Tender Smokehouse

7 years ago

WOW! First time here after hearing many people recommend it - and it was fabulous! Legit Texas BBQ, with great service as well!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jason M.

111

8 years ago

I love this place. Service - is awesome. Friendly, helpful people. Visited during a slow time and had a great conversation with Terrance. Employees are top notch. Atmosphere - is laid back and nice. We enjoyed the outside with the ring game, giant Connect 4 game & cornhole games. Plenty of seating. Food - SO GOOD. We've had the brisket (marbled of course), pulled pork, original sausage, Mac & cheese, pineapple slaw, and beans. I don't like cole slaw... I love the pineapple slaw. It's cabbage, carrot, pineapple, pineapple juice & maybe a little mayo. It's fantastic. Entertainment - I can't really comment however I've been told there's live music on Friday & Saturday. This was our second visit and it certainly won't be our last. read more

Helpful 5

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maddie P.

7 years ago

Best bar b q I've ever head. The ribs fall off the bone, brisket is the best I've ever had and the banana pudding was loved by people who don't like bananas! My kids said the grilled cheese was the best they've ever had. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Justified H.

8 years ago

I eat here weekly, everything on the menu is excellent. Brisket and pork ribs are daily fare and on weekends they add Wagyu brisket on Friday and Saturday night and also Wagyu beef ribs on Saturday night but you need to call and reserve one of those because they sell out quick, this place rivals if not better than any Hill country BBQ place, went back this evening for beef ribs and thankfully I had reserved one or we would have made a dry run, after that #2 national ranking from YELP they were totally sold out by 5pm so I would call ahead and make sure they are not sold out read more

Tender Smokehouse - Brisket and pork ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Pork half rack of ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Brisket stuffed baked sweet potato - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Wagyu Beef Rib and jalapeño sausage with mac and cheese and beans for sides - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

A.J. H.

8 years ago

Brisket was tough and needed a knife toncut through, the turkey was dry,the pork was mediocre. The only good thing here was the service and banana pudding. Its definitely not worth the wait. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Bethany S.

5 years ago

Are you tired of dry ribs with no flavor. Dry brisket. Sides that suck. Wonder no more my friends. We live in North Texas and BBQ should taste sexy and TENDER and be local. @tendersmokehouse in celina is what your mouth has been craving. Come hungry indulge in dinner and dessert. Amber, Keith and Jason are gems hope you can meet them...they will take care of you. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kim L.

4 years ago

Hands down best food and customer service! I don't plan to ever eat bbq anywhere else.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melaney S.

7 years ago

Amazing! My husband and I went on Saturday, everyone was friendly and most important the food was amazing. I had the loaded baked potato with brisket and my husband had a combo of ribs,sausage, brisket. The beans is the bomb. Were definitely coming back read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jim R.

7 years ago

My friend and I each had the El Jefe. The rib was incredible, perfect, the rub is awesome. The sausage was really very good, the pork EXACTLY like I like it - bark, smoke, meat chunks (pay attention North Carolina!), great brisket. The sides were legit the best part - and that's saying something! My friend had the banana pudding and he said it was so good he ordered 5lbs of it for his birthday party the next week. The beans are incredible (I don't even like beans!), Mac and cheese was off the chain. We were seated in about 8 minutes and the staff was incredibly friendly and efficient. I miss Texas already. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michael F.

200

215

8 years ago

Great food. Great staff. Fun place to bring the kids and sit outside on a nice day too. Nothing better than driving home to Celina from Houston and stopping in here for some delish bbq and a cold beer with friends. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mindy L.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

318

164

8 years ago

Melt in your mouth!!! Mmm so good! You cannot go wrong here. We got the moist and tender brisket, jalapeno sausage, mac and cheese, and potatoe salad. Every thing was delicious. We also had the banana pudding it was so good. Like custard. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Krista A.

277

8 years ago

Delicious!! We got jalapeño sausage, brisket, and pulled pork. My husband got the potato salad and I got the Mac and cheese. It was all perfect and very tasty. Big cold beer, cozy bar with a game on, and great atmosphere. The staff was super friendly too! Definitely will recommend this restaurant to friends and we will absolutely be back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Ernest R.

Elite 22

205

8 years ago

Oh man I hate to do this review, I wanted this to be my secret spot. Located in Celina in the middle of town it's not hard to find. The BBQ is top notch in this little place. The falling off the bone pork ribs, and the sausage are outstanding. I had a side of potato salad and I'm not kidding hands down the best I've had. The service is great and the food is also give them a try! read more

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Ann D.

5 years ago

Best barbecue ever! The pork spare ribs are delicious you just bite into it and the meat falls off the bone. OMG the smoked turkey is so moist! Everything is great!! So glad to see you in Aubrey. Will still visit the other two locations because we got to spread the love!!! Welcome to Aubrey read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jamie B.

5 years ago

Absolutely the best ribs I have ever eaten! The seasoning, the smoke, and the fall of the bone tenderness are unmatched. Although the ribs are my favorite you can't go wrong with anything on their menu! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michele D.

