North Texas Smoke BBQ
A small-town gem serving world-class Texas barbecue — Decatur, TX
If you're hunting for outstanding barbecue in North Texas, skip the crowded city spots for a minute and head north to Decatur. Tucked along US-287 in Decatur, North Texas Smoke BBQ — run by pitmaster Derek Degenhardt — has quietly built a serious reputation. It recently earned a spot on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints list, and after my visit, it's easy to see why. This is the kind of place where the food speaks louder than any hype.
The setup feels authentically Texas — a no-frills spot that started as a food truck and has grown into a more permanent presence built around a container-style structure. Hours are limited (typically Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out), which adds to the "get there while it's hot" energy. One of the best little touches? They often have ice-cold free beer — Lone Star and similar — waiting for you at the door while you wait for them to open or for your order. It's a simple, hospitable gesture that immediately puts you in a good mood, especially on a hot Texas day.
The Meats That Deliver
I ordered the TX Trinity Plate — ¼ lb brisket, a single rib, and a link — and everything lived up to the buzz I'd read across reviews.
Brisket
Outstanding — tender, juicy (even the lean end), with a solid smoke ring and well-developed bark. Reviewers consistently call it one of the best they've had, with comments like "absolute BOMB," "melts in your mouth," and "top three briskets ever." My experience matched that perfectly. It's cooked over locally sourced post oak on a traditional offset smoker, and you can taste the care.
Pork Ribs
Another standout. Excellent flavor from the glaze and seasoning, great tenderness with a nice bite, and that perfect don't-fall-off-the-bone texture many Texas rib fans prefer. Multiple reviews rave about these ribs — some people straight-up ask if they're the best in the area. I'd put them in my personal top tier for North Texas.
OG Sausage
Their house-made beef link — sometimes with jalapeño-cheese variations — had good flavor, a nice snap, and was plump and juicy. Exactly what Texas Monthly praised in their review of the links. Personally I lean toward a spicier Hot Link style, but that's just my taste. Plenty of people come back specifically for the house-made sausages.
Other Highlights
The peppery turkey breast and the bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cream cheese (basically elevated Texas Twinkies) get consistent love in reviews. The pork shoulder had some early growing pains in older reviews but appears to have been refined since.
The Sides That Hold Their Own
I went with mac & cheese and beans as my sides, and both were excellent. The mac & cheese is creamy and comforting — often finished with toasted breadcrumbs — and reviewers frequently call it a "must-try." The beans (sometimes listed as Cowboy Beans) had solid flavor and complemented the meats well.
Other sides that get strong mentions: the loaded baked potato salad (mimics a loaded baked potato with bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream dressing) and elote for a little spice. The sides here aren't afterthoughts — they're well-executed and worth ordering.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive Early
With limited hours and high demand, popular items — especially mac & cheese and certain meats — can sell out. Get there close to opening.
Prioritize the Stars
Brisket and ribs are the consensus favorites. If you're only getting one or two meats, those are the safest and most rewarding bets.
Enjoy the Free Beer
It's a small but thoughtful detail that makes the whole experience more relaxed and fun. Grab one while you wait.
Don't Skip the Sides
The mac & cheese and beans are genuinely good — don't treat them as fillers. The loaded baked potato salad is worth a try too.
Worth the Drive
Whether you're coming from the DFW area or passing through on 287, this spot punches well above its small-town weight.
Check Social Before You Go
Hours and availability can shift. They sometimes post specials like burnt ends and extra racks. A quick check saves a wasted trip.
The Verdict
North Texas Smoke proves you don't need a big-city address or a massive operation to deliver excellent barbecue. The focus on quality ingredients, post oak, and traditional methods pays off in every bite.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything I tried and will definitely be back — whether it's repeating the brisket and ribs order, sampling the turkey or other sausages, or seeing what specials they're running. If you're in North Texas and serious about barbecue, put Decatur on your map. North Texas Smoke is the real deal.
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