Best new barbecue spots in North Texas

Texas Monthly is out with a new list of noteworthy barbecue joints in the state.

• The publication, which released its Top 50 in 2021, highlights the 25 best "new and improved" spots for smoked meats.

Details: The list features spots that opened after 2021 or have significantly updated their menus.

• Arlington's Smoke 'N Ash BBQ has fused its barbecue and Ethiopian food into one menu, which includes barbecue nachos made with injera chips.
• Dallas' higher-end barbecue spot, Douglas Bar and Grill, serves wagyu brisket. Texas Monthly contributor Daniel Vaughn says they have "the most perfect fried apple pie you'll ever have."

Meanwhile: The new list also celebrates five barbecue joints on the edges of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.

• Decatur's North Texas Smoke BBQ, a food truck parked on U.S. 287, made the list. So did Denison's Heritage Butchery & Bakery, Mabank's B4 Barbeque & Boba, Tolar's Hill City Chop House, and Van Alstyne's Pit Commander Barbecue.

Of note: Pit Commander's Texapolitan pizza will again be available at the State Fair of Texas. The main barbecue joint will be closed during fair season.