Tom Cruise posted a (low-key threatening) Instagram letting everyone know he’s coming to Texas to screen the latest in the Mission: Impossible film series. This is not a drill. Tom Cruise is coming to Dallas, and he already plans to eat… barbecue.
It’s an interesting announcement. He’ll be in San Antonio before he comes to Dallas, and they have some pretty great barbecue there. Still, if he’d prefer to eat puffy tacos in San Antonio and save his barbecue feast for Dallas, that is certainly understandable. The million dollar question is: Where is Tom Cruise going to eat barbecue? And secondarily, who is advising him on this choice? Obviously, we have to assume he’s looking at the Eater Dallas best barbecue map, but we’ve got plenty more advice to give.
It seems safe to rule out anything in Fort Worth or the surrounding areas. As much as he may want to go to Goldee’s or Panther City, they’re a long drive away from any movie ths in Dallas where his presence will be required. Lockhart Smokehouse and Terry Black’s should be knocked out of the running, too. While both places are excellent, they do Central Texas-style barbecue. When in Dallas, Cruise better eat North Texas barbecue — lest he be accused of not knowing his barbecue styles.
Smokey John’s would be a great choice, plus it is near the airport. A few new places that haven’t yet made our map should get Cruise’s consideration, also, although they are not in Dallas proper. Kafi BBQ in Irving, with its incredible dino ribs and cardamom banana pudding, would put a spring in his step. So would Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q in Allen, which has the coolest pit room in the Metroplex, and the brisket birria tacos would change Cruise’s entire life.
The advanced notice about his intention to eat our barbecue makes us quite certain that Cruise will be turning this into a photo op, so we’ll eventually find out where he ate. But in the meantime, we’d love to hear from you: Where should Tom Cruise eat barbecue, and where is your best guess for a spot he’ll actually visit? Email your thoughts to dallas@.com.
