Fort Worth has no shortage of smoke rings and brisket debates, but Heim Barbecue on the River keeps landing in the conversation for one reason: bacon burnt ends. Thousands of reviews and a 4.4 star rating tell a story of sticky, smoky bites that people drive across the metroplex to find. Here are eight things that make this White Settlement Road spot worth a spot on your Texas food list.
1. The Bacon Burnt Ends Are the Main Event
Picture thick cubes of pork belly, smoked low and slow, then glazed until the edges turn sticky and dark. That is the dish that has diners typing about Heim again and again, with over a hundred reviews naming it.
Bacon burnt ends are a fun twist on the old Kansas City idea. Traditional burnt ends come from the fatty point of a brisket. Heim uses pork belly instead, which means each bite is rich, smoky, and a little sweet.
One reviewer called them fatty but full of flavor, and that is a fair warning. They are indulgent, so think of them as the star of the tray rather than a side note. Another guest drove in from out of town and said the burnt ends were worth every mile.
Here is a smart move. Order them as part of a meat plate so you can taste them next to brisket or ribs. The contrast helps you notice how the sweet glaze plays against a peppery bark.
If you bring friends, order extra. These disappear fast, and nobody likes watching someone else grab the last cube. A little sauce on the side is nice, but honestly, they hardly need it.
2. Brisket With a Fatty Cut Secret
Regulars share a tip like it is a family recipe: ask for the fatty cut. One fan said the brisket melts in your mouth, and they begged other people to skip the lean slices.
Brisket is the heart of Texas barbecue, and Heim gets plenty of attention for it, with more than two hundred mentions in reviews. A first-time visitor from out of state called it succulent and juicy, which is a big compliment from someone new to pit barbecue.
Opinions are not all the same, and that is honest. A few guests found slices a bit dry, and one said other Dallas-Fort Worth spots do brisket better. The area has serious competition, so that is not a shock.
Fatty brisket is the safer bet because the extra marbling keeps each slice tender. Lean can dry out quickly, even in good hands.
Try a three meat platter so you can pair brisket with sausage and ribs. Split it between two people with a couple of sides, and you have a solid meal without needing a nap right away.
3. Green Chile Mac and Cheese Steals Attention
Plain mac and cheese can feel like a sleepy side dish. The green chile version at Heim wakes everybody up.
One regular said that if you want mac that is more than noodles and a little cheese, this is the one to pick. Another guest said the whole family loved it, kids included. It has a gentle kick from roasted chiles that adds personality without scorching your tongue.
You can even get it loaded, as one traveling couple did. They paired it with loaded potato skins and called both sides delicious.
A quick honest note: a different reviewer found the smoked mac bland, so the green chile style is the one to order. Ask the team if you are unsure, since they seem happy to guide first-timers.
Because it is creamy and rich, it pairs well with something sharp or tangy. Coleslaw or pickled onions can balance the plate nicely. Share a big scoop with the table, because it is easy to fill up on this alone.
With about thirty-five mentions, it has earned its own fan club.
4. Onion Rings the Size of Donuts
Forget dainty. The onion rings here arrive looking like they belong in a bakery case.
One happy couple joked that they are the size of donuts, and a mother of a Jr sandwich lover noted that an order held only three, but each one was huge. That is the fun part, since you hold one up like a trophy.
Sixty-plus reviews mention them, which puts them near the top of the side dish list. The batter is crisp, and the onion inside stays soft and sweet.
Not every opinion is glowing. One diner called the 1849 onion rings just okay, so expect some variety in taste. Even so, the size alone makes them a fun order for a group.
Here is a pro move. Get one order for the table and tear them apart for sharing, or you will be too full for the meat. Dunk them in barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky bite.
If you are eating in a hurry, they travel decently for takeout, though they are crispiest right out of the fryer.
5. Ribs, Sausage, and the Three Meat Plate
Choosing just one meat at a Texas barbecue joint feels like picking a favorite child. The three meat plate solves that problem.
Guests often build theirs with brisket, sausage, and ribs. One couple shares a single plate and adds onion rings and potato salad, which keeps the bill friendly. Another family tried the jalapeño cheddar sausage and ribs and said everything came out juicy and tender.
The sausage brings a spicy, cheesy snap. Ribs offer that classic tug off the bone, and one reviewer said they could eat the ribs again and again.
Honesty matters, though. One unhappy guest felt a big rib order was dry and cold for the price, and another thought portions were small. Prices are rising a bit, according to a staff heads-up, so check the menu before ordering a feast.
The best approach is to go early, when the meat is freshest, and ask what is coming off the smoker now. Supply can run short later in the day, so flexible orders help.
Add a side of pinto beans, which surprised even a self-declared bean hater.
6. Burgers and Chicken for the Non-Brisket Crowd
Not everybody walks into a barbecue spot craving a pound of beef. Heim has options for the picky crowd, and people brag about them.
One visitor placed the burger and burnt ends as the top two items on the menu. The farm to smoker burger got a thumbs up from another guest, while a spicier burger turned out milder than its name suggested.
Chicken has its own supporters too. A regular called it a favorite meat and even phoned ahead to make sure a half chicken was saved after missing out before. That tells you how fast it can sell out.
The chopped barbecue sandwich is another hit. A fan loved the buttery bun and ordered the Jr size with onion rings.
If your group has a mix of eaters, these choices keep everyone happy. Kids can find something simple, and adults can still chase smoky flavor.
Tip: call ahead if you have your heart set on a certain item. Some reviewers mention things running out, so a quick phone call can save a disappointing trip.
7. A Riverside Patio Made for Lingering
The building is only half the story. Outside, tables spread across a terrace and a garden, and Adirondack chairs sit on the lawn like an invitation to stay.
Outdoor seating earns nearly one hundred mentions, so people clearly notice. One traveler said the place has three different atmospheres: cool inside, a terrace, and a garden. A couple from out of state ordered extra drinks after dinner and relaxed in the chairs.
Live music pops up in reviews too, and fans of soccer matches say it is a great spot to watch games. The mood is lively, but still comfortable for families.
One caution from a spring visitor: flies can crash the party when the weather is mild. Bring patience, or choose a table nearer the breeze.
Parking is free and plentiful, which is a rare treat in a busy city. Kids get ice cream with their meal, a sweet detail parents appreciate.
Plan to arrive a little before the dinner rush, grab a table, and let the evening drift. The open space makes it easy to settle in.
8. Friendly Service and Sweet Finishers
Ask around, and you will hear names. Amanda, Sarah, Nancy, Nicole, and Sasha all pop up in reviews for being warm and quick, and for helping first-timers figure out the menu without rushing.
That kind of care matters at a counter-service spot. One guest said a staff member knew the menu inside and out, and a business owner said it was the kind of service he tries to give his own customers.
Do not skip dessert. The peach cobbler arrives warm, and one fan insisted that the brownie is amazing, so skip any doubts. A military discount has even been offered, according to one thankful family.
Hours are generous. The doors open at eleven every day, closing at nine most nights and ten on Fridays and Saturdays. Call 682-707-5772 if you want to check on what is available.
With a 4.4 rating across more than two thousand reviews, Heim is not perfect, but it is memorable. Come hungry, bring friends, and save room for something sweet.
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