At the recommendation of some co-workers, I grabbed dinner at Hard Eight while I was in town on business. The food was good, if not the greatest BBQ I've ever had, but the overall experience was much fun. The restaurant is in the form of a large barn with ample seating and a walk-through line where you can pick out your meat and then any sides and drinks you'd like. I enjoyed having the "conundrum" of trying to figure out which of the meats to try as they stare at you from the smoker, all saying, "Pick me!" My first visit to any BBQ place is nearly always to try the pulled pork, figuring that if they can't get that right, nothing else is likely all that good. That's not always true, but since pulled pork is one of my favorites, it's a good approach anyway. :) I took my platter laden with an abundant amount of pulled pork and then selected corn on the cob, cole slaw, a slice of custard pie, and a sweet tea. After paying, I made my way into the main dining area and selected a high-top wooden table along the wall that was, shall we say, very awkward to sit at based on how the stationary stool was positioned in conjunction with the table, so I moved to a nearby regular table that was just fine. There's plenty of outdoor seating, but based on the temperature that day, I chose to stay inside. Digging in, I found the pulled pork to be good, but it was a little dry and salty. The standard house BBQ sauce was good, though, and the corn on the cob was very nice. The cole slaw was about what you'd expect, and the custard pie was tasty, even if it wasn't the best I'd ever had. The sweet tea was excellent. What I probably loved most, though, was eating all this in that environment, with the Texas-American paraphernalia hanging on the walls and a radio station playing nothing but 80s and 90s country music over the speakers--the years when I loved country the most. I wanted a BBQ experience as big as Texas while I was here, and I got that. For that reason, my visit to Hard Eight was a hit, and I will happily visit again on a future trip. read more

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As a barbeque place, this place isn't superb at anything, but they will probably have something for everyone. The high note for us were the ribeye steaks cooked to order, we love the lemon butter that the steak comes covered in. If you can wait in line, Hutchins is better, but this place is far from bad. read more

WHY WE WENT HERE: - work dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located off State Hwy 121 in between Plano Pkwy and Bargain Way - plenty of parking THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - western/cabin vibes with all the wood - start off with the grilled/smoked meats in the front - make your way to the sides and desserts - then pay at the register - beans available only for dine-in - soda fountains as well - seat yourself THE MENU: - meats from the pit (sold by weight) - tailgate party pack - sandwich special - sandwich - sides - drinks - extras - dessert WHAT I ORDERED: - Baked Sweet Potato - Bacon - Shredded Cheese - Pork Ribs - Brisket - Beans - Mac & Cheese - Banana Pudding - Original BBQ Sauce THE TASTE: - Baked Sweet Potato - fine, plain until I added the bacon and shredded cheese to it - Pork Ribs - tender but plain - Brisket - hard and SALTY - Beans - lackluster - Mac & Cheese - lackluster - Banana Pudding - too sweet - Original BBQ Sauce - too mustardy or ketchupy CUSTOMER SERVICE: - minimal, but it was fine read more

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We came here on a Saturday night and the line moved pretty fast. We said we've never been here so an employee gave us a general idea of what to do. We wanted to do half a pound of brisket and half of ribs and they said they were out of ribs!!! That was extremely unfortunate to be aBBQ restaurant and be out of ribs. So we ordered the sirloin instead. We also got potato salad, Cole slaw and peach cobbler. Potato salad and Cole slaw were pretty mediocre but the peach cobbler was good. The brisket was delicious! I loved the design of the restaurant, it felt very immersive and Texan. The seats were uncomfortable and very tiny, like one butt cheek fits on it. I would not come here again unless I was bringing my non Texan friends. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Potato salad Cole slaw and peach cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

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I just spent over $200 on poor to mediocre BBQ. The brisket was dry, flakier than an overcooked piece of sea bass. Not juicy whatsoever. The ribs were mediocre. Again, not juicy and lacked flavor. The other meats - the same - dried out. The Mac and cheese tasted like it was just melted velveeta and pasta. That's it. Bland. Boring. I've given Hard Eight its last chance. Won't ever order there again. WAY OVERPRICED FOR WHAT YOU GET. read more

