15 Must-Visit Restaurants for BBQ Lovers
We as Americans live for food. There’s nothing better than sitting down and enjoying a great dish, especially if it’s with friends and family. In fact, a lot of our culture revolves around food. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter are all about getting together and eating. Another thing about our culture that’s influenced by food is our travel destinations. Sure, Italy is stunning, but you know what’s even better about the place? You can get pizza and different pasta that you’ll probably never have in America.
Like Italy, America also has its own thing. From Philly cheesesteak to hamburgers, we know how to do food right. One of the best things you can get in America is barbeque or BBQ – however you want to write it!
Yeah, we know how to do BBQ just right, and the best part is that we have so many cities that have their own take on it. Some places have super sweet BBQ that melts in your mouth better than any other food in the world. Other cities choose something that’s a little tangy, which makes your mouth pucker. We’re going to go over 15 restaurants that know how to do BBQ the right way, whichever that way is.
Listen, we know that eating food where you know is good. We all have those good go-to places that have great food, but there’s nothing wrong with stepping outside of your comfort zone. In fact, venturing out can be fun! Try these places, and you won’t regret it.
Smoque BBQ: Chicago, IL
As the most popular BBQ restaurant in Chicago, Smoque is known for its Austin-style brisket.
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JR's Rhodehouse BBQ Pit: Piedmont, SD
Originally located in Texas, this BBQ restaurant was forced to become a catering company after a fire destroyed their business. Help support this amazing BBQ by having them cater your next get-together in South Dakota.
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B.T.'s Smokehouse: Sturbridge, MA
The north isn’t known for BBQ (sorry Yankees!), but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some amazing joints! Aside from their BBQ, B.T.’s Smokehouse is also known for their Reuben sandwich with swiss cheese.
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Bogart's Smokehouse: St. Louis, MO
Have you ever had apricot-glazed ribs caramelized by a blowtorch? Well, if you go to Bogart’s Smokehouse, that’s the first thing you should try!
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Central BBQ: Memphis, TN
If you haven’t had BBQ at Central BBQ, your life is not complete! If you’re looking for something a bit different, try the pulled-pork BBQ nachos. You’ll be dining on the same food tasted by the likes of Bobby Flay.
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Skylight Inn BBQ: Ayden, NC
Known as Pete Jones’ BBQ by locals, this restaurant was opened by owner Pete Jones when he was only 17! When you chow down here, you’ll be eating the same recipes that were served to presidents.
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Herman's Ribhouse: Fayetteville, AR
Opened in 1964, Herman’s Ribhouse has had a variety of owners. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is that the BBQ here is an Arkansas favorite. From the spare ribs to “Herman’s Famous Garlic Chicken,” you won’t be disappointed!
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4 Rivers Smokehouse: Orlando, FL
The brisket you will find here is not only served from a family-owned restaurant, but its recipe was carefully crafted by the owner, John Rivers, after traveling around the country to perfect it.
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Kerlin BBQ: Austin, TX
This husband and wife restaurant operates out of a permanently parked trailer. They smoke their briskets for anywhere from 6 to 20 hours. You can bet you’ll be satisfied when served juicy meat encased in a thick, black crust.
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Heirloom Market BBQ: Atlanta, GA
This restaurant offers a unique take on BBQ by combining American and Korean traditions. The owners themselves represent this blend, one growing up in Texas and the other being a Korean popstar.
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17th Street BBQ: Murphysboro, IL
At the original location of this BBQ empire, Mike Mills’ whole hog on a Sunday is a can’t miss for BBQ lovers everywhere!
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BBQ Exchange: Gordonsville, VA
If you’re looking for a little bit of flavor from all the major BBQ traditions, then BBQ Exchange is the tasty hub you’ve been looking for. Added bonus: they spice-cure their bacon for their BLT for a week!
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Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q: Decatur, AL
Home of the infamous white sauce, Big Bob Gibson’s is a place where your BBQ-lovin’ palette will be pleasantly pleased. Don’t miss out on this amazing smoky BBQ!
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Hometown Bar-B-Que: Brooklyn, NY
The south is generally associated with the words “hometown” and “BBQ,” but this New York restaurant has earned a place on our list. Hometown’s Vietnamese twist on American BBQ is the stuff of legends!
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The Joint: New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is the hub of all grub. People come here just to eat; however, BBQ is generally not on their list. No matter the status quo, if you’re in New Orleans, you have the try The Joint’s variety of locally sourced sausage dishes.
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