself was really, really enjoyable. It was me plus the guide plus an older couple and a woman in Ft. Worth for business from Australia. We all had different fitness levels and comfort on electric bikes and the guide accommodated us all. She was energetic and communicative. “All right we’re coming under this bridge - everybody yell Yee haw!!” Our group bonded and learned about each other. The guide took enough breaks to ensure everyone was comfortable. She shared history and provided clear directions about where we were turning and when. The actual route we took was cool as far as seeing the city and the trinity trail was beautiful. The BBQ lunch was mixed for me - beef sandwich was just ok but the beans and cobbler were fantastic. Plenty of food. I highly recommend this tour. Tons of fun and a lot of care for us riders. Read more Written May 1, 2023
• Tour309995 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to explore the city The bikes were easy to use and made exploring the city so enjoyable. Vicki was warm and friendly and gave a great tour! Read more Written April 28, 2023
• juliehN1881OV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best way to spend an early afternoon in Ft Worth Best experience for us! We celebrated a birthday and what a great way to spend time together. Fresh air/sunshine, great sights of downtown, water gardens, and Stockyards with a fantastic bbq lunch. Best bbq we’ve had! Highly recommend. Our guide was friendly and gave us a wonderful experience! Read more Written April 1, 2023

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Bikes and BBQ: Electric Bike Tour of Fort Worth provided by Pedego Electric Bikes Fort Worth

Bike and BBQ Guided Electric Bike Tour

• Presented By: Pedego Electric Bikes Fort Worth
• Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Location: Pedego Electric Bikes Fort Worth
• Address: 129 W Leuda, Fort Worth, TX 76104
• Phone: (682) 305-8304
• Time: 10:00 PM to 1:00 PM
• Price: $125
• Visit Website

Experience a live longhorn cattle drive and enjoy Texas BBQ on a fun 3-hour guided Pedego electric bike tour of Fort Worth!

We’ll go sightseeing downtown, stopping at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, JFK Tribute, Sundance Square Plaza, and more. Then we’ll ride to Panther Island and take the Trinity Trails to arrive in the historic Stockyards for the Herd Cattle Drive and lunch at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

• (214) 377-1076
• [email protected]
• CONCIERGE SERVICE

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17 of the Best Barbecue Spots in Dallas-Fort Worth

Updated: Aug 31, 2023

You could say Texas Barbecue is having a moment, but that moment would had to have stretched from 1932 to the present. Texas barbecue is a true staple, and the Dallas area is as big a player as ever in that milieu of "Howdy" culture. Use this list to get yourself acquainted with some of the best barbecue joints in our area, where the meat does the heavy lifting on flavor. Here are the best BBQ spots in Dallas-Fort Worth you need to add to your love list.

1. Terry Black's

Fourth-generation pitmaster Mark Black hails from the Royal Family of Texas BBQ and brought Terry Black's to Dallas in 2019, to great acclaim. The first thing customers see when they step in are the five 1,000-gallon smokers, a showstopper that lets them know, yea, you're in the right place. It also means Blacks is much less likely than a smaller joint to run out of your favorite meats before the end of the day (though, as with all great barbecue joints, it's not impossible). The spacious dining room gives way to two levels of patio seating outside, and guests are also encouraged to tour the pits and get a sneak peek at the work that goes into creating some of Texas' finest smoked meats.

2. Hutchins BBQ

The original location in McKinney may be where all the Texas barbecue lore lay, but Hutchins' second location in Frisco ain't nothin' to sneeze at neither, folks. Hutchins is as close to a sure shot on Texas Monthly's annual list of The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints as the Metroplex has, and it's easy to see why! Juicy, flavorful burnt ends and some of the best chicken and sausage in the state give way to some truly show-stealing side dishes like garlicky mashed potatoes, bacon mac and cheese and pinto beans that eat like a fine brisket soup.

3. CattleAck BBQ

Cattleack is the Cadillac of barbecue in North Texas. It's another perennial contender for top billing on the annual Texas Monthly list, and finished 6th in the entire state on the most recent edition (2021). So if you know, you KNOW how great this place in Farmers Branch is. More recently, D Magazine named pitmaster Todd David's labor of love the "Best Barbecue in Dallas." The only thing about Cattleack that keeps it in kind of the "best kept secret" category are the hours of operation. They're only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and they recently added service on the first Saturday of every month, according to their website . They've got truly great limited release specialty menu items from time to time, including a divine smoked pastrami, so watch their Facebook page for updates on those. BYOB is go for launch at Cattleack, so load up your cooler, get in line and prepare yourself for the best brisket and sausage that ever hit your lips.

