This is the FIRST restaurant review I have ever written. We went to Celina and just chose this on spur of the moment. Tender is 1) the best BBQ I have ever eaten 2) a fantastic and welcoming team of managers and hostesses and servers 3) a place that is clean and keeps on cleaning and 4) may have the WORLD's best banana pudding. It's incredible. The food was delicious. We've been talking about this place for two days. If you want a "DDD" type experience, go to Tender Smokehouse in Celina.... read more

Tender Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

This place is hands down the best bbq in town. You can't go wrong with anything your order. My favorite is the loaded potato with meat or the Frito Pie. The service at this location is top notch. Everyone there is so friendly. The restaurant itself is very clean and the tables are spread out very well. The outdoor seating is great when the weather is good. read more

Wow wow yummy yummy! I am so grateful this is in my backyard. Love the place and ambiance. Great service and amazing BBQ. Texas is proud of you TS! read more

Excellent service upon arrival to the finish of service. Everyone is extremely nice. Food- the pulled port and sausage amazing. Good flavoring and moist. Beer- good selection of tap beer read more

Tender Smokehouse - Outside area - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Wow, talk about some amazing bar b que! When you come from Mckinney it's hard to live up to Hutchins. Hutchins is a Mckinneyites holy grail. Tender is just as good if not better than our hometown favorite. We came in on a Friday night with some close friends. We normally would not venture to Celina for a meal, but we would happily return after feasting on this amazing dinner. Tender is just off the square. It is a counter service restaurant. We sat down and our meal came out slightly afterwards. Our group really wanted to try the wagu/kobe brisket. They were out and as always that's a good sign as to how good a cut of beef it is to your clientele. The pit boss heard we wanted to try that cut of beef and brought us a sample. He said it wasn't enough to sell, but he wanted us to try it. It was the most tender, flavorful cut of beef I have ever had the pleasure to sink my teeth into. Everyone in our party raved about their meal. It was everything you want in barbecue. It was tender and packed with flavor. We look forward to many happy returns. read more

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Can't share how much I love this place. Always top notch, the best BBQ around! Chad and Terrance are amazing guys managing and so friendly always making the experience overall excellent! All the staff are so friendly and move with urgency to serve. It's refreshing to see in restaurants these days. We most recently visited on Oktoberfest Saturday 10/1. It was so busy but everyone was still so friendly, the food was incredible as always, and service was quick and on point. And oh man, that smoked Turkey Leg to celebrate with the beer, MONEY! Highly recommend all the locations but Chad and Terrance have always kept things top notch wherever they are... Aubrey or Celina. Go check em out and enjoy for yourself! Also, they have some high quality merchandise too... hats are awesome and designs are cool and can't beat that "Make BBQ Great Again" shirt, I got 2, just to have a back up for all the bbq sauce I spill! Haha. read more

Okay...this place is worth the hype. I have been wanting to try this place forever, ever since I heard it's was #2 in the nation on Yelp in 2019. I actually don't usually like bbq that much, but I loved everything I had here. We got a little bit of everything to try the whole deal. The jalapeño cheese sausage was so good, definitely my favorite meat. Their bbq sauce that you can add to anything is tangy, and very good. I LOVED the potato salad and Mac and cheese, so creamy and good. I usually am not a fan of coleslaw, but this pineapple coleslaw was actually so good! The banana pudding is a must too, so fluffy and delicious. The workers were incredibly nice and helpful. Nothing could have made this experience any better! read more

Tender Smokehouse - Banana pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

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Great BBQ and love the downtown vibe. Always fresh and resturant is clean. I'll be back.

Never ever eat here. The food quality is bad, and the customer service is worse. Out of all the food we ordered, the Frito bag and the pickles were the only thing worth mentioning after waiting more than 45 to get our food. Just don't waste your time. I will never come back here. read more

Great food and hospitable service and staff. Love getting food here when downtown. The meat is great and sides are delicious. The kids love to play here too. Win win. read more

Highly recommend the brisket. Everything we tried was great! Not a lot of places to sit inside so be aware of that on a colder day.

Enjoyed the breakfast tacos.A local friend brought some to me. Yum! Brisket was best. Chorizo, and egg & bacon were very enjoyable! Would love to get in here & experience the feel and ambience. Worth trying out. read more

What a great experience! We arrived on a Saturday just after 2pm. We managed to get a coveted parking spot and I noticed a patio with tables and games. Upon entry, the first room is small- counter, bar, menu- I was glad there wasn't a line. Natalia exuberantly greeted us, asked if it was our first time and offered to go through the menu with us. She said the turkey salad is really good and that the El Jefe sandwich was their recommendation to first timers (has brisket, pork, sausage and beans, then is topped with a rib- definitely a great way to try a lot of items). We placed our order- 1/4 lb brisket, 1/4 lb jalapeno cheese sausage ($5 each), an individual serving of each side (4 sides at $2 each), an individual serving of the banana pudding ($4) and a drink. Natalia asked if I also wanted a drink and I declined, stating we would share. She said we weren't being charged for the drinks so I accepted the second cup, but I'm not quite sure if this is standard practice or because we were first time customers or because it was... I don't know... free drink Saturday. The self service drink station is in the dining area and has water, tea and fountain drinks. The dining area wasn't very big, there were maybe 6 large picnic tables and 3 smaller tables along the wall. It was full, but there were 2 tables mostly open. I could actually see the order window from my seat and they were very organized as they constantly moved food and a significant amount of to go orders. We received our food in less than 10 minutes, minus the banana pudding which they brought out (chilled) later. We were checked on several times, including once by the manager. Some of the best service I've ever had at any BBQ spot! Now the food! Was everything perfect? Well no, but it was hella good and I discovered that it's possible for your body to betray you and continue eating without your permission. I must've declared I was full and done eating at least 3 times and then...what the hell, how did this forkful of mac n cheese get in my mouth?? I was so full I was in literal pain and sure I was about to explode as we left. How does this happen to an adult?? Do they lace it with crack? Is it some sort of hypnosis? If so, it's a terrible business plan- people can't return and give you more money if they die from... fullness (is that right, I don't think that's right). Okay, let's break this down, food: The sweet tea was excellent and so delicious. I love that it's sweet but not too sugary, I refilled several times- highly recommend! The moist brisket had plenty of fat and was tender enough to cut with a fork. My piece had some good bark, but honestly it was light on flavor. Luckily, the sauce (not sweet or spicy, just very good all around sauce) paired very well with it and it was a tasty and satisfying combination. I'm not big on sausage at all, but I really liked the jalapeno cheese sausage. It was thinly sliced, had a nice snap and some good heat that built slowly. It was also fairly juicy and I enjoyed it. The potato salad didn't live up to the excellence of everything else. It was fine, but it was pretty smooth and lacked any chunks of potato. It wasn't bad, just not a star like everything else, I would skip it. Yeah, no place is perfect- what else can they improve on? Let's see... well, the complimentary toast was rather plain and bland. Ha, take that Tender, you got nothing on my toast (disclaimer: the only thing I'm qualified to make). The pineapple slaw was the absolute best!! Oh my God, it was so refreshing and only a little sweet- so perfect. This is a great compliment to the jalapeno sausage or anything with a little kick, it cuts through the heat in a wonderful way. If you only get one side (which normal people will, the sizes are generous) then get this one! The bbq beans were savory and very meaty. These were probably the best beans I've had from any bbq place. I don't normally bother with beans, but these were yummy and an excellent choice. I couldn't stop eating that mac- great flavor! It's a firmer texture than you tend to find at most bbq places (ie mushy) and it was extra cheesy and well seasoned. So simple, but so good! Even the pickles were fantastic- a great snap and tang, loved these! I wasn't impressed with the banana pudding, but it was still solid. This might've been because I was force feeding myself or perhaps because it was firmer (not smooth and creamy) because it was chilled. I'll try it again when I'm not dying from gluttony. This place is awesome and although I've had a couple of things I liked more at other spots, this is the best overall bbq experience I've had in the area. I mean, do you know how many spots screw up the sides? And that service- so good! But don't go here, because I don't want to wait in line behind you... and I don't think they're hurting for business. :) read more

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Place was great. Tight off the bat the customer service was top notch. Had minimal waiting time. Which was great considering it's a BBQ place. I must have just been there at the right time. Place was clean. Noticed tables being cleaned as soon as customer were done eating. . Me and my wife ordered El Hefe sandwich. Had a little bit of everything. It's a sampler sandwich. Sausage, brisket, chicken, baked beans (great flavor) and a rib to top off the sandwiches. My favorite was in this order. Chicken, brisket, beans, sausage, and rib. I'm not that big of a fan for sausage and the rib was all fat. Didn't look like any of the pictures on yelp as far as the rib goes. I'm a fan of ribs usually rib is my #1 or 2 depending on the place. Overall a great place and will definitely be back. read more

Tender Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

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Holy BBQ! This place looks small on the outside but contains huge flavor in the inside! The wet brisket is some of the best I have ever tasted. It was not overly salty, moist, and melted in my mouth. The turkey was terrific! Not dry or over seasoned. Get the Frito Pie!! It was my favorite Frito pie ever. My top item though was not the meat..:but the potato salad. It tasted like a loaded baked potato had been whipped!! read more

The BEST BBQ around. Such awesome people and consistently great meats and sides. Quick service, family atmosphere - fun and relaxed.

I was here a while ago. I enjoyed the food and customer service was excellent. The sausage had a great flavor and bit of spice. The ribs did not have a ton of char which I like. I didn't need any bbq sauce with this meat. The Mac and cheese had a good texture. This is a nice afternoon place. read more

Tender Smokehouse - Jalapeño and cheddar sausage / Mac and cheese / pork ribs/ beans/ brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Always friendly staff. Always good food. Always a good value. They also offer smoking classes to their patrons. Our family loves this place. Great environment for families. read more

Great atmosphere, staff is very welcoming and friendly. Food is generally good, breakfast especially. My favorite dish is the El hefe, but I get it deconstructed, gives you a chance to try all of their meats and a side of beans to boot! Great go to and affordable compared to other restaurants in the area. read more

