Our reception dinner (granddaughter, not me) was just moved to the Hard 8 BBQ in The Colony. I’m not paying, so that’s good, but how good is the BBQ? Just to know…

It’s edible.

It can be hit or miss. I've eaten at several of their locations including the one in The Colony. Like most BBQ now it is expensive so with my experience I've not gone back in a while. Good thing you're not paying. It can be decent but I expect good food with high prices. You may have a good meal, then again, you may just have an OK meal. I'd rather be shot or read a 1860.colt THF post than go to a wedding.

Yep, pretty much all BBQ joints can be hit or miss. And we all have places we like or don’t like. I never was a fan of Dickie’s, till one of the kids had something catered here at the ranch by Dickie’s, and it was great. And then we went to the one in Waco, and it was Ok, but not up to expectations. Same with Hamburger joints, chicken fried steak, and even Mexican food.

I call it “novelty” bbq. It’s where visitors to Texas eat first

Never been impressed with Hard 8, and have been there a few times. Food isn't bad, but it's never been close to the best bbq I've had.

They could have made a better BBQ place choice for sure. Like others it's hit or miss and overpriced compared to other locals that would have been choices. Just go enjoy, bite your tongue and smile for the photos. Their Colony location is my least favorite of their joints.

I'll go against the grain here. I think Hard 8 BBQ has been pretty good most of the times that I have eaten there. I think a lot of people prefer their BBQ cooked over something other than mesquite. I actually prefer mesquite, and that's what Hard 8 uses. Also, at BBQ joints, I tend to completely avoid the brisket flat and always ask for the fat cap. That seems to help, even at mediocre places.

Well, if I think about it, I’ll offer an opinion after I’ve been there. I’m sure it won’t be the best I ever had, but it’ll be far from the worst (I hope).

This reminds me of people who only get baked potatoes at bbq places and always say it was good...purposely ordering the flat is silly IMO.

I would never order the flat at Hard 8, but at a good BBQ joint it's easily my favorite. Tender, flavorful juicy, but not overly rich. Dang I want a slice just thinking about it.


To the OP since it's a rehearsal dinner I'm sure you don't get to pick but their Ribeyes are the best thing on the menu at Hard 8.

Well, I prefer the fat cap no matter who made the brisket. So, there's that.

Chopped beef sandwich on a jalapeno bun is the best thing at Hard 8

That place is complete crap. Nothing more than a tourist trap for the area. Prime location that is about it.

Maybe I better pack my own sandwich…anyway this is just a reception dinner, and it’s not my money.

Nobody has told me why they are having this dinner in a BBQ joint. Seems odd…

Nothing surprises me anymore. Many years ago, we went to a cousin's wedding at the Twin Sisters Dance Hall. The Maid of Honor had to set her beer cup down on the last chair before she got up to the minister. Classy. (This cousin's grandfather, my uncle, came up with the idea for Wurstfest. )

Have a good time, no matter what! 'Pretty sure it's required for grandfathers at a wedding.

Side dishes in prepackaged containers like a hospital cafeteria. Everything else sucks as bad as the picture I just painted.

For a chain BBQ place it’s about the best you’re going to find. I avoid it if at all possible because I hate standing in line getting smothered by smoke. But, they at least use real smokers and not smoke ovens.

Let's

Since it is free and your getting to enjoy family and friends, that sounds good to me
Ate at the original Hard 8 in Stephenville long, long time ago and enjoyed it, ate at the Hard 8 in Coppell about 5 years ago and did not care for it.

I think I remember the guy that started Hard 8 died and his wife runs it along with a SIL.

'Been to the one in Stephenville once. 'Won't be back to any one, anywhere.

That title for best chain bbq would go to Rudy's. Sides will be real strong

Hard 8 is azz

There was a location Brady quite a few years ago. It has changed hands under different names since then.

Rudy’s turkey is usually really solid as well.

It’s not the worst I’ve had but far from the best. Free makes it better