Danny's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q: Authentic Texas BBQ with Hearty Portions in Athens, TX

Good, hearty BBQ. Large portions. Only criticism is but run down inside. Could use a good cleaning, new paint. Condiments looked like they were old, not fresh. And for the start of the day, hardly any available.

Our plan was to make out own BBQ for Labor Day but time slipped away from us. It was too late to cook and local restaurants were already closed. Google SHOWED a couple places open but they weren’t so when I called “Danny’s” I didn’t expect any answer but a friendly voice answered the call and took our order over the phone! We weren’t sure if we could get enough food for our big family of 10 on such short notice but we absolutely did! Everyone was happily surprised of how delicious the brisket, ribs and sausage tasted! The baked beans were so good, it was hard not to get 2nds! The potato salad and green beans fell a little short on taste but for last minute requests, it was just fine! The okra was perfect and my son, who doesn’t usually eat okra, had a second serving. I do have to say, everything is made in house and I was SUPER IMPRESSED with the desserts on hand. They looked fresh and moist so I had to buy the PEACH COBBLER! I do believe that aside from the meat, this was the family favorite! I bought a half cobbler and all that was left was a very small serving! Which my husband finished the next day!!! The guys in the kitchen were working hard and it definitely showed. I wish I could give 1/2 stars bc as a family we agreed the food was 4.5 stars! Thankfully Danny’s BBQ was open bc if not the BBQ craving would have been highly disappointed with Ham and Cheese sandwiches!! I highly recommend this BBQ spot next time you are in the Athens area!

Maybe the best pork ribs in all of our travels! Counter order then self-serve from extensive side options. Some have fussed about service, but all our questions were answered and generous portions served, so zero complaints there. Really like the mini-plate option, especially when traveling so can enjoy a variety with having a nap attack on the road The ribs! Sweet, spicy, smoky bark, pull apart but not crumbly…perfect! Brisket moist with nice bark. Sausage firm most and well-spiced. Pulled pork nicely sweet. Jalapeño pintos had nice kick and potato salad is mustard-based. Even the Real Sugar soda worked…Robert Earl wouldn’t eat BBQ without a Big Red - me neither! Definitely worth a stop! Unassuming space serving excellent Q! Next time it’s a two-meat plate, all ribs!!!

Driving through Athens, Texas and stopped in at Danny's Smokehouse & BBQ for an early dinner. You order your main dish at the counter and self-serve any sides. Husband ordered a brisket sandwich and got 2 sides (green beans and pinto beans) I ordered a Frito pie otherwise known as walking tacos, and got roasted brussel sprouts and macaroni and cheese also one stuffed jalapeno. Everything is homemade including the rolls and dessert by Danny's sister, who owns a bakery. The two workers (Danny and a young woman) were very friendly and helpful. I found the restaurant very clean and pleasantly decorated.