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Welcome to Tender Smokehouse

At Tender Smokehouse, we celebrate the rich flavors of Texas barbecue, infusing every dish with soul and tradition. Nestled in Celina, TX, our culinary journey began with a passion for crafting exceptional smoked meats and hearty breakfasts that bring people together. With diverse offerings—from tender brisket to mouthwatering breakfast tacos—each meal is a testament to quality and flavor. We pride ourselves on a welcoming atmosphere, accommodating all guests, including families and pets. Our community-driven ethos shines through, as we are proudly Black, Latinx, and women-owned, dedicated to serving up unforgettable experiences for every diner. Join us for a delicious journey!

Tender Smokehouse: Reviews & Ratings

Todd S.
Todd S.

Very good food but also pretty pricy for a smokehouse though. I enjoyed the experience.

La Sonya J.
La Sonya J.

The barbecue is second to none and the baked beans are my favorite! Love this place....

David W.
David W.

Amazing barbecue sauce, killer breakfast tacos, and brisket that hits every time. Whatever you order, you can't go wrong. Love this spot for barbecue and always keep their sauce stocked year-round.

Kaiden H.
Kaiden H.

Some of the best Texas bbq out there. We've been coming here for years, and moved to a house in Downtown Celina. Now that we are moved in, we went from our house on a 15 minute walk to Tender. When we walked in, we were instantly greeted by the kind cashiers, who took our order. You order at the counter here, and you pay for it before eating. It wasn't too busy. I got a combo plate with the brisket and bbq ribs, with a baked potato and baked beans on the side, I also got a water with my meal, and got a smaller cup, which none of the lids could find, which was pretty unfortunate. When the meal came out, it took less than 5 minutes after ordering. The brisket I got chopped and moist, and turned out great as usual. I finally tried the bbq ribs for the first time after eating the brisket, years after I first had this restaurant . The ribs are the fall off the bone type and melt in your mouth. Both the brisket and bbq ribs were to die for. The baked potato turned out great, and was loaded, and the baked beans were great as well. If wanting to visit Celina, you should definitely try this place. Other places you should check out during your visit are The Forge 1912, Mangiamo Italian, Hey Sugar, Toasted Walnut, and Lucy's. Out of all Celina restaurants, Tender is the best one to eat at, it is spectacular and totally worth the price!

Trinh H.
Trinh H.

The girls working the register were friendly and accommodating. They answered all our questions promptly and thoroughly and were able to quickly find us a table. Food is generally ordered at the front and the sodas you get yourself at the fountain. Someone will deliver you a delicious tray of what you ordered when you get yourself situated at a table. Loved the meal itself and the sweet seasoning sprinkled over the pulled pork. Potato salad was perfect also. The seating area definitely isn't as big as other Tenders locations but there's still enough room for larger parties of up to 6. Additionally, I felt like the dining area could be spruced up a little more with brighter decor or lighting to brighten up the place, it did seem fairly dim like I was in a basement bar. But, I do understand that they're trying to go for a more rugged southern look. Overall, still loved the experience. Staff are active and on the floor making sure you have everything you need. Will definitely come back!

Melinda W.
Melinda W.

We LOVE Tender Smokehouse!! Oh my gosh!!! It's the best BBQ we've ever had! Love the little town

Mike E.
Mike E.

Consistently great tasting food and efficient operation. What I really appreciate is that sides are the portion you'd give yourself at home. I don't know what it is about nearly all other BBQ places that charge a lot of money for sides in a tiny plastic cup the size of a ranch dressing on the side. Tender is an honest place serving honest food.

Charles D.
Charles D.

