Ambitious fans of smoked meat from coast to coast light up their wood-fired smoke pits ceremoniously as they never stop trying to improve their art before competing in barbeque competitions.
While some of them are amateur events held locally, others, like Memphis, Tennessee’s yearly World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, attract spectators from far and wide. Texas is located not far from the battleground of Memphis. It is undoubtedly one of the states best known for its barbecue, which has led to the never-ending search for real Texas BBQ.
Top-notch Mexican-inspired barbecue can be found in Fort Worth at Panther City BBQ, where the team of barbecue enthusiasts now holds a Guinness World Record.
Fort Worth Residents Love Panther City BBQ
- Address: 201 E Hattie St., 76104, Fort Worth, Texas
- Menu: The menu’s standout items are Brisket Elote Cup, Spicy Smoked Mac-n-cheese and Pork Belly Jalapeño Poppers
Opening Times
- Mon. – Tues.: Closed
- Wed: 11 am – 4 pm
- Thur. – Sat. – 11 am – 8 pm
- Sun.: 11 am – 4 pm
A modest, almost rustic front with a subtle, enticing perfume wafting through the air that gives glimpses of the smokey nirvana that awaits within is usually surrounded by a queue of patrons from all walks of life on a rather calm street corner in the Southside district of Fort Worth.
Furious customers flock to Panther City BBQ because it operates like a well-oiled machine and is only open for a set number of hours (provided nothing sells out before the last hour).
Two friends with a love of cooking launched the once-small barbecue business, which has grown to become one of the most cherished producers of Texas barbecue.
The Brisket Elote, a twist on the traditional Mexican corn dish made with succulent brisket, is a neighborhood favorite. The melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork is also perfectly cooked, and the side dishes, such as the Borracho Beans and Dill Potato Salad, are excellent enough to eat by themselves.
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The Modest Beginnings Of Panther City BBQ In A Food Truck
Before their passion for barbecue gained them local celebrity a decade ago, Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales were just buddies. However, as their careers in competitive cooking and catering took off, their friendship grew.
The chance to run a food truck presented itself in 2014, coinciding with the start of a nationwide craze for handcrafted vehicles. Success was in sight for Panther City BBQ.
Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales had a slow burn of success that included competing chefs and food truck catering before expanding to a full-size restaurant with a covered terrace and smokers on the premises.
Panther City BBQ now has a large brick-and-mortar establishment with covered patio seating for both indoor and outdoor dining, barely able to handle the influx of patrons.
Huge, two-sided smoker erected on site is fed an endless supply of meats to be expertly grilled over 100% Post Oak wood before being quickly gobbled up by hungry customers.
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An All-Time Record Was Broken by Panther City Barbeque
With a number of distinctive attractions, Panther City BBQ has gained a lot of popularity over the years and has been ranked among Fort Worth’s best barbecue restaurants on all local lists.
A bold initiative was suggested in 2022 by Texas Monthly and Travel Texas to further establish this state—which is ideal for road vacations motivated by food—as a world-famous destination for barbecue.
- 40 hours, 49 minutes, and 17 seconds is the record held by Panther City BBQ for continuous grilling.
- Prior record: 40 hours and 53 seconds were set by an Italian team in 2017.
After working hard for almost 41 hours, Panther City BBQ broke the Guinness World Record for Longest Team Barbecue Marathon at this event on July 15, 2022. By breaking the previous record by almost 49 minutes, the team was able to formally establish Panther City BBQ’s rightful place in barbecue history.
In the Texas barbecue scene, Fort Worth’s record-breaking Panther City BBQ is a rising star, and its mouthwatering meals haven’t lost a bit of flavor along the way.
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To Conclude
From its modest origins as a food truck, Panther City BBQ has evolved into a beloved, record-breaking institution in the Fort Worth barbecue scene.
In addition to local renown, their commitment to employing premium products, time-honored techniques, and creative takes on classic recipes has landed them a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Panther City BBQ is an absolute must-try for anybody visiting Fort Worth, regardless of your level of expertise with barbecue or just your desire for a tasty and unique dinner.
