At the recommendation of some co-workers, I grabbed dinner at Hard Eight while I was in town on business. The food was good, if not the greatest BBQ I've ever had, but the overall experience was much fun. The restaurant is in the form of a large barn with ample seating and a walk-through line where you can pick out your meat and then any sides and drinks you'd like. I enjoyed having the "conundrum" of trying to figure out which of the meats to try as they stare at you from the smoker, all saying, "Pick me!" My first visit to any BBQ place is nearly always to try the pulled pork, figuring that if they can't get that right, nothing else is likely all that good. That's not always true, but since pulled pork is one of my favorites, it's a good approach anyway. :) I took my platter laden with an abundant amount of pulled pork and then selected corn on the cob, cole slaw, a slice of custard pie, and a sweet tea. After paying, I made my way into the main dining area and selected a high-top wooden table along the wall that was, shall we say, very awkward to sit at based on how the stationary stool was positioned in conjunction with the table, so I moved to a nearby regular table that was just fine. There's plenty of outdoor seating, but based on the temperature that day, I chose to stay inside. Digging in, I found the pulled pork to be good, but it was a little dry and salty. The standard house BBQ sauce was good, though, and the corn on the cob was very nice. The cole slaw was about what you'd expect, and the custard pie was tasty, even if it wasn't the best I'd ever had. The sweet tea was excellent. What I probably loved most, though, was eating all this in that environment, with the Texas-American paraphernalia hanging on the walls and a radio station playing nothing but 80s and 90s country music over the speakers--the years when I loved country the most. I wanted a BBQ experience as big as Texas while I was here, and I got that. For that reason, my visit to Hard Eight was a hit, and I will happily visit again on a future trip. read more

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As a barbeque place, this place isn't superb at anything, but they will probably have something for everyone. The high note for us were the ribeye steaks cooked to order, we love the lemon butter that the steak comes covered in. If you can wait in line, Hutchins is better, but this place is far from bad. read more

WHY WE WENT HERE: - work dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located off State Hwy 121 in between Plano Pkwy and Bargain Way - plenty of parking THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - western/cabin vibes with all the wood - start off with the grilled/smoked meats in the front - make your way to the sides and desserts - then pay at the register - beans available only for dine-in - soda fountains as well - seat yourself THE MENU: - meats from the pit (sold by weight) - tailgate party pack - sandwich special - sandwich - sides - drinks - extras - dessert WHAT I ORDERED: - Baked Sweet Potato - Bacon - Shredded Cheese - Pork Ribs - Brisket - Beans - Mac & Cheese - Banana Pudding - Original BBQ Sauce THE TASTE: - Baked Sweet Potato - fine, plain until I added the bacon and shredded cheese to it - Pork Ribs - tender but plain - Brisket - hard and SALTY - Beans - lackluster - Mac & Cheese - lackluster - Banana Pudding - too sweet - Original BBQ Sauce - too mustardy or ketchupy CUSTOMER SERVICE: - minimal, but it was fine read more

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Was taken here out of chance by a work colleague while on a trip because I told them I'd never had "Texas BBQ" before. This was the spot he took me too to give me my first experience and I was definitely not disappointed! The brisket was so tender and flavorful as were the ribs. I'm usually not a big fan of sausage but both the jalapeño cheese and regular sauces were SO GOOD! All the sides were good also, which is crazy for me to say because I think I'm most iffy on restaurant sides! They had so many more options to choose from also: bacon wrapped chicken & shrimp, chicken wings, steak... I felt like I was in BBQ Heaven! This spot definitely has my heart when it comes to BBQ... So if this is the bar that's set, I can't wait to come back and try more! Everyone was extremely nice and asked if I needed anything or how could they help. I think they could tell I didn't know what I was doing so they made sure I got all the good stuff: sauces, bread, FREE beans. In our Texas fashion this place was massive! It felt like it just kept going and there was space for days! Probably a great place to watch a game. Go here and you will not be disappointed either. read more