Hard Eight never disappoints. This place is a full experience from the moment you walk in and see those massive pits going, the show factor alone is worth it. The location is huge, and it really adds to the classic Texas BBQ atmosphere. I had the bacon-wrapped shrimp, cheddar jalapeño sausage, and the prime rib (which I love that they do this on Friday and Saturday nights). The shrimp had great flavor with that perfect smoky finish, and the cheddar jalapeño sausage is another favorite of mine. The prime rib was the star of the night, tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Definitely something to plan your visit around. The mac and cheese was creamy and rich, and the potato salad was a great classic side to balance everything out. If you're looking for legit Texas BBQ with big pits, big flavor, and a big atmosphere, Hard Eight is always a solid choice. I've been to this location many times and I plan on coming back. read more

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I was in town on business from the PNW and wanted to try Texas BBQ. I ended up ordering through a delivery service and had it delivered to my hotel room. I got the brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, pulled pork, and mac and cheese. The food arrived hot and was timely. I thought the portions looked small at first and then realized I hadn't seen the 3rd meat! By the end, I was stuffed. The food was delicious and I'd absolutely go again. read more

Hard 8 is a very accurate name. This place is a hard 8, and honestly that's not an insult. I've been here about four times now and it's my go-to spot when friends or family are in town and want "Texas BBQ." It absolutely nails the vibe. Rustic, smoky, loud enough to feel fun, but not so insane that you regret coming. Sunday night, dine-in, no crazy lines, no chaos. Exactly what I want. Food-wise, it's really good, just not quite great. And that's okay. The ribeye deserves real credit. For the price, it was fantastic. Juicy, well seasoned, and honestly better than I expected from a BBQ joint. Pork ribs were solid, sausage did its job, no complaints there. And the banana pudding? Unreal. Best I've ever had. I get it every time and I will continue to get it every time. Non-negotiable. Is it touching Terry Black's or Hutchins? No. Those places are operating on another level. But Hard 8 also isn't trying to be that. It's consistent, approachable, and delivers the full Texas BBQ experience without the madness. Touristy? Sure. But it leans into the Texas vibe hard and mostly pulls it off. If you want elite BBQ, you know where to go. If you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing Texas BBQ spot that won't ruin your night with lines or stress, Hard 8 is exactly what it says it is. A hard 8. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Was taken here out of chance by a work colleague while on a trip because I told them I'd never had "Texas BBQ" before. This was the spot he took me too to give me my first experience and I was definitely not disappointed! The brisket was so tender and flavorful as were the ribs. I'm usually not a big fan of sausage but both the jalapeño cheese and regular sauces were SO GOOD! All the sides were good also, which is crazy for me to say because I think I'm most iffy on restaurant sides! They had so many more options to choose from also: bacon wrapped chicken & shrimp, chicken wings, steak... I felt like I was in BBQ Heaven! This spot definitely has my heart when it comes to BBQ... So if this is the bar that's set, I can't wait to come back and try more! Everyone was extremely nice and asked if I needed anything or how could they help. I think they could tell I didn't know what I was doing so they made sure I got all the good stuff: sauces, bread, FREE beans. In our Texas fashion this place was massive! It felt like it just kept going and there was space for days! Probably a great place to watch a game. Go here and you will not be disappointed either. read more

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After a long day of sightseeing in Grapevine, there is no better way to end the night than dinner at Hard Eight BBQ! This location is not near Grapevine, but they have another one that is, We have been here while visiting before, so we knew we would be getting some really good brisket and ribs. I wish they had burnt ends, but they do have all sorts of other great cuts of meat. It is a really fun atmosphere, they have all sorts of great sides and a bar to get an ice cold Lone Star! The line where you order flowed smoothly and the employees were all very friendly. Oh yes, we will return the next time we are in this area. read more

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Line was not to terrible Tuesday evening. It moved very fast. The sides were good. Got Mac and cheese, jalapeño sweet corn. Lots of dessert options looked really good also. They have hot beans for dine in people only. It's pretty good at no charge. The bread was no charge aswell. The meat my husband said was very good. You leave smelling like Texas bbq so be warned now! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

This place was clean and true Texas BBQ! The price was on point and better than another place we went to last year. For 4 ppl we got brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage and chicken for our protein. 4 drinks and mac ' n cheese for about $150. Staff was nice on a busy night and approachable. I'll definitely be back! read more