4. Pecan Lodge

Pecan Lodge came to Deep Ellum in 2014 and has been a crowd-pleaser ever since. Come hungry, but patient, as the line still sometimes stretches out the door at peak BBQ-gettin' hours. We're so willing to wait for the barbecue here because every meal tastes like it was home cooked just for you, despite the hundreds of others who pass through those hallowed Deep Ellum doors on the daily. Diane and Justin Fourton, the owners, are often spotted sweating away alongside their staff, making sure things are running as smoothly as possible. If you happen to go on an occasion when the HUMONGOUS beef ribs are available, it is a must-order.

5. Crossbuck

Pitmasters Tim McLaughlin and Damian Avila are constantly pushing the barbecue envelope at Crossbuck in Farmer's Branch. Don't get caught off guard by the melding of tried-and-true barbecue smoking with classical French and Asian techniques. You're still in for VERY good meat here, along with an array of other specials like smoked salmon and smoked prime rib. Their country-chic space features earthy colors and a clean industrial style with a spaciaous dine-in area as well as a picnic-table patio.

6. Slow bone

Slow Bone is another one of those amazing barbecue stand-bys, as it opened in 2013 on its West Dallas perch, that features another golden delicacy on the menu as well. Yes, this is a barbecue list, but Slow Bone also offers some of the absolute BEST fried chicken we've found in town. The combination hickory and oak smoke flavor comes piping through in the wonderful house-made sausage, and the turkey is also some of the best in town. Slow Bone was also honored with a spot on Texas Monthly's latest 50-Best List, so "When can you get here?" is really the only question at this point.

7. Heim Barbecue

The Heim Empire's growth trajectory has sprawled from inception in a Fort Worth foodtruck to three amazing locations, including one in Dallas on Mockingbird. It is time to thank the meat-gods for granting Dallas easy access to the delicacy that mad-scientist pitmaster Travis Heim perfected first, the Bacon Burnt Ends. Cubed pork belly is cured in a heavenly brown-sugar nectar-glaze before being flash-smoked and served piping hot to you. Accept no substitute, folks.

8. Goldee's

Goldee's is the latest and greatest Fort Worth barbecue success story , as the relative newcomers on the scene up and won a big blue ribbon, First among all 50 of Texas Monthly's 50 Best Barbecue Joints in Texas on the 2021 list. It's hard to imagine how a group of young pitmasters could open up shop in a nondescript location in southeast Fort Worth in 2020 and become THE barbecue destination throughout the state just a year later, but they did it. Goldee's really is, as Texas Monthly called it, as "close to perfection" as it gets around here. They trust their meat to make a statement instead of an arsenal of seasonings, and they're willing to take chances, too. Try the Laotian sausage, jam it into a bit of sticky rice and pour on the spicy-sour jeow som sauce and behold the very horizon of possibility for the future of Texas barbecue.

9. Marty B's

The brisket and the steaks are the stars of the show at Marty B's in Bartonville, just south of Denton. The magnificent and massive space is also an impressive live music venue. Marty B's pledges to bring guests the complete Texas Hill Country experience just a few hours north, including their barbecue menu, yes, but also featuring great all-natural steaks and Tex-Mex options, along with a huge craft beer selection, live music, fire pits, s'mores and a wonderful rooftop bar!

More steakhouse than a true barbecue joint, 1845 in Flower Mound is all-Texas, baby. The name of the restaurant harkens back to the year Texas gained U.S. statehood. Fresh-cut filets and ribeyes from the revered 44 Farms stand side-by-side on the menu with more innovative selections like the Compart pork belly, fried Lockhart quail, poblano quail and, yes, even calf fries. If you don't know what those are, they're something of a Texas-underbelly rite of passage. Carefully curated surprises await on this truly Texan menu.

11. Lockhart SMOKEHOUSE

The fine folks that run the venerated Kreutz Market in Lockhart spread their barbecue empire northward to the Dallas area more than 10 years ago, and Dallas barbecue has been better for it ever since. Lockhart Smokehouse now has locations in Plano, Bishop Arts and at Texas Live in Arlington, meaning there are now three Metroplex locations where guests can sample (or gorge on) some of the finest sausage the state has to offer. The mouth-watering brisket, sausage and ribs are smoked over Texas Post Oak, and updated versions of family-favorite sides round out the menu.

