407 BBQ — Restaurant in Texas

Not too long ago we were visiting family in the Flower Mound area, when my brother-in-law shared that there was a BBQ joint not too far away in Argyle. When I realized he was referring to 407 BBQ, which was on my list already, it was a no-brainer to go check them out. We checked their hours, and then headed over on a Friday evening. I was surprised to see a long line that late, though the length of the line made me hopeful for the quality of their products. We decided to not wait, and instead came back the next morning right. At this hour the line was not too bad, thankfully. I was disappointed to learn that I couldn't buy anything less than a half pound. So I ordered a half-pound of fatty brisket and a Texas Twinkie. The brisket had beautifully-rendered fat and a beautiful bark. But there was no smoke ring, and there was zero smokiness. None. It was a very nice pot roast, but not a good Texas smoked brisket. I definitely needed some BBQ sauce to add some flavor. I was very glad their sauce is very good. As my disappointment passed about the brisket, I turned to the Texas Twinkie. Fortunately it was pretty good. Given all the ingredients, there was definitely much more flavor - between the jalapeño, bacon, cream cheese, brisket and sauce, it was pretty tasty stuff.

Knowing 407's competition barbecue and catering history, I'm confident that these guys have made some very good smoked meats. I'm just afraid that they may have had to compromise on quality in order to meet quantity requirements (they're open until 8pm six nights a week). This is based on a bit of investigation on my part - when I went around to the back of the building after we finished, I observed three gas-powered cabinet smokers, but very little wood visible anywhere. Based on the long lines and their history, I have no doubt these guys have delivered solid barbecue in the past. Hopefully that can be rectified and future customers will also enjoy smoky,...

Terrible experience. I took my brother who is from out of town because he wanted to try Texas BBQ. I have been before and the food was good and thought it would be perfect to take him.

I should have helped him order, but forgot, and he did not specify whether he wanted lean or moist Brisket. When his food came out we noticed that they gave him the flat (lean brisket), which is fine since he didn’t specify, however, what was served to him was more akin to beef jerky from a 100 year old dead cow rather than anything that had been living in this century.

The brisket he was served was so dry it tasted like saw dust, crumbled in your fingers and was devoid of any moisture whatsoever. I told him I would go talk to the staff and see if I could get it replaced.

So, I went to the counter and the first guy told me they would replace it, but couldn’t give me the full half pound he paid for. Fine. I agreed that would be fine.

Now comes out a different guy with 2 pieces of moist and delicious looking brisket (proof that the other stuff was trash) but before handing it me to he told me next time to order correctly if I wanted moist meat. He instructed me to read their sign and told me he would not replace it again.

I explained that I know how to order, but that my brother was new to BBQ and didn’t specify, however, what he gave us was unacceptable regarding of what cut it was supposed to be. It wasn’t dry, it was old and dried up.

He proceeded to argue with me instructing me to read his sign as it was clearly posted.

Apparently at 407 the customer is not always right. The meat that was served to me was obviously old and dried up. Should have been tossed or used for other purposes. They are charging $30 a pound for this stuff, so you would assume it would be good. But no.

Guy was rude, called me an a$$ and made it a...

Dear 407 BBQ,

You are in a state competing with some of the best and most world-renowned barbecue in the nation. I was born and raised here and have never heard of you. Considering this, one would assume you would not only be serving safe and top notch food, but would also accept criticism of those well-versed in great BBQ and practice ethics while doing so. As seen in your responses to certain negative reviews, it’s clear to me that you hold yourself to no standard. It’s also evident that your food has glaring safety concerns, as can be seen by a recent reviewer who was sent to the hospital after consuming your potato salad.

This is unacceptable behavior from a restaurant in Texas. At the bare minimum, we expect a safe dining experience and your respect when expressing concerns. In Texas, we believe in southern hospitality and hold true to our values. We greet total strangers in passing by and carry ourselves with a kind demeanor. We accept and grow from criticism. This restaurant and its actions go against who we are at the core. Your inappropriate comments toward your own customers who have contributed to your business were disturbing enough; however, the lack of safety surrounding the potato salad and possibly other foods you prepare is very dangerous.

This will be escalated until addressed. I would advise any customer to seriously consider their health before dining at this restaurant. I genuinely hope to see improvements made, as this industry is especially competitive. Growth doesn’t come from comfortable places and success hinges on your ability to take the criticism and improve upon it. I hope for your own sake that you are...