BBQ vs Burger: Which Stole the Show?
Dayne’s Craft Barbecue in Aledo, TX has been on my Best Burgers in Texas list for a reason.
The OG Burger is still one of those burgers you think about long after the last bite—juicy, flavorful, and absolutely worth the drive to Aledo.
But this visit?
It surprised me.
I don’t say this lightly…
I left thinking about the BBQ more than the burger.
And to keep this honest…
Don’t just take it from this BBQ “side chic.”
My husband (the real BBQ expert in this situation) said the exact same thing:
👉 The brisket and ribs were the clear standouts.
About Dayne’s Craft Barbecue
Dayne’s Craft Barbecue didn’t start as a traditional restaurant—it started as a pop-up, building a loyal following before settling into its spot in Aledo.
It’s owned by husband-and-wife team Dayne and Ashley Weaver, and what makes it stand out is how it blends classic Texas barbecue with a more creative, chef-driven approach. You’ll still find the staples—brisket, ribs, sausage—but also menu items that feel a little different, like their OG burger and some of their more unique sides.
That balance between traditional and creative is part of what’s helped Dayne’s gain attention beyond just the local crowd.
They’ve also been recognized by Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ list, which is widely considered one of the biggest honors in Texas barbecue.
Go—and you’ll see why.
It’s one thing to read about a place—but it’s another to taste it and understand why it made that list.
What We Ordered at Dayne’s Craft Barbecue
We tend to order like this wherever we go—we’d rather try a little of everything and get the full experience.
Here’s everything we ordered:
- OG Burger
- Trinity platter (fatty brisket, ribs, jalapeño havarti sausage)
- Frito pie beans with candied jalapeños
- Hot Cheetos street corn
- Mac & cheese
- Bacon brisket taco
We’ve been told more than once our orders are aggressive.
And honestly… they’re not wrong.
What to Order at Dayne’s (Quick Guide)
Must-Order:
- Brisket
- Ribs
- Frito pie beans
Also Try:
- OG Burger
- Hot Cheetos street corn
Depends on Your Taste:
- Bacon brisket taco (leans sweet)
BBQ & Burger
The OG Burger
Let me be clear—the OG Burger is still a really good burger.
But this time, it didn’t steal the show the way it has before.
And I can’t tell if that means the burger has changed…
or if my taste has.
Because something else completely took over.
⭐Brisket
Tender, moist, with that perfect bark that gives just the right texture and flavor in every bite. This is the kind of brisket that makes you pause.v
⭐Ribs
Some of the most tender ribs we’ve ever had.
True fall-off-the-bone—effortless. We cleaned those bones completely without even trying.
Jalapeño Havarti Sausage
Good—but not in the same league as the brisket and ribs.
Bacon Brisket Taco
This one caught me off guard.
It leaned sweet—more than I expected—and it masked the savory, smoky flavor I was looking forward to.
I took one bite, and that was enough for me.
(My husband happily finished it, so depending on your taste, this could go either way.)
The Sides
⭐ Frito Pie Beans with Candied Jalapeños
These were so good.
Rich, flavorful, with that perfect balance of savory and a little sweetness from the candied jalapeños. Easily my favorite side.
Hot Cheetos Street Corn
Fun, bold, and exactly what you expect—in a good way.
Mac & Cheese (My Honest Take)
I love mac & cheese—so I had high expectations.
This one wasn’t bad… but it was my least favorite side.
I prefer mine extra creamy with a little black pepper. I even added black pepper at the table trying to get it there—and it still didn’t quite hit for me.
Timing and What to Expect
Now let’s talk about what it’s actually like when you go.
If you’ve ever been to Dayne’s, you already know—
the line can be out the door.
We’ve done that before.
This time, we planned it right and got there as they opened for lunch. We ended up third in line, which felt like a win before we even ordered.
Pro tip: Go early. It makes all the difference.
Dayne’s keeps it simple and casual:
- Order at the counter
- They give you a number
- Food is brought out when it’s ready
There’s seating inside, plus a large covered outdoor deck—which, on this visit, was perfect. The weather was ideal for sitting outside… something you definitely can’t always count on in Texas
Worth a Visit?
Dayne’s is still absolutely worth the drive.
But here’s my takeaway after this visit:
👉 Don’t just come for the burger
👉 Come for the BBQ—especially the brisket and ribs
Or better yet … order both!
Because for me, this visit shifted things a little.
The burger is still great.
But the BBQ? That’s what I’m thinking about now.
And maybe that just means my taste is evolving…
right along with where I choose to eat.
Planning a visit to Dayne’s Craft Barbecue in Aledo, TX?
Here’s everything you need to know:
📍 100 S Front St, Aledo, TX 76008
🪑 Outdoor seating · No reservations
🕒 Hours: Thursday–Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8 PM
Monday–Wednesday: Closed
💲 Price per person: $20–30