12. ZAVALA's BARBECUE

@zavalasbarbecue

This is another relative newcomer to the DFW barbecue scene that now enjoys statewide acclaim and long lines before opening over in Grand Prairie. Pitmaster Joe Zavala, a GP native, does an excellent job of combining traditional Texas barbecue flavors with Mexican influence, and his restaurant was recognized as one of the Dallas Observer's Top 100 Restaurants in both 2020 and 2021. Texas Monthly named Zavala's to their 50-Best list in 2021 and called their brisket "flawless." High praise, indeed. But the gift from Zavala's that truly keeps on giving is the fact that meat-smokers the state over can buy Zavala's dry rubs at their local big-box stores as well!

13. Smoky Rose

Some of East Dallas' best 'cue is smoked low and slow at the Smoky Rose. And as fortuitous coincidences go, this place also features one of the best patios and some of the best cocktails you'll find at a barbecue restaurant, period. The setting is as brilliant here as the meat is tender, with dining rooms clad in brick and Texas limestone, as well as the chandeliers hanging from the trees outside and the beautiful front garden. This is the champagne of local barbecue joints, and founder David Cash shouldn't mind that description one bit.

14. HURTADO BARBECUE

Hurtado put Arlington on the Texas barbecue map , y'all. They were listed as one of the "best of the rest" (a designation that basically just means they were outside the top-10) on the most recent Texas Monthly 50-best list, and for great reason. This is one of the places at the forefront of innovation in the Texas barbecue scene, mixing the greatness of traditional Central Texas barbecue flavors with some amazing flavors from South of the Border. Try their birria tacos and be sure to pair them with their elote, the best side on Hurtado's ever-expanding menu. They also do a the best BBQ brisket burger in town — they call it the Big Mike. Their El Jefe combo platter ($40) is one of the best values in town as well and includes a third of a pound each of prime brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, pork belly burnt ends, pulled pork, turkey breast and two sides of your choice. They also recently opened a second location in Fort Worth AND inside Globe Life Field, so you can get your BBQ fix during Rangers' games!

15. Panther City Barbecue

Panther City Barbecue does NOT mess around when it comes to smoked meat, so it comes as no surprise that Texas Monthly ranked the Fort Worth spot at No. 10 on its most recent list of the Top 50 barbecue joints in Texas. Stand in line and order at the counter to enjoy your barbecue spread under their pavilion on a picnic table OR head to their indoor bar where you can grab a beer or a cocktail. You can’t miss the iconic “feed me BBQ & tell me I’m pretty” neon sign that greets you and makes for the perfect photo op. We love their Elote Briskey Cup as well as the Southside Slammer, a sandwich FULLY DECKED OUT with brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño sausage, smoked bologna slaw, pickles, onions and jalapeños.

16. Smoke 'N Ash BBQ

@smokenashbbq

This next entry might just be the most exciting addition to the DFW barbecue scene in some time. Did you know that Arlington is the home to (quite possibly) the world's first and only Tex-Ethiopian fusion barbecue restaurant? It's been getting major acclaim since the New York Times stopped by last year and called it a "Must Try" on the newspaper's list of the best restaurants in the U.S. for 2022. More recently, Texas Monthly put Smoke 'N Ash on its list of the 25 Best New and Improved Barbecue Joints in the state as well. DFW is not only one of the Barbecue Meccas of the entire world, it's also now becoming a true barbecue melting pot, with Latin spice, Asian flavor and now African cuisine, adding their own influence to the product. We are HERE FOR IT ALL.

17. Douglas Bar & Grill

Another local spot to make the most recent Texas Monthly list is Snider Plaza's Douglas Bar & Grill, where the weekly $10 Smashburger special during Happy Hour might just be the steal of the century. Beyond that, they do steaks and other Texas Cuisine, including barbecue. The fact that barbecue isn't ALL they do may give some people pause, but worry not, my friends. The Douglas does an amazing Wagyu brisket, and the ribs are perfection as well. Don't leave without trying the brisket bullets — their bacon-wrapped, meat-stuffed jalapeños, either!

Add them all to your hickory-smoked Love List ✨💕

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Texas is the epicenter of the BBQ world. There are thousands of BBQ joints sprinkled across the state like a perfectly applied dry rub. But it’s not just the quantity of locations that sets our BBQ apart. No, no—our obsession runs much deeper.

Remarkably simple yet devastatingly complex.

For the uninitiated, that first bite of Texas BBQ is a rite of passage that will have you hooked. Visitors flock to Texas for a taste of perfectly smoked meat, and fans across the globe attempt to replicate our flavors. 

It all starts with the meat. In Texas, that means beef—specifically brisket. And many of the top BBQ joints in Texas—such as Franklin Barbecue in Austin , Cattleack Barbeque in Dallas and Corkscrew BBQ in Spring —use prime cuts for a more tender, juicier result.