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After having the ribeye special at the Roanoke location, I was excited to have it again upon my next trip to the Metroplex. This location was way below the other store's standards. In Roanoke it came out within 10 minutes, it was closer to 25 here, and despite asking for extra onions, I got about a quarter of what I did at the other location. Still tasty, but I guess this store doesn't quite put as much into it. Disappointing. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye special with a few meager onions. - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Have wanted to try this place for a while and finally stopped by since i was in town. Be prepared to smell delicious when you leave. They have the grills right in the front when you enter which is cool for a little but boy is it a lot of smoke after some time in line. I got the beef ribs and they left me wanting more the flavor was just ok but the pork chop was massive and juicy the offer hot and cold sides as well as some desserts read more

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Stopped here fornlunch with family and there was a pretty long line, but itbdisnt take long together to the food ordering station. Mybwife and I had the ribs, chicken, bake sweet potatoes, okra and pie. The ribs were really tender and great flavor, even without the sauce. The chicken was well seasoned, but bone dry and even dipping it in sauce didn't help. The atmosphere was good and there was plenty of seating. Good place for lunch. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Hard 8 is a very accurate name. This place is a hard 8, and honestly that's not an insult. I've been here about four times now and it's my go-to spot when friends or family are in town and want "Texas BBQ." It absolutely nails the vibe. Rustic, smoky, loud enough to feel fun, but not so insane that you regret coming. Sunday night, dine-in, no crazy lines, no chaos. Exactly what I want. Food-wise, it's really good, just not quite great. And that's okay. The ribeye deserves real credit. For the price, it was fantastic. Juicy, well seasoned, and honestly better than I expected from a BBQ joint. Pork ribs were solid, sausage did its job, no complaints there. And the banana pudding? Unreal. Best I've ever had. I get it every time and I will continue to get it every time. Non-negotiable. Is it touching Terry Black's or Hutchins? No. Those places are operating on another level. But Hard 8 also isn't trying to be that. It's consistent, approachable, and delivers the full Texas BBQ experience without the madness. Touristy? Sure. But it leans into the Texas vibe hard and mostly pulls it off. If you want elite BBQ, you know where to go. If you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing Texas BBQ spot that won't ruin your night with lines or stress, Hard 8 is exactly what it says it is. A hard 8. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Hard Eight never disappoints. This place is a full experience from the moment you walk in and see those massive pits going, the show factor alone is worth it. The location is huge, and it really adds to the classic Texas BBQ atmosphere. I had the bacon-wrapped shrimp, cheddar jalapeño sausage, and the prime rib (which I love that they do this on Friday and Saturday nights). The shrimp had great flavor with that perfect smoky finish, and the cheddar jalapeño sausage is another favorite of mine. The prime rib was the star of the night, tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Definitely something to plan your visit around. The mac and cheese was creamy and rich, and the potato salad was a great classic side to balance everything out. If you're looking for legit Texas BBQ with big pits, big flavor, and a big atmosphere, Hard Eight is always a solid choice. I've been to this location many times and I plan on coming back. read more

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This place was clean and true Texas BBQ! The price was on point and better than another place we went to last year. For 4 ppl we got brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage and chicken for our protein. 4 drinks and mac ' n cheese for about $150. Staff was nice on a busy night and approachable. I'll definitely be back! read more

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After a long day of sightseeing in Grapevine, there is no better way to end the night than dinner at Hard Eight BBQ! This location is not near Grapevine, but they have another one that is, We have been here while visiting before, so we knew we would be getting some really good brisket and ribs. I wish they had burnt ends, but they do have all sorts of other great cuts of meat. It is a really fun atmosphere, they have all sorts of great sides and a bar to get an ice cold Lone Star! The line where you order flowed smoothly and the employees were all very friendly. Oh yes, we will return the next time we are in this area. read more

