Sonny Bryan's BBQ - DFW Airport

Sonny Bryan's BBQ
DFW Airport - Terminal E
Dallas, Texas
http://www.sonnybryans.com/

Sonny Bryan's BBQ is a staple in Dallas.  The name has been around at "The Original" location since 1958.  They started branching out several years ago and now that have locations all over the DFW Metroplex including the airport.

I often talk about "airport barbecue" as a sub category of barbecue that has a lower quality of meat than most non-airport locations.  While ordering, I asked the server where the meat was smoked.  The answer was "I have no idea. I'm just covering from another counter".  So there you have it.  He's just filling a slot and has no stake in the game.  Now I'm not blaming this employee as much of it is due to the way the system is setup.  However, it does affect the quality of the meal.

FYI, the airport location is not listed on the website.  Hmmm...I wonder why?

While Sonny Bryan's has many great smoked meat options Brisket, Sausage, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Ham and Turkey as well as sides of BBQ Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Fried Okra, Mashed Potatoes and French Fries. The menu at the airport will be limited.  Don't forget those famous Onion Rings...these ARE available at the airport location.

I knew that I would be disappointed with a traditional selection of brisket, sausage, pulled pork or similar so I tried the turkey.  It's well cooked and has a heavy cracked peppercorn crust.  I liked it but it could be too heavy for some folks.  The onion rings were fabulous as always.  These are very typical of what you would find at any of the Sonny Bryan locations.

So the moral of the story is that you don't necessarily have to skip barbecue at the airport. Just be a bit selective and if you stay away from the items that you are highly critical of, you will likely find a meal that you would be happy to take to the exit row.