Most people get the meat sweats when they try any of the barbecue joints on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 list, but that doesn’t mean they want to risk heat stroke during their visits. Luckily, a notable North Texas barbecue joint has heard the concerns about its “sauna”- like dining room and is now helping guests cool off.
Panther City BBQ in Fort Worth has been a favorite of barbecue fanatics since its food truck days and, since 2018, has gained a loyal following at its outpost on East Hattie Street. The smokehouse has been named to Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list twice and received Michelin Guide honors in 2024 and 2025. However, guests have apparently been suffering from all the heat, so Panther City installed new A/C units on Tuesday, May 12, to help patrons cool off.
“Ok, we typically post mouthwatering pics of our food but today’s post just gives us the chills!!” Panther City BBQ wrote on Facebook. “If you have suffered through our sauna of a dining room with our old AC units, the wait is over. Not one, but two brand new units were installed today to keep you cooler than the other side of the pillow. See ya tomorrow for lunch.”
Pitmaster and co-owner Chris Magallanes explained in an email to MySA that the A/C units were 12 years old and had been “giving us fits during temps over 80 degrees. Sometimes even freezing up during hot days.” The Panther City BBQ team spent six months negotiating with their landlord for A/C replacements, totaling $26,000.
As far as future renovations go, Magallanes added that Panther City is in the process of refinishing all outdoor tables, adding some interior wall treatments and pricing new flooring.
The announcement received over 500 likes as of Wednesday, May 13, with dozens replying with freezing gifs to show their excitement.
For any San Antonians who make the four-hour drive to Fort Worth, popular foods at Panther City BBQ include the pork ribs, pork belly burnt ends, brisket elote and brisket guisada, among much more.
Find it: 201 E. Hattie St., Fort Worth, TX 76104