Everyone is talking about Texas barbecue this week, and Collin County did not go unrecognized. Let’s appreciate what the northern suburbs have to offer as far as smoked meats:
Hutchins BBQ
The only Collin County barbecue joint to make Texas Monthly’s Top 50 list this week, Hutchins BBQ started in 1978 as Roy’s Smokehouse in Princeton and currently has “John Mueller, the grandson of famed barbecue king Louie Mueller” onboard as pitmaster. Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn said “the sides steal the show here” and added that Hutchins BBQ has “some of the best chicken and sausage in the state.”
1301 N. Tennessee St. in McKinney, hutchinsbbq.com.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Lockhart didn’t make Texas Monthly’s list this time, but Vaughn did give the Plano location an honorable mention. The turkey is stellar here, along with the sausage they get from Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas.
1026 E. 15th St. in Plano, lockhartsmokehouse.com.
Wood and Time Smokehouse
A great place for smoky ribs and peppery sausage in Farmersville, Wood and Time also has smoked ham and pulled pork. The menu includes brisket Frito pie and turkey legs.
101 Candy Street, Ste. A in Farmersville, woodandtime.com.
Winners BBQ
Winners has smoked meats by the pound, but a 3-meat “Cyclone” sandwich and an “MVP” baked potato with up to five meats are among the bestsellers.
3200 14th St. in Plano, winnersbbq.com.
Tender Smokehouse
Tender Smokehouse is a barbecue joint that sells tacos and a toaster sandwich for breakfast. At lunchtime, standouts include Wagyu brisket and pineapple slaw.
224 W. Pecan St. in Celina; 4226 Preston Rd. in Frisco. tendersmokehousebbq.com.
Big Ray’s BBQ
At Big Ray’s in Allen, meats by the pound include smoked bologna. This barbecue joint has daily specials, a veggie plate in case you have a vegetarian in tow, and fried catfish is served on Fridays and Saturdays.
400 E. Main St. in Allen. bigraysbarbeque.com.