147

5 years ago

Great place for Bbque. My mom said it was the best pulled pork she ever had. Aides are good. Worth the wait, and you probably will have to wait. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Olivia F.

5 years ago

Best BQQ I've had yet! located right in downtown Celina. sometimes they even have live entertainment.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Steve-Regan P.

5 years ago

Delicious always! Moist brisket and their bbq beans are our favorite and their pickles are fantabulous!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Erika O.

6 years ago

This place is pretty great. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. The food is fantastic. We typically order ribs and chopped beef. So delicious. We also get baked potatoes and they are massive. You won't be disappointed. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carol T.

201

8 years ago

Last week on the local news we saw this place spotlighted as being the #2 BBQ in the nation. So we had to go check it out Saturday. We are glad we got there right when they opened because the place filled up! We were able to stand in line, order, and get a table before they were all taken- so no wait for us. This visit was so worth it-- the BEST BBQ my husband and I have had! We will return! We tried a little of everything: baked beans, jalapeño cheese sausage, ribs, pulled pork, brisket- both lean and wet. I was even eating the onions and the house made pickles (no bread for us since we are doing Keto). Not one thing was mediocre and it made great left overs. On the way out I complimented the owner?manager? And he said they were going to open a location in Frisco. Wohoo even closer! So glad we found this gem! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ian S.

108

8 years ago

Just had lunch here on a Saturday around 1pm. Wasn't very busy until we left at 2:30 or so. Great food, friendly service. I would highly recommend! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brian W.

Elite 19

110

243

8 years ago

Legit smoke house in Celina Texas between Denton and McKinney. The service and owner are top notch. Friendly and make this place special. Found this place on a quick motorcycle trip through the country. Their dry rub is amazing. Best item to try: El jeffe - 1/4 brisket, 1/4 pulled pork, 1/4 sausage, with a rib on top. Brisket bark had a nice smoke and seasoning mix. Very clean and not overpowering. Great smoke ring too. Turkey is moist and flavorful. Preferred the Mac and cheese over the pineapple slaw. read more

Tender Smokehouse - Brisket moist - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Texas red cream soda - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Jalapeño sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - House dry rub - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Sweet potato with brown sugar and butter - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Brisket lean - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Loaded sweet potato! $8 without meat or $13 with meat - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - El Jeffe - $11. By far the best deal and a must have to try a lot - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Tender Smokehouse - House made pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

George K.

5 years ago

Tender Smokehouse is always great, friendly service, amazing food! Brisket, Ribs, sausage, beans, always great. Beef rib on the weekend are ginormous. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dick I.

3 years ago

Best brisket anywhere. Jalapeno sausage is the best. Dante and Terrence and the crowd do a super job. Pitmaster - Brisket 101 class was the bong!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mike M.

8 years ago

Wife and I went in yesterday for the first time. Wife got HUGE stuffed potato with brisket that she really enjoyed. I got a MONSTER sandwich El Jefe it had pulled pork, sausage, brisket on 2 slices of buttered Texas Toast topped with a rib, I got the beans on the side ( I think it comes with beans on the sandwich ) . I had to use the smash method to eat. Sandwich and beans realty good! Great friendly service 2 guys in charge both stopped by table, very welcoming. We will be back from Frisco read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Michael B.

140

5 years ago

The Celina location is small, quaint; however, what it might lack in size it MORE than makes up for with taste and quality! It does have a private "party room" if you want to call and reserve it. The mac n cheese is outstanding. The "sledgehammer" is worth a try! Sausage, Brisket, or even turkey....you can't go wrong. Don't forget the banana pudding for dessert! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Janice F.

8 years ago

Really excellent brisket in this gem in Celina. They have great food and beer. The best things we had were the juicy brisket and jalapeño sausage. I wasn't crazy about the pineapple coleslaw, but it was ok. The atmosphere was really Texas cute and casual. There's a small bar stool area and some family and small sized tables. It looks tiny from the outside, but it's deep. We'll return. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sandra R.

121

7 years ago

Probably the best bbq place I have visited. All the family enjoyed it. My favorite side was the beans, but all was fantastic! Great location in down towns Celina, come out do shopping and enjoy a great place to eat. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jason A.

8 years ago

Dante, and Tender Smokehouse catered our 2nd Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet. Dante showed up early to check out the site and do prep. Then returned with his full crew...on time, had food set up and ready to go. They easily handled our 300 guests with his employees handling the meat and self serve on the rest. We had plenty of food and rave reviews from the guests! Banana pudding was also awesome! We highly recommend Tender Smokehouse every time for every occasion! Thanks again Dante! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Paul K.

6 years ago

This is hands down the BEST bbq I've ever had. The people are wonderful, I highly recommend a visit.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ryan C.

