Barbecue is one of those meals that sticks to your fingers and your memory. Whether it’s smoky ribs wrapped in butcher paper or pulled pork dripping with tangy sauce, a good BBQ plate feels like a warm hug from the South.
But not every chain brings the same fire to the grill. Some lean too heavy on sauce, while others nail the perfect smoke-meat-fat trifecta.
20. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
The portions are generous, but the meat often arrives tasting more steamed than smoked. Sauces help, especially the spicy one, but it can’t hide the dryness in the brisket.
Their jalapeño cheddar sausage saves the day, adding much-needed flavor and texture.
19. Famous Dave’s
Decor that screams rustic fun, but the food sometimes falls flat. The ribs are usually tender but lack that deep, smoky bark true fans crave.
The cornbread muffin and Wilbur Beans might be the most memorable part of the meal.
18. Sonny’s BBQ
Once a Florida staple, now a mix of hits and misses. Pulled pork can be juicy with the right amount of tang, but brisket often feels like an afterthought.
The sweet tea, however, remains legendary and strong enough to count as dessert.
17. Smokey Bones
Sauce-forward and slightly corporate in feel, Smokey Bones leans more steakhouse than smokehouse.
Baby back ribs are reliable, but sides like baked beans or mac and cheese often outshine the meat. Expect consistency, not complexity.
16. Jim ‘N Nick’s
Cheddar biscuits steal the spotlight immediately—warm, fluffy, and lightly sweet. Brisket can be fatty in a good way, but not always evenly sliced.
When it’s on, it’s solid, especially with their Carolina-style pulled pork and mustard sauce.
15. Mission BBQ
Military-themed dining meets crowd-pleasing comfort. Pulled chicken stands out for its tenderness, but the brisket varies by location.
Their tribute to regional sauces—from Texas bold to Alabama white—makes it a fun tasting adventure.
14. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Fusion-style BBQ brings something totally different. Kalua pork is smoky and tender, with a luau-style saltiness that pairs perfectly with sticky rice.
While not traditional Southern BBQ, it’s flavorful and filling with a tropical twist.
13. Moe’s Original BBQ
Alabama roots shine through with rich smoked wings and creamy, mayo-heavy slaw. The pork shoulder melts apart, and the vinegar-based sauce adds a clean punch.
Portions are fair, and the cornbread has a nice grit that brings it all together.
12. Rudy’s “Country Store” And Bar-B-Q
Gas station vibes meet slow-cooked charm. Meats are sold by weight and wrapped in butcher paper, just like the old days.
The turkey, surprisingly, is a highlight—moist, peppery, and perfectly smoked.
11. Billy Sims BBQ
Football nostalgia meets hearty plates of meat and sides. Brisket is flavorful, though sometimes sliced too thin to hold its juice.
Their sauces bring serious flavor, especially the smoky-sweet original.
10. City Barbeque
From pulled pork to brisket, the smoky flavor comes through clearly without overpowering. The ribs strike a balance between tender and toothsome, with a nice dry rub finish.
Don’t skip the hush puppies—they’re fried golden and loaded with cornmeal flavor.
9. Shane’s Rib Shack
Casual and crowd-friendly, this spot keeps it simple with pulled pork sandwiches and sauced ribs.
While the meat doesn’t always stand out, the barbecue chicken and thick Texas toast make it worth a visit. Sweet sauce fans will feel right at home.
8. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
Dry-rubbed and smoked over wood, this Missouri-based chain keeps it traditional. The meats are consistently solid, especially the ribs and smoked chicken.
Bonus points for offering six sauces, including a spicy St. Louis-style blend.
7. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
New York-born but surprisingly legit. Brisket comes thick-sliced with a peppery crust, and their pulled pork has just the right vinegar tang.
Sides like mac salad and baked beans are quirky but tasty, and the vibe is all-around rock ‘n’ roll.
6. Black’s Barbecue (Fast Casual Locations)
A legendary Texas name reimagined in a quicker format. The sausage pops with smoky fat, and the brisket still carries that Central Texas bark.
It’s not quite the full Lockhart experience, but for a fast lunch, it’s dangerously close.
5. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
From gas station roots to BBQ greatness, Joe’s delivers barky brisket and smoky ribs that feel like an art form.
Burnt ends are rich, caramelized, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Add in seasoned fries and a Z-Man sandwich and you’ve got a full-blown BBQ masterpiece.
4. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Brisket sliced thick with just the right smoke ring and bark crunch steals the spotlight. The sides match the meat—cheesy grits, fried pickles, and sweet potato casserole all play backup beautifully.
Florida barbecue doesn’t always get love, but 4 Rivers makes a strong case.
3. The Salt Lick
Rustic, communal, and slightly chaotic, this Hill Country icon serves meat with character. The brisket is fatty in all the right ways, and the sauce has a mustardy sweetness that clings to everything.
Bonus: the open pit adds a show to the slow-cooked flavor.
2. Pappy’s Smokehouse
Memphis-style ribs with just the right tug and a spicy-sweet rub that doesn’t need sauce. Brisket and turkey are equally moist, but the ribs are the crown jewel.
Go early—lines form fast, and once they sell out, you’re out of luck.
1. Franklin Barbecue (To-Go Experience)
The wait is famous, but to-go still tastes legendary. Brisket slices are thick, tender, and kissed with just enough smoke to fill the car with joy.
Even cold, the flavor lingers like a good campfire memory—rich, savory, and unforgettable.