I took a BBQ Trip through the metroplex. Results:
(I've previously had Pecan Lodge and I think it's Excellent, but not quite "Top 4" worthy. Still, it's an A in my book and was the benchmark for my trip)
FORT WORTH:
Longoria's - Their homemade brisket sausage is worth a try. It is a nice mix of tasty and unique. Brisket had great flavor and decent smoke, unfortunately it was also dry. This would be some great brisket if it wasn't dried out. Ribs had a slight KC style glaze and were pretty good. Their tamales are just ok.
Grade: B-Original Cousin's BBQ - The brisket was straightforward. It had a good flavor, the ends were juicy with well rendered fat. It lacked smoke. Ribs had an unexpected tangy rub. They were ok. All around, pretty standard. A notch below Longoria's.
Grade: B-DALLAS:
Lockhart Smokehouse - Lockhart Smokehouse brings legit Central Texas BBQ to Dallas. Perfectly smoked meats puts this in my Top 10. Fatty brisket is amazing. Ribs perfectly prepared, but I'd prefer if they dropped the sweetness in the rub. They are so well done it doesnt need it. Kreuz sausage and clod are also great options. Plus interesting sides like habenero mac & cheese. I loved everything about this place and in my mind, Lockhart is the BEST in D/FW.
Grade: ABartley's BBQ (Grapevine) - They delivered some good brisket with simple salt & pepper rub, decent smoke. The ribs had an interesting flavor, not too sweet, and I liked it. Ribs were a bit dry but had good tug.
Grade: B
Hutchin's BBQ & Catfish (McKinney) - This is the only place that really made a mockery of my expectations. I went in expecting decently done BBQ but WOW. Hutchins does their brisket right. I got the first cut the morning I went and was blown away. Great smoke, great rub, great flavor. The pork ribs are simply perfect. I loved their menu and nice choice of sides. The building and the atmosphere are pretty novel as well. I'd notch this place right below Pecan Lodge.
Grade: AMeshack's BBQ Shack (Garland) - Meshack's is putting out some high quality ribs. Perfectly rendered fat with great flavor and nice tug. Brisket is too dry, but has plenty of smoke.
Grade: B[This message has been edited by CDub06 (edited 7/29/2013 2:47p).]