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After having the ribeye special at the Roanoke location, I was excited to have it again upon my next trip to the Metroplex. This location was way below the other store's standards. In Roanoke it came out within 10 minutes, it was closer to 25 here, and despite asking for extra onions, I got about a quarter of what I did at the other location. Still tasty, but I guess this store doesn't quite put as much into it. Disappointing. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye special with a few meager onions. - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Have wanted to try this place for a while and finally stopped by since i was in town. Be prepared to smell delicious when you leave. They have the grills right in the front when you enter which is cool for a little but boy is it a lot of smoke after some time in line. I got the beef ribs and they left me wanting more the flavor was just ok but the pork chop was massive and juicy the offer hot and cold sides as well as some desserts read more

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I went to visit Texas for the first time, and the number one thing I wanted to try first was authentic Texas bbq, and hard eight really hit the spot. The ambiance mimics that of a cowboy ranch style cabin and I loved all the decor and memorabilia hanging on the walls. Nice casual family spot. Service was super friendly, the pit masters gave great recommendations and were very helpful, and staff checked on us regularly. We ordered a good amount of food, the brisket was juicy and perfectly seasoned, the shrimp poppers were plump and grilled well, the pork ribs were good, some parts were a tad bit dry, but the jalapeño sausage was my absolute favorite, perfect blend of savory with a spicy kick. I'm a sucker for fried okra so had to get a side of that and Cole slaw which was perfect with all the meat. read more

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Visiting from Chicago. I loved this place. You literally pick exactly the meat you want. Then the sides then dessert then sauces and condiments... then find a seat. The staff checks on you also! It was soooo good, so flavorful. I love how you pick exactly what you want to pick for your whole meal. Sauces, drinks, sides, Self served but the set up makes so much sense. It was my first time so one of the experts explained everything to me. Amazing place. read more

Stopped here fornlunch with family and there was a pretty long line, but itbdisnt take long together to the food ordering station. Mybwife and I had the ribs, chicken, bake sweet potatoes, okra and pie. The ribs were really tender and great flavor, even without the sauce. The chicken was well seasoned, but bone dry and even dipping it in sauce didn't help. The atmosphere was good and there was plenty of seating. Good place for lunch. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

This is one of the giant BBQ in Dallas, Texas. They have the pit when you enter the place so you will smell the bbq. Choose the meat and they will cut and prepare for you. First stop is the steak. Second stop is the rest of the meat. They have two lines. Left and right. Once weighted, you will enter the dining area behind the door. You can choose the bread, fries, condiments, pie etc. Some included, some have prices. So service is fast. Once paid, you can go to big dining area inside or big patio outside. The place is huge. They keep coming and checking on you, cleaning the table and more. Good Texas BBQ. read more

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The food is good, is it the best bbq in DFW, no. My go to order is the baked potato with brisket. The service is always good from my experiences. It's always full but there is always a seat available, although I wouldn't recommend groups coming here during peak hours. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Very tasty food. Good portions. Comfortable atmosphere, Clean and Pleasant. No doubt that I will become a repeat customer.

I'll start this review by saying I'm from Kansas City it's a barbecue is near and dear to our hearts. but the way they do brisket I didn't know it could be done this way they have a wet brisket and a lean brisket I got a little bit of both and damn if they weren't both delicious I didn't know you could make brisket that Lean. a trick I learned I guess not really a trick but a tip you do not have to order meat by the half pound or pound you can order one slice two slice or whatever you exactly want you just tell the guys exactly how many pieces of this or that you want. whether you're from Kansas City or somewhere else that specializes in barbecue Texas barbecue is unique and worth a try this is a fun experience of a restaurant it's a very smoky know that when you leave there you will smell like you barbecued the meat yourself. we were with the large group and so we had a private room which was very nice I would have liked more sauce choices but that might be a Kansas City thing. their sides were okay I have to say not as good as what you might get in a KC restaurant but the corn jalapeno was the most popular and their cobbler was a big hit too. read more