7 years ago

Ordered the half rack of ribs, the turkey, and the baked beans. Unfortunately they were out of pulled pork so I wasn't able to try. I travel a lot so I've been to some other highly rated places in other places in Texas, St Louis, and Kansas City. I'm more into pork offerings than beef when it comes to BBQ. I'm not a big fan of ribs falling off the bone which usually means they were boiled or cooked in the oven. Second the ribs have some taste but need BBQ sauce or they are just too plain tasting. I feel that ribs shouldn't need any or very little BBQ sauce to come out on top. The turkey is good but nothing out of this world. The smokiness is very good in both options. The positive is that the baked beans and their BBQ sauce is excellent. I would like to have more than one option of BBQ sauce like a hot one and maybe a another option to mix things up but overall their one sauce is very good! I also like the sweet pickles which complimented the meat very well. This place is decent but all honesty I like Hutchins BBQ better and maybe my standards may be too high when you've tasted the best. Killens near Houston, Bogart's in St Louis, Joe's Kansas City BBQ, and 17th Street BBQ in Illinois are my top places that I usually compare to. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gerry M.

7 years ago

Believe the hype! Tenders is tender to your tummy that makes you say yummy!! Awesome experience and worth the $180 I dropped in this joint! read more

Tender Smokehouse - BRISKET! Yummy for da tummy! - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Laurent D.

Elite 23

256

258

310

8 years ago

I've had the pleasure of dining here twice while passing through the city for work. Decent prices and great food. The staff are extremely friendly and provide great customer service. You don't get kind of service in Dallas very often. Highly recommend! Will be bringing my friends & family here when they are visiting out from out of town. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robin H.

247

7 years ago

Everything here is amazing! Brisket and Mac and cheese were some of the best I've ever had. I also loved the scriptures written all over the walls. Great relaxed vibe read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 8 of 20

224 W Pecan St
Celina, TX 75009
Directions
(469) 202-3000
Call Now
Visit Website
https://tendersmokehousebbq.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Tender Smokehouse open?

Tender Smokehouse opens at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Tender Smokehouse close?

Tender Smokehouse is closed on Monday and Sunday.Tender Smokehouse closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue-Sat 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Tender Smokehouse take credit cards?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Tender Smokehouse have catering options?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse does have catering options.

Does Tender Smokehouse have a drive thru?

No, Tender Smokehouse does not have a drive thru.

Does Tender Smokehouse have a happy hour?

No, Tender Smokehouse does not have a happy hour.

Does Tender Smokehouse serve alcohol?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Tender Smokehouse allow dogs?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse allows dogs.

Does Tender Smokehouse have TVs?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Tender Smokehouse have bike parking?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse has bike parking.

Does Tender Smokehouse have outdoor seating?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse has outdoor seating options.

Does Tender Smokehouse have parking?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Tender Smokehouse wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse is wheelchair accessible.

Does Tender Smokehouse have free WiFi?

Yes, Tender Smokehouse has free WiFi.

Tender Smokehouse Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Tender Smokehouse

When is the best time to go on a weekend and how long is the wait?

Even during the busiest of times, the wait is 15-20 minutes. The staff is present in the lines and aware that you're waiting. We went last week with no wait. It really depends on what the square has going on at the time. Either way, you will not…

View 6 more answers

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Barbeque 5,265 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Hutchins BBQ

Bring your stretchy pants this place is the true Texas experience. Food was amazing anything and…read moreeverything is so good. Just know it's more on the pricey side

Ive been coming to Hutchins BBQ for years, about once every other week, and if there is one…read moreconsistant struggle, it's usually trying to get someone to answer the phone, especially during Holidays. That all changed and was very noticeable during fathers day and especially this weekend during July 4th! The past few weeks when calling in to check for food availability or how busy it was, Ive noticed the same person answering every single one of my calls that I had to double take and make sure I called the right place! When I mentioned my concern about the massive line wrapped around the building during fathers day, mothers day and this weekend, the same lady named Kayla answered the phone. I was about to leave and she assured me that it would move fast and not to worry and that they had samples to ease some hunger while waiting. Sure enough, she was exactly right! To top it all off, after we got our food and sat down, she actually went above and beyond to come over to our table and check on us just because I had called to thank her for helping me from not leaving to the amazing customer service she provided. I let her know that is very rare now days and not to ever change that! I found out after meeting her that shes about to head out on maternity leave soon and honestly, I'm going to be a little sad when she leaves! She is a massive asset to the Hutchins team and can change the mood just by her smile and friendliness. Not only that, she gave a lot of good recommendations for trying some new foods at Hutchins and every time has been a good call! Give this girl a raise!! I wish Kayla the absolute best and I'll definitely be looking out for her when she gets back! Our server, I believe her name is Cynthia, was also fantastic and made sure we had everything we needed at the table. Excellent food, legendary customer service from Kayla, and a great experience overall! Its like our first time coming in each and every time.

Bbq was very good, seasoned well and the bbq sauce really was a standout. I don't usually do a lot of sauce. Spicy was delish.

Interior

See all

Peach cobbler & ice cream

Hutchins BBQ

Family-owned & operated

Been in McKinney a long time and Hutchins is just part of the routine at this point. Whenever…read morefamily visits from out of town this is where I take them, because it's the easiest way to show off what real Texas barbecue is supposed to taste like. The brisket is the reason I keep coming back. I usually go fatty, and it's got that dark peppery bark and stays so tender you barely need to chew it. I've eaten a lot of brisket around here over the years and theirs is still the one I measure everything else against. You cannot skip the Texas Twinkies either. It's a whole jalapeño stuffed with brisket and cream cheese, then wrapped in thick bacon, and it's every bit as ridiculous as it sounds in the best way. Grab a jalapeño cheddar sausage link and some mac and cheese on the side and you're set. The line can get long on weekends but it moves fast and it's worth the wait every time. If you live around here and somehow haven't been yet, you need to make a stop here! Ya'll won't regret it!

