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yesterday

Forest Hill’s Off the Bone BBQ Closes After 18 Years

Its closure highlights how the rise of Franklin Barbecue in Austin reshaped the region’s barbecue scene.

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A combo plate from Off The Bone BBQ in Forest Hill with ribs, sausage and brisket.
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Overview

  • Off the Bone BBQ launched in 2007 in Forest Hill’s former Dairy Queen and built a reputation for its slow-smoked brisket and meaty, crusted ribs.
  • Notably ranked the best barbecue in Dallas-Fort Worth by D Magazine in 2010, the restaurant was lauded for its thick crust and deep red smoke ring.
  • Following an ownership change in recent years, the restaurant permanently closed on January 18, 2025, and is now marked closed on Google and Yelp.
  • The site at 5144 Mansfield Highway has since been converted into a Michoacan-style carnitas taqueria reflecting evolving local dining preferences.
  • Experts link the shutdown to evolving barbecue trends driven by Franklin Barbecue’s focus on prime cuts and premium sides in small-batch service.