Zavala's Barbecue

The BBQ/Mexican Fusion You Never Knew You Needed... The only ding this place gets? No Diet Coke. Nada. They say it comes with a "Coke," and they're serious. Not a Diet Coke in sight, COKE ONLY, no Dr. Pepper, sprite -nothin'-which honestly feels like a major oversight, but hey, they must have some quirky reasoning. Other than that? This spot absolutely nails it. It's a BBQ/Mexican fusion dream with handmade tortillas and something called a "Sloppy Juan." Intrigued? Yeah, so was I.Two of us ordered a taco plate with two tacos plus a Sloppy Juan, which came with two sides. We got the beans and the warm potato salad--massive win. That potato salad is no joke. Loaded with fresh dill and crispy bacon crumbles, it's like potato salad on crack. I'd come back just for that. The brisket taco comes chopped (next time, I'd request sliced), and the carnitas-style taco stole the show. As for the Sloppy Juan... a bit too spicy for me, but that green sauce on the table? Unmissable. I don't know what's in it, but it's herby, zesty, and perfect with the meats. This place is officially on my permanent rotation--just BYO your own side unless regular Coke is your thing!Really a spectacular no frills place, A lady said to next time try the turkey, which she HIGHLY recommended, I guess I would never normally order turkey, but maybe this place had cracked the code, I mean if any place could, my money is on Zavalas!!

We stopped in on this charming place in an old drive-in diner prior to going to the hotel and later on to a concert. There was no brisket....just a dino rib.....Oh darn, the only thing left was just like the most delicious meat EVER! No brisket, NO PROBLEM. The hubby and I like to share the dino beef rib because when they cut it up all pretty for you, you have the perfect combination of lean and moist beef. I like the fat, hubby likes the lean. We are both happy with the rib and don't ya just love the incredible black pepper rubs on those? Wow!!! So incredibly delicious. You have to have to have to get the Hill Country Potato Salad that is mayo based and has green onions and bacon in them along with the cheesy jalepeno hominy! You have got to be kidding me kind of greatness right here. So, you have your delectable little chunks of peppered barked beef rib, layer it on one of their delicious homemade corn tortillas and their homemade pico de gallo????? Stoppit!!! Then they have the Mexican Coca-Colas in the glass bottles for refreshment and then splash a little Sloppy Juan sauce on the tortilla wrap! Boom!Since we arrived so late in the day, they offered us a delicious authentic Mexican fruity beverage that really hit the spot! I would definitely come back to Zavala's.

Great food, everyone was so friendly and helpful. The pitmaster Joe and I got to talk for a few minutes he gave some recommendations and hit on everyone of them. Quite a drive for me to come down but was well worth the trip, try and make a Saturday trip for the beef cheeks soon. Pizza pepper sausage was amazing and had a little punch as well, solid brisket, solid ribs and juicy smoked turkey. The slaw, beans, and the best hill country potatoe salad ive ever had ever (sorry grandma). We will be back, Thanks Joe!Travis

Love this underrated BBQ joint! The brisket was super juicy and the boudin sausage had a great, unique flavor. Our favorite item was the Sloppy Juan; served in a tortilla, the smoky flavor was out of this world. We'd definitely come back!

What a great find! Had a meeting nearby and my colleague brought me here. Nice no-frills spot with more outdoor seating than in. Fortunately it was a beautiful breezy day and very comfortable at the picnic tables. The brisket was flavorful and moist, the boudin was on point and the cheesy hominy was outstanding! My guests both had tacos that looked fantastic as well. I will definitely be making a return trip, and soon.