Something this good simply takes time. And here, the best BBQ is dry rubbed and wood-smoked, low and slow. Often, that can be north of 14 hours, like at East Texas icon Bodacious Bar-B-Q , which smokes their brisket for as long as 26 hours. 

It’s Texas Tradition

Our BBQ has a rich history that can be traced back to the influences of Native American, Mexican and African American cooking techniques. Their mark on Texas BBQ can still be seen in the saucy chopped beef of East Texas and in the traditional barbacoa from places like Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que in Brownsville . 

German and Czech immigrants settled in Central Texas and brought their sausage-making traditions with them, as represented at iconic joints like Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market in Lockhart and Southside Market in Elgin .  

This mix of influences means that although modern Texas BBQ is thought of as mainly smoked brisket, our BBQ is as diverse as our people and includes pulled pork, tender ribs and more. No matter where you go across the state, you’re sure to find something new to enjoy. 

The Whole Texas BBQ Experience

The smell of smoked meat wafting through the air. The old wooden picnic tables and trailers. The butcher paper that doubles as a plate. The music and drinks. Even the wait (and yes, there’s usually a wait). 

What makes Texas BBQ so special isn’t just the meal itself (although, great pilgrimages have begun for less). It’s that Texas BBQ is so much more than a meal. Few places epitomize this like Snow’s BBQ in Lexington , whose pitmaster is the incomparable Tootsie Tomanetz. Of course, there are many others ( The Salt Lick in Driftwood and Angelo’s BBQ in Fort Worth to name a couple). 

The truth is that an authentic BBQ experience can be found in a lot of places. But one worthy of obsession can only be found in Texas.

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All Material © 2024 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-2000

Best of the Stockyards walking tour

There’s more to the Stockyards and to Fort Worth than just BBQ and boots. This tour takes you through the many flavors of Fort Worth with historical tidbits of the area.

tour duration

Our tours typically last around 1.5 -2 hours. Show up hungry!

MULTIPLE restaurants

To get a full experience we visit 3 restaurants during our tours.

walking tour

Expect to walk approximately 1.5 miles during the tour.

Best of the stockyards walking tour

• Perfect for first time visitors to Fort Worth!
• Led by a friendly guide
• Get fun facts about Fort Worth as we stroll to our destinations
• Tours include a viewing of the Cattle Drive
• Tour vibe: Authentic, active, fun, informative, casual
• Enjoy 3 generous tastings at 3 different locations
• Restaurants subject to change depending upon day and availability.

 Tour Times

Available to book at 11AM or 3PM Tuesday – Sunday.

Tour Duration

Walking tours are approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours!

Multiple Restaurants

To get a full experience we visit at least 3 restaurants for 3 separate tastings during the tour.

This tour is approximately 1.5 miles.

Book early to ensure your preferred dates are available. Please call 817-874-7390 or fill out the form below.

$65-95 per person

 food. fun. fort Worth

Book a private tour.

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Private group tours of Fort Worth

Taco + margarita bus tour.

This tour is the taco the town! Explore Fort Worth’s taco spots and taquerias with  margarita pairings on a private bus tour. This is our most popular tour! (Group size: 10-40)

BBQ bus tour

Texas is all about BBQ. Book your private bus tour and taste the craft and classic BBQ that Fort Worth is known for. We’ll cover everything from brisket to burnt ends. (Group size: 10-40)

Taco + Margarita walking Tour

Let’s “taco” walk through Fort Worth’s Cultural and entertainment District. Along the way we will enjoy some  of the best tacos and margaritas in town. (Group size: 2-12)

There’s more to the Stockyards and to Fort Worth than just BBQ and boots. This tour takes you through the many flavors of Fort Worth with historical tidbits of the area. (Group size: 2-12)

Josie Villa-Singleton

817-874-7390

[email protected]

Private Taco + Margarita Bus Tour

Private BBQ Bus Tour

Best of the Stockyards Walking Tour

Taco + Margarita Walking Tour

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Sign up to get Fort Worth Food news + tour updates.

15 Best BBQ in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is home to the Stockyards, the Texas Motor Speedway, and the best barbecue in Texas! You can get anything from brisket tacos at Railhead Smokehouse, beef garlic sausage at Panther City BBQ, or pecan cobbler at Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ. There is something for everyone at these fifteen barbecue places in Fort Worth, so you can’t go wrong!