This was some of the best BQ I've ever had. The ribs fell of the bone and the dry rub was amazing. My wife loved her brisket and she said the BBQ sauce was so good she wanted to take the jar. Service was amazing nice people and very accommodating. read more

Love supporting local business! This is THE place for BBQ in Celina! Small indoor dining and outdoor seating available. You can dine in or takeaway. I have had a couple times where they forgot my banana pudding or pineapple slaw on a take out order. They like to wait to add the cold product to your takeout so it doesn't cool down the hot food or get warm, which I appreciate...so be sure you check your order when doing take out. There should be a way to prevent people from getting incomplete orders...maybe keep the ones with cold items behind the counter? That way when they pick up, the items can be easily added? My fav is their frito pie...Loads of brisket and Mac and cheese! read more

ate here after we left Rollertown at the suggestion of a friend. LOVED it. the brisket and jalapeño sausage were delicious. I love that the potato salad is not sweet. German style with mustard. wish their coleslaw was traditional though. the employees were friendly and the young kid bussing the tables was working really hard. we will try the Frisco location also. I highly recommend this place because it's not as pricey as Hutchins. read more

Our favorite bbq spot! We easily eat here at least twice a week. Their entire menu is incredible and their management goes above and beyond for a first class experience. If you want amazing food , this is your place ! read more

Tender Smokehouse - Loaded baked potato with brisket! Amazing - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Always a five star experience at Tender in Celina Excellent food, courteous staff, friendly atmosphere. We love it here! read more

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This place has it all. The true to Texas bbq, the atmosphere, the service. Everything is top tier. It's fall of the bone delicious. We got the beef rib, pork ribs, sausage, brisket and all the sides. They don't mess around with their BBQ. Loved it, highly recommend and I will be returning soon. read more

Tender Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

I get the baked potato with brisket and it's delicious. The brisket is always tender and I love the BBQ sauce! Staff is super friendly. I always grab mine to go and if I have to wait, they usually ask if I'd like a tea. There's a great outdoor area with games for kiddos and grownups! read more

Best barbecue in Dallas. The meats always juicy, and there sides are great too! You have to try the large baked potato with butter, sour cream and chives ; which is topped with any meat or sausage you'd like!! The best read more

This would be your typical BBQ except the staff and manager were so exceptional that I'm giving 5 !! I read the reviews for the Frito Pie so of course I ordered it. Did not disappoint!! Deliciousness stuffed in an overflo Frito chip bag topped with Mac n cheese, beans, and brisket! Oh my yummy goodness!! Got a smal order of sliced turkey for the baby. It was delicious and most as well!! Tender, we will be back!! read more

Tender Smokehouse - Frito Pie - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

Great atmosphere but extremely mediocre BBQ. I had a quarter pound of moist sliced brisket with an individual side of macaroni and cheese. Macaroni and cheese was average and the brisket tasted like it had been reheated from the previous day as it was dry and very greasy served with cold BBQ sauce. I think this place has potential but there's alot of room for improvement. read more

Look no further for BBQ! This is THE place. We have recently moved to the area and have been all over to try TX BBQ and this place is by far the best. We bring all our guests here and everybody loves it as well. We always have amazing service and the food never disappoints! Aside from the flavor and tender meat it isn't greasy like much BBQ can be! The sides are also great and the banana pudding is yummy! read more

Ribs are crazy good. Always have good beer on tap. Service is always top notch and if they make a mistake they'll make it right, quick. read more

Amazing food! I especially love the breakfast! Biscuits and burnt ends are to die for. And surprisingly some of the best pancakes around! It's a must! read more

Went to the downtown Celina location. Food was great and good atmosphere too! I highly recommend!

Great tasty TX bbq. Love their Mac and cheese and of course brisket. Yummy! Service is always friendly too.

This is probably my new found favorite BBQ place around Dallas area (or BBQ places I have tried overall in US). I usually stay around downtown so this was a definitly a drive. We had burnt end, brisket, pork ribs, beans, and mac n cheese. All the meats were tender and moist. Probably the only BBQ place that serves edible mac n cheese as well. The beans was a surprise as well since it usually doesnt turn out all that great. The only thing I wish for is that it has a bit more of the smokey flavor, but wouldn't change anything other than that. Extremely friendly staff and great food. I would definitely try to make it out there again if possible. read more

Tender Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Celina, Texas

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Not a traditional choice for breakfast but hey why not? We had a brisket toast sandwich and it was really good. The coffee is self serve. I would give it a go again. read more

Top shelf BBQ. The is the real deal. Service is great. Celina is lucky to have this place right downtown.

Dickeys quality. Average quality. Service was not great. Went once, not going back. Brisket really had no smoked flavor. Really spongey. Had to fight to eat it. read more

Best area BBQ, friendly and knowledgeable staff - food is fantastic and restaurant is clean. Comfortable atmosphere, not rushed. Highly recommend! read more

Food is terrific. Texas style barbecue tender and delicious. When I am in Celia TX is ALWAYS go to Tenders. Decent beer selection. It's impossible to explain how really good the food is. Texas road house ambiance. Try the brisket and Mac and cheese. If you are within 100 miles, go there. read more