Cannot say enough great things about Hutchins BBQ! What a fantastic experience! If you're looking…read morefor some of the best BBQ dishes you've ever had, this is the place! The chicken was out of this world! My coworkers also are raving about it, service was top notch, and atmosphere was great! I will definitely be back!

Brisket Pinto Beans

See all

Peach Cobbler

Corner BBQ Shack

(78 reviews)

7.5 mi

The location and outdoor tranquility alone is worth a visit. But if you have small children and a…read moredog or two, you can bring them all in for some seriously good food. Everyone who works here is always so helpful. The covered patio's wooden picnic tables are always the seats to go first. You order at the bar and they give you a number if you're dining in. There's a fantastic general store inside that sells their own pickled veggies and meats. There's also some nice bottled sodas too. We've only been for lunch. The dinner rush is supposed to be their busiest. It makes sense since they have live music in the evening. Match that up with the beer, string lights, and spring/summer nights for a perfect dinner. We'll have to be back to try it sometime! I have to admit - I've had many sandwiches in my life and what really made this was the ciabatta. I'm not a big fan of the bread because it's either too dense or there's too much of it and I'm eating 95% bread and 5% sandwich filling. The Texas wagyu steak sandwich was probably one of the best steak sandwiches I've ever had.

Went for lunch and was a great experience. Great local store to buy Jams and meat, but the food is…read morealso amazing. We had the chicken salad sandwich and the Philly Cheese Steak and a side of Mac and Cheese. The Philly Cheese Steak and the Mac and Cheese use the same Queso you can buy in the store... AMAZING!

Artisan burger and onion rings

See all

Fried chicken sandwich and onion rings

Triple G Group

I know I give out some good reviews, considering I seek out highly rated establishments. But 5…read morestars for a food truck is kind of a big deal to me. I generally think food trucks are a novelty, and they're overpriced with crappy bang-for-buck. Usually. Triple G knocked my socks off. And I stumbled onto them (almost literally) when they visited Witherspoon Distillery. No reviews or seeking out a highly rated whatever. Just dumb luck. When I think BBQ, I think pretty unhealthy - even if I'm a fan. Something that's extra awesome about this truck is the food is NOT heavy or super unhealthy. The BBQ chicken was SOOOOOOO good. Oh MAN, it was perfect. Wonderful seasoning. Fairly large white meat breast. Great seasoning. Hit the spot. The thinly sliced sausage wrap thing (I forget the name) wasn't greasy and it was delicious. The BBQ baked beans were awesome. They were greatness. The corn mix was delicious. Everything was on point, including the service and wait time. No brisket on our visit, which is my normal BBQ go-to, but I didn't miss it at all. Everything was so good - and surprisingly healthy. Need more convincing? You're contributing to a good cause. When there's a disaster, Triple G shows up and serves free food to disaster victims. Straight up. How freakin awesome is that?!? There's even a 501(c)3 label on the truck. And yet, somehow, it's one of the most affordable food trucks I've ever eaten at, especially for bang-for-buck. Both of our meals were less than $10, and it was plenty of food. One meat (sizable serving) and two sides (which were plenty). Less than $20 total before tip, this was a steal for the quality and quantity of food. This outfit is awesome. HIGHLY recommended!

Awesome catering group. Have been a consumer of their food for years and worked with them on events…read moreand there's nobody better. These guys do a lot more than just BBQ

See all

Beefd Up BBQ

5.0

(1 review)

0.3 mi

The food was phenomenal and fresh and hot the best ribs I have had in my life. Supper affordable…read moreunlike Hutchins or other places. Friendly service. This places goes above and beyond my expectations if your looking for a good bbq place hit them up.

Hanging out with some friends eaten good food

What a beauty...

See all

Smokin ribs

Yearby's BBQ & Waterice

(33 reviews)

11.3 mi

It's always so nice when you know you're about to eat fantastic bbq and it's not in some newly…read morerenovated shiny instagramable joint. Yearby's is the greasy spoon hole-in-the-wall you been dreaming of. We arrived Sunday Aug 31 2025 at 11:30 am thinking we'd be late but they moved up the open time at noon. We were maybe 8th in line. Wanted to deduct points for being out of turkey and hot links before they even opened but the food was just too dang good! The brisket is top tier. Have had better, but not by much. Great bark. Perfect tenderness. Adequate smoke. What more do you need? The smoked chicken though, wow wow wow... if you leave without getting some you really did yourself a disservice. The smoked meatloaf was a pleasant treat. It wasn't dry, the glaze was superb, and they gave you a lot of it! The potato salad and mac and cheese weren't spectacular but definitely did the job and anchored down the meal. Everything on platter was 60 bucks. I've spent more for worse. Get to Pilot Point and give em a try!

