May in Plano turns up the heat as National Barbecue Month rolls through town. Grill masters and backyard rookies alike get a full four weeks to fire up charcoal, experiment with sauces, and gather friends for smoky bites. Whether you’re chasing Texas-style brisket or Korean-inspired chicken wings, Plano delivers spots, tips, and local meat markets to make May a celebration of everything grilled and smoked.
Fire Up Your Grill This May
National Barbecue Month isn’t just a calendar note; it’s a call to action. This is your chance to try a new rub, tweak your sauce, or practice that two-zone fire setup you’ve been eyeing online. Gather a few pints of cold drinks, cue up a playlist, and let the grill become your stage for creativity.
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ
Clean and oil grates before you add fuel: Keep leftover bits from past sessions off today’s steaks.
Preheat the grill for at least ten minutes: A hot grate seals in juices and creates those sought-after sear marks.
Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 145°F for pork chops and 165°F for chicken breasts.
Let meat rest: Give cooked cuts five to ten minutes under foil before slicing to lock in moisture.
Manage flare-ups: Keep tongs handy to move flare-prone pieces and a spray bottle of water to tame sudden flames.
Where to Find Top BBQ in Plano
Plano offers a wide range of flavors and styles when the craving for smoked meat strikes. Here are a few favorites to check out during National Barbecue Month:
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Lockhart Smokehouse
400 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
Famous for tender brisket by the pound and house-made sausage. -
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
1211 14th Street, Plano, TX 75074
Ribs, pulled pork, and sliced beef in classic family-style trays. -
bb.q Chicken Plano Spring Creek
121 W Spring Creek Pkwy #311, Plano, TX 75023
Korean-style fried chicken with sweet soy glaze and spicy original sauce. -
bb.q Chicken Plano Preston
8240 Preston Rd #130, Plano, TX 75024
Signature wings come with pickled radish on the side for that perfect bite of tang.
Meet Your Local Butcher
For grill enthusiasts who like to select their cuts by hand, Plano’s meat markets deliver fresh, high-grade options all month long.
Hirsch’s Meats
Serving Plano since 1992, Hirsch’s specializes in PRIME and CHOICE grade beef, handmade sausages, and custom cuts sliced to your specifications. Friendly counter staff guide you through ribeye, wagyu, and dry-aged choices every Saturday from 9 AM until 5 PM.
Ye Ole Butcher Shop
Jeff Sparks and his team have spent nearly forty years serving top-quality cuts at their downtown location on 14th Street. Order online for easy pickup and stock your freezer with chops, steaks, and family-style bundles ready for May grilling.
Make May Your Tastiest Month Yet
National Barbecue Month in Plano is a straightforward invitation: fire up the coals, sharpen your tongs, and explore both established smokehouses and friendly local markets. Use the simple tips above to nail your next cookout. Then mix and match plates from Lockhart Smokehouse, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and bb.q Chicken. Finally, stop by Hirsch’s Meats or Ye Ole Butcher Shop to round out your meat stash.
Bold flavors and great friends are all you need to own your grill this May in Plano.
Sources: cozymeal.com, google.com, yardbarker.com
Header Image Source: Jaz Blakeston-Petch on Unsplash
