When it comes to Texas barbecue, competition is fierce. Every pitmaster claims to have the best-smoked meats, the juiciest brisket, or the most fall-off-the-bone ribs—but in Dallas, one name stands above the rest: Chef Ivy Myers.
With a reputation that stretches across Texas and beyond, Chef Ivy has spent 26 years perfecting his craft, making him one of the most respected figures in the barbecue world. His career includes five years as a Navy chef, where he learned discipline, precision, and the art of creating five-star meals even under extreme conditions. His skills led him to work at prestigious fine-dining establishments like House of Blues, Nine Steakhouse, Nova Italiano, and Risky Steakhouse. But despite his high-end culinary background, it’s his soulful, smoky, Southern-style cooking that has truly made him famous.
For the past seven years, his barbecue food truck and catering business have drawn massive crowds, earning him a loyal following of food lovers who swear by his flavors.
The Smoke That Keeps Them Coming Back
If you ask anyone who’s tasted Chef Ivy’s cooking, they’ll tell you: his menu is in a league of its own. His dishes are built on bold, rich flavors, slow-smoked meats, and ingredients that celebrate Southern tradition. But his signature item—the one that has foodies traveling for miles—is his legendary stuffed turkey legs.
Each turkey leg is smoked to tender perfection before being loaded with mouthwatering fillings that take the dish to another level. Some of the biggest hits on his menu include:
The Lennox – A turkey leg stuffed with dirty rice and smoked oxtails, a combination so rich and flavorful it feels like a celebration of Texas and Louisiana in every bite.
The Beefcake – A carnivore’s dream: a turkey leg piled high with Cajun jerk ribs and Creole mac & cheese, fusing sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors into one epic dish.
The Dammit Man!!! – When Chef Ivy names a dish “The Dammit Man,” you know it’s serious. This turkey leg is stuffed with beef tips, shrimp, Cajun-infused mashed potatoes, and a drizzle of his signature Creole butter sauce.
The Southside Special – A smoked turkey leg covered in his secret barbecue glaze, served with creamy collard greens and smoked gouda grits.
And that’s just the beginning. His food truck menu also includes slow-smoked brisket, Cajun-spiced ribs, Creole-seasoned shrimp and grits, and gourmet mac & cheese blends that people literally line up for.
The Chef Behind the Smoke
What sets Chef Ivy apart isn’t just his food—it’s his story. This is a man who has dedicated his life to the culinary world, overcoming challenges, bad business partnerships, and financial struggles to keep his dream alive.
Unlike many chefs who work behind closed kitchen doors, Chef Ivy is hands-on with every dish. He personally oversees the smoking process, ensuring that every cut of meat is infused with the perfect amount of hickory, mesquite, or pecan wood. He treats every plate like an experience, not just a meal—which is why his customers keep coming back, not just for the food, but for the passion behind it.
His business is also a family operation, with his children working alongside him, helping to build a legacy that will last for generations. For Chef Ivy, this isn’t just about serving food—it’s about creating a movement, spreading a love for real, authentic, slow-cooked Southern cuisine across Texas and beyond.
Where to Find Chef Ivy This Week
If you haven’t had the chance to experience Chef Ivy’s legendary cooking, this is your moment. He’ll be serving up his famous smoked dishes at Dallas Cabaret North from Thursday through Saturday this week. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, expect nothing but elite barbecue, bold flavors, and an unforgettable culinary experience.
So, is Chef Ivy Myers the best in Texas?
If you ask Dallas, the answer is yes. But don’t take our word for it—taste for yourself.
📍 Catch Chef Ivy at Dallas Cabaret North this Thursday through Saturday.
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