"An hour's drive for BBQ this good feels like cheating the laws of physics."…read more TL;DR: Yearby's BBQ and Waterice is a brisket-and-elote blessing straight outta the smokehouse heavens, run by Sabrina and CJ who know their way around both a pit and a frozen treat. Friendly folks, flavor-packed plates, and a mango waterice that deserves its own holiday. Twelve out of ten, will burn more gas for this again. An hour on the road is nothing when the horizon promises smoke and good folks. I rolled into Yearby's at 1:30 with an appetite big enough to make a rack of ribs nervous. Turns out, I was late to the party. The earlier crowd had already cleaned house on a few menu items, but brisket and turkey were still calling my name. I grabbed both, plus brisket elote, potato salad, and slaw. Let me tell you, that chopped brisket was tender enough to make a grown man question life choices and the turkey had a peppery kick that played nice with every bite. The elote? A messy, glorious mountain of corn, cotija, sauce, and brisket piled high. It was the kind of side dish that could run for mayor and win in a landslide. Potato salad and slaw backed it up like seasoned pros, no weak links on this plate. The dining room was full but there were still a few open spots waiting for hungry travelers. I snagged one and boxed up half the feast so my wife, the reigning Side Dish Queen of Texas, could hold court over the flavors later. She approved, which in my household is the BBQ equivalent of earning a Michelin star. Banana pudding wasn't on the menu, but the mango waterice saved the day. Cool, tangy, and perfect for a man who just wrestled brisket and elote into submission. I might've looked like a kid on summer break eating that thing, and I didn't care one bit. Sabrina and CJ know how to feed a crowd and treat folks like family. Yearby's is the kind of place that makes you start planning your next visit before you even leave the parking lot. Stamp collected. Only 37 more to go on this Texas Monthly Top 50 trek. If happiness had a flavor, it'd taste like Yearby's chopped brisket with a mango waterice chaser.

Brisket Mac & Cheese Bowl

Sliced Brisket

See all

Smoked Meatloaf Combo

Earnest B's BBQ &Catering

We walked in as a party of 15, we are on vacation from Oklahoma, this business was really about to…read moreclose but the owner Mr Earnest came out to greet us, shook our hands, took pictures and just genuinely made us feel welcome, like family!! The food was great, I didn't hear one complaint. If you are in the Ft Worth/Dallas area please stop by and meet Mr Earnest and grab you some great BBQ!!

Stopped in for lunch today with a group of TEAMmates - amazing! Literally met Earnest and his…read moreenergy. Food was on point. This isn't fast food, they bring every order out individually, including the drinks. Incredibly clean, friendly and well worth the stop!

Clean reception/kitchen area

Mississippi style Catfish Fillet Plate (2 Pieces)

See all

Smoked half chicken

Poppa's Pit Barbeque

4.8

(6 reviews)

9.4 mi

Really good BBQ! Beans are good. If you like jalapeño cheese sausage .... it was really good &…read morespicy.

Such a good flavor of meat, and a great family business that gives back to the community every…read morechance they get!!

See all

Sandwich $9

Lucy's on the Square

First the good-the food was amazing. The sizes were large and they were hot when they came out of…read morethe kitchen. Our waitress Haley was excellent. The bad. I got charged an advantage program fee on my receipt and have no idea what it is for. It was not explained but is on the receipt. This makes this place feel a little shady like they are sneaky with their pricing. Not sure we will go back

We planned on attending an event in Celina and happened to run into Lucy's on the Square. Good…read morething we did because it offers comforting food, amazing service, and a relaxing place to sit and eat. The Chicken Fried Chicken was massive, but I wish it was thicker and juicier. The Chicken Fried Steak was good. The best part of the meal was easily the Coconut Cream Pie - not overly sweet and loaded with coconut flakes.

Chicken Fried Steak w/ Gravy with Mac & Cheese and Fries

Decor

Chicken Fried Chicken

See all

Celina Star Cafe

we did takeout, the food was amazing best breakfast quesadilla and burrito ive ever had.read more

Sooooo good! I love chicken fried steak and eggs. Almost everywhere I go these days it's the…read morefrozen patties, yuck. I ordered that today and wow!! One of best over ever had!! Everything was cooked perfectly. As you can see it was huge! A true homemade hand breaded CFS. Coffee was good...no complaints on anything! Service was so fast and pleasant. Ambiance is just a great breakfast feel. Can't recommend enough!

Great breakfast and brunch options. The food was great. Service was wonderful!

Meat Lovers Omelet and Grits

See all

Store front. Good eats inside.

Simply Pho House

Family-owned & operated

Locally owned & operated

The food here is always amazing. I love that they have chicken and tofu and you can customize your…read moreselection if you don't want the standard set up. I had the pho with chicken and it was delicious. And tofu spring rolls, yum!!

Friendly service, good variety of menu items. Get their lunch specials!…read more I ordered the pad kee mao & it comes with a side of pho broth, satisfying both cuisine cravings.