Dropped by this location and was looking for the great bbq here. The turkey and pork was great. Best taste. The corn was good too. The bar tender was great I wish I got her name. All in all this is really great place to get some good BBQ. Give it a try. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Meat cooking - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Tried Hard 8 for their redemption today, since our first and last visit in 2018. The first room you enter is a hot room with coal fires burning on both sides where 2 lines form. You order the meats you'd like from the pitmaster. The kid serving as pitmaster and butcher today didn't take much care to cutting the meats. Hacking at them like a barbarian, making lopsided awkward cuts of our pork ribs and brisket. No option to choose sliced or chopped brisket. No option to choose lean or marbled brisket. Lots of cross contamination going on here. 1 cutting board for pork, beef, chicken and turkey. The next room you enter after receiving your weight chopped to bits meats is the sides. Everything here is prepackaged and either on ice or in a warming oven. You just pick up the sides you want and put them on your tray. Here is where you get pickles onions and jalapenos. They offer 2 bbq sauces (regular and spicy... both good). There is lots of seating inside and on the opened patio area. They have a full bar to order beer and cocktails. For the price, I would rather pay for Hutchins. Hard 8 brisket is okay, but it was missing it's juiciness (bc it sits open on a charcoal fire all day to get dry) and missing deep smokiness that i prefer for my brisket. read more

Been to the Coppell location and The Colony. I think the Coppell may be closer to 5 stars. The first thing you'll see when you walk in is the open pit cooking. Everything is cooked on either a smoker or an open pit. Delightful! You order your food right by the main pit and it is cut to order. There's plenty to pick from, and everything I've tried has been top notch. I think their brisket is better than Terry Blacks! Yes, I said it. Don't be shy, try a little bit of everything. Their chicken is surprisingly good, the smoked bologna is honestly underrated, the jalapeño cheddar sausage is excellent ad well, and believe it or not, their sirloin is amazing too -- cook medium rare/medium and sliced to order. Also, give their pork chop a try -- juicy, tender, and massive! I only give it 4 stars as it felt weird that they were out of some staple cuts of meat on a Thursday evening... read more

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I was referred by friends when I asked for where do I go for the best BBQ around Dallas. Hard Eight did not disappoint me as all. I left happy and full. Kind of an amazing layout and plan for food here. Just go experience it, rather than me break it down for you. Since I was in town on business and company dime, I got a sample of several meats and sides. It was later in the night but all the food was great, right off the smoker. BBQ ribs just fell off the bone and melted as I ate it. BBQ brisket and Chicken were amazing as well. I still am not sure what I like the best as all were so good. They have a Timon of sides to choose from, although I never saw Bake Beans. Maybe they were out of but when I return, if no Bake Beans they will have to loose a star. As those go hand in hand with BBQ read more

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This place is supposed to be well known for their ribs. Ribs at any bbq place are my go to. I was pretty disappointed with the food (this is the 3rd Hard 8 I have dined in. Place has a fun atmosphere and decor, just not the best food. read more

People literally hyped this place too much. We drove almost an hour to come try it. As soon as we walked in we could smell the meats cooking. So it smelled really good. The guy taking orders was rude & the lady on the line was rude as well. The service was trash tbh for my first time there. I was craving a baked potato really bad with brisket so I got that. The baked potato was so small & so little brisket. Don't get me wrong... the brisket was 8/10 it was tender.... Now the barbecue.. It didn't not taste like barbecue, the taste was so off... it tasted like ketchup or something but that didn't taste like barbecue at all. The jalapeño corn was so nasty. We also got Mac and cheese, the Mac I'll give it a 8/10 it was pretty good. Overall I don't think I'll ever make the drive just to come eat here. I rather go to Dickies BQQ 1,000 times than this place. read more

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Solid BBQ! Brisket and ribs are outstanding. Chicken was kind of dry. Order at the pit and move your tray past the sides. So kinda self serve. Beans are complementary and are good but could use a bit more seasoning. Staff is friendly read more

Every time I've ever been here, the food is always fresh service is a little slow, but that's OK. I mean I'm a fat guy. I'm not going met away while waiting on getting my groceries. read more

We tried this for dinner recently and had a good experience. We have been a couple times for the BBQ and it's delicious. A guy in our party recommended the ribeye special, so we tried that. For $36.95 you get a 16oz ribeye and 2 sides. They also have an 8oz ribeye and 1 side combo for $19.95. The ribeye came out sizzling with grilled onions and a nice slab of butter on top. It was cooked perfectly. I tried the mac and cheese and sweet potato fries for my sides. Both were great. We also tried the sausage. They have plenty of seating inside and the staff was friendly. read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Ribeye - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

