Not to brag or anything (okay, maybe a little bit) but we have some of the best barbecue in Texas right here in Allen. Don’t believe us? Head over to Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q at Watters Creek Village and try it for yourself! Owner and Pitmaster, Arnulfo “Trey” Sánchez III, was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas in 2024 and delivers barbecue with a Tex-Mex twist that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’d suggest one of their platters like the Tour of Texas, piled high with a ½ pound each of brisket, ribs, and hot links, plus two sides and Texas toast—perfect for sampling a little bit of everything. The brisket is so tender and flavorful; we could cut it with a fork! And while no BBQ meal in Texas is complete without a few slices of white bread, the sides at Vaqueros can stand all on their own.
For that Tex-Mex twist, order a taco (or three, we don’t judge) and find out why Texas Monthly named their Tlaquepaque one of the 50 Best Tacos in Texas. The salsa Tlaquepaque has the perfect amount of heat, but you can request it on the side if you’re nervous about the spice. (Before you go, it’s only available on Tuesday & Sunday, but well worth a special trip.) We also had the BBQ Birria tacos, and let’s just say, we’ve already been back for more since our first trip.
Sure we’re biased, but we know it’s worth a trip to Allen, Texas to try some of Vaqueros’ smoky goodness. Every bite is packed with flavor from the sides to the meat. Whether you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex or barbecue, you’ll find the best of both worlds at Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q.
