In my mind, barbecue is a summer culinary tradition. But that doesn’t mean brisket and steak disappear off the menu when summer winds down. After all, there’s no separating Texas from its cowboy roots, which means when the smoke clears steak and barbecue joints are plentiful in Tarrant County.
I’ve written before about places where locals can pick up meat and seafood, but I think there’s something that distinguishes barbecue from other meat-focused establishments. Many people are nostalgic about it, with memories of grilling in the backyard and doling out coleslaw etched into the American psyche.
That said, if you want to try something a little different, there’s one restaurant on this list that isn’t your typical, all-American brisket joint. Let’s start there.
African fusion at Smoke’N Ash BBQ
Did you know there’s a Michelin Guide-recognized Ethiopian-inspired barbecue spot in Arlington? If you’re a regular reader, you’ll remember we wrote about them a while back. Owners Fasicka and Patrick Hicks were also James Beard Best Chef semifinalists last year, and in recent years love has also been lavished upon them by the likes of Good Morning America, The New York Times and Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Smoke’N Ash BBQ opened its South Cooper Street location in 2023 and serves a variety of both traditional Ethiopian dishes and American cookout classics. Alongside pork ribs, pulled lamb, pork sausage and barbecue sandwiches, diners can try traditional Ethiopian foods like wat stews — the national dish — mahberawi mixed plates and a tibs stir fry.
If you want both beef and teff injera, look for the Tex-Ethiopian Platters, which allow foodies to build a platter that can feed two to four people.
They have the usual barbecue sides of mac and cheese and beans as well as rice pilaf or key sir wat, a vegan beet and potato stew. There are several meatless options and a vegan plate.
Guy Fieri’s webpage highlighted several of the fusion spot’s dishes, such as the brisket, beefy collard greens and sweet potato pie.
5904 S. Cooper St., Arlington; 817-385-997
Jalapeno cheddar sausage at Meat U Anywhere BBQ
This joint in Grapevine was described by one online admirer as “no-frills,” so this could be a spot for casual game-day dining or a gathering with friends. Their socials list their meats as oak- and hickory-smoked, and the online menu shows brisket, ham, jalapeno cheddar sausage, turkey breast and St. Louis cut ribs, among other turf options.
If there’s always that one person in your party who wants something brunchy, they can pick up one of the many breakfast tacos, all of which are under $6. Tacos are actually a thing here, with 12-piece taco orders among the party-sized options.
Speaking of large-scale, if you need to feed upwards of 40 people, there’s a family meal option for that. Obviously, social gatherings are a big deal here.
For sandwiches, there are versions filled with all of the smoked meats mentioned above, while combos, a $4 kids lunch and sides like coleslaw and pinto beans are also available.
919 W. Northwest Highway, Grapevine; 817-251-1227
Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s discounted three-course dinner
For a slightly more formal option for grilled meats, Ruth’s Chris customers can snag three courses for $60 until Oct. 11. The meal includes a starter, entree, side and dessert, with the first round offering French onion soup or a Caesar or steakhouse salad.
Mains show either a 6-ounce filet with shrimp, salmon with shrimp or stuffed chicken breast with sides of creamed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. The meal closes with either a classic or chocolate cheesecake.
Beverages aren’t included in the special, but those wanting to indulge can find a few fall flavors among the cocktails.
The Smoke & Fire Old Fashioned combines rye bourbon and spicy bitters with Grand Marnier and cherries, while the Double Barrel Old Fashioned blends Woodford Reserve bourbon and reposado with agave and grapefruit bitters. For a fruitier pour, there’s a guava gimlet with Botanist gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, guava and lime juice.
Foodies know to reserve their spot at the table on the restaurant’s website.
813 Main St., Fort Worth; 817-348-0080
Smoked barbacoa at Panther City BBQ
This Fort Worth establishment is a ’cue staple for its smoked fare priced by the half-pound. It’s easy to find brisket at most barbecue places, so it’s no surprise that’s the first thing on their menu of meats, but there are also options like burnt pork belly ends, smoked bologna, smoked barbacoa and a half-chicken.
Of course there are also sandwiches as well as a double brisket smashburger, street tacos, brisket elote, pork belly poppers and a brisket burrito among their BBQ Twists. Sides include dill potato salad, spicy vinegar slaw, Mexican rice, spicy smoked mac and cheese and cream corn.
Want your dessert smoked, too? You can try the smoked pecan bread pudding. Not your jam? Maybe the Nutter Butter cheesecake pudding, then. Don’t worry, I won’t tell your cardiologist.
201 E. Hattie St., Fort Worth; 682-250-4464
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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