When it comes to Dallas barbecue, newfangled establishments like Pecan Lodge get all the glory — and it's certainly deserved, as the glorious brisket they produce has earned the local 'cue scene the respect it lacked for so long. But for those craving a side of nostalgia alongside their ribs and pulled pork (or tourists looking to soak up some Dallas history), the original Sonny Bryan's on Inwood Road is definitely the place to be.
Founded in 1958 by William Jennings Bryan, Jr. (AKA Sonny), the building has seen its fair share of changes — most recently, an enclosed patio with air-conditioning was added on — but overall it remains largely the same as it was 57 years ago, right down to the somewhat-unwieldy-yet-charming vintage school desks in the dining room. While the brisket here may not be quite up to the standards of today's discerning barbecue aficionados, the famously gigantic onion rings are worth a visit on their own.