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I went to visit Texas for the first time, and the number one thing I wanted to try first was authentic Texas bbq, and hard eight really hit the spot. The ambiance mimics that of a cowboy ranch style cabin and I loved all the decor and memorabilia hanging on the walls. Nice casual family spot. Service was super friendly, the pit masters gave great recommendations and were very helpful, and staff checked on us regularly. We ordered a good amount of food, the brisket was juicy and perfectly seasoned, the shrimp poppers were plump and grilled well, the pork ribs were good, some parts were a tad bit dry, but the jalapeño sausage was my absolute favorite, perfect blend of savory with a spicy kick. I'm a sucker for fried okra so had to get a side of that and Cole slaw which was perfect with all the meat. read more

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Dropped by this location and was looking for the great bbq here. The turkey and pork was great. Best taste. The corn was good too. The bar tender was great I wish I got her name. All in all this is really great place to get some good BBQ. Give it a try. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Meat cooking - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Solid BBQ! Brisket and ribs are outstanding. Chicken was kind of dry. Order at the pit and move your tray past the sides. So kinda self serve. Beans are complementary and are good but could use a bit more seasoning. Staff is friendly read more

This is one of the giant BBQ in Dallas, Texas. They have the pit when you enter the place so you will smell the bbq. Choose the meat and they will cut and prepare for you. First stop is the steak. Second stop is the rest of the meat. They have two lines. Left and right. Once weighted, you will enter the dining area behind the door. You can choose the bread, fries, condiments, pie etc. Some included, some have prices. So service is fast. Once paid, you can go to big dining area inside or big patio outside. The place is huge. They keep coming and checking on you, cleaning the table and more. Good Texas BBQ. read more

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Been to the Coppell location and The Colony. I think the Coppell may be closer to 5 stars. The first thing you'll see when you walk in is the open pit cooking. Everything is cooked on either a smoker or an open pit. Delightful! You order your food right by the main pit and it is cut to order. There's plenty to pick from, and everything I've tried has been top notch. I think their brisket is better than Terry Blacks! Yes, I said it. Don't be shy, try a little bit of everything. Their chicken is surprisingly good, the smoked bologna is honestly underrated, the jalapeño cheddar sausage is excellent ad well, and believe it or not, their sirloin is amazing too -- cook medium rare/medium and sliced to order. Also, give their pork chop a try -- juicy, tender, and massive! I only give it 4 stars as it felt weird that they were out of some staple cuts of meat on a Thursday evening... read more

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I was referred by friends when I asked for where do I go for the best BBQ around Dallas. Hard Eight did not disappoint me as all. I left happy and full. Kind of an amazing layout and plan for food here. Just go experience it, rather than me break it down for you. Since I was in town on business and company dime, I got a sample of several meats and sides. It was later in the night but all the food was great, right off the smoker. BBQ ribs just fell off the bone and melted as I ate it. BBQ brisket and Chicken were amazing as well. I still am not sure what I like the best as all were so good. They have a Timon of sides to choose from, although I never saw Bake Beans. Maybe they were out of but when I return, if no Bake Beans they will have to loose a star. As those go hand in hand with BBQ read more

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This place is supposed to be well known for their ribs. Ribs at any bbq place are my go to. I was pretty disappointed with the food (this is the 3rd Hard 8 I have dined in. Place has a fun atmosphere and decor, just not the best food. read more

People literally hyped this place too much. We drove almost an hour to come try it. As soon as we walked in we could smell the meats cooking. So it smelled really good. The guy taking orders was rude & the lady on the line was rude as well. The service was trash tbh for my first time there. I was craving a baked potato really bad with brisket so I got that. The baked potato was so small & so little brisket. Don't get me wrong... the brisket was 8/10 it was tender.... Now the barbecue.. It didn't not taste like barbecue, the taste was so off... it tasted like ketchup or something but that didn't taste like barbecue at all. The jalapeño corn was so nasty. We also got Mac and cheese, the Mac I'll give it a 8/10 it was pretty good. Overall I don't think I'll ever make the drive just to come eat here. I rather go to Dickies BQQ 1,000 times than this place. read more

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Joe, The Pit-master cooked us delicious Med Rare steak. He greeted us with a big Texas smile and recommended the ribeye, and so glad I did! Texas Popper were good I was disappointed with the brisket, dry and too salty. . The atmosphere speaks TEXAS BBQ! read more

