Hard Eight BBQ — Restaurant in Coppell

Allow me to paint a picture of barbecue bliss for you as I delve into the culinary haven that is Hard Eight BBQ in Coppell, TX. Prepare your taste buds for an experience that will transport you to barbecue nirvana.

Hard Eight BBQ boasts a remarkable tradition of open pit barbecue, infusing their meats with flavors that transcend mere sustenance. As you enter the establishment, the tantalizing aroma of smoky goodness greets you, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining adventure.

Their meats, sold by the pound, are a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into the barbecue craft. Each bite is a symphony of succulence, tenderness, and smoky perfection. But allow me to shine a spotlight on a crown jewel of their menu—the 16oz ribeye steak.

This magnificent piece of meat, cooked to your desired level of perfection, beckons with its irresistible allure. Picture a ribeye steak, kissed by the flames, grilled to a mouthwatering medium-rare, and then drenched in a tantalizing cascade of butter. The result? A flavor explosion that will leave you weak at the knees and longing for more.

But Hard Eight BBQ doesn't stop at their exceptional meats alone. The accompaniments, the side items, elevate the experience to new heights. From creamy mac and cheese to flavorful potato salad, each component is meticulously prepared to complement the star of the show—the barbecue.

And here's a delightful surprise: their free bean soup. This humble offering, a comforting bowl of hearty beans simmered to perfection, warms the soul and adds an extra touch of generosity to the dining experience. It's a small gesture that speaks volumes about the hospitality and commitment to customer satisfaction at Hard Eight BBQ.

As you savor each delectable bite, you'll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that celebrates the joys of barbecue. The rustic charm of the dining area, the lively chatter of fellow patrons, and the friendly staff all contribute to the ambiance that makes Hard Eight BBQ a destination of choice for barbecue enthusiasts.

So, my friends, if you find yourself in Coppell, TX, and have an insatiable craving for barbecue that transcends the ordinary, venture into the realm of Hard Eight BBQ. Indulge in their open pit BBQ, relish the meats sold by the pound, and allow yourself the pleasure of a 16oz ribeye steak dripping with butter. Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavors, accompanied by delightful side items, and don't forget to savor the heartwarming bean soup.

Hard Eight BBQ is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship that elevate barbecue to an art form. It is an experience that will linger in your memory, beckoning you to return time and time again, in pursuit of that smoky, mouthwatering perfection that awaits...

I had high hopes for Hard Eight, but I was overall disappointed. I got the tray with the following: Chopped brisket in a baked potato, half a jalapeno sausage link, three chicken jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon, a couple bites of smoked sirloin (center), two pork ribs, a piece of smoked prime rib (bottom right), and a drink cup. All of this was around $53.34 (~$57.74 w/tax), ($49.34 for the bbq) which I found to be overpriced for the quality I received. The brisket potato and sausage was decent but didn’t really stand out from any of the other big names in Dallas BBQ. The jalapeño chicken poppers as well as the sirloin steak were great; they were unique and flavorful. As for the ribs, they were large and meaty, but that was about it. The ones I had were bland/under-seasoned and were only tolerable when I thoroughly coated them in the house sauce. By far, the worst thing I had was the prime rib, which I was excited to try as a weekend special. The piece I got ended up being awful. I don’t know it it was the chuck end of the roast because the majority of it was tough, gristly, and excessively fatty. Out of the entire cut pictured, only the pink morsel in the bottom center was edible and it was decent, but I paid $9 after tax for essentially a single bite. Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of most of the items I tried and didn’t see the value in them. They had a sign inviting any quality concerns to management. However, when I walked up to the check out counter when there was no one else in line and said “excuse me”, the cashier turned around and walked to the other register where there was also nobody there. At that point, I didn’t bother to pursue it any further and left well enough alone. One positive about the service was the young new guy helping the pit master was really cool and told me a bit about the meats they serve and his favorites (he recommended the sirloin, which is one of the few positive highlights of this review.) Beyond the food and service, the atmosphere was pretty nice. Classic BBQ joint feel. The bean pot was a neat signature gimmick. Overall though, I left disappointed with the quality of most of the food and service for how much money flew out of my wallet. If you still decide to try it though, go with the sirloin.

Update: emailed them based on their reply and they never responded. Customer service is a bust all the...

I gave this a 4 star for a solid reason as there was 1 huge con. See below. There were a couple cons but many pros. I ordered almost everything they had to offer for meat so I could try it all to make the most honest review. I got the brisket, sirloin, sausage, turkey, pulled pork, ribs, onion rings and potato salad.

Pros: Brisket was outstanding! The best ever. Juicy and wonderfully seasoned. The sirloin was also very flavorful and yummy. The pulled pork was also good, just not as good as the brisket. The onion rings were delish, but they were very greasy. The sausage was very tasty. The twice baked potato salad was fantastic in flavor and texture. Excellent bbq sauce.

Now for cons: The turkey wasn't as good as I had hoped. It just didn't have the texture and flavor I was hoping for. The ribs were not good. First, they gave me ribs cut apart, and many of the ribs had broken pieces of bone in them and some weird tendon pieces I had to pull out. They weren't fall of the bone ribs. In fact, they were dry and overcooked. Almost burnt. Huge waste of money on the ribs. They packaged everything well as it was a to go order, however, the portions were not accurate. I got 1/4 pound of many things, and came home and weighed each and they weren't even close to a 1/4 pound of any of them. I also got 1/2 pound of pulled pork and weighed it, and it wasn't a 1/2 pound. As for the half rack of ribs, it wasn't a half rack I received. Again, the ribs were dry and burnt.

Everything was very very greasy. I expected more quality and quantity for a $100 purchase in food. I don't like that their measurements were inaccurate for what I received, but also, the ribs were just bad. Also, everything was packaged in brown paper and masking tape. So the grease just drained right through it. Plus, using tape like that is dirty. They need to use saran wrap for everything. I'd go back to this place knowing not to get certain items as the brisket was so good. Be careful when you order on checking the portions they give you. I was disappointed to spend that much and not get my full weight in food...