Tacos
Pork ribs (my second favorite thing)
Had to buy me a bottle of the house sauce ($8). When you run empty, you can bring the bottle back for free refills!
outside
outside
Very welcoming, intimate vibe to these mostly private booths, adorned w/ Christian and patriotic displays. Like it!
Reusable cups!!!
Lunch/Dinner Menu
Lots of call-in/pick-up business observed, while I ate my breakfast taco.
Frito Pie, Baked Potato W/ Brisket, Turkey
ribs, bbq ribs, food
interior
Backside entrance
1/4 lb chopped lean brisket, comp'd extras and house bbq sauce. Perfect simple, delicious lunch.
outside
interior
They even keep the lemon wedge bin replenished often with firm freshly cut ones, a nice small touch..
interior
A real busy joint during lunchtime, a good sign for someone who hasn't been here yet. Must be really busy on weekend nights...
As a vet, really appreciate all of the military accoutrements displayed throughout the place.
Gary B.
Dec 8, 2024
Their food is great, ribs are my personal favorite.I had a bite of my wife's baked potato and was pleasantly surprised to find out it seems to be smoked. Lots of flavor, may have to get less ribs next time and a potato as well.The people who bring the food after ordering are great, they check back and see if you are good with drinks and condiments.Place is spotless clean and comfortable.It's been a couple of times a month place since they opened.
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Donna W.
Mar 5, 2025
The BBQ is great...sauce is available for the table. A bit pricey but very good and the staff checks on your table to see if you need anything.
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Barb D.
Feb 15, 2025
Best breakfast in town. Bacon is fantastic and original sausage superb. Can't beat the Texas toast!Everyone is nice and helpful. Music and more in the dining area. Love love.
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Dolores K.
Jul 22, 2024
We had been to the location on Preston and tried them at the Little Elm Brew and Que, and it was just so good that we were just thrilled to hear that one was opening down the road. We typically place orders to go. So we haven't eaten in yet. However, I will sit and wait inside for our order, and they've been very nice to me. One time I was offered a drink while I waited. It was very much appreciated. Definitely don't mind sitting inside to wait, as it has a nice, wide open feeling to it. I tend order enough meats to last us a few days, which is probably enough to feed an army because I would rather have too much of their bbq than run out. My SO's favorite: Moist brisket. He absolutely loves it. He'll eat other meats but this is his go-to meat from Tender. My favorites: Pulled pork and pork ribs. They've got pork down PERFECT. The taste, texture, and flavor of that meat is unparalleled. The turkey is also quite good, and we have gotten it several times. However, if there's pork or brisket around, it's usually the last to get finished. The meat is moist and flavorful to where it doesn't need a sauce, but the sauce they provide does add a nice touch without hiding the flavor of the meats. Toast, pickles, and onions are also great accompaniments. I will say the sides are good and have tried the Mac and cheese and potato salad sides. But hate to say it - they get forgotten when the meats are around. Banana pudding is a very good dessert. It's rare to have enough room at the end of the meal, but if you do, I recommend it.
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Michelle C.
Jul 22, 2024
MUST TRY! Hands down, best BBQ we've tried by far. Had to go 3x within 2 days.I recently visited Little Elm Beach for the first time and heard a radio advertisement for a BBQ place nearby. By the end of the day, I had forgotten the name, but Yelp came to the rescue and showed me Tender Smokehouse BBQ. It immediately clicked, and we decided to give it a try. Conveniently located close to the beach, it was the perfect spot to end our day.The reviews were positive, though a couple of negative reviews had mentioned religious décor, but truthfully, the religious décor was not overbearing nor should it have an impact with this restaurant's ratings. I am not religious like that, but I had found it rather than overbearing. We ordered the Beef Rib, Potato Salad, and Mac N' Cheese. Our food arrived quickly, served by the welcoming and passionate assistant manager, Stacy, who is the most respectful, kind, and easy-going person we have ever met. His hospitality was top-notch!The Beef Rib was massive and fell off the bone, needing no BBQ sauce. Even my friend who dislikes potato salad loved theirs, and the Mac N' Cheese was delicious, even for someone like me who usually doesn't enjoy it. Stacy surprised us with banana pudding, which was the best we have ever had. I personally work at a higher end restaurant who serves expensive, made from scratch, gourmet banana pudding, but Tender Smokehouse's banana pudding surpasses it. Also, I don't usually like sweet pickles, but their pickles are absolutely amazing.Stacy had recommended their breakfast and since our first experience left us so impressed, we returned for breakfast the next day. The buttermilk pancakes and smokehouse potatoes were fantastic, the potatoes were amazing and brought back nostalgic childhood memories. Stacy's thoughtful service continued, bringing us extra potatoes.After breakfast, we went back the beach and guess what we got for dinner? We returned yet again for dinner, trying the Frito Pie with brisket and beans and a loaded baked potato with brisket. Stacy also brought us the best turkey I've ever tasted. The Frito Pie and baked potato were satisfying, though the BBQ sauce was different, being vinegar-based instead of sweet and spicy.Overall, the food is perfectly seasoned and doesn't need additional sauces. Dining here three times in two days speaks volumes about the quality. Along with Stacy's hospitality and customer service, it was truly an incredible experience. Tender Smokehouse BBQ has overtaken Hutchins as my top BBQ spot. Highly recommend for great food, excellent service, and a cozy ambiance!