15 Best BBQ Restaurants in Fort Worth

• Hurtado BBQ
• Hickory Stick BBQ
• David’s BBQ
• Sammie’s BBQ
• Panther City BBQ
• Angelo’s BBQ
• Cousin’s Bar-B-Q
• Brix Barbeque
• Woodshed Smokehouse Restaurant
• Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
• Dayne’s Craft Barbecue
• Goldee’s Barbecue
• Railhead Smokehouse
• Smoke-A-Holics

1. Hurtado BBQ

Location: 1116 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

A Texan through and through, her passion for the Lone Star State is evident in every word she writes.Hailing from the vast plains of West Texas, Eva has a deep appreciation for the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Texan spirit. Eva crafts articles that celebrate the diverse tapestry of Texas, from its bustling urban centers to its serene rural landscapes.

Passionate about food

TX Foodie’s Lockhart Texas Barbecue Tour!

Last month, “The TX Foodie Crew” and I went to Lockhart, Texas. To many, Lockhart is considered the BBQ Capital of Texas. The plan for our trip was to fly to Lockhart, then tour the three main barbecue joints in just a day and a half. But, before I get started sharing this food experience, let me introduce the TX Foodie Crew. First up we have the “Planner” Scott. Scott put the trip together and found the place we would rest the first night after eating each of us ate two pounds of meat. Second up is the “Pilot” Chad, aka Maverick. Maverick flew the TX Foodie Crew from Granbury TX to Lockhart TX and then back home. Next up we have our freelance “Photographer” Jimmie. Jimmie was always on point with the selfie stick when no one else was around to take group photos. Finally, there’s Sean, the “TX Foodie” himself. That’s me! I did what I do best and that is to eat great barbecue and share my thoughts about it.

Now that you have met the Foodie Crew, let’s talk about the food! There are three main BBQ joints we checked out on this trip. They are Kreuz Market , Black’s Barbecue & Smitty’s Market . The game plan for each place was for each of one us to order one pound of a select meat. Then, we split the pound into 4 equal parts so that each of us had a good portion of each meat. The meats we agreed to eat this trip were sliced brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, and sausage (regular & jalapeno with cheese). I created a “Score Card” that allowed us to track and score each meat at each location. We took notes and rated each meat on a scale of 1 through 10.

Now let’s dive into each one of these great TX BBQ joints. To keep this post at a blog length I’ll only talk about the best meat from each joint. I’ll share the final results from the scorecard at the end.

After we landed in Lockhart, the first stop was for lunch at Kreuz Market. Walking into this joint was different than any barbecue joint in Fort Worth! As you walk in, you proceed down a long hall which is lined with the menu. Once you determine what you’re going to feast on, you continue down the hall to a set of double doors. When you go through the doors, you are instantly hit with the heat of the smokers and the beautiful aroma of smoke and barbecue. It’s here where you place your meat order. They take it right off the smoker in front of you, weigh it, wrap it in butcher paper, and take your money. You’re probably thinking the same as we were. What about a drink and a side (or two)? Just follow the crowd into the air-conditioned portion of the building where you find your drink, your sides, and all your fixings. Yep! You pay again for these. The barbecue is delicious. I would have to say looking back at the scorecards, and all the pictures, the beef ribs were “Out of Bounds” as my favorite chef Guy Fieri would say. These beef ribs have a bark of flavor that makes your mouth water just by looking at it. These ribs were moist and full of beef flavor with a beautiful smoke ring.

Dinner at Black’s Barbecue was a hit, even though we each literally had a pound of meat just five hours earlier. Black’s Barbecue opened in 1932. Now, 4 generations of the Edgar Black family later, the Original Black’s in Lockhart is the oldest BBQ joint in Texas. It has always been owned by the same family! At Black’s, they do things a bit different than Kreuz. When you go inside, you get your sides first, then your meat, and then you pay just once. The foodie crew and I did the same thing as we did at lunch. We each got a pound of meat and then shared. This joint does beef ribs like no other joint. I don’t know where they get their beef ribs, but they look like they come from a dinosaur. As you can imagine, the foodie crew gave all 10’s for the beef rib. I say “the beef rib” because it was literally one single rib that weighed in at just over a pound. There is nothing left to say other than it was absolutely, out of this world, delicious. After a long day of flying and eating two pounds of barbecue, we drug ourselves back to the hotel to clean up and get some rest for lunch the next day.

