Peggy Sue's BBQ, Dallas

Peggy Sue's barbecue is not the best known in Dallas, and it's not the oldest. But age and popularity can't guarantee what this joint promises: some of the best barbecue in the Big D, plus great atmosphere. Diners here chow down in a sea of '50s memorabilia, from hand-tinted photos to cowboy hats suspended from the ceiling.

All the Happy Days kitsch is just whipped cream on a prize-winning sundae of barbecue. We tried the baby back ribs, peppery and full of smoky wonder, spare ribs seasoned with a secret rub, chicken whose pink depths hinted at its trial by fire, and oak-smoked brisket, served lean and sliced the thickness of a few Neiman Marcus credit cards. Peggy Sue's also boasts turkey, Polish kielbasa sausage, and ham, offerings we had to save for another day.

You can begin your meal with BBQuesadillas, a variation of that Tex-Mex favorite made with chopped brisket. Save room, though, for the generous portions on the plates, served with two side dishes: pinto beans, squash casserole, spinach, french fries, green beans, carrots, slaw, broccoli, onion rings, corn, or potato salad. The latter is a refreshing twist on an old favorite, a melding of cubed potatoes, celery, bacon, and egg.

Location: 6600 Snider Plaza

For More Information: (214) 987-9188

Return to Texas Barbecue Guide