Returning to a beloved barbecue spot after years can be a gamble. Will it live up to the hype in your memory? For Pecan Lodge, located on Main Street in Dallas, TX, the answer is a resounding yes. After a visit in early January 2024, this barbecue mecca proves it still deserves its reputation as a top destination for Texas BBQ.
Pecan Lodge Main Street Dallas TX Line
Arriving just before their 11 AM opening, a small line hinted at Pecan Lodge’s consistent draw, even years after my last visit in 2018. The anticipation was palpable as we joined the queue, ready to dive into some authentic Dallas barbecue. The wait was brief, and soon it was our turn to face the menu board and make the crucial decisions.
Ordering at Pecan Lodge simplifies down to two key choices, besides the absolute must-order: “The Trough.” Sides? We opted for the classic collard greens and fried okra. Extra meat beyond “The Trough”? Smoked turkey it was. But let’s be clear: “The Trough” is non-negotiable at Pecan Lodge. Unless you’re feeding a small army and require multiple Troughs, this is your centerpiece.
Pecan Lodge The Trough Order
Let’s talk about the star of the show – the brisket. It was exactly as remembered: a peppery bark giving way to incredibly flavorful and tender meat. Pecan Lodge’s brisket remains a benchmark, firmly planted in the upper echelon of brisket experiences, a taste of Texas barbecue excellence rarely found outside state lines. It’s the kind of brisket that justifies a trip to Main Street Dallas all on its own.
Moving to the beef rib, expectations were sky-high based on past experiences. While still a very good beef rib – undeniably meaty, expertly cooked, and tender – it felt slightly under-seasoned on this occasion. It didn’t quite reach the legendary status of previous beef ribs enjoyed at Pecan Lodge, but remained a solid barbecue offering.
Pecan Lodge Pulled Pork and Ribs
The pulled pork, another dish with high expectations, presented a slight disappointment, though perhaps due to those self-imposed lofty standards. While tender, it leaned towards dryness and benefited greatly from the vinegar-based sauce readily available at Pecan Lodge. It ended up being the least favored item of this particular barbecue feast.
However, the pork ribs were a definite highlight and a pleasant surprise. After a recent contemplation on ribs, these Pecan Lodge ribs delivered. Meaty, perfectly cooked, and seasoned just right, they were delicious. While perhaps not surpassing the glazed ribs from Terry Black’s, they were undeniably impressive and a testament to Pecan Lodge’s barbecue prowess.
Both the sausage and turkey were commendable, exceeding average barbecue fare. The sides, collard greens and fried okra, were as delightful as remembered – consistently well-prepared and highly recommended to complement the rich barbecue meats.
This substantial amount of food naturally led to leftovers, prompting a crucial question: reheatability. Barbecue reheat can be tricky, often resulting in dried-out, compromised meat. Not so with Pecan Lodge. Every meat, even the fried okra, reheated remarkably well in the oven, retaining its flavor and texture almost indistinguishably from the fresh-from-the-restaurant experience. Truly deserving of a top rating in reheatability.
Returning to a barbecue haven like Pecan Lodge on Main Street Dallas sets the stage for critical evaluation. The element of surprise is gone, and any imperfection is magnified. Yet, despite the high bar set by past experiences, the meal at Pecan Lodge was still exceptional, ranking among the best meals in recent memory. For anyone in Dallas seeking top-tier barbecue, Pecan Lodge remains an absolute must-visit destination.
Pecan Lodge Interior Seating
Ratings:
Atmosphere – 4 hogs
Brisket – 5 hogs
Beef Rib – 4 hogs
Pork Ribs – 4.5 hogs
Pulled pork – 3.5 hogs
Sausage – 4 hogs
Turkey – 3.5 hogs
Sides – 4.5 hogs
Re-heatability – 5 hogs
Overall – 5 hogs (the brisket is that good, y’all)