Saturday morning, we woke up and agreed we would skip breakfast.  We were all still pretty full from the day before.  Worried about a weekend lunch rush, we headed to Smitty’s Market at about 10:30 a.m.  When we arrived, though, they weren’t quite ready to start serving the barbecue.  We were the first customers there, but they welcomed us in and we got to see some older folks sitting at the tables making the homemade coleslaw.  The coleslaw was great by the way.  But, as we got a drink and waited, I noticed a shirt for sale on the wall that said “Smitty’s Market – NO FORKS.”  The shirt isn’t lying.  They don’t have forks and they don’t have BBQ sauce.  You eat the meat with your hands, but they do have knives to cut it and spoons for the sides.  While looking at the menu, we were faced with a little bit of a dilemma.  Smitty’s Market doesn’t have beef ribs on the menu.  Thank goodness for Scott who said, “let’s just get the smoked prime rib.” Dilemma resolved.  But, the prime rib was not ready yet.  So, we waited about another 20 minutes.  Finally, we got the thumbs up from the pit master that everything was ready to go, and we eagerly got in line.  You know the routine by now, we each got a pound of meat and then shared.  I must say that Smitty’s has the best jalapeno & cheese sausage I have ever eaten.  It got three nines on the scorecard by the foodie crew.  Smitty’s makes their sausage in-house.  The grind on the meat was just right with nice chunks of jalapenos and bits of cheese mixed together in just the right portions.  The sausage casing had a nice snap when biting into it and it was full of great smoke flavor.

I recommend grabbing some friends and heading to Lockhart to have some “real” Texas BBQ. Here are the final rankings of the meats at all the three joints:

Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear about other Texas BBQ joints you have been to! Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Welcome, Foodies!

I started this because I love food and wanted to share my passion for it. I am a tech guy by day and home cook by night. You will soon see that I love to cook and eat Texas barbecue. After all, I am a Texan.

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BBQ restaurant to open inside the new H-E-B in Fort Worth. Is it Texas’ best chain?

Two words that almost never go together:

“Chain barbecue.”

The opening of a new chain barbecue restaurant used to be good news, particularly if it was an Underwood’s (still open in Brownwood) or even a Rudy’s from San Antonio.

Then it became bad news, from a couple of awful chains-gone-bad that will remain unnamed here.

But one Texas chain barbecue restaurant now rises above the rest .

And it will open April 10 in Fort Worth.

True Texas BBQ , 3451 Heritage Trace Parkway, will be busy at first.

That’s because it’s attached to Fort Worth’s first H-E-B supermarket.

Ten years after launching True Texas BBQ restaurants with a store south of San Antonio , the grocery giant will open its 29th location next to a new H-E-B near Alliance Town Center, a half-mile east of Interstate 35W and 12 miles north of downtown Fort Worth.

The menu is familiar: a highly rated sliced brisket, sausage, St. Louis pork ribs, pulled pork and burnt ends, starting at about $9 for a brisket sandwich or $12 for a plate with two side dishes. Beef ribs are an occasional special.

The True Texas BBQ menu also includes fried chicken tenders and wings.

It’s all available with side dishes such as brisket queso, serrano-pepper cornbread and the usual greens, potato salad, slaw, okra, fries and mac-and-cheese, plus pudding and cobblers.

Texas Monthly magazine’s barbecue editor named it the “best barbecue chain” in Texas in 2019, but wrote last year that the new DFW locations have consistency problems.

Part of that is related to the huge crowds that mob new H-E-B stores.

Just by opening, it’s the best-known barbecue restaurant in north Fort Worth.

The better-known craft barbecue restaurants that draw waiting lines in the Near Southside or south Tarrant County haven’t ventured north of Loop 820.

The top-rated barbecue restaurant in that direction is The Original Roy Hutchins Barbecue, 3000 Texas 114 in Trophy Club.

But that’s almost 14 miles from True Texas BBQ, the same distance as driving back downtown to Panther City BBQ, Hurtado Barbecue, Brix Barbecue or Heim BBQ.

A True Texas BBQ also will open in the new H-E-B Mansfield store, under construction at 1670 E. Broad St.

True Texas BBQ is open for lunch and dinner daily; truetxbbq.com .

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10 "Totally Texas" Things to Do at the Fort Worth Stockyards

T he Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district located in the heart of one of the largest cities in Texas. Renowned for its cowboy heritage and vibrant Western atmosphere, the district was once the epicenter of the cattle industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Now a popular tourist attraction and Texas bucket list destination , you’ll find a lot of unique things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards that will transport you back in time.

This guide to the best things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards includes information about the historical district in Texas and ten fun Fort Worth experiences to have while you’re there.

The Historic District where Cowboy Culture is on Display

Many people have preconceived ideas of Texas before they visit.

Whether those ideas are derived from old western movies set in Texas or from the many country music songs that mention the Lone Star State – perhaps more than any other place in the USA – Texas has a cowboy reputation.

While Texas isn’t entirely synonymous with ranching and cowboys, there are still certainly parts of the state where you can experience that unique culture.  And you don’t have to drive all the way out to West Texas to experience it either.

