Pecan Lodge BBQ serves some of the best brisket in Dallas, hands down! The brisket’s so good it kinda makes you wanna dance, and the smells are out of this world! My favorite version of the brisket comes on the Hot Mess.
Trust me when I tell you, you have to try the Hot Mess at Pecan Lodge BBQ! It’s magic!
Generously topped with tender, smoky brisket that has been slow-cooked to perfection, this loaded sweet potato is one of our favorite foods! It also comes with crispy bacon, freshly chopped green onions, melted cheddar cheese and a creamy chipotle sauce, making the dish a deliciously messy, hearty meal that perfectly blends sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Did I say meal? I meant meals! Yeah, it’s a lot of food for one sitting, but yum! Keep reading to learn more about Pecan Lodge BBQ and how to achieve the perfect order, because yes, there’s more.
This post is extra special because it marks the very first restaurant that we will be reviewing on our blog. We have an entire tab dedicated to Dallas food, but we’re also very selective! Each year, our taste buds grow more and more picky. That’s why it’s exciting when we eat something that makes us stop in our tracks and close our eyes in scrumptious appreciation. We hear a lot of Dallas food recommendations, but most have left us unimpressed. That’s why we’re writing our blog a little differently.
We only intend to review dishes and restaurants that either (a) have delicious food we can recommend with our entire chests, (b) have tasty, unique food that you possibly haven’t tried before or (c) both.
Thankfully, Pecan Lodge fits the bill, so let’s go over it! Here’s What’s up Dallas!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Our Experience
- About Pecan Lodge
- Pecan Lodge BBQ Basic Information
- Pecan Lodge BBQ Menu
- Absolutely Need To Know
- Our Final Review: Pecan Lodge BBQ
OUR EXPERIENCE:
This restaurant was originally introduced to us by some old family friends who are BIG foodies. They traveled from California to visit us and while they were in town they wanted to try Pecan Lodge. How did they know more about our own city than we did? We ate, picked our jaws up off the floor, and collectively agreed that Pecan Lodge BBQ had the meats!
That was years ago, and even though eating at Pecan Lodge BBQ has become one of our favorite things to do in Dallas, we made a special trip just to write this blog post.
Walking by the pit and smelling that incredible BBQ was enough to have our mouths watering. We didn’t hold back on this visit—we went all out and ordered the Hot Mess BBQ, the Pitmaster, the Burnt Ends, Brisket, Collard Greens, and Mac n’ Cheese. But, we completely forgot to order Rolls (oops!) and wished we had gotten the Peach Cobbler too, which we know from experience is pretty dog gone good. We probably should have also ordered the Green Beans and Potato Salad to round out the meal. Looks like we’ll be back again soon! We spent about $30 per person, and let’s just say a food coma was inevitable.
ABOUT PECAN LODGE BBQ
Pecan Lodge isn’t just a name — it’s a legacy rooted in tradition and a story of passion for authentic Texas BBQ. For Diane and Justin Fourton, Pecan Lodge goes beyond being a popular barbecue joint; it’s a tribute to family and the culinary memories of their grandparents. When they first set up shop in Shed #2 at the Dallas Farmers Market, they were determined to honor their roots. The result? Lines of eager customers and recognition as one of the Top 4 BBQ spots in the world by Texas Monthly.
The magic happens in their smokehouse, home to three massive steel pits (affectionately named Lurlene, Virgil, and Rick) that transform raw brisket into smoky perfection over 18 hours. Justin’s team relies on all their senses to manage the manual pits, adjusting the meat based on the smoke’s scent and the pit’s temperature. And the wood they use is an important part of the technique!
Initially, the Fourton’s used strictly mesquite wood, common in West Texas-style BBQ. But over time, they evolved to using a custom blend of mesquite, hickory, and oak. This blend gives their meat a distinct and unforgettable flavor.
“If you cook the meat perfectly and it’s seasoned well, you don’t need sauce,” Justin explains, and he’s right.
Accolades
The Fourtons’ hard work and dedication paid off when accolades from D Magazine, Southern Living, and Food Network started rolling in. After their feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, hosted by Guy Fieri, business boomed, and the lines grew long. But for those carnivores who are willing to wait, the reward is worth it!
Their motto, “WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FLAVOR,” rings true in every bite! Pecan Lodge BBQ is more than just a place to eat — it’s an institution and a must-visit for anyone in Dallas who appreciates great food!
Click here to read a full interview with the Fourtons on Eater.com!
PECAN LODGE BBQ BASIC INFORMATION:
- Location: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
- Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Prices: Prices vary. Average cost of $20-30 per person or more.
- Website: https://pecanlodge.com/
- Additional Information:
- Check social media to see if there will be live music!
- Ask the pitmaster for the daily specials! Every once in awhile, the restaurant features limited-time items or special promotions.
