Though it’s been around for decades, Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ (525 S. Beckham Ave.) keeps pulling in new customers with its progressive barbecue scene approach. There’s old-fashioned, pecan-smoked beef brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, and sausage, as well as stuffed potatoes and Frito pie. But vegetarian friends find happiness, too, thanks to tacos stuffed with guacamole and other non-meat goodies. Indulgences include the Mother Clucker, smoked chicken thigh meat with spicy mayo, cheddar and fried egg on jalapeno cheese sourdough at lunch or dinner, as well as the morning specialty, the Breakfast Brother-in-Law, a grilled hot link with cheese and scrambled eggs on a bun. There’s live music here, as well as a list of delicious cocktails (make mine the Whiskey Smash, a blend of bourbon with fresh lemon, mint and simple syrup), best enjoyed at a picnic table on the upper deck.

Read more about food and fun in Tyler

Get more Texas in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletters and never miss a moment of what’s happening around the state.