In fact, in the heart of Fort Worth, you’ll find an area that proudly showcases its wrangler roots: the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

There are lots of great things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards that are fun for adults and kids alike who want to embrace cowboy heritage, even if just for a day.

FIND AND BOOK GUIDED TOURS TO THE HISTORIC FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS HERE

About the Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District located just north of downtown Fort Worth. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance as a stop along the Chisholm Trail.

Between 1866 and 1890, Fort Worth was known as the final stop for cowhands called “drovers” who were driving cattle up the Chisholm Trail from south Texas to Kansas.

In that span of time more than four million head of cattle were driven through Fort Worth, giving it the nickname “Cowtown”. Fort Worth is still affectionately called “Cowtown” by many of its residents.

Eventually investors realized they could start up meat-packing plants in Fort Worth rather than shipping off the cattle to Kansas to be processed, and thus Fort Worth became a thriving city – thanks almost entirely to its cowboy roots.

Today, the area of Fort Worth known as the Stockyards has a lot of preserved charm, from the brick streets to the old west architecture. But the major tourist draw to the stockyards is the livestock.

You can walk through the stables anytime during the day and view longhorns, horses, and even reindeer for free. They offer guided tours, as well, if you want to learn more about each animal, it’s purpose, and the history of the stockyards.

For a small fee, you can even take your photo on a real longhorn.

Also read: free and inexpensive things to do in Fort Worth

The best things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards are great to visit, especially for those who did not grow up anywhere near Texas. It is a way to experience the cowboy way of life both as it is today and how it was in the past.

Located just north of downtown Fort Worth’s modern Sundance Square , the Stockyards offers guests an authentic cowboy experience in Texas.

It’s a good place for a day trip from Dallas to spend a few hours exploring and taking in all the best things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Watch the only twice-daily cattle drive in the world

Watching the cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards is one of the best things to do in Texas !

Twice a day (at 11:30am and 4pm) cowboys in early 20th century attire conduct a cattle drive down the brick-laden East Exchange Avenue, which is the main street in the stockyards.

Tourists and locals alike will line the street on each side to watch the longhorns herded through the street. There is no charge to watch the Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive, which lasts about 15 minutes from start to end.

The Fort Worth Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can still witness a twice-daily cattle drive.

Price: Free!

Go through the Cattle Pen Maze

There are so many great things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards for kids, and the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze is just one of them! The wooden labyrinth is a blast for kids and adults alike to navigate through.

Spanning 5,400 square feet, this maze is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

There is also an observation deck above the maze. This is a great place for parents to watch their kids as they make their way through the maze or get a sneak peek of the challenge before you attempt it.

Price: $8.00

Other fun things to do for kids at the Fort Worth Stockyards include a petting zoo and pony rides.

Tour the Fort Worth Stockyards Museum

At the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards is the Cowtown Coliseum and the adjacent Livestock Exchange Building, which is now home to the Stockyards Museum.

Inside the Stockyards Museum you can learn about Fort Worth’s history, how the stockyards came to be, and the beginning of the cattle and ranching industry in Texas.

The museum offers a unique history lesson on the old Chisholm Trail and how it helped shape Fort Worth as a city during the western expansion across the United States.

Price: $2.00 per adult

On Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8pm, you can also catch a rodeo inside the Cowtown Coliseum .

Take a ride on a vintage train

Stockyards Station , the original railroad station built in the stockyards to transport cattle, is now the hub of tourist activity in the historic district. Nowadays, Stockyards Station has a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Stockyards Trinity River Excursion , operated by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad starts and ends at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

The rail tour takes place each weekend and lasts about 45 minutes. Although operated by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, the train ride does not actually take you to Grapevine, Texas . It is a perfect way for families to relax and take a short break during the peak heat of the day.

While aboard the vintage train ride, you’ll experience the Great Train Heist. Those aboard can help railroad detective solve the mystery of who robbed the train, in an interactive and entertaining dramatization.

Price: $10-12 depending on age

Meet the Fort Worth Herd

While cattle drives typical ended at a slaughterhouse, the cattle that take part in the Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive are living their best life. Meaning these cows aren’t going to become anyone’s dinner.

Known as the Fort Worth Herd, the 17 Texas Longhorns that take part in the cattle drive each represent one decade from Fort Worth’s past.

At the Stockyards, you can wander through the stables and meet the famous longhorns.

Try Texas cuisine at one of the great Fort Worth Stockyards Restaurants

A visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards wouldn’t be complete without sampling true Texas cuisine. Texas is known for its love of steak and potatoes, chicken fried steak, and barbecue.

Although, there are plenty of places in both Dallas and Fort Worth where you can try excellent Texas cuisine, you’ll find some of the best BBQ in Dallas and Fort Worth at the stockyards.

