Craving Southern food?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Southern spots around Plano, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Kenny's Smoke House
Topping the list is Kenny's Smoke House. Located at 5760 Legacy Drive, Suite 4, the spot to score barbecue and more is the highest rated Southern restaurant in Plano, boasting 4.5 stars out of 876 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, expect Southern fare like the Chicken & Ribs with pork ribs and Southern-fried chicken; the Smoke House Sampler with brisket, pulled pork, pork spare ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage and beef rib; and the Kinahora sandwich with jalapeño cheddar sausage, chopped brisket and pulled pork. (See the full menu here.)
Nick C., who reviewed it on Nov. 5, said, "This place is amazing. The wings are perfectly smoked and flash fried. Probably the best wings of any kind I've ever had. So good we went back the next day to get more wings for an afternoon snack. The brisket is fantastic with perfect flavor and tenderness."
2. Lockhart Smokehouse
Next up is Lockhart Smokehouse, situated at 1026 E. 15th St. With four stars out of 903 reviews on Yelp, the smokehouse, which offers barbecue and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
The menu has options like brisket, shoulder clod, pork chops, pork ribs, chicken and turkey. Sides include smoked baked beans, blue cheese slaw, brisket deviled eggs and potato salad. (See the full menu here.)
Lama A., who reviewed it on Oct. 27, wrote, "Excellent brisket and extra cheesy mac n cheese. Really tender and juicy brisket with a perfectly seasoned char. The mac n cheese, and the jalapeño mac and cheese, were creamy, hot and super cheesy."
3. Tasty Tails
Tasty Tails, located at 240 Legacy Drive, Suite 308 C, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Southern and Cajun/Creole spot, which offers seafood and more, four stars out of 331 reviews.
The menu has boiled seafood, po'boys, fried baskets and more. Dishes include the boiled crawfish; the po'boy with either shrimp or catfish, plus lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo and remoulade on Gambino bread from New Orleans; and the Touchdown Platter with a catfish fillet, three butterfly shrimp, three fried oysters, two chicken tenders, hush puppies and fries.
Jason R. said, "It is important to note this is a food court eatery and not a restaurant. That note withstanding, the food here is top notch! We had shrimp and catfish po'boys — they were fresh and packed to overflowing. The gumbo has a very dark roux and is flavorful."
4. Winners BBQ
Winners BBQ, a traditional American spot that offers barbecue and more, is another go-to, with four stars out of 231 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3200 E. 14th St. to see for yourself.
Expect to find barbecue meats on the menu, such as chopped beef, sliced brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, turkey legs and chicken. You can pile meat onto a baked potato or sandwich, or simply get a plate with sides. Sides include potato salad, baked beans and mac & cheese, among others. Finish a meal with banana pudding. (See the full menu here.)
Jill V., who reviewed it on Oct. 5, wrote, "I've heard great things about this barbecue joint, but we never got to try it until tonight since they sell out so quickly and now we know why! We finally got to try the chicken and the ribs, but they were already sold out of brisket when we got there. The spice rub is amazing, the meat is tender and the taste of both the chicken and ribs is exceptional."
