Tender Smokehouse Frisco — Restaurant in Frisco

As a native Texan, it pains me to say that I am typically not inspired or overly impressed by BBQ and smoked meats. No, I'm not a snob, per se, but I tend to find that a large majority of the meats I have consumed in my 50 years have been all about the sauce. What that means to me is that their MEATS are just ho-hum and they try to make-up for the lack of flavor by dousing the meat in a plethora of sauces. And, for years, that's how I consumed most BBQ.. not all, but most. And that's the way it was.

About 7-8 years ago, I was 'educated' and trained NOT to drown meat in sauce but to seek out properly cooked/smoked/BBQ'd meats THEN add sauce as needed. I did what any discerning up-and-coming connoisseur did and re-visited places I had been before and only ordered smoked/BBQ'd meats, sans sauce or had the sauce on the side. I learned that many - again not all - relied on the sauce to make their meats 'good'.

Hmmm...

Then we discovered Tender - their original location in Celina, TX and our family favorite location in Frisco, TX (same great people own both locations).

I'll sum up their offerings in a single word: WOW!!!!!

To begin, their meats are hand selected with them only procuring a narrow selection of beef. Let's call them uber picky about quality. Their seasonings are simple yet pack a wonderful taste-bud tingling blend of goodness. Their house sauce is the same - simple in its ingredient list yet packs a wallop on your palate. Let's dive in..

Your dine-in experience starts with counter ordering from one of their friendly and KNOWLEDGEABLE cashiers. Menu knowledge and fluency is tops here. Suggestive selling is soft (not pushy) yet based on favorites being ordered day in and day out. After being seated at your table, a friendly staff member will greet you, bring you silverware, and a platter of homemade seasoned chips with a bottle of their signature sauce. Bar service is walk-up/counter service as well. Food is delivered by their staff and they clear your tables, too. Soft drink refills are free and self-serve.

Menu: Their brisket (moist and lean) is heavenly; lovingly smoked and spiced to absolute perfection. I can't express how darn good their brisket is... it's ALMOST as good as their ribs! Pork ribs smoked with precision and care in their custom smokers also seasoned with their signature dry blend.

The Rib: This is their SHUT UP item! Fast to sell out, this monster rib is butchered, trimmed, seasoned, and smoked to absolute perfection. This is my single most favorite item on their menu. Meaty, tender, flavorful.. it is... oh, what's that word? Oh, FLAWLESS! I mean it. There's a reason it sells out every day!

Sandwiches: Fun mash-ups using brisket and sausage on Texas Toast or heck - toss a rib in there, too! My go-to sandwich is the Sledgehammer. Very delicious and so satisfying you don't even care that the juices and sauce (you add your own) run down your arm!!

Sides: BBQ beans. I mean it. They are amazing! And this coming from a guy who ordinarily would never order BBQ beans. Their secret? Toss in some meat. Brilliant! No, it's not THAT easy, but man it makes it good. Their coleslaw is great with a little citrus punch. Their mac-n-cheese is NOT from a box - it's gooey and delicious!

Desserts: Banana pudding. Yeah I know... but this is truly different. Light, airy, flavorful.. such a satisfying end to your gastronomic journey! Other desserts include key lime pie (in a cup! It is seasonal and only made now and then), and Lemonade Pudding.

During your visit, you can always count on a visit to your table by a manager ensuring you are having a great experience and maybe a little chit-chat about life in general.

They also offer cooking/smoking classes where they dole out some incredibly good information on how to BBQ and smoke meats.

Do yourself a favor - add this place to your list of MUST DO when in the area. It's completely...

I was immensely satisfied with my visit. I just finished my first ever one, and their service is amazing. From the moment I walked in I was greeted with smiles and friendly jokes from both the greeter and the cashier. I payed for my meal, grabbed a drink cup, and before I could fill it and fully sit down my plate was already delivered to my table.

The meal I got was the $15 lunch special. This included a beef brisket sandwich, a side of bbq beans, home made chips, alongside a cup with infinite refills (so long as I bring it with me on every visit). I also added banana pudding for another $4, bringing my total to $20 and some change. The food was good, but the brisket could’ve used a bit more seasoning. What really stood out for excellence was the banana pudding. If you’re a fan of home made and super creamy banana pudding, these guys know how to do it right.

The verdict: Every staff member I encountered was extremely respectful and kind. My server Mark answered every question I had, and gladly saw to me with a smile. As I ate my meal, I watched his co-worker Darrius respectfully waiting for customers to finish praying before serving them. A man named Ryan came to take my plate when I was done, and even he decided to chat with me and shake my hand. Seeing these workers focus on their service, treat others with kindness/respect, and do so while genuinely enjoying their work is a breath of fresh air. That shared mentality amongst the staff puts the quality of service in this place into a league of its own. The food might not’ve been the best I’ve ever had, but the quality of care and service makes up for any complaint I could possibly have regarding it. I will gladly visit again in the near future, and would advise others to...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tender Smokehouse in Frisco, Texas, and I must say, it left an indelible impression on my taste buds. As a first-time visitor to the Lone Star State, I was eager to try the legendary Texas brisket, and Tender Smokehouse exceeded my expectations.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the brisket. I opted for the fatty option, and I can confidently say that it was one of the most tender and flavorful brisket dishes I have ever tasted. With each bite, the succulent meat practically melted in my mouth, leaving me in awe of the pitmasters' expertise. The smoky flavor penetrated every fiber of the brisket, enhancing its natural juiciness and creating a delightful explosion of taste. It was clear that Tender Smokehouse takes immense pride in their barbecue craftsmanship.

In addition to the remarkable brisket, I had the pleasure of savoring their jalapeno sausage. It was a true delight! The sausages were perfectly cooked, with a satisfying snap in each bite. The combination of the smoky, savory sausage and the subtle heat from the jalapenos created a harmonious flavor profile that kept me reaching for more. It was a delightful accompaniment to the already magnificent brisket.

I can confidently say that my dinner at Tender Smokehouse Frisco was an absolute delight. The combination of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the flavorful jalapeno sausage, and the exceptional service made for an unforgettable dining experience. If you find yourself in Frisco, Texas, make sure to visit Tender Smokehouse and embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Texas barbecue. You won't be...