It's usually a wait, but it's always worth it, this is Texas barbecue done right. Smoked right before you don't put on a freshly laundered shirt and think it's not gonna smell like barbecue when you leave that makes it all the better. Brisket, jalapeño poppers, smoked sausage on this night, and it was all spot on. Friendly people and just all around good time. read more

Great atmosphere! This place embodies all things Texas. I used to go to Hard Eight in Stephenville when I was attending college about 20 years ago and I am so proud of their success since! I always over order and overeat! The brisket was a little dry- maybe next time I'll get back to my roots and get a stuffed baker! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

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Was recommended to check out this place if I wanted a good steak from my uber driver coming into town from the airport. Glad I took his advice and swung by for dinner! Such a unique experience where you choose your meat, how you'd like it cooked, and can watch them cook it all before even making it inside the restaurant! Next you'll come up to the pit where you can make additional meat selections and then choose your sides, veggies/salad, drinks. It was super fun and the steakhouse is definitely a fun rustic vibe! Everyone was so nice and willing to help offer a hand, clean up a space for you, or bring you anything else you may need! I ended up ordering the ribeye, a corn and fries for the side :) the ribeye was very juicy and well cooked! The corn was sadly super bland and cold, the fries were pretty meh and floppy. read more

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I've been visiting Hard Eight for years, and I enjoy the overall BBQ experience it offers. It feels like you're stepping into a grand BBQ attraction. The staff moves guests through the line quickly and efficiently and is always polite. The ambiance is fantastic, and a fun spot for large groups! The food is good and reasonably priced, but I am disappointed with the brisket. It lacks flavor and doesn't taste smoked, although the sauce does help to improve it. On a positive note, they serve great ribeyes and some of the best fries I've ever had at a BBQ restaurant! read more

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It's been awhile and it never disappoint. This place is the best smoke house in the area. Just straight bbq and ribeye steak. Service is always on point. Come and check them out. read more

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My brisket had burnt sides that was like the consistency of harden twigs with a beef tallow flavor. Make damn sure whoever serving you your meats that you're paying your hard earned money for, that they take the time and expertise to give you good cuts of meat. Honestly, you shouldn't have to fucking ask. they should just do it, as that's their job in a nutshell. read more

Ambiance, imagine walking into a cloud of the best smelling bbq smoke. The interior is rustic Texas barn. You stand on a line to order, first the meats (Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork by 1/2 and 1LB, Steaks, corn and potato. Then onto sides (potato salad, fries, salad, desert). Then onto the register. There is Coca-Cola drink station with free house beans and BBQ sauce (regular and spicy). The food was delicious. Enjoy! read more

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met my friend for lunch and we met up at Hard 8 BBQ, located in The Colony, TX. I have only been to one before approximately 3 yrs ago located in Coppell, TX. We were there for lunch and the parking lot was full and it was hopping mad inside the restaurant. The smell bbq filled the air. This place is neat, very clean and well organized. The meats on the grill looked really awesome, but the taste was lacking. Same experience at the Coppell location. The brisket was moist and juicy, the bread was dry, I did taste the chicken cause I got full. The onion rings were piping hot and very tasty well seasoned. My friend had the brisket and sausage also with onion rings and pinto beans. I will not even go back again to any Hard 8 BBQ they have disappointed me twice already there won't be a third. Staff here are super friendly, very welcoming, efficient and well organized. I love my BBQ and I always brag about Texas bbq, but I can't with Hard 8. read more

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This is one of the things that I miss about Dallas. The BBQ is great and so are the prices. You can get stuffed like an animal for under $30. The atmosphere is good too, a classic Texan BBQ spot if you are coming from out of state. The lines can get pretty long though on the weekends. Parking is plenty. Of course try the brisket, my favorite for sure. Tip: A pound of meat is more than you think :) read more

Hard Eight BBQ - 1/2lba Brisket, 1/2lb Sirloin - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas

Great food.. this stop was suggested by a good friend... keep good friends who mention great stops. BBQ BBQ BBQ!!! read more

Hard Eight BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - The Colony, Texas