My brisket had burnt sides that was like the consistency of harden twigs with a beef tallow flavor. Make damn sure whoever serving you your meats that you're paying your hard earned money for, that they take the time and expertise to give you good cuts of meat. Honestly, you shouldn't have to fucking ask. they should just do it, as that's their job in a nutshell. read more

Awesome food and ambiance. Great experience. I will definitely go back and take my friends

I've always enjoyed Hard Eight BBQ especially because I have a gluten allergy. They have a decent amount of gluten free options. I must say though my last experience was very disappointing. Their credit card machines went down, which I completely understand the delay being able to pay. Unfortunately, the food was ice cold for some reason! We had many different meats and none of them were warm. I ordered a sweet potato and it was hard in the center. The half chicken is normally delicious and it was extremely dried out and hard to chew. I'm really hoping it was just an off night. read more

We tried this for dinner recently and had a good experience. We have been a couple times for the BBQ and it's delicious. A guy in our party recommended the ribeye special, so we tried that. For $36.95 you get a 16oz ribeye and 2 sides. They also have an 8oz ribeye and 1 side combo for $19.95. The ribeye came out sizzling with grilled onions and a nice slab of butter on top. It was cooked perfectly. I tried the mac and cheese and sweet potato fries for my sides. Both were great. We also tried the sausage. They have plenty of seating inside and the staff was friendly. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Amazing food here... it's pretty much self service so not much to say about "service" it's a fun Texas experience and my favorite is the chicken! My husband loves the brisket! Go early or you're waiting in line!! Good stuff! Check them out! read more

Great atmosphere! This place embodies all things Texas. I used to go to Hard Eight in Stephenville when I was attending college about 20 years ago and I am so proud of their success since! I always over order and overeat! The brisket was a little dry- maybe next time I'll get back to my roots and get a stuffed baker! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

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Was recommended to check out this place if I wanted a good steak from my uber driver coming into town from the airport. Glad I took his advice and swung by for dinner! Such a unique experience where you choose your meat, how you'd like it cooked, and can watch them cook it all before even making it inside the restaurant! Next you'll come up to the pit where you can make additional meat selections and then choose your sides, veggies/salad, drinks. It was super fun and the steakhouse is definitely a fun rustic vibe! Everyone was so nice and willing to help offer a hand, clean up a space for you, or bring you anything else you may need! I ended up ordering the ribeye, a corn and fries for the side :) the ribeye was very juicy and well cooked! The corn was sadly super bland and cold, the fries were pretty meh and floppy. read more

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I've been visiting Hard Eight for years, and I enjoy the overall BBQ experience it offers. It feels like you're stepping into a grand BBQ attraction. The staff moves guests through the line quickly and efficiently and is always polite. The ambiance is fantastic, and a fun spot for large groups! The food is good and reasonably priced, but I am disappointed with the brisket. It lacks flavor and doesn't taste smoked, although the sauce does help to improve it. On a positive note, they serve great ribeyes and some of the best fries I've ever had at a BBQ restaurant! read more

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It's been awhile and it never disappoint. This place is the best smoke house in the area. Just straight bbq and ribeye steak. Service is always on point. Come and check them out. read more

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Ambiance, imagine walking into a cloud of the best smelling bbq smoke. The interior is rustic Texas barn. You stand on a line to order, first the meats (Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork by 1/2 and 1LB, Steaks, corn and potato. Then onto sides (potato salad, fries, salad, desert). Then onto the register. There is Coca-Cola drink station with free house beans and BBQ sauce (regular and spicy). The food was delicious. Enjoy! read more

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This is one of the things that I miss about Dallas. The BBQ is great and so are the prices. You can get stuffed like an animal for under $30. The atmosphere is good too, a classic Texan BBQ spot if you are coming from out of state. The lines can get pretty long though on the weekends. Parking is plenty. Of course try the brisket, my favorite for sure. Tip: A pound of meat is more than you think :) read more