Riscky’s Steakhouse is a great place to sample these popular Texas staples. It is the oldest operating restaurant in Fort Worth, dating back to 1927.

The food is great, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for being in the heart of a tourist area.

There are about 14 restaurants and a dozen bars in the stockyards, so you’ll find a variety of options from casual to fine dining.

Visit the largest dance hall in Texas

Billy Bob’s is another experience worth having in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Billy Bob’s is the largest dance hall in Texas.

Having lived in Fort Worth for the better part of my twenties, I spent many nights at Billy Bob’s watching some of my favorite country artists perform. Billy Bob’s often hosts large concerts and live bull-riding, as well.

It is a kid friendly ‘honky tonk’, although there are certain areas of the venue where children are prohibited.

At Billy Bob’s you can learn to line dance or two step, watch cowboys ride a bucking bull, have a cold beer, and listen to some of the best names in country music perform… all of this under one roof.

Ride a Mechanical Bull

Try out your rodeo skills while marking an item off your Texas bucket list all at the same time. If you don’t mind an audience, you can take a ride on a kid-friendly mechanical bull.

The mechanical bull in the Fort Worth Stockyards is located directly in front of Stockyards Station.

The goal is to stay on the saddle while holding on with just one hand. The mechanical bull will buck and rotate, simulating an actual rodeo bull ride.

Since the speed and intensity is controlled and the landing area is an inflatable surface, this is a great activity for both kids and adults alike. And take it from this Texas native, it’s harder than it looks!

Price: $8.00 per ride

Shop for boots, a cowboy hat, and all things Texas!

Looking for a great Texas souvenir ? The Fort Worth Stockyards is the perfect place to buy your cowboy-themed gifts or souvenirs. Try on a pair of boots or a cowboy hat or shop for other cowboy attire.

For many, like me who grew up in Texas, cowboy hats and boots are commonplace. But for those not from the area, a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards is the perfect opportunity to try on the local attire and see how Texas looks on you!

Prefer vintage attire to Cowboy clothing? Check out the fun vintage thrift stores in nearby Denton .

Ride in an old-fashioned stagecoach

To get a feel for what it was like in Fort Worth in the late 1800s, you can take a ride back in time. Each weekend, you can catch a ride in an old-fashioned stagecoach or carriage.

The horse-drawn carriages are as Texas as they get and have become somewhat iconic in Fort Worth.

The stagecoach drivers, dressed in period costumes, regale passengers with tales of the Wild West, sharing anecdotes about the Stockyards’ colorful past.

Price: $15 per adult, $5 for kids 5-9 years old

Plan to stay the night in the Fort Worth Stockyards? Book your stay in a western-themed hotel .

Why you should add these Fort Worth Stockyards activities to your list

Texas is known world-wide. Some love it. Some hate it. But they all know it. And there are few places more “Texas” thank the Fort Worth Stockyards. This isn’t just a list of things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards, these are true Texas experiences, that will give you a better appreciation of the state, its history, and its unique cowboy culture.

Have a question or comment about what to do in the Fort Worth Stockyards? As a former local, I’d love to hear from you and help! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

LOOKING FOR OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN FORT WORTH? CHECK OUT THE FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS .

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Four people rescued after plunging from malfunctioning gondola near Eagle Mountain Lake

The life-threatening fall happened around 12:30 p.m. on saturday in the 8300 block of samora court, by de'anthony taylor • published march 30, 2024 • updated on april 1, 2024 at 12:50 pm.

Four people were rescued Saturday afternoon near Eagle Mountain Lake after a cable on a gondola snapped and dropped them onto a rocky, cactus-covered cliff.

Briar-Reno Fire Department Chief Moses Cruxman told NBC 5 that emergency personnel received a call around 12:05 p.m. about a traumatic injury involving four people near the 8300 block of Samora Court in unincorporated Tarrant County.

When police and firefighters arrived at the scene, they found four people suffering from severe injuries on a cliff.

Investigators said the victims of the crash were taking a trolley down from the property to the dock when a cable broke, causing all the victims to fall off the trolley and land on an area described as rocky with cacti.

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The fire department said firefighters used an adjacent property to reach the injured victims. One person was critically injured and had to be air-flown to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth.

Officials said the other three victims were taken to the same hospital by paramedics, and they are suffering from serious injuries.

According to Cruxman, the victims fell around 25 to 30 feet after the cable snapped. The trolley they used to transport was basket-style holds, typically holding three to four people.

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Due to the life-threatening injuries the victims suffered in the incident, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation. The sheriff's office later stated that all victims expected to survive.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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