"Hard Eight BBQ fans can get the mammoth smoked potato to pair with mesquite-smoked brisket. "Every bite was juicy and perfectly cooked, with meat that practically fell off the bone," one fan said. "The brisket was equally impressive—moist, flavorful, and sliced to perfection, with a beautiful smoke ring and just the right balance of seasoning that let the quality of the beef shine."
Thank you, DoorDash, for recognizing us as one of the best BBQ spots to celebrate Dad!
We're honored to be recognized as one of the best in the business in our hometown of Stephenville, the Cowboy Capital of the World!
"Hard Eight BBQ greets you at the door with an enormous outdoor pit where you can watch your sausage sizzling and smoking before it even hits your tray. That theatrical experience is part of what makes this Stephenville original so memorable." - Fast Food Club
We are so honored to have been featured on Fox & Friends to discuss small businesses in Texas. Our Star, Katie Gooch, represented us well. We are so lucky to have her on our team. Way to go, Katie!
Hard Eight BBQ to open new concept in San Antonio - a 17,300-square-foot eatery located inside the Bass Pro Shops outdoor superstore at The Rim.
Hard Eight BBQ, the family-owned Texas barbecue company known for its live mesquite-fired pits and southern hospitality, is partnering with Bass Pro Shops to open a new in-store dining experience at The Rim in San Antonio, set for Fall 2026. Owner Vicki Nivens shared that expanding to San Antonio has long been a goal, and this collaboration is the perfect fit. Guests can expect the full Hard Eight experience—meats cooked over mesquite wood coals and served straight from the pit in true Texas fashion. This marks the start of a long-term partnership between two brands rooted in family, tradition, and a shared love of the outdoors.
We're proud to announce and showcase our incredible catering team as the 2026 Top Caterer in the Hospitality Business Review! Be sure to click the link to read more about our services & team.
Our very own Vicki Nivens was recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by Fort Worth Magazine Inc. We are so proud of her and all she has accomplished. There is no one more deserving of this prestigious award. We love you, Vicki!
Y'all, we're humbled and fired up — Hard Eight BBQ was featured on Fox & Friends this morning! 🤠🔥 We got to share a little slice of Texas with folks all across the country, and we couldn't be more proud to represent the great state of BBQ. From our pit to your plate, thanks for being part of the Hard Eight family. Let's keep smokin'!
"Built from mesquite coals, family grit, and a whole lot of trial and error, this Texas-born smokehouse has grown into a five-location powerhouse without losing its roots."
Hard Eight BBQ is honored to announce the winner of the 2025 Dallas Observer Reader's Choice for best BBQ. We're so thankful to be a staple in the DFW community.
Big news in Coppell — Fox News' The Five stopped by for a taste of authentic Texas BBQ, Hard Eight style!
Smoke, fire, flavor, and family—Hard Eight BBQ delivers a bold mix of taste, tradition, and Texas atmosphere that keeps the coals (and the crowds) burning bright.
Hard Eight BBQ and Rudy's faced off in a friendly tug-of-war competition, all for a great cause—raising funds for children's cancer research. The spirited showdown brought the community together in support of a mission that truly matters.
Earnhardt Jr., visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to promote the upcoming AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, played host to a sold-out "BBQ Pit Stop with Dale Jr." fan event to benefit Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter at Hard Eight Pit BBQ in Roanoke, Texas.
Hard Eight BBQ and First Financial Bank share a proud partnership rooted in Texas values and community spirit. Highlighted during Small Business Week, their relationship celebrates Hard Eight's journey from a small-town BBQ joint to a statewide favorite, with First Financial Bank supporting that growth every step of the way. Together, they showcase what it means to invest in local success and serve with heart.
YOLO TX TV raved about Hard Eight BBQ in Burleson, highlighting its open-air mesquite pits and the live-fire experience as the heart of its charm. They praised the restaurant for delivering bold, authentic Texas flavors—saying it's a must-visit spot for anyone craving top-tier barbecue in North Texas.
Thank you to D Magazine for the highlight in "Best Dallas Barbecue" (2016)! We're always honored to be included on this list—and we owe it all to our incredible customers who keep the pits fired up and the tradition alive.
- Awarded top 50 BBQ Restaurants in USA by Budget Travel
- Hard Eight sold the most Shiner Bock on draft in the USA (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- General Aviation Magazine "Best Place to Land your Plane" (2018)
- Coppell Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year (2013)
- Taste of Fort Worth, "Best Dessert" TX Whiskey Buttermilk Pie (2018 & 2019)
- Best of Erath County: Best BBQ, Best Caterer, Best Steakhouse (2019 & 2020)
- Colony Chamber of Commerce: "Voted Best Restaurant in The Colony" (2018)
- $100 Hamburger, A Pilots Guide
- Living Magazine, Best BBQ (2017)
