- Franklin Barbecue – Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue is a legendary restaurant in Austin, Texas that has been serving up some of the best BBQ in the country for over a decade. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The restaurant also serves up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey. Be prepared to wait in line, though, as Franklin Barbecue is always busy.
- Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, TX
Snow’s BBQ is a small, unassuming restaurant in Lexington, Texas that has gained a reputation as one of the best BBQ joints in the country. The restaurant’s brisket is a fan favorite, with a beautiful smoke ring and juicy meat that falls apart with every bite. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken. The restaurant is only open on Saturdays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, MO
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in St. Louis, Missouri. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious brisket, pulled pork, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like sweet potato fries and baked beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is always busy.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, KS
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike in Kansas City, Kansas. The restaurant’s burnt ends are a standout, with a rich smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like cheesy corn and fries. Be prepared to wait in line, as the restaurant is always busy.
- 12 Bones Smokehouse – Asheville, NC
12 Bones Smokehouse is a family-owned restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina that has gained a reputation for its unique and delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s blueberry chipotle ribs are a fan favorite, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
- Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – Kansas City, MO
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque is a Kansas City institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1930. The restaurant’s burnt ends are a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like onion rings and fries. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is always busy.
- Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden, NC
Skylight Inn BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Ayden, North Carolina that has been serving up delicious BBQ for over 70 years. The restaurant’s chopped pork is a standout, with a smoky flavor and tender texture. They also serve up delicious chicken and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like coleslaw and cornbread. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly
staff.
- Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, TX
Louie Mueller Barbecue is a family-owned restaurant in Taylor, Texas that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1949. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious beef ribs, pork ribs, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like potato salad and beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Central BBQ – Memphis, TN
Central BBQ is a Memphis institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and slaw. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Atlanta, GA
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is a family-owned restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like tater tots and collard greens. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Corky’s BBQ – Memphis, TN
Corky’s BBQ is another Memphis institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Gates Bar-B-Q – Kansas City, MO
Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1946. The restaurant’s burnt ends are a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like beans and fries. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood, TX
Salt Lick BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Driftwood, Texas that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like potato salad and coleslaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Black’s Barbecue – Lockhart, TX
Black’s Barbecue is a Lockhart, Texas institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1932. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The Joint – New Orleans, LA
The Joint is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in New Orleans, Louisiana. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, SC
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s whole hog is a standout, with
a rich smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as a variety of sides like baked beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Slows Bar BQ – Detroit, MI
Slows Bar BQ is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Detroit, Michigan. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, chicken, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The Salt Lick BBQ – Round Rock, TX
The Salt Lick BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Round Rock, Texas that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like coleslaw and beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Smoque BBQ – Chicago, IL
Smoque BBQ is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, chicken, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, NY
Hometown Bar-B-Que is a family-owned restaurant in Brooklyn, New York that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Dreamland Bar-B-Que – Tuscaloosa, AL
Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a Tuscaloosa, Alabama institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1958. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like baked beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville, TN
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is a family-owned restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s whole hog is a standout, with a rich smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, chicken, and brisket, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Killen’s BBQ – Pearland, TX
Killen’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Pearland, Texas that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Little Miss BBQ – Phoenix, AZ
Little Miss BBQ is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Phoenix, Arizona. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and
cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- La Barbecue – Austin, TX
La Barbecue is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Austin, Texas. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like potato salad and slaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Skylight BBQ – Kansas City, MO
Skylight BBQ is a Kansas City, Missouri institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ for over 70 years. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious chopped pork and beef brisket, as well as a variety of sides like coleslaw and beans. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Franklin Barbecue – San Antonio, TX
Franklin Barbecue’s second location in San Antonio, Texas is just as delicious as the original in Austin. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, AL
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Decatur, Alabama. The restaurant’s chicken is a standout, with a perfectly smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, beef brisket, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- 2M Smokehouse – San Antonio, TX
2M Smokehouse is a family-owned restaurant in San Antonio, Texas that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like potato salad and beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Smitty’s Market – Lockhart, TX
Smitty’s Market is a Lockhart, Texas institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ for over 100 years. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like coleslaw and beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Cozy Corner BBQ – Memphis, TN
Cozy Corner BBQ is a Memphis, Tennessee institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s Cornish hen is a standout, with a perfectly smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, beef brisket, and sausage, as well as a variety of sides like slaw and beans. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The BBQ Joint – New York, NY
The BBQ Joint is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in New York, New York. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Louie’s BBQ – Fayetteville, AR
Louie’s BBQ is a Fayetteville, Arkansas institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ for over 20
years. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like potato salad and coleslaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, KS
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Kansas City, Kansas. The restaurant’s burnt ends are a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like beans and slaw. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The Shed BBQ – Ocean Springs, MS
The Shed BBQ is an Ocean Springs, Mississippi institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s baby back ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and potato salad. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, MO
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in St. Louis, Missouri. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like sweet potato fries and slaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden, NC
Skylight Inn BBQ is an Ayden, North Carolina institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1947. The restaurant’s whole hog is a standout, with a rich smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like cornbread and slaw. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- 17th Street Barbecue – Murphysboro, IL
17th Street Barbecue is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Murphysboro, Illinois. The restaurant’s ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like baked beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q – Birmingham, AL
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is a Birmingham, Alabama institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s cheese biscuits are a standout, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like collard greens and slaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, TX
Snow’s BBQ is a Lexington, Texas institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like coleslaw and beans. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Franklin Barbecue – Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue is an Austin, Texas institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage,
and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The Joint – New Orleans, LA
The Joint is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in New Orleans, Louisiana. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- B’s Cracklin’ BBQ – Atlanta, GA
B’s Cracklin’ BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork and brisket, as well as a variety of sides like collard greens and potato salad. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The Pit – Raleigh, NC
The Pit is a Raleigh, North Carolina institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 2007. The restaurant’s whole hog is a standout, with a rich smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like hushpuppies and slaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Sweatman’s BBQ – Holly Hill, SC
Sweatman’s BBQ is a Holly Hill, South Carolina institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1959. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork and brisket, as well as a variety of sides like baked beans and potato salad. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Jack’s BBQ – Seattle, WA
Jack’s BBQ is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in Seattle, Washington. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ – Davis, WV
Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Davis, West Virginia that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork and brisket, as well as a variety of sides like cornbread and coleslaw. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Kreuz Market – Lockhart, TX
Kreuz Market is a Lockhart, Texas institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1900. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfect crust and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and turkey, as well as a variety of sides like sauerkraut and beans. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Memphis, TN
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ is a Memphis, Tennessee institution that has gained a reputation for its delicious BBQ. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a standout, with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat. They also serve up delicious pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like baked beans and slaw. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Blue Smoke – New York, NY
Blue Smoke is a must-visit spot for BBQ lovers in New York, New York. The restaurant’s brisket is a standout, with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy meat. They also serve up delicious pork ribs, sausage, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
These 50 BBQ joints are just a few of the many amazing spots to enjoy delicious BBQ throughout the United States. Whether you’re a fan of brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, there’s something for everyone on this list. So next time you’re on a road trip or just looking for some amazing BBQ, be sure to check out these top-rated BBQ joints. You won’t be disappointed!