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Cokers BBQ: Serving Top-Notch BBQ in Arlington for Over 17 Years

If you take a look at “Top BBQ Restaurants” lists from local publications (we’re looking at you Texas Monthly and D Magazine), you’ll get the sense that Arlington doesn’t have any top notch spots serving fine smoked meats.

Of course we’d beg to differ and a main reason why is Cokers BBQ.

Located near the corner of West Pioneer Parkway and Bowen Road, Cokers has been an Arlington fixture since Valentine’s Day over 17 years ago. Starting out in a restaurant across the street (where D-TWO BBQ currently is), they moved to their current and more spacious location over nine years ago.

Owner Butch Donahower is the man behind Cokers and his daughter Crystal is the restaurant manager.

Along with the tables outfitted with green checkerboard tablecloths, the first thing you’ll notice is the all of the cool Coke memorabilia. Butch actually collects vintage Coke products. In fact, while in the Navy, his friends gave him the nickname “Coker” because of his passion for the soda. The name stuck and when it was time to open the restaurant, Cokers was the obvious name to go with.

Of course the setting is important, but the ‘cue is this shining star here. Cokers serves everything from pulled pork, sausage, bologna, turkey, chicken, shredded and sliced beef brisket, links and ribs. It is the low and slow smoking technique along with the use of hickory wood that gives the meat that mild smoke flavor and makes everything it so tender and juicy.

Bring your appetite because their sides like the loaded baked potato, beans, fried okra and mac & cheese are enormous portions. There’s a good chance at the end of the meal you’ll be looking to loosen that belt a notch or two. At that point you’ll look down at the peach, cherry, blackberry and pecan cobbler options for dessert and request a sweet end to a fantastic meal.

If you’re hungry for some quality barbecue in or around Arlington, there’s no reason you won’t enjoy what Cokers is serving. And we didn’t even mention the daily $15 all-you-can-eat dinner special which I’ll be coming back for soon! With some of the friendliest servers you’ll find and the amazing food, definitely take your time, savor every bite and enjoy every strand of meat at Cokers.