Hard Eight BBQ - 1/2lba Brisket, 1/2lb Sirloin - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Great food.. this stop was suggested by a good friend... keep good friends who mention great stops. BBQ BBQ BBQ!!! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Yum. Delicious bbq and bonus, get engulfed with the smells as you stand in line. Order your T-bone steak before you get to the cooked goodies so it will be ready in time! Everything is good. My go to is brisket. You can ask for lean or not. Pro tip, lean tends to be dry. Meats are charged by the pound. Make sure to grab a bowl of complimentary beans next to the soda machines. The beans include complete jalapeños and brisket bits. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - The menu - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Hard Eight has been our go to place for BBQ since it opened. It's great BBQ and conveniently located to where we live in Plano. You get the full Texas experience dining here; good service, good atmosphere, clean facilities and most importantly, great tasting BBQ and grilled steak. You gotta try the steak! Yeah, Hutchins is great BBQ too but I don't know if it's any better than H8. read more

met my friend for lunch and we met up at Hard 8 BBQ, located in The Colony, TX. I have only been to one before approximately 3 yrs ago located in Coppell, TX. We were there for lunch and the parking lot was full and it was hopping mad inside the restaurant. The smell bbq filled the air. This place is neat, very clean and well organized. The meats on the grill looked really awesome, but the taste was lacking. Same experience at the Coppell location. The brisket was moist and juicy, the bread was dry, I did taste the chicken cause I got full. The onion rings were piping hot and very tasty well seasoned. My friend had the brisket and sausage also with onion rings and pinto beans. I will not even go back again to any Hard 8 BBQ they have disappointed me twice already there won't be a third. Staff here are super friendly, very welcoming, efficient and well organized. I love my BBQ and I always brag about Texas bbq, but I can't with Hard 8. read more

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Always the best experience going to this place! Can't go wrong with rib eye especially cooked in perfection 16oz a must try plus the sirloin omg delicious, onion ring is a killer and love on the sides! Service is awesome from the front end until in the dining floor. Kudos to the manager who runs this place! We will come back again! read more

Where do I start? This my favorite BBQ place in Dallas. The smell of meat cooking when you walk in...amazing! You are presented with any kind of meat you want (steak, brisket, ribs, half chicken, etc.) If you want a steak, they will make you one. Over my stay in Dallas, we came back 3 times! We tried the brisket, turkey, chicken (fall off the bone tender), sausage and chicken poppers. All were delicious. They are all tender. It can be really busy in the evening so plan ahead. The line went pretty quick on Saturday night. Then, there are the sides. The onion rings are fresh made to order, the baked potato (with all the fixings) was perfect. The mac and cheese, delicious. They give you free beans if you dine-in (over by the drink station). Now dessert. My husband loves the banana pudding, but the cobbler is my favorite. I had both the cherry and the peach. I love how the cobbler is not overly sweet like some other places, and they give you a perfect portion. As we sat and ate, the wait staff was very attentive and checked on us several times. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - top is brisket and jalepeno cheddar sasuage, mac and cheese and banana pudding. Bottom is half chicken and baked potato and peach cobbler. - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Will come back later and write a full review. had to cite it asap. their brisket it meat heaven. THE most tender melt in your mouth beef I have ever had in my life. savor and eat slowly. so so good. 2025 Review 2 read more

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This was an amazing experience. The food is hot off the smoker. We ordered chicken poppers and jalepeno/cheddar sausage with sweet potato fries and a baked potato. The pit master serves your meat as you enter the restaurant by 1/2 pound or pound. The poppers wrapped in bacon with jalepeno, very tasty . The sausage were spicy and good. This spot is a must try.. there is so much food it is definitely shareable portions. The staff was friendly and helpful to first timers.. the restaurant is huge, large indoor with A/C and large outdoor patio. It is family friendly with large outdoor shareable tables. Family friendly environment read more

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Helpful, friendly staff. Efficient service. Lots of delicious meat and side options at reasonable prices . Tons of seating (inside and outside) and most important of all - delicious bbq and bbq sauce !! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas