Phat Girlz BBQ & Catering — Restaurant in Cedar Hill

Located in downtown Cedar Hill is Phat Girlz BBQ, a southern style smokehouse specializing in home style barbecue. The dining room was closed as of the time of this review, but you can still call your order in ahead or use the walk up window for service.

On this visit Ribs were already sold out for the day, but the pleasant aroma of smoke was calling you closer as you parked near the building. The helpful lady came to the window after I walked up and I ended up getting a two meat plate, and took her suggestion to try Mac and Cheese and Green Beans for my sides. I also picked up their famous strawberry lemonade.

It took a little but for my order to come out, perhaps 10 minutes, but when it did it was neatly wrapped for me to take home and eat.

Unboxing it at home, where I took these photos, was glorious. The smoky smell jumped out and tickled my nose, and I couldn’t believe how good the plate looked, especially the Mac and cheese.

The brisket was soft and tender, the kind that nearly melts in your mouth and is absolutely packed with smoke. Even now as I’m typing this review the taste is still lingering in my mouth, this is brisket so good that it doesn’t require any sauce whatsoever.

The chicken somehow contained even more flavor than the risk of death, and although the meat texture was completely different it was also juicy and tender with the same bold smoky flavor. Just perfect.

The green beans were the stuff of legend, with little bits of potatoes and even shredded smoked turkey mixed in with them, these are probably the most flavorful and interesting green beans I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant. I’m serious.

But the macaroni and cheese, this was a game changer. I don’t know if they are using smoked Gouda or what in there but each bite caused my eyes to close and inside they rolled back into my skull as my worries and stress drifted away for me. In that moment as I absorbed the macaroni and cheese into my mouth, I left Cedar Hill and briefly entered a macaroni Nirvana where all of the issues and tribulations of my life didn’t exist anymore.

It was heavenly.

After having eaten everything shown, my only regret is that I stayed and somehow find this place sooner. What a special treat for everyone here in Cedar Hill, and certainly a place that will be revisiting again...

The food here is incredible—easily the best barbecue in Cedar Hill and possibly all of DFW. But the service is inconsistent. They’ve forgotten sides, pickles, and sauce, and within the past three months, they’ve canceled three of my orders.

It’s delicious, but it can be a real disappointment.

Edit 1: I've placed seven orders in total: five were cancelled, one had a reported issue with a missing side on DoorDash (refund issued), and only one was successfully received. Of the five cancelled orders, I only received a voicemail once, but I couldn’t respond in time. I use DoorDash frequently and have not had similar issues with other businesses.

What saddens me is that I wouldn’t keep trying to order if I didn’t believe in the quality of your food and the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses. Too often, Black-owned businesses aren’t given the chance to learn, grow, and thrive with the support they deserve from our community.

I genuinely hope your business continues to grow and succeed, as your food deserves recognition. However, I will no longer be supporting moving forward.

Edit 2: I reached out to DoorDash regarding the "repeated dispute" comment, as I’ve only disputed three orders in the past year. They informed me that I was blocked from ordering from your store due to "consecutive cancellations"—something I had no control over. Using “repeated disputes” is not only untrue - it adds insult to injury. Please...

Phat Girlz BBQ is hands down the best barbecue I’ve had to date. I ordered the two-meat plate with chopped brisket and sausage links, paired with mac & cheese and potato salad. We also grabbed the Big Girl Sandwich and a cookie pudding for dessert. Every single bite was absolute perfection.

The brisket was tender and flavorful, the sausage had just the right amount of kick, and that potato salad and mac-n-cheese instantly took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Creamy, seasoned to perfection. It tasted like it was made with love and tradition. The cookie pudding was just as incredible.

The food was so amazing, I picked up the phone and called the owner on the spot. I had to give her her flowers because this experience truly blew my mind. You know how you’re always searching for that perfect BBQ spot? Well, this is it.

I didn’t catch the owner’s name, but I want her, her daughter, and her family to know they are a blessing to the community. I’m praying for their business to grow and flourish. The love they put into their food is felt in every bite, and they’ve definitely gained a forever customer in me.

If you’re anywhere near Phat Girlz BBQ….do yourself a favor RUN, DON’T WALK! You...