CELINA (KRLD) - The brisket is addictive, and the potatoes are as big as footballs.
Those are just two of the reasons Yelp users give such high marks to Tender Smokehouse in Celina. The review site just ranked it at No. 2 nationally on its 2019 "Best Places to Eat" list.
Dante Ramirez is the owner and pitmaster at Tender Smokehouse. He was unaware of the Yelp honor until he was contacted by KRLD's Chris Sommer. After getting the news, Ramirez said, "I'm gonna imagine it's what it feels like to get an Emmy if you're an actor."
Tender Smokehouse opened on the town square in Celina in 2017. The restaurant quickly built a loyal following with its quality food and outstanding service. Ramirez said brisket is their top seller. He added, "On Friday and Saturday, I do a local Wagyu brisket from a local rancher in Celina. It's also phenomenal. So we do that on Friday and Saturday only because they can't process enough meat to serve it more."
Ramirez said he and his four partners are working to expand Tender Smokehouse, with the next location planned for Frisco. The current location is at 224 W. Pecan Street in Celina. Tender Smokehouse is open Tuesday-Saturday.
A second North Texas eatery made the top-10 on Yelp's list. Grapevine's Tommy Tamale Market & Cafe is at No. 7 in the U.S.