I visited the famous Terry Black's Barbecue in Dallas, and I understand why the line stretched down the block

Erin McDowellMay 29, 2024, 02:32 IST

I ate at Terry Black's Barbecue and Dallas and would go back for the sides and sausage.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I recently visited Terry Black's, a famous barbecue restaurant with locations in Dallas and Austin.
When I arrived at prime dinner time, the line to order stretched down the block.

On a recent trip to Dallas, I knew I couldn't leave the Lone Star State without trying some classic Texas barbecue.

A friend recommended I stop by Terry Black's, a famous barbecue spot with locations in Austin and Dallas that's run by fourth-generation pitmasters. Given that my friend is vegetarian, I knew this place had to have a lot going for it if even she recommended I try it.

The Dallas Observer voted Terry Black's as the best barbecue in Dallas in 2023, and after trying most of the spot's sides and two of its famous meats, I can see why.

Here's what it was like to dine at Terry Black's Barbecue in Dallas.

The exterior of Terry Black's was unassuming, but when I arrived at dinner time on a Tuesday, there was a line down the block.

The exterior of Terry Black's Barbecue.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

A line stretched out the door and down the block, but it was moving quickly.

Customers in line outside Terry Black's.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

When I finally got inside, a lot of Terry Black's most famous meat options were sold out.

A sign explaining which meats had sold out.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The restaurant was full, and large groups had already taken most of the tables.

People eat inside the main dining room.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

Since this was my first time at Terry Black's, I was grateful for a large sign explaining how to order.

A sign explaining how to order at Terry Black's.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

In line, there were also windows that allowed customers to look into the pit room.

A cut of meat sits inside the pit room at Terry Black's.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I ordered two different kinds of meat and five sides at Terry Black's.

My meal at Terry Black's.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

While it was a letdown that I couldn't try the brisket, the chopped beef at Terry Black's blew me away.

Terry Black's chopped beef.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The chain's signature barbecue sauces were available in large bottles on the table, but I could have easily devoured a half-pound of this tender meat without any sauce.

Terry Black's chopped beef.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I also tried the jalapeño-cheddar sausage.

Terry Black's jalapeño-cheddar sausage.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The sausage's casing had the perfect amount of snap. It was slightly spicy without being too overpowering.

Terry Black's jalapeño-cheddar sausage.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I thought the coleslaw was a fresh, tangy addition to my meal.

Terry Black's coleslaw.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I also tried a single serving of potato salad from Terry Black's.

Terry Black's potato salad.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

Despite having so many other items on my plate to try, I couldn't help polishing off the entire side of potato salad.

Terry Black's potato salad.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

My friend had raved to me about Terry Black's mac and cheese, and she wasn't wrong.

Terry Black's mac and cheese.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The mac and cheese appears to be one of Terry Black's most popular menu items.