Barbecue in the USA is more than just a method of cooking—it’s a regional art form. From smoky brisket in Texas to tender ribs in Memphis, every state brings its own flavor to the table. Here are 20 of the best BBQ joints across the country, each offering a unique take on the smoky, savory cuisine that Americans love.
1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)
Known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Franklin Barbecue has a cult-like following. Long lines form daily, but it’s worth the wait for some of the best smoked meat in the country. Their oak-smoked brisket is tender and flavorful, setting the standard for Texas BBQ.
2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, KS)
Originally located inside a gas station, Joe’s has earned a reputation as one of the best BBQ spots in the country. Their signature Z-Man sandwich, featuring brisket, smoked provolone, and onion rings, is a must-try. Kansas City’s love for thick, sweet sauces shines here.
3. The Pit (Raleigh, NC)
Celebrating traditional North Carolina whole-hog BBQ, The Pit offers a perfect balance of smoky pork and tangy vinegar-based sauce. The pulled pork is a standout, with a deep, smoky flavor that melts in your mouth. Their emphasis on local, sustainable meats makes it even better.
4. Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, MO)
Pappy’s offers Memphis-style BBQ in the heart of St. Louis. Their slow-smoked ribs, cooked over apple and cherry wood, are the stars of the menu. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sweet, caramelized crust.
5. Snow’s BBQ (Lexington, TX)
Snow’s is a legendary Texas BBQ joint, where 88-year-old pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz turns out world-class brisket. Open only on Saturdays, the BBQ here is a true Texas experience. Smoky, peppery, and perfectly cooked, it’s a destination for serious BBQ lovers.
6. Central BBQ (Memphis, TN)
Memphis is known for its dry-rub ribs, and Central BBQ does them right. Their ribs are seasoned with a signature blend of spices, giving them a savory, smoky flavor without drowning them in sauce. They also have excellent pulled pork and a laid-back, fun atmosphere.
7. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (Charleston, SC)
James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott brings whole-hog barbecue to life in Charleston. His vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork have earned national acclaim. The smoky, flavorful pork is balanced by the tang of his unique sauce.
8. Smoque BBQ (Chicago, IL)
Smoque BBQ is a standout in the Windy City, offering a variety of regional BBQ styles. Their brisket is the crown jewel, slow-smoked for hours until it’s juicy and tender. The variety of sauces lets diners customize their experience, from tangy to sweet.
9. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, TX)
A Texas institution since 1949, Louie Mueller Barbecue is famous for its massive beef ribs. Their peppery bark and juicy meat are an unforgettable combination. It’s BBQ in its purest form, with no frills, just incredible flavor.
10. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (Decatur, AL)
Big Bob Gibson is a legend in Alabama, particularly for their famous white BBQ sauce. The tangy, creamy sauce is perfect on their smoked chicken. They’ve been in the business for over 90 years, making them a must-visit for BBQ aficionados.
11. Hometown Bar-B-Que (Brooklyn, NY)
Hometown Bar-B-Que brings Texas-style BBQ to New York with a unique, global twist. Their menu features not only traditional brisket and ribs but also Jamaican jerk baby back ribs and lamb belly banh mi. The multicultural influence makes this spot stand out in the BBQ world.
12. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque (Kansas City, MO)
A Kansas City institution, Arthur Bryant’s is renowned for its no-nonsense approach to BBQ. Their thick-cut, smoky brisket and vinegary sauces have been drawing crowds since the 1930s. It’s old-school BBQ done right.
13. Skylight Inn BBQ (Ayden, NC)
This small, family-run joint is all about Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ. Skylight Inn specializes in whole-hog BBQ with a simple vinegar and pepper sauce. The pork is chopped fine and served with crunchy skin bits, creating an explosion of textures and flavors.
14. 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Orlando, FL)
4 Rivers Smokehouse has become a staple in Florida’s BBQ scene, known for its tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs. The variety of house-made sauces complements the smoky meats perfectly. It’s a great stop for anyone craving Texas-style BBQ in the Sunshine State.
15. The Salt Lick (Driftwood, TX)
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, The Salt Lick is as much about the atmosphere as it is the BBQ. Their open pit, where brisket, sausage, and ribs are slow-cooked, is a sight to behold. The sweet, mustard-based sauce sets it apart from other Texas BBQ spots.
16. Cozy Corner BBQ (Memphis, TN)
Cozy Corner BBQ is a Memphis staple, famous for its smoked Cornish hens and ribs. The dry rub gives their meats a flavorful punch, while the sauce provides the perfect tangy finish. It’s BBQ with a bit of Southern charm and a lot of flavor.
17. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta, GA)
Founded by two Texas-born brothers, Fox Bros. brings a bit of Lone Star State BBQ to Georgia. Their brisket is top-notch, but the smoked wings and BBQ tacos are unique must-tries. The blend of Texas and Southern BBQ styles makes this place a standout.
18. City Butcher and Barbecue (Springfield, MO)
City Butcher is a central Missouri BBQ gem, offering Texas-style smoked meats. Their brisket is buttery and rich, with a peppery bark that BBQ fans crave. The sides, like jalapeño cheddar sausage and baked beans, are equally delicious.
19. Lexington Barbecue (Lexington, NC)
For fans of Western North Carolina BBQ, Lexington Barbecue is a pilgrimage. Known for its “Lexington-style” pork shoulder, smoked over hickory wood and served with a tangy tomato-based dip, this place embodies the regional flavor. Their hush puppies and slaw are the perfect sides.
20. Dreamland Bar-B-Que (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Dreamland is an Alabama icon, known for its no-frills menu that focuses on ribs and white bread. Their ribs are smoky, tender, and perfectly spiced, with a tangy sauce that complements the meat. It’s a classic BBQ joint that stays true to its roots.
From Texas to the Carolinas, these BBQ spots highlight the diversity and flavor of American barbecue culture. Whether you prefer brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, there’s a place on this list that will satisfy your BBQ cravings. Be sure to add them to your food bucket list for an unforgettable BBQ journey across the USA!
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