There’s a hidden gem for BBQ now open in Grand Prairie: Called Crowns BBQ and Sports Grill, it’s literally on a golf course at 3202 S.E. 14th St., inside the Prairie Lakes Golf Course.
Though the golf course is typically open to members only, Crowns is open to the public and scans in people for free who are looking to get their BBQ fix.
Crowns BBQ is from Felicia Davis, whose aunt owned the original Crowns BBQ, a once-thriving BBQ restaurant that was a staple in the DalWorth community, but which closed during the pandemic in 2021.
"I grew up walking across the street from the recreation center to the restaurant and eat there almost everyday," Davis says. "My aunt and uncle worked at the BBQ place and learned the smoker and how to chop and slice brisket, and they taught it to me.”
Her family members also have a restaurant in Arlington called Crowns BBQ Phase 1. But she is the sole owner of the Grand Prairie outlet.
She’s a sports fanatic and played sports throughout high school, so being a Grand Prairie local and knowing she'd be able to service the golfers seemed like a perfect fit.
The featured meats include brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and wings, sold by the pound, $22 to $25, or in sandwiches on Texas toast. Baked potatoes topped with brisket and BBQ sauce for $14.25 are a specialty of the house.
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Davis describes her cooking style as “country backwoods barbecue.” She doesn't season the meat.
“I allow the juices from the internal fast and the smoke of the wood to flavor the meat,” she says. "I don’t know why anyone would season a brisket, there’s no need to; the fat rendering in the meat gives it a sweet, smoky taste."
There are also fried catfish baskets and sandwiches, plus breakfast items such as tacos and biscuits & gravy. Dessert includes peach cobbler and packaged pies from Arlington-based Mindy Lu’s. A shelf features grab-and-go items for golfers taking a snack break.
The space is neat and appealing, with windows that provide lots of natural light. But the piece de resistance is the patio which overlooks a fairway, so diners can watch golfers swing or just enjoy the serene green environment. Davis is planning some updates that will include a bar serving alcohol, TVs for sports viewing, and possibly a fun indoor putting green for rainy days.