When you have brisket on the brain, it’s easy to overlook the side dishes at most barbecue restaurants. But at Back Country Bar B Q, menu items such as the creamed spinach and the baked potato are what get people talking. That’s because they are made in-house from scratch. “I think that’s what sets us apart from most barbecue houses,” says owner Frank Hart. “A lot of people don’t take the time to do that.” Some guests drop in just a take a few sides to-go. Back Country opened at its Greenville location in 1988 and has become a neighborhood institution. Hart and his pitmaster Earnest Griffith smoke 30 briskets a night. “It’s a slow process,” Hart says. “We don’t get in a hurry.” Back Country has such a loyal following that Hart has seen some of his customers grow from children to adults who are now bringing their kids. “It’s kind of rewarding. I’ve done something right.”
Back Country Bar B Q
6940 Greenville
214.696.6940
Three more spots for barbeque
Red, Hot & Blue
The well-rounded menu features barbecue staples along with Southern fare including fried catfish, chicken-fried steak, fried okra and collard greens. Slab ribs and Carolina pulled pork with vinegar sauce, to name a couple house faves, are moderately priced and ‘cued to finger-lickin’ perfection.
9810 Central at Walnut Hill
214.368.RIBS
Woo Me Ok Korean BBQ
The spicy pork barbecue, daeji bulgogi, lures Korean barbecue aficianados from around town to this little hole in the wall surrounded by mostly Asian businesses — so it’s well worth the approximately one-minute trip north of Lake Highlands. Entrees on the menu come with a variety of side dishes (Banchan) served family style. You won’t leave hungry.
10560 Walnut Street at Plano
972.272.9909
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Yes, it’s one of the biggest barbecue chains in the country, but it all started right here in Big D. Try pulled pork dripping with tangy sauce or cheesy sausage and save room for a free ice cream cone dessert.
770 Forest Lane at Central
214.691.1494