Avoiding the Rookie Mistake
You step into a Texas BBQ joint, the smoky aroma hits you, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with the menu board. Brisket by the pound. Ribs by the rack. Sausage by the link. Do you order a plate? A combo? A family pack? And how much is too much?
Ordering at a Texas BBQ restaurant isn’t like ordering a burger and fries. Portions are big, meals are often sold by weight, and the pitmaster expects you to know what you want. That’s why we created this guide so you can order with confidence, avoid wasting food, and walk away satisfied (with maybe a little leftover brisket for breakfast).
Understanding Texas BBQ Portion Sizes
In Texas, BBQ isn’t stingy. Here’s how most portion sizes break down:
- Brisket & Meats (by the pound): Most joints slice brisket by the half-pound or full pound. A safe bet is ⅓–½ pound per person (more if you’re a brisket fanatic).
- Ribs: Usually sold by the half-rack (5–6 ribs) or full-rack (10–12 ribs). A half-rack feeds one hungry Texan or two if paired with other meats.
- Sausage Links: Count on one link per person when combined with other meats. Some joints cut them into halves for variety plates.
- Chicken & Turkey: A half chicken feeds one, while smoked turkey breast is sliced and sold by weight (¼–½ pound is plenty per person).
👉 Pro Tip: Remember, sides are hearty too. Leave room for beans, slaw, or mac & cheese.
Crafting Your Perfect BBQ Plate
The art of Texas BBQ isn’t just about portion sizes — it’s about balance. Here’s how to build the right combo:
Solo Dining
- Option 1: Classic Plate – ½ lb brisket (or brisket + sausage mix), 2 sides, Texas toast or cornbread.
- Option 2: Sandwich Meal – Brisket or pulled pork sandwich with 1 side.
- Option 3: Lighter Choice – ¼ lb smoked turkey or chicken + side salad.
Two People
- Option 1: Shared Combo – ½ lb brisket + ½ lb sausage (or ½ rack ribs), 2–3 sides, bread or tortillas.
- Option 2: Individual Plates – Brisket plate for one, rib plate for the other, share an extra side.
Small Group (3–4 People)
- Option 1: Family Mix – 1 lb brisket, ½ lb sausage, ½ rack ribs, 3–4 sides.
- Option 2: Variety Plates – One brisket plate, one rib plate, one turkey/sausage plate, 4 shared sides.
Large Group (5–8 People)
- Option 1: BBQ Feast – 2 lbs brisket, 1 lb sausage, 1 full rack ribs, 1 lb pulled pork or turkey, 5–6 sides, bread/tortillas.
- Option 2: Restaurant Platter – Many Texas BBQ spots offer “Big Feast” platters that cover 5+ diners.
Party or Catering (10+ People)
- General Rule: ½ lb meat per person + 1 pint of sides per 3 people + bread/tortillas.
- Example Order for 10: 3 lbs brisket, 2 lbs pulled pork, 2 lbs sausage, 1 full rack ribs, 5–6 large sides.
👉 Pro Tip: For catering, always round up. Leftovers are never a bad thing when brisket reheats like a dream.
Tips for Smart BBQ Ordering
- Leftovers Love: Brisket, turkey, and sausage reheat well. Ribs? Not so much.
- Rich Meats: Pork belly burnt ends are incredible but heavy. Order small portions.
- Sandwich Strategy: A BBQ sandwich can be a full meal — don’t underestimate its size.
- Bread & Tortillas: Some joints include these for free, others don’t. Ask before you buy extra.
- Balance is Key: Pair rich meats with lighter sides like slaw or cucumber salad.
Final Thoughts: Order Like a Texan
Ordering at a Texas BBQ restaurant is part of the adventure. Whether you’re going solo, bringing a buddy, or feeding a crowd, knowing portion sizes and combos will save you from rookie mistakes and guarantee a tray that satisfies.
So next time you step up to the counter, you’ll know exactly how to say: “½ pound moist brisket, a link of jalapeño cheddar sausage, and a side of beans, please.”
👉 Ready to plan your next BBQ adventure? Check out our Texas BBQ Restaurant Directory to find the perfect spot near you.
One Response
It can be hard to visualize how big a pound of brisket is when thinking in your head. These metrics give a great insight into how much to order!