Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q: The Best BBQ in Tyler, and Possibly All of Texas

     

Stanley's Famous Bar-B-Q

     I hear this statement far too often on campus at UT Tyler: “I have never eaten at Stanley’s.”  Every time some poor soul says this to me I get excited, because I know a great opportunity awaits them.  If you have never eaten at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, let alone heard of it, drop everything and read the rest of this blog post.  You are about to be enlightened.

     

     My first experience at Stanley’s was in Mid-August of 2011, the day I moved to Tyler.  My debate coach told me all of his new students are required to eat at Stanley’s at least once while they attend UT Tyler, but after taking a bite of their ridiculously amazing barbecue, I knew that it would be a restaurant I would return to more than once.

The Giant Frito Pie.
Good luck finishing it in one sitting.

     

     Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q has been around for over 50 years in Tyler, but in the year 2000
, the restaurant went through a radical change, and for the better.  With new ownership from Nick and Jen Pencis, the quality of the barbecue increased astronomically, creating a demand not known by any other restaurant in the city.  More recently in 2012, the restaurant was completely renovated, now including live music, a larger size for more customers, and longer business hours, making business soar. 

The Brother-in-Law.
Truly a masterpiece.

     

     Now, I am sure at some point in your life you have had good barbecue, but that quickly becomes irrelevant once you sit down and try some of Stanley’s famous baby-back ribs.  A half-rack alone will leave you astounded and eager for more on your next visit.  The regulars at Stanley’s will also recommend for lunch the Brother-in-Law sandwich, which consists of a hotlink, chopped beef, and cheese.  It might sound simple, but it is simply amazing.  At the end of the day, you can order anything you want off the menu, and you cannot go wrong; it is all delicious.

Perhaps the best thing on the menu: the Pork Ribs.
A must have at Stanley's.

     

     You do not have to take my word for it, either.  Stanley’s has won its fair share of BBQ awards, and has gained state and national recognition from BBQ experts.  Most recently, a piece in Texas Monthly Magazine named the restaurant one of the top 50 BBQ joints in the state (a huge honor for BBQ restaurant owners).

     

     Not only does Stanley’s provide some of the best BBQ that you will ever have, they also give back to the community, particularly to UT Tyler.  In the first week of the fall semester in 2012, workers from Stanley’s came to our campus and served free BBQ to all students who attended the event.  And, of course, there was a pretty long line of students, those who have enjoyed the food in the past, and a large amount of newcomers to the heavenly BBQ.  If you enjoyed it, keep in mind that they cater!  The debate team had Stanley's catered to our debate tournament in February, and it was delicious! 

     
     If you have an inkling of respect for good BBQ, you need not look further than Stanley’s, located on S. Beckham Avenue in Tyler, Texas.  Check out their website and Facebook Page for information on upcoming events and specials at Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q.  Try it today, you will not regret it!