"The pinnacle of Texas-style barbecue is brisket, and Pecan Lodge does it the best. They serve beef so tender that it might just fall to shreds before you can get a fork of it to your mouth, and the simple salt, pepper, and a secret spice blend lets the high-quality meat shine through. And while brisket is the main attraction, it’d be a mistake not to try the Texas-sized (see: huge) fried chicken with crispy skin and moist meat, creamy potato salad, and mac and cheese with crunchy bacon bits. The airy dining room is where we post up when it’s 100 degrees out—otherwise, catch us outside on the patio listening to live music (this is Deep Ellum, after all) while finishing up the meal with their gooey peach cobbler. " - lee escobedo