Ever since moving to North Dallas we have been fans of Hutchins and to be honest, at times afraid to try another BBQ joint since our last visit to Hard 8. Well we decided to bite the bullet and give Tenders a try. And we are glad we did. The brisket was good and not as salty as others, perfectly cooked. The jalapeño sausage and ribs were tasty, turkey was moist and just the way my son likes it. And the winner was the pulled pork, that was just divine, especially with their homemade bbq sauce. Sides were okay, Mac n cheese could have done with a little more seasoning. And the only positive of Hutchins compared to Tenders is you can mix sides onto an individual serving. Service was as good as expected. Not sure if I like the fact that they serve you your food instead of seeing it sliced in front of you. The other downside was that even though we were sitting indoors there were a lot of flies around, not sure if that is only the case on Celina where we ate. All in all very good, will definitely be back as Hutchins has become rather expensive and very salty at times but still one of my favorites. Oh and Hutchins desserts are better I have to say.

Cynthia C.
Cynthia C.

Update since my first review last year. We still love this place, my husband even goes out of his way in the morning to get one of their breakfast tacos with brisket on some mornings. The meats are flavorful, moist, and absolutely delicious. We always share a platter of brisket, ribs, jalapeño sausage, and smoked turkey. The smoked turkey and ribs are still my favorite, they're definitely consistent with their quality of meats. Turkey is so easily overcooked and dry at some places but at Tender, their turkey is always moist and perfectly smoked. The ribs are dry rubbed, which I like, so I can dip into my favorite sauce. Their sides are really good too. I love their pineapple slaw and their beans. There is normally a line on the weekends that can get pretty long during peak hours. But the line moves pretty fast. Seating is first come first served so make sure you have someone keeping an eye out for an open table while another gets in line to order. There's an outdoor patio area and an inside area as well. The vibe is really casual and there's some outdoor games you can play as well. We love coming here and thankfully it's close to us too!

Walter W.
Walter W.

Everything Barbecue! Every selection is a winner . If you're looking for pitmaster perfection, the journey ends here. The square in Celina is a throwback to the early 1900's . Love the town and love this restaurant. You will too .

Location

Welcome to Tender Smokehouse: The Crown Jewel of Barbecue in Celina, TX

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience nestled in the heart of Celina, look no further than Tender Smokehouse. Combining the warmth of southern hospitality with the robust flavors of expert smokehouse cuisine, Tender Smokehouse stands out as a must-visit destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Location and Accessibility

Located at 224 W Pecan St, Celina, TX 75009, this charming eatery is easily accessible and offers a wide range of amenities. From outdoor seating for those sunny Texas days to a dog-friendly attitude, the restaurant caters to everyone. It provides takeout, delivery, and catering services, ensuring you can enjoy its culinary delights anywhere, anytime.

Highlights of the Menu

What truly sets Tender Smokehouse apart is its mouthwatering menu. Diners rave about the barbecue, calling it "second to none". For meat lovers, the standout offerings include:

  • Brisket: Tender and juicy, crafted to perfection with a blend of spices that captivates the palate.
  • BBQ Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tenderness that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Baked Beans & Potato Salad: Perfect accompaniments that elevate your meal experience.
  • Breakfast Tacos: A morning staple that has garnered a loyal following.

The restaurant's amazing barbecue sauce is a highlight that many diners keep stocked at home, showcasing the care and passion put into each recipe. Whether you're stopping by for a casual meal or a special occasion, the robust flavors will leave you coming back for more.

Community Vibes

Tender Smokehouse is more than just a restaurant; it symbolizes the rich tapestry of Celina's community. As a Black, Latinx, and women-owned business, it radiates inclusivity, making everyone feel welcome within its walls. The friendly staff provides attentive service, ensuring that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Customer Experience

Recent reviews reflect a consistent theme: diners not only appreciate the food quality but also the overall atmosphere. Guests have noted the moderate noise level, making it suitable for groups and families alike. One customer shared, "The girls working the register were friendly and accommodating," highlighting the positive vibe that permeates Tender Smokehouse.

Join Us at Tender Smokehouse

Whether you're gearing up for a hearty breakfast or capping off your day with a delicious dinner, Tender Smokehouse is your go-to destination in Celina. The blend of mouthwatering dishes, warm hospitality, and a commitment to community makes it a culinary gem worth exploring. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy some of the best Texas BBQ—come and make memories at Tender Smokehouse!

For reservations or inquiries, give them a call at (469) 202-3000. We promise you won’t regret it!