Cattleack Barbeque in Dallas, Texas serves up some of the finest barbecue in the Lone Star State. What began as Todd David’s smoking hobby has grown into a beloved destination for barbecue enthusiasts. Cattleack’s high-quality, juicy meats are smoked to perfection, earning the restaurant recognition from the MICHELIN Guide.
Located on Gamma Road in Farmers Branch, Cattleack Barbeque is open limited hours each week, adding to its allure. The menu features mouthwatering smoked brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, homemade sausages, turkey breast, and pulled pork. Sides and desserts are also made in-house, complementing the expertly prepared meats.
Visitors can dine in or take out, enjoying free cold beer with their meal. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and attention to detail have made it a standout in Dallas’s competitive barbecue scene.
History of Cattleack Barbeque
Cattleack Barbeque has grown from a hobby to one of Texas’ top barbecue destinations. The restaurant’s journey reflects a passion for smoked meats and a commitment to quality.
Founding and Owners
Todd David started Cattleack Barbeque in 2010 as an extension of his smoking hobby. He established the restaurant on Gamma Road in Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, Texas.
David’s dedication to crafting exceptional barbecue quickly gained attention. The name “Cattleack” plays on the idea of high-quality products, similar to the Cadillac brand for automobiles.
Andrew Castelan now owns Cattleack Barbeque. Under his leadership, the restaurant has maintained its reputation for excellence.
Evolution of the Menu
Cattleack Barbeque’s menu has expanded while staying true to its Texas roots. The restaurant offers a range of smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and sausages.
Their pork ribs have become a standout item, known for their hefty size and rich flavor. The menu also features unique offerings that set Cattleack apart from other BBQ joints.
Cattleack has earned recognition from prestigious food publications. It has been listed among the top barbecue restaurants in Texas, cementing its status as a premier BBQ destination.
Experiencing Cattleack BBQ
Cattleack BBQ offers a quintessential Texas barbecue experience. The joint’s atmosphere and service contribute to its reputation as one of the best BBQ spots in Dallas.
The Atmosphere
Cattleack BBQ exudes a casual, no-frills vibe that puts the focus squarely on the food. The restaurant’s interior features simple decor with wooden tables and chairs, creating a rustic ambiance.
Walls adorned with BBQ-related memorabilia and awards showcase the joint’s history and accolades. The open kitchen layout allows diners to watch the pitmasters at work, adding to the authentic experience.
The aroma of smoked meats permeates the air, whetting appetites as soon as customers enter. On busy days, a line often forms outside, creating a sense of anticipation and community among BBQ enthusiasts.
Service and Hospitality
Cattleack BBQ’s staff embodies warm Texas hospitality. The team, led by owners Todd and Misty David, greets customers with genuine smiles and a willingness to guide them through the menu.
Pitmasters behind the counter offer expert advice on meat selections and portion sizes. They’re happy to explain cooking techniques and share their passion for barbecue with interested patrons.
The service style is efficient yet personable. Customers place their orders at the counter, where staff members slice meats to order. This approach ensures freshness and allows for customization.
Free cold beer, a unique offering, enhances the dining experience and exemplifies Cattleack’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The attentive staff keeps the dining area clean and well-maintained throughout service hours.
Signature Smoked Meats
Cattleack Barbeque’s reputation rests on its expertly prepared smoked meats. The restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering options that showcase traditional Texas barbecue techniques and flavors.
Brisket Perfection
Smoked brisket stands as the crown jewel of Cattleack’s menu. The meat is carefully selected and smoked low and slow for hours, resulting in a tender, juicy texture with a flavorful bark. Each slice boasts a perfect balance of smoky flavor and beefy richness.
The brisket’s fat renders beautifully during the smoking process, infusing the meat with moisture and flavor. Cattleack’s pitmasters pay meticulous attention to temperature control and wood selection, ensuring consistent quality with every batch.
Customers can choose between lean and fatty cuts, catering to different preferences. The brisket is often served with a side of tangy barbecue sauce, though many purists prefer to savor the meat’s natural flavors.
Savory Ribs
Cattleack Barbeque offers both pork and beef ribs, each prepared with its own unique approach. The pork ribs are smoked until they reach a perfect balance of tenderness and bite. They’re seasoned with a proprietary spice rub that enhances the natural pork flavor without overpowering it.
Beef ribs, often available on specific days, are a true indulgence. These massive cuts are smoked until the meat nearly falls off the bone. The outer layer develops a dark, flavorful crust while the interior remains moist and tender.
Both rib varieties showcase the pitmaster’s skill in maintaining ideal smoking conditions. The result is a product that satisfies barbecue enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Turkey and Sausages
Smoked turkey breast offers a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Cattleack’s turkey is brined before smoking, ensuring a moist and flavorful meat. The gentle smoke imparts a subtle flavor that complements the turkey’s natural taste.
Homemade sausages round out the smoked meat selection. These links are crafted in-house using high-quality ingredients and a blend of spices. Varieties may include traditional Texas-style sausage and specialty flavors that rotate seasonally.
Both the turkey and sausages demonstrate Cattleack’s commitment to diverse offerings. These options provide alternatives for those seeking something different from the typical beef-centric barbecue menu.
