Our Story

Proudly Serving East Texas for Over 60 Years

Stanley’s is the oldest operating Mom & Pop BBQ Joint in Tyler, Texas serving up true, pit smoked BBQ for over 60 years! Come on by and try our perfect brisket, baby back ribs, turkey, chicken, freshly made sausage, and even pulled pork. Stanley’s also serves tacos, stuffed potatoes, Frito pies, specialty sandwiches and even has vegetarian items. We have a newly renovated, covered, & partially enclosed patio and an additional 2,000sf of indoor space that opened in 2020 to enjoy great local, regional and nationally touring original LIVE MUSIC. (Recently honored to be awarded "Best Live Music Venue in East Texas!") The patio is also now equipped with TWO of Texas’ friendliest full bars featuring Texas craft beers and over 100 American whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes! We take pride in producing all our barbecue and sides fresh each day, so we occasionally sell out due to heavy or unanticipated guest traffic. Call ahead if you want to ensure we have something you're craving! Also: we have the worst parking in Tyler! (There's more parking around back at the top of our stairs on Oakland Ave and by the train tracks.) See you soon!

The Story of Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue

Stanley’s has been family owned and operated since 1958. The site where Stanley’s sits today was a BBQ restaurant for two previous owners before being bought and renamed by J.D. Stanley in the late 50’s. The history of BBQ is long and strong in this spot.

Nick & Jen Pencis took over the business in 2006 after the death of founder JD Stanley left his family unable to continue the operation. Nick & Jen have kept the spirit of JD’s recipes and methods alive, as well as adding their unique flair to the joint. They have been named “One of the Best BBQ Joints in the World!” by Texas Monthly Magazine, finding their story published in David Gelin’s book “BBQ Joints: Stories and Secret Recipes from the Barbecue Belt,” and Daniel Vaughn’s “Prophets of Smoked Meat” published by Anthony Bourdain. Nick & Jen have tried to recruit the best staff to ensure the highest quality food and fun atmosphere.

In 2013, Nick & Jen expanded the joint’s cooking and seating capacity, introduced the friendliest full-service bar in Texas, and brought back weekly live music. “Mom & Pop” Pencis are proud of their “Little Engine That Could” and are honored, grateful, and proud to carry on a great Texas tradition! As always, they encourage all to “Be Kind and Have Fun!”

Humbling Recognition

Here at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, we don’t seek out awards or recognition other than a big smile from our customers as they leave. We strive to create recipes that are both unique and timeless. If friendly people want to recognize our quality work, then that is just a bonus. Regardless of outside recognition, we will always strive to do BBQ our way. We sure do hope you like it as much as these folks seem to.

We are honored, grateful and proud to be included in Texas Monthly's "50 Best BBQ Joints" list - five consecutive times! They sure do seem to like what we serve. We are so proud of our crew and our brothers and sisters all over Texas for showing us, love. The staff here at Stanley’s is our family in so many ways. They take special care of every individual that comes through our door and makes certain our menu is prepared to our high standards, whether it is a quick burrito in the morning, a sandwich worth looking forward to at lunch or our famous racks of ribs for dinner, you can trust your next hunger to Stanley’s.


Events Menu Shop Catering Contact