Fantastic BBQ in Plano, TX: Lockhart Smokehouse

I'm going to tell you how I found this place. A few years ago, I brought the family from Kentucky to meet up with the family from Dallas. We reviewed the ratings on Trip Advisor and it clearly recommended Lockhart. So we showed up to the front door and were instantly accommodated us. Everyone was so nice! We loved the fact that no reservation was required. We sat down for dinner and ordered everything possible - we had brisket, ribs and sausage, all very tender and flavorful. We then ordered a second round of food - deviled eggs, mashed potatoes and beer from the bar. The kids had Gatorade and soda. We also all commented how the restaurant was cozy and we appreciated the wall full of Texas BBQ knickknacks for great group shots. My mother in law said - "What a great place to eat and be happy!!" I could not agree more.

So, the next time I was in Dallas for a family function, I stopped into Lockhart's again for a late dinner. I showed up about one hour before they closed for the night and didn't have any wait time which worked out perfect because I was dreading a wait especially because the place was packed. Also, I learned this lesson from the first experience - don't come to Lockhart and expect to keep your fingers clean. They are going to be very dirty (and tasty, finger lickin') by the time your dinner is over. Anyway, I ordered the moist brisket, the pork ribs and jalapeño sausage, habanero mac, Lockhart Slaw, baked beans and a cold beer. The brisket was so dang juicy with the perfect crust on the outside...best I ever had. The jalapeño sausage was perfect in every way, juicy with a little spice. As for the ribs they were also moist and fell off of the bone. All the meats had the right amount of smoke......these guys have it down for sure. After I paid the bill, I filled out a comment card with one statement - "BBQ doesn't get any better than this!"

My third experience with Lockhart wasn't a dining experience, but I called in for a takeout order. Once again, the food was prepared quickly, packed well with layers of butcher paper. Now, regarding the food, once again Lockhart didn't disappoint. The thorough smoky flavor and every piece of meat was tasty (even without sauce) was amazing.

Now, the ribs and original sausage ended up being our collective favs this time--the former for how nicely the meat fell off the bone, the latter for the nice crunch. I'm always a fan of the jalapeño cheese sausage, though the texture is a bit too soft for my family's preferences. Brisket usually steals the show in TX, and the same is true at Lockhart. We didn't ask for more of a certain type of cut this time, but I would recommend asking for fattier brisket since some of the pieces were a bit too dry otherwise. Only side we ordered was baked beans, which I was very pleasantly surprised by since I don't usually like beans. Had some nice kick and are filled with pork, onion, jalapeño, and perhaps other goodies along with the beans. Everything we ordered as a take-out order was fantastic.

Hands down, this spot is one of the best barbecues I've had in the Plano area. Lockhart Smokehouse has a simplified menu, but they get everything just right. The brisket is always juicy and the flavor is fantastic. All of the other sides were really good, and I was especially a fan of the spicy pickles. The service is kind of a pick up and serve yourself situation, but the workers are glad to help you make choices in the menu. Despite it being a quiet night, the manager showed great attention to caring for his place. Finally the decorations are nice. On one wall you get a combination of Texan decor and the history of the place, and on the other just a nicely decorated bar. While the price is high, it is rightly so for a place well kept in downtown Plano, and the food is delicious.

Definitely check it out if you're in downtown Plano!

Five things to know about Lockhart Smokehouse:

1. Lochkhart has a webpage full of merchandise, BBQ sauces, stickers and other great items. You can purchase them even online through their website.

2. Lockhart has three locations for your convenience: Dallas, Plano, Arlington.

3. They will ship their BBQ anywhere. On their website, they pride themselves on wrapping and shipping their delicious food anywhere you'd like.

4. Want some mouth-watering BBQ for your next party, meeting or event? Well, they are happy to oblige. Their catering menu features all of your favorites from the restaurant and Lockhart provides catering options to any group size.

5. On their website, they provide helpful hints and recommendations to reheating lots of their to-go menu items from home.

1026 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074

972-516-8900

https://lockhartsmokehouse.com