09/26/25

See all

Mangiamo Italian Market & Deli

4.5

(73 reviews)

0.0 mi

I've had this on my radar since they've opened. Why did I wait so long?!?! Greater by friendly…read moreladies the second we walked through the door, very good knowledge and suggestions about the menu and food. We ordered the big pig pizza, Italian sub, Chicken Alfredo, house salad and Cesar salad for dinner and one of each deserts.... The pizza- great flavor on all toppings, crust and sauce. Suggestion- not enough sauce and could've been cooked a smidge longer. I'm ok with blistered crust and mild char on the bottom. 1-5 I'd give the pizza a 4. A tad more sauce (great sauce) and another minute in the oven! The Italian Sammy....dang good! One of the better ones I've had. I will order it again on next visit. The Alfredo was fresh, creamy, chicken was great, asparagus perfect. Nicely done. The salads were both fantastic. My wife had the house with house dressing and loved it. I shared a Cesar which I'm not usually a fan of but I LOVED this one! The desert- hello blueberry cheesecake shut the front door Becky get in my belly!! The lemon cake- money! Cannolis- delicious- Tiramisu - great! BRING BACK THE ITALIAN CREAM PLEASE!!! Cool little joint inside and out! Great vibe, fun staff and great food! It's a keeper for Celina!

This restaurant is so special simply because of the people!!…read moreThe owners make you feel like family or at bare minimum- your besties the moment you walk through the door!! Their service is top notch! And it certainly is quite deliciously good that their food matches their service! The pizza, the pasta, the desserts, even their sodas are yummy! You can't go wrong!!

Additional seating to the left of the cashier and deli cases.

See all

Pizza oven

The Wick Restaurant

This little hidden gem was exactly what my husband and I were searching for. The food was fresh and…read moremade to order. The owner and staff were so nice and inviting. The restaurant itself was decorated so rustic and modern with an awesome backyard space for parties and large get togethers. Will be back soon!

Overall a solid breakfast/brunch place. The restaurant feels like you're in a house with backyard…read moredining. The wallpaper aesthetic is super cute inside as well and the bartender makes some delicious drinks. Given I went on a holiday so not sure if maybe they were short staffed but the service felt a bit awkward at times. Servers with both hands full not being able to open the door to the patio. Food came out kind of slow as well but it was definitely worth the wait. My bread for the club sandwich was falling apart because it was so fresh. And highly recommend splurging the calories to get the Mac & Cheese because it was pretty delicious.

See all

Millies Italian Restaurant

4.2

(73 reviews)

1.0 mi

So glad we found this restaurant! Nice people and the food was amazing. Chicken Francese!!! We…read morehaven't been able to find anywhere who serves this dish. Happy to support family owned businesses! We will be back... often!

Fabulous family owned restaurant with outstanding food! The service is top notch. Everything we've…read morehad from lasagna to pizza, shrimp scampi to lobster ravioli is delicious. They bring hot homemade rolls to the table with garlic butter as soon you arrive! BYOB too. Finish with chocolate cake!

See all

OMG Tacos

3.6

(39 reviews)

0.6 mi

OMG Tacos hit the spot if you're craving for street tacos in Celina. We went here twice in a row in…read more1 week because it was so yummy! Love their green salsa, it has just the right amount of kick to it! The service is great! They get out your tacos quickly and have ample seating inside!

Yummy!!! I ordered the nachos. Very good. Kiddos you burritos. Service was good. Inside seating…read morearea in the small side but no issues finding a seat when we went.

See more unrecommended reviews

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

40 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Matthew L.

2 years ago

**Tender Smokehouse Review: A Flavorful Journey** Tender Smokehouse is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Celina. From the moment you step inside, the aromatic blend of smoked meats and spices tantalizes your senses, setting the stage for a memorable culinary experience. The menu at Tender Smokehouse is a celebration of barbecue mastery. Whether you're a fan of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or chicken, each dish is lovingly crafted and infused with rich, smoky flavors that are simply irresistible. The meat is cooked to perfection, tender yet with a delightful char that adds depth to every bite. One standout dish is their signature brisket. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness combined with a delectable smoky bark makes it a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts. Pair it with their tangy homemade barbecue sauce for an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more. The sides at Tender Smokehouse are equally impressive. Classic options like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans are elevated with unique twists, adding a complementary contrast to the hearty meats. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for gathering with friends and family. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, eager to guide you through the menu and ensure a delightful dining experience. In conclusion, Tender Smokehouse delivers on its promise of exceptional barbecue. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue aficionado or just looking for a delicious meal, this place is a definite must-visit. Prepare to indulge in smoky goodness that will leave your taste buds singing praises. read more

Thuy N.

Elite 17

142

419

2750

3 years ago

Tender Smokehouse is hands down the best BBQ restaurant I have ever been to. The food is absolutely delicious, with a wide variety of options that are sure to satisfy any BBQ lover's appetite. The service is also exceptional, with a warm-hearted team of employees who go above and beyond to make sure that every customer feels welcome and satisfied. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a classic BBQ design that adds to the charm of the location. Overall, Tender Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best BBQ in town with exceptional service. Highly recommended! read more

Hugh J.