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Angela E.
Dec 22, 2024
Deeeelish! This was a stop for a party bike ride we did. We got drinks, but could smell the food. We were limited on time so thought we'd come back. After checking pictures online we couldn't stop thinking about this place so literally went back right after the bike ride. I wish I would've take some pictures, but it smelled so good I couldn't wait. This is why I need to go back next time and get some pics! The ribs were falling off the bones, the mac-n-cheese was so cheesy, and BBQ beans was an added treat. We also enjoyed the brisket, and the turkey. Staff was so friendly and we got our food pretty fast. It's worth the drive to Little Elm for some dang good BBQ!
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Linda N.
Apr 27, 2024
Tender Smokehouse where have you been all my life?! Honestly I was having a pretty crappy day at work but boy oh boy when I stepped into this fine establishment my day turned around! Staff was amazing! Nothing beats some southern hospitality. They have a nice little patio overlooking lake Lewisville which was perfect!! Food was 10/10. Literally everything was amazing. You must try the Turkey and Brisket, highly recommend. The manager, Stacy, came by and was so friendly. He went above and beyond to make sure our first visit was one of a kind. Be sure to ask for him when you visit. Can't wait to come back and try their breakfast tacos.
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Lindsay S.
Apr 27, 2024
The service here is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and quick. The lady at the counter gave us an overview of the menu and as soon as we picked our table someone was right behind us with utensils and BBQ sauce. We also got checked on a few times during our meal (this isn't one of those joints with a waitress, so it was nice to be checked on) The food was pretty good too. I had a pulled pork sandwich and it was over flowing with pork. This is a great place for little elm.
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Terri B.
Mar 22, 2024
New Restaurant Review: Tenders Little ElmI have a project down the street from the new location of Tenders in Little Elm, and have been eagerly awaiting the opening of it. Well, I have good news, they are finally open! They are doing a little bit of work to the patio outside still but inside is up and ready to rock 'n' roll. I have been to all of the locations of tenders. It's one of my favorite go to for some awesome Texan barbecue, and this location stands up to the hype!I went around 2:30 on a Friday, hadn't eaten all day, so it was definitely ready to eat! I ordered the lean brisket and the smoked turkey. Served with delicious pickles, Texas toast, and delicious BBQ sauce. The brisket was smoky and had a fabulous flavor. The turkey has a nice pepper flavor and was cooked really well.The people are really what makes Temder's stand out at every location. They go out of their way to make sure you understand the menu if it's your first time and check on you multiple times during your meal. One of the managers from the Aubrey location I recognized chatted up with a bit, really top-notch folks.The aesthetics inside are the same, rustic decor of the others, they have tall, built-in booths and tables throughout. Lots of Trophy animals around.If you are in the aLittle Elm area next to all the happening areas, tin man social, Hula hat, and like, be sure to stop by for some awesome BBQ! You won't be disappointed.
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Ryan H.
Mar 3, 2025
This place is absolutely awesome!ll. I love coming here the service is always great, and more importantly the food is always delicious! I am so happy they opened this location right next to my house. This place is truly an asset and a great addition to Little Elm!
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