Each of these barbecue joints offers a unique take on regional flavors, from Texas brisket to North Carolina whole hog. Franklin Barbecue in Austin tops the list, but the runners-up showcase the diversity and deliciousness of barbecue across the country. Whether you prefer smoky ribs, pulled pork, or classic brisket, these restaurants are must-visit destinations for any barbecue lover. These restaurants have been recognized for their delicious meats, classic sides, regional styles, and unforgettable flavors.
Franklin Barbecue (Austin, Texas) – #1 Best Overall
Signature Dish: Brisket
Why It’s Rated So Highly: Franklin Barbecue, helmed by Aaron Franklin, is legendary for its brisket, smoked low and slow until it reaches a perfect tenderness. People line up for hours daily, proving this place lives up to its hype. The secret is in Franklin’s attention to quality meat and expert smoking technique. Diners often describe it as the “perfect barbecue experience.”
19 Top Runners-Up
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, Kansas)
Signature Dish: Z-Man Sandwich (brisket, provolone, and onion rings on a Kaiser roll)
Highlights: This iconic spot is famous for Kansas City-style barbecue with a sweet and tangy sauce. Joe’s operates out of a former gas station, and their Z-Man sandwich is a must-try.
visitkansascityks
Central BBQ (Memphis, Tennessee)
Signature Dish: Ribs
Highlights: Known for dry-rubbed ribs smoked for hours, Central BBQ offers a classic Memphis barbecue experience. Diners rave about their tender ribs and house-made sauces.
hankonfood
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (Decatur, Alabama)
Signature Dish: Smoked chicken with white sauce
Highlights: One of the oldest barbecue joints, Big Bob’s pioneered the Alabama white sauce. The smoked chicken is juicy and pairs perfectly with the tangy, creamy sauce.
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Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, Missouri)
Signature Dish: Memphis-style ribs
Highlights: Pappy’s slow-smokes its meat for up to 24 hours, making the ribs tender and flavorful. Diners love the smoky flavor and wide range of sides.
explorestlouis
Hometown Bar-B-Que (Brooklyn, New York)
Signature Dish: Jamaican Jerk Baby Back Ribs
Highlights: Known for its global take on barbecue, Hometown Bar-B-Que offers creative options, such as jerk ribs and lamb belly. Its unique menu has won over New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Winnie Au
Snow’s BBQ (Lexington, Texas)
Signature Dish: Brisket
Highlights: Run by 80-year-old pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, Snow’s is a Texas gem that offers smoky brisket and sausage. It’s open only on Saturdays and has a loyal following.
Robert Strickland | Via All Smoked Coverage [E]
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (Charleston, South Carolina)
Signature Dish: Whole hog barbecue
Highlights: James Beard-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott specializes in whole hog barbecue, offering traditional South Carolina flavors with a vinegar-based sauce.
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The Salt Lick (Driftwood, Texas)
Signature Dish: Beef ribs
Highlights: Known for its sprawling outdoor setting and open-pit barbecue, Salt Lick serves Texas classics like beef ribs and brisket. The peach cobbler is also a fan favorite.
saltlickbbq
4 Rivers Smokehouse (Orlando, Florida)
Signature Dish: Brisket and burnt ends
Highlights: This Florida-based barbecue spot offers brisket and burnt ends with a Southern twist, often featuring seasonal sides and unique menu items.
4rsmokehouse
Bludso’s BBQ (Los Angeles, California)
Signature Dish: Texas-style brisket
Highlights: Bludso’s brings Texas barbecue to Los Angeles, with a focus on smoked meats and tangy sauce. Their brisket and mac and cheese are particularly popular.
bludsosbbq
Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, Texas)
Signature Dish: Beef ribs
Highlights: Known for its huge, smoky beef ribs, Louie Mueller Barbecue is a classic Texas barbecue spot with over 70 years of tradition.
louiemuellerbarbecue
B’s Cracklin’ BBQ (Savannah, Georgia)
Signature Dish: Whole hog barbecue
Highlights: B’s combines Georgia-style barbecue with family recipes and a commitment to sustainability. The pulled pork and cracklin’ skins are must-tries.
burgersbarbecueandeverythingelse
Skylight Inn BBQ (Ayden, North Carolina)
Signature Dish: Whole hog barbecue with cornbread
Highlights: This North Carolina institution is famed for its wood-smoked whole hog barbecue, chopped and served with vinegar-based sauce and cornbread.
Denny Culbert/ The Barbecue Bus
City Butcher and Barbecue (Springfield, Missouri)
Signature Dish: Brisket
Highlights: Inspired by Texas barbecue, City Butcher serves brisket, ribs, and sausages with a Missouri twist, specializing in smoky, tender meats.
Starboard & Port Creative
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta, Georgia)
Signature Dish: Brisket
Highlights: Inspired by Texas barbecue, City Butcher serves brisket, ribs, and sausages with a Missouri twist, specializing in smoky, tender meats.
11alive
Jack Stack Barbecue (Kansas City, Missouri)
Signature Dish: Burnt ends
Highlights: Known for Kansas City-style burnt ends and cheesy corn bake, Jack Stack offers a polished barbecue experience with a loyal following.
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Cozy Corner (Memphis, Tennessee)
Signature Dish: Cornish hen
Highlights: Cozy Corner is known for its smoked Cornish hen and sweet, tangy sauces, making it a Memphis staple for barbecue lovers.
johntannersbbqblog
Archibald’s Bar-B-Q (Northport, Alabama)
Signature Dish: Pork ribs
Highlights: This family-owned spot has served Alabama-style barbecue for generations, with diners loving the smoky ribs and vinegar-based sauce.
Lexington Barbecue (Lexington, North Carolina)
Signature Dish: Chopped pork with slaw
Highlights: Known for its signature vinegar-based sauce, Lexington Barbecue serves North Carolina-style barbecue and has been a regional favorite for decades.
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