2 months ago

Tender's Smokehouse is the real deal. The brisket is perfectly smoked with a great bark and beautiful smoke ring, and the ribs literally fall off the bone. Make sure to grab the jalapeño cheddar sausage and a side of their mac and cheese--you won't regret it. The staff is incredibly friendly, the service is fast, and the casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect weekend spot. If you're looking for legit, high-quality Texas BBQ, this place delivers every single time. read more

Bernd F.

4 years ago

We went to Celina for lunch and ended up eating at the Tender Smokehouse for the first time. This has to be hands down one of the best BBQ joints in the state and their main and side dishes are absolutely on par with Pecan Lodge and other great BBQ places in the state. I even like the small town feel of the Celina location better than some of the big city restaurants in Dallas, Austin and Houston. read more

Leigh Anne C.

8 years ago

If you are in Celina... then you'll want to eat at Tender Smokehouse! Dante is truly the Pitmaster and we absolutely love the food, ambiance, and the staff. Terrance is the best manager and he holds everyone to a very high standard - and they more than exceed our standards. My husband and I live in Celina and have been eating there (sometimes more than once a week) since they opened in 2017. YUM! read more

Walter R.

2 years ago

My wife and I stopped by for a late breakfast this morning and had the sweet potato, 1/2 pound of brisket & some coffee. The food was amazing the service was great all the Girls were very polite. The outdoor seating was great with a beautiful view of the old downtown buildings across the street and a beautiful mural on the wall. Great people, service & food. Thank Y'all great job! read more

Evelyn R.

620

9 years ago

Love It! All the food is amazing the service is great! Dog and kid friendly :) a great atmosphere to hangout with some friends and relax! The Christmas decorations are also so amazing!!! There are so many cute hidden messages and decoration especially the bathroom! I love this place!!!! read more

Linda C.

9 years ago

Loved as much the second time as we did the first. Food was superb and staff was fast and courteous. Be sure to check out the bathrooms for they will make you smile. Clever decor, especially for a bathroom. Whole experience was five star for such a small place. read more

Kimberly W.

7 years ago

The most phenomenal BBQ I've ever had!! The owner greats you at the door and the customer service didn't stop there. On a Saturday night, we waited about an hour but it was well worth the wait. We can't wait to come back here many, many times! read more

Mel Y.

9 years ago

My first trip this evening will definitely not be my last! The food was great. The employees were very friendly and attentive. The owners were onsite and very involved with operations. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. read more

Shane M.

3 years ago

I rate this place a 5 star because of the taste of the meat. It's one of the best places to eat barbecue. They also have very good iced tea that I think about all the time. Hope to see these guys also in McKinney one day. read more

Matt A.

5 years ago

Fantastic place for some great food and friendly service. Some of the best BBQ in the state of Texas in my experience. Wide variety of menu options, haven't had a meal I didn't like. Highly recommend. read more

Paul S.

134

6 years ago

Food is always great and service is quick. Staff is attentive and friendly. Eating on the patio with the family is always a favorite on a nice day. El Jefe sandwich and Banana pudding is amazing. read more

Jason D.

9 years ago

Awesome food, awesome personable service in a very relaxed and comfortable setting. The BBQ was excellent, their beans are unreal, but the people made it special. read more

Jennifer T.

6 years ago

The best ribs I've ever had!!! And the service is always excellent. Then finish a great meal with their lemon pudding. I bring my family every chance I get. read more

Julio A.

6 years ago

Every time we go in to Tender the staff is awesome and the food is even better. And yes that is hard to say cause the staff are so awesome too. read more

Cabe B.

4 years ago

Wonderful. You will regret it if you don't come here to try it once. The dishes are high-class style but the prices are extremely reasonable. read more

DJ W.

6 years ago

Food is amazing and super tender. The Mac and cheese is amazing too. The ribs are the best ribs I have ever had. It is a true Texas BBQ.

Chris G.

6 years ago

Love this place. Best bbq around (and I'm from Memphis TN) so I know my bbq. :-) The baked beans are to die for. Great service as well.

Jennifer A.

9 years ago

Great place for the whole family. We went for lunch and had a little bit of everything. It was all delicious. Can't wait to go back.

Tender Smokehouse - bbq - Updated July 2026

People who viewed Tender Smokehouse also viewed

Tender Smokehouse - Frisco

4.5

(628 reviews)

Really really good meat! Some of the best smoked turkey I have ever had! We had a family of 6 on…read morethis meal so we got a little of everything and sampled it. The sausage and turkey were my favorite! The brisket was really good but I'm not a fan of the crust taste on this particular brisket but the inside meat was great! We sampled a lot of sides and they were all fresh and tasty! We did get the pineapple coleslaw. It wasn't bad but it didn't have a flavor like I was thinking it would. It just was just a little flat. The staff was amazing and kept making sure we had what we needed. Great place to come for lunch or bring the family! There is also a nice bar to relax at!

The name doesn't lie, the meat is outrageously tender. Best "sliced" brisket I've ever had, it's…read morebasically chipped, the way I prefer. I'm not a huge sausage fan, but it was very good. The fried okra and mac n cheese sides were both fantastic. The restaurant space has a large indoor/outdoor space which is appealing and adds to the authentic bbq atmosphere.