I have had this place bookmarked literally 5yrs ...after visiting 2day...I see why I was in no rush 2 visit. I arrived a little after 1pm....there were 4 ppl in front of me in line....the line was moving accordingly lol. My time 2 order....I specified 2 ribs, 2 pcs brisket & 1/2 of the brisket sausage...no sides. As the guy was prepping my 2 go plate...he sliced off some of the brisket meat the guy behind me 2 try....then he sliced me off a piece....no if I knew that brisket had THAT MUCH pepper on it...I would NOT have ordered that....the brisket had 2 much pepper & was dry....the ribs..AGAIN..2 MUCH PEPPER....and over cooked....the sausage had a good flavor to em I don't know who needs 2 hear this...but u don't eem have to put all that pepper u have stored in ur pantry all all the meats!! If ur in the area...try it out 4 yourself !!

Very good bbq. The brisket sausage and burnt ends were my favorite. The service was also very fast. From the time I ordered, I had my order and was out the door in five minutes.

Just passing thru and had pork tacos which was very good. Potato salad though was absolutely fantastic. Husband had sliced brisket and he said it was very good. If basing thru again, we will be back.

Best brisket any where in the world. Potato salad is like your grandma's best twice backed potato. Best bbq service in DFW.

If you are a BBQ lover, this is your spot! This place has earned its spot on my top 3 Texas BBQ joints and for good reason! Is it pure Texas BBQ? No, it's got a Spanish spin to it that definitely compliments the food without taking away the BBQ flavor. We got there early, like you would for those other Texas BBQ places. Well, not THAT early... We arrived 40 mins before it opened on a Saturday and there was no line. Maybe this changes depending on the day but we didn't see a line appear until 10 mins after it opened at 11am. The staff were all great and eager to talk with the guests. With 3 staff members present, the skill of engaging with guests while getting people their MEATS is a hard one to juggle but they did it. Very impressed with the service. Now to the deliciousness of it all: The beef rib- fatty but delicious. Don't skip on this. No BBQ sauce is needed to chow down on this bad boy. Moist. Seasoned to perfection. Solid exterior on the meat. Brisket- moist and mouthwatering. Oh, man, I was so excited to eat this and I was NOT disappointed. Sampled some of the burnt ends while in line as they were slicing our brisket... the happy dance that took over my body was uncontrollable and from a place in my stomach of pure wholesome joy. Sausage- this is never my favorite meat at a BBQ joint. They had a regular sausage and a pizza pepper sausage. I sampled it, wasn't impressed, but the two others who were in my group loved it. This place really nails all of their meats. If you've got a group of many BBQ lovers who love specific meats, bring them here. Every single one of these meats were a hit with someone in our group. Beef cheek- My first real taste of this and INCREDIBLE. The real deal right here. So moist, full of flavor and just mouthwatering. Pork ribs- 7/10. We are not huge pork lovers at BBQ joints but these were good. Not sure we'd get them again but only because we'd rather spend our BBQ calories on that beef! Sloppy Juan- Almost did not get this but I'm so glad I did. This was my favorite. Something about the balance of sweet/savory flavorings in this wrapped in a warm tortilla. Not something you'll find anywhere else. Also, added their fresh pico de gallo and oh my goodness. How are they just nailing this at every turn? Please, for the love of every smoker out there, do NOT skip on this. Carnitas- I know. Carnitas? But it's BBQ! You are right but these were everything you'd ever imagine and more. These were not my favorite of all the meats but they are absolutely a 10/10 on the carnitas scale. Green Tomatillo/Serrano sauce- I could drink this stuff up if I didn't fear the consequences of those actions. I was putting this on everything I could. Never touched the BBQ sauce because, well, the meats didn't need anything else but also because I couldn't stop eating this stuff! This hidden gem on Brisket lane in Grand Prairie is a place that has earned a spot on my top texas BBQ joints forever. It was amazing. You aren't fine dining here. You are getting your meats, finding a seating at their indoor tables or outside benches and enjoying delicious TX BBQ with a Spanish flare while not making a dent to your wallet. Get it while it's hot, y'all, 'cause this place won't be hidden for too much longer! Oh, and they had free beer. None of us touched it in order ro maximize the space for the BBQ. If that doesn't scream "Come check this place out!", I don't know what will. 5 no question about it.