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Tender Smokehouse
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Tender Smokehouse

About Tender Smokehouse

Tender Smokehouse in Celina, TX is a standout barbecue restaurant that brings the heart of traditional Texas-style smoked meats to every plate.

Known for its acclaimed menu and inviting patio, this local favorite offers a warm, casual, and cozy atmosphere where guests can settle in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner and enjoy barbecue done right.

From tender smoked meats and satisfying sandwiches to flavorful sides, dessert, and small plates, every detail is designed to deliver the kind of comfort food that keeps customers coming back.

Whether you are stopping in for a quick bite, lingering over a full meal, or planning catering for a special gathering, Tender Smokehouse pairs great food with the kind of friendly, high-quality service that makes dining feel effortless.

Guests consistently recognize Tender Smokehouse for its fast service, great dessert, excellent tea selection, live music, and local specialties, all of which add to the experience and make each visit memorable.

The restaurant offers a versatile range of dining options, including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, giving customers plenty of ways to enjoy their meal exactly how they want it.

With offerings that include beer, wine, coffee, and alcohol, along with bar seating and counter service, it creates a welcoming space for solo diners, families, and groups alike. Its trendy yet comfortable setting makes it just as suited for a relaxed weekday lunch as it is for a lively evening out.

Accessibility and convenience are also thoughtfully built into the experience. Tender Smokehouse provides wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restroom facilities, helping ensure that more guests can enjoy a smooth and comfortable visit. The business accepts reservations and multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making planning and checkout simple.

Backed by a strong 4.80-star rating from 1,665 reviews, Tender Smokehouse has earned a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted barbecue destinations, located at 224 W Pecan St in Celina, TX.

For guests seeking great Texas barbecue, welcoming service, and a place that feels both dependable and memorable, Tender Smokehouse delivers an experience worth returning to again and again.

★★★★★ 4.80 rating (1665 reviews)
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Tender Smokehouse interior
Est. Local Favorite

A Taste of Tradition

Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.

Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Fresh Daily Specials
  • Private Dining Available
  • Catering Services
  • Takeout & Delivery

Guest Reviews

Hear from our valued guests

Jesse Gutierrez

Jesse Gutierrez

year ago

Tender Smokehouse never disappoints! My wife and I had dinner here this past Friday, and as always, it was fantastic. We both tried the baked potato, but my personal favorite has to be the sweet potato done “all the way”—it’s simply unbeatable! 🥔🍠 The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home every time. The food was served at the perfect temperature, and the portions are so generous that I had to take some home in a to-go box! 🥩🥡 This place is our go-to spot, and it always delivers five-star service. If you’re in Celina, do yourself a favor and check out Tender Smokehouse. You won’t regret it! 🙌

Bea Frakes

Bea Frakes

year ago

Everything we ordered from turkey , brisket to baked potato and bake sweet potato with turkey was phenomenal .The desserts were great. The banana pudding was yummy. The chocolate cake was a little dry, but the service was fantastic and the best dinner we’ve had in a long time. They were very busy and the dining area was very small so I suggest if you’re wanting to dine in instead of takeout call and reserve a table ahead of time

Michaela Gist

Michaela Gist

8 months ago

There was an issue with my order going through on the Toast app. For some reason it didn't make it to the restaurant, but the staff did everything they could to see if they could figure it out. We ended up ordering there. It didn't take long for the food to be ready for us. Staff were so friendly! We chatted while waiting for our food. The brisket was juicy and well seasoned! Jalapeno sausage was delicious. Green beans well seasoned and tasty. My husband liked the okra. Pineapple slaw was unique and very good as well. Great food and great people!

Candace Collier

Candace Collier

4 months ago

Fantastic service at lunch time Thursday! Tasty BBQ and sides. Don't skip the banana pudding!

Michael Ford

Michael Ford

year ago

My wife and I stopped by for a late breakfast this morning and had the sweet potato, 1/2 pound of brisket & some coffee. The food was amazing the service was great all the Girls were very polite. The outdoor seating was great with a beautiful view of the old downtown buildings across the street and a beautiful mural on the wall. Great people,service & food. Thank Y’all great job!

Michael Yeo

Michael Yeo

2 years ago

Love the small town businesses. The food was delicious and the banana pudding 😮🤩🤩. Staffs were super friendly too. Love the restaurant setting. It looks small from the outside but there are lots of seating on the side and out back. It’s covered so don’t worry it’s not too hot. I could probably live on their brisket every meal. Brisket was moist and tasted great. Daughter wants to go back for more. They do open for breakfast on Fri thru the weekend at 7am. Don’t forget the banana pudding!!!

Jody Nicole Cruzan

Jody Nicole Cruzan

7 months ago

Wow! Wow! Wow! I rarely ever give 5 stars. I feel like those are reserved for places like Tender. The food is so SENSATIONAL!!! We had a half slab of ribs, 3/4 lb of briskest (with burnt ends upon request), turkey and sausage. OMG!!!! Sincerely, I’ve NEVER had meat taste THAT GOOD ANYWHERE else!!!!! The meat truly, TRULY IS TENDER and tasty. I’ve been all over the country and eaten bbq everywhere I go. I’ve NEVER BEFORE tasted meat this heavenly in my life! I’m in love with this restaurant. I wish I’d known about this restaurant sooner. The potato salad and beans were incredible too. I don’t like bananas… but the banana pudding was recommended so I tried it …and it was INCREDIBLE. There wasn’t anything I tried that wasn’t out of this world. I’m so so so happy I discovered this awesome restaurant. If you want to impress a date or a coworker or family visiting, Tender is a MUST MUST MUST. The food is heavenly. The Staff are awesome and Travis came over to greet us. He is a terrific person. I’m so impressed. You will be too!!!!

Evan Bache-Wiig

Evan Bache-Wiig

2 months ago

Very tasty meats and a great bbq sauce. The grind on the house sausage was thicker with nice small fat pieces and a nice casings. Moist brisket was tender, not an overpowering char, and great flavor. I really liked the sauce, it was a thicker sauce and not too sweet. I personally do not like bread & butter style pickles but they were quality pickles.

Chelsea Odom

Chelsea Odom

3 months ago

1st time to dine at Tender and it did NOT disappoint! The lean brisket was smoked to perfection and was juicy and tender. The fried okra is BOMB! And the House frozen margarita is perfection. The manager Aaron was very friendly and attentive. He came by our table to chat and was fun to talk to. All of the staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to go back!

Candice Gonzales

Candice Gonzales

5 months ago

This place is exactly what you expect Texas BBQ to taste like and more! The ribs were perfectly cooked and falling off the bone, BBQ baked beans had pieces of rib meat and the balanced of savory, spice and a hint of sweet. BUT the BEST part was Aaron and Keith. The kindness, friendliness and just overwhelming hospitality they gave us made us fall in love with the food, the people and Texas. On our way back to NV but hope to see you soon! Love Cafe Calavera LV 🧡💛

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tender Smokehouse

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Gender-neutral toilets
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!

Location

224 W Pecan St, Celina, TX 75009, United States

Reservations

+1 469-202-3000

Hours

Closed · Sunday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 7 AM-9 PM
Wednesday 7 AM-9 PM
Thursday 7 AM-9 PM
Friday 7 AM-9 PM
Saturday 7 AM-9 PM
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