Earnest B's BBQ &Catering

(237 reviews)

11|17

4.1

(529 reviews)

If you are craving the kind of home cooking that actually tastes homemade, 11|17 is the spot…read more Everything is scratch made and you can tell. I went with the meatloaf since I kept seeing people call it the best thing on the menu, and they were right. It came topped with that house glaze and a pile of mashed potatoes, and it honestly tasted like something my grandma would have put in front of me on a Sunday. We also tried the pot roast, which was fall apart tender, and made room for the cobbler at the end even though we were stuffed. Big portions, fair prices, and the service was warm without being over the top. There is a sweet little story behind the name too if you flip the menu over. This has quietly become one of our regular stops in McKinney and I do not see that changing, especially with the great service and atmosphere!

The place was clean, and the staff were very friendly. We didn't have to wait long for someone to…read moretake our order, and the food came out pretty quickly. The taco salad was just okay , my husband liked it more than I did, but it wasn't something I'd personally crave. The burger, however, was great ! The meat was cooked just right , juicy and tender. The French fries were very flavorful, though slightly on the oily side. For dessert, I tried the cheesecake brûlée and really enjoyed it. The top was nicely burnt, just the way it should be. I also ordered the sangria , I have to say it wasn't really my taste, but my husband liked it since it was on the stronger side. Overall, a good experience and I wouldn't be opposed to coming back .

Tender Smokehouse Little Elm

4.7

(93 reviews)

Glad they opened a location in Little Elm! Great BBQ, great prices, big portions. Can't go wrong…read morewith petty much anything in the menu -- sandwiches, potatoes, even the sides like the fried okra and bbq beans. I want to try some of the breakfast options but I'm never in town or in the area for breakfast. Online orders are always ready on time or before promised and they never forget anything. If you haven't tried Tenders Smokehouse, you're missing out!

This Tender Smokehouse location is conveniently located near the lake, making it an easy stop…read morebefore a day on the water. The brisket was the standout, and I appreciated being able to customize my order with lean, fatty, or mixed cuts. They also serve breakfast, which means barbecue lovers don't have to wait until lunch to get their fix. The combination of quality brisket, customizable portions, and a location just minutes from the lake makes this a convenient choice for a picnic or casual meal outdoors.

Hibachi Master

(160 reviews)

•$

Their hours are inconsistent, with unexpected closures on various days and times (Saturdays of all…read moredays), and no advance notice or updates on their Facebook page. Calls are routed directly to voicemail, which makes the overall experience feel quite unprofessional.

I have always enjoyed the food from Hibachi Master. The price is right. I am so glad they are…read morehere in Prosper.

Local Yocal BBQ and Grill

4.1

(517 reviews)

What sets Local Yocal apart is that they run their own butcher shop, so you can actually taste the…read moredifference in the meat before anybody even brings out a sauce. It is a little nicer than your average barbecue joint, tucked into an old renovated warehouse in downtown McKinney, but it still feels laid back once you settle in. I came in mostly for the chicken fried steak after hearing people rave about it, and it lived up to the hype. Crispy crust, tender inside, and that smoky twist they put on it makes it stand out from any other version I have had in town. My buddy ordered a Wagyu steak and could not stop talking about how well it was cooked, which tracks given they cut their own beef. We split the mac and cheese with chopped brisket on the side and that thing is dangerous, rich and loaded with meat. Prices run a bit higher than a typical smokehouse, but the quality earns it. If you care about where your beef comes from, this is the place to go. Excellent service every time!

It's nice that there's a parking lot. Ambience was great so it looks like a "dress up" place but…read morepeople were dressed casually. The noise level wasn't bad even as the restaurant filled. Our waitperson was attentive and answered all our questions. It is pricey!

Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food

4.3

(13 reviews)

Anyone that doesn't love this place is from outer space! This food is outta this world and is, as…read moregood, as it can be. For bodybuilders and athletes and those that just want to get rid of the extra weight, this place is for you. But the food is a 10 winner. Some stores have mediocre staff but the food has been excellent at every store that I've visited. The best grilled chicken, Teriyaki and the other (salt, pepper and garlic) is absolutely the best.

Stopped by Mo' Bettahs' new location in Celina off Preston Road tonight for opening night, and I…read morehave to say--so excited to have them in the neighborhood! There was definitely a bit of a line (no surprise for opening day), but the staff handled it great. Everyone was friendly, upbeat, and kept things moving smoothly, which made the wait totally worth it. We loaded up on all the good stuff--I got the Kahlua pig with double veggies, and my fiancé went for both types of chicken with brown rice and macaroni salad. Everything was absolutely delicious and flavored perfectly. You really can't go wrong here--the food is always fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor. The space itself is great too--plenty of seating and very similar to their other location, with that laid-back island vibe. I loved the surfboards on the wall and the Hawaii photography throughout the restaurant--such a fun, thoughtful touch that really brings the whole concept together. We're so happy to have Mo' Bettahs this close to home and will definitely be back again soon! Pro tip: They're currently running a buy one, get one 1/2 off promo for this location--check out their Facebook page for the details!

The Trails Cafe