PECAN LODGE BBQ MENU:
Meats
- Brisket: Slow-smoked to perfection, served by the pound or as a sandwich
- Smoked Turkey: Tender and juicy, seasoned and slow-smoked
- Pulled Pork: Tender pork, also available by the pound or as a sandwich
- Beef or Pork Ribs: Smoked ribs with a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness
- Burnt Ends: Double-smoked brisket bites, tender and full of smoky flavor
- Smoked Sausage: House-made sausage with a rich, smoky flavor
Sandwiches
- The Pitmaster: Brisket, pulled pork, and sausage piled high with slaw and BBQ sauce
- The Pulled Pork: Pulled pork also topped with coleslaw and BBQ sauce
- Smoked Turkey: Smoked Turkey with tangy BBQ sauce
- Chopped Brisket: Chopped brisket with tangy BBQ sauce
Main Dishes
- The Hot Mess: A jumbo sweet potato stuffed with South Texas barbacoa, chipotle cream, cheese, butter, and green onions
- Plates (Two Meat or Three Meat): Choose from brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, or smoked turkey. Includes one side
- The Trough: (Serves 4-5) 1 beef rib, 1 lb. of pork ribs, 1 lb. brisket, ½ lb. of pulled pork, and 2 sausage links
- Southern Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Traditional style, perfectly seasoned and fried golden
- Classic Wings: Tender chicken wings available in three mouthwatering flavors: Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Dry Rub. Comes with Ranch or Blue Cheese dip
- Smokehouse Nachos: South Texas barbacoa (shredded brisket and pork with southwestern seasoning) with homemade queso, pico de gallo, grilled peppers & onions, salsa verde, chipotle crema, and cotija cheese
Sides
- Mac n’ Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens with a smoky, savory flavor
- Fried Okra: Crispy, golden-brown okra bites
- Potato Salad: Classic potato salad with a BBQ twist
- Cole Slaw: Fresh, crunchy slaw to balance the richness of the BBQ
- Pinto Beans: Seasoned and probably cooked with a hint of smoke
Desserts
- Peach Cobbler: A warm, sweet peach cobbler served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Banana Pudding: Creamy banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers
- Texas Tumbleweed Cookie: Peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and shredded coconut
Beverages
- Sweet Tea: Classic Southern sweet tea
- Lemonade: Fresh, tangy lemonade
- Soda: A variety of sodas available
Note: Pecan Lodge is known for selling out quickly, so go early if you want the best selection!
ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW:
How To Beat Parking:
Parking in Deep Ellum is tough, especially on weekends. If you’re going with a friend, have them circle the block while you grab the food. But how? The line will take forever. No it won’t! Not if you skip the line. (Quick tip about that later.)
But let’s say you want to stay in Deep Ellum for a few hours or are traveling solo. In that case, try to find a spot within a few blocks. Paid parking for under $5 is usually available, but like we said, weekends are tough.
Pro-tip:
- Deep Ellum parking meters are free until 6pm M-F (and sometimes on weekends too). You’re welcome!
- P.S. Make sure to check parking times on meters, otherwise you might end up paying during a free time period.
What To Order:
Pecan Lodge’s BBQ is no joke, and neither is the line. On busy days, the best pick of the menu is usually gone by noon, so getting there early is key. We’ve got a go-to order we stick with every time: the Hot Mess and the Burnt Ends. The Hot Mess is a sweet potato stuffed with brisket, bacon, cheddar, green onions, and chipotle cream. It’s a full meal, big enough to be two meals, and it’s under $15—a true BBQ bargain. The Burnt Ends are double-smoked brisket bites coated in their signature sauce, and they’re absolutely worth the hype. Everything on the menu is solid, but these two dishes are Pecan Lodge’s claim to fame.
How To Skip The Line:
Here’s the secret to skipping the notorious Pecan Lodge line: head straight to the bar. You can order from the full menu without the wait, and you’ll likely get served within minutes. Eat at the bar or take your food to go—either way, you’ve just saved yourself a lot of time.
Live Music:
This one is easy! Check Pecan Lodge’s social media to see when there will be live music and who will be playing. Generally, there will be multiple artists scheduled from Friday to Sunday. The restaurant has a wonderful outside seating area with lots of benches and the stage where the musicians perform! Who doesn’t love a good guitar, right? It’s awesome!
OUR FINAL REVIEW: PECAN LODGE BBQ
Ok, back to the food. Like we told you, we have one order, and we stick by it religiously. Enter the Hot Mess and the Burnt Ends. They’re. Unbelievably. Good. That said, we’re going to say something controversial.
Pecan Lodge is not the best barbeque place in the world. Don’t get us wrong. It’s great, truly. But there’s equally good or better barbeque in Houston, Fort Worth and Austin. Killens, anyone? That said, of all the barbeque places we’ve tried and heard of in and around Dallas, we wouldn’t trade Pecan Lodge for any of them. Why? Because those barbeque places don’t have the Hot Mess, and that’s a deal breaker.
Hot Mess Heaven!
For most people, the Hot Mess is big enough to be two meals. What’s more?! It’s super affordable, giving you delicious BBQ for under $15. You don’t even need to order anything else. As Guy Fieri said, “it’s a full meal.” If you go to Pecan Lodge for anything, go for the Hot Mess. And if you need a second thing to add to your order, go for the Pecan Lodge Burnt Ends! It’s that simple and oh so satisfying. If you want to learn more about the Hot Mess, click here to watch a Food Network video of Pecan Lodge owner Diane Fourton teaching Guy Fiere how to make the Hot Mess.
But what about everything else on the menu? Delicious!
No, eating it won’t make you see the world differently, but it still might knock your socks off. The meat is clean, well-seasoned, and the wood-smoked aroma is just divine.
But what about everything else on the menu? Delicious! No, eating it won’t make you see the world differently, but it still might knock your socks off. The meat is clean, well-seasoned, and the wood-smoked aroma is just divine. This place has its BBQ techniques down, and the result is unbeatable flavor. Pecan Lodge nails Texas BBQ and is one of the best BBQ spots in Dallas, if not the best!
If you enjoyed this blog, then check out our Ultimate Guide to Strawberry Picking. It’s a fun Dallas Road Trip that delights! Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to see future posts about What’s Up in Dallas.