Delicious Sides and Desserts
Cattleack Barbeque offers an array of mouthwatering sides and desserts to complement their high-quality meats. These homemade creations elevate the barbecue experience with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Homemade Sides Selection
The sides at Cattleack Barbeque are crafted with the same attention to detail as their smoked meats. Burnt End Beans stand out as a customer favorite, combining smoky brisket ends with savory beans for a rich, hearty side dish.
Other popular options include creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and crisp potato salad. Each side is made fresh daily using quality ingredients.
For those seeking lighter fare, Cattleack offers a selection of fresh vegetable sides that change seasonally. These might include grilled corn on the cob or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Portions are generous, allowing diners to sample multiple sides with their main course. The homemade nature of these dishes ensures consistent quality and flavors that pair perfectly with the barbecue.
Sweet Endings
Desserts at Cattleack Barbeque provide a satisfying conclusion to any meal. The star of the sweet offerings is undoubtedly the Crack Cake, a rich, buttery dessert with a crisp exterior and moist interior.
This indulgent treat lives up to its name, leaving diners craving more. Its addictive quality comes from a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Other dessert options may include classic peach cobbler, creamy banana pudding, or seasonal fruit pies. These homestyle sweets evoke memories of family gatherings and comfort food.
Portion sizes for desserts are generous, making them ideal for sharing. The dessert menu rotates regularly, giving patrons new treats to try on return visits.
Specialty Dishes
Cattleack Barbeque offers unique and creative BBQ dishes that set it apart. Their menu features innovative twists on classic barbecue favorites, showcasing the culinary expertise of owner Todd David.
The Toddfather Sandwich
The Toddfather Sandwich is Cattleack’s signature creation. This mouthwatering behemoth combines:
- Smoked brisket
- Pulled pork
- Hot link sausage
- Pork ribs
All these meats are piled high on a fresh bun. The sandwich is then topped with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. Its generous portions and blend of textures make it a favorite among regulars.
The Toddfather exemplifies Cattleack’s commitment to quality and creativity. Each component is smoked to perfection, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
Weekly Special Delights
Cattleack Barbeque keeps things exciting with their rotating weekly specials. These limited-time offerings allow the kitchen to experiment with new flavors and cuts of meat.
Past specials have included:
- Smoked beef cheeks
- Bourbon-glazed pork belly
- Jalapeno-cheddar sausages
- Pastrami-style beef ribs
These specials often incorporate seasonal ingredients or celebrate holidays. They give regular customers a reason to return and try something new.
The weekly specials showcase Cattleack’s versatility and innovation in barbecue techniques. Many patrons plan their visits around these unique offerings.
Menu Diversity
Cattleack Barbeque offers a range of options beyond traditional smoked meats. The menu caters to various dietary preferences and showcases culinary creativity.
Vegetarian Options
Cattleack Barbeque recognizes the importance of accommodating non-meat eaters. While the restaurant specializes in barbecue, it provides limited but thoughtful vegetarian choices. Side dishes often include vegetable-based options like coleslaw, potato salad, and green beans.
Some days may feature specialty vegetarian items, though availability can vary. The restaurant encourages customers to inquire about current vegetarian offerings when visiting.
Beyond BBQ
Cattleack Barbeque expands its menu beyond standard barbecue fare. The restaurant offers homemade sausages, crafted with unique flavor combinations. These artisanal sausages provide a distinct alternative to traditional barbecue cuts.
Akaushi beef, a premium Japanese cattle breed, occasionally appears on the menu. This high-quality beef offers exceptional marbling and flavor. Specialty items and limited-time offerings keep the menu fresh and exciting for regular customers.
Homemade sides and desserts complement the meat selections. These items showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality across all menu categories.
Plan Your Visit
Cattleack Barbeque offers a unique dining experience for barbecue enthusiasts. Proper planning ensures you’ll get to enjoy their renowned smoked meats and sides.
Location and Hours
Cattleack Barbeque is located at 13628 Gamma Road in Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, Texas. It’s situated near the Galleria shopping center, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant operates on a limited schedule. It’s open on Thursdays and Fridays, starting at 10:30 AM. They also open on the first Saturday of each month.
Given its popularity and limited hours, arriving early is advisable. Lines often form before opening time, especially on Saturdays.
Dining Options
Cattleack Barbeque provides both dine-in and takeout options. The indoor seating area allows guests to enjoy their meal in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
For those preferring takeout, the restaurant offers convenient packaging for their smoked meats and sides. This option is ideal for those looking to enjoy Cattleack’s offerings at home or for larger gatherings.
During busy periods, outdoor seating may be available. The restaurant occasionally offers complimentary cold beer to patrons, enhancing the dining experience.
Pre-Order Information
Pre-ordering is available and highly recommended, especially for those with time constraints or seeking to avoid potential sellouts. Cattleack Barbeque’s website provides details on their pre-order system.
Pre-orders typically open at the beginning of each week for the upcoming Thursday and Friday. Saturday pre-orders may have different scheduling.
When pre-ordering, customers can select from the full menu of smoked meats, homemade sides, and desserts. This ensures availability of preferred items and reduces wait times upon arrival.
Pre-ordered meals can be picked up at designated times, allowing for a swift and efficient visit to this popular BBQ destination.