Barbecue in America is more than just food—it’s a ritual, a regional identity, and a story told through smoke and sauce.
From Alabama’s tangy white sauce to Texas’s slow-smoked brisket, each state adds its own flavor to the tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a curious traveler, these BBQ joints offer a taste of local culture and culinary excellence.
Here’s a curated list of must-visit BBQ spots across the U.S., each bringing something unique to the table.
1. Alabama – Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (Decatur)
Established in 1925, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is renowned for its tangy, mayonnaise-based white sauce that revolutionized Alabama barbecue. Their smoked chicken, slathered in this signature sauce, offers a moist and flavorful experience that has stood the test of time.
2. Alaska – Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ (Indian)
Nestled along the scenic Turnagain Arm, this BBQ spot combines traditional smoking techniques with Alaskan charm. Their pulled pork sandwiches, paired with house-made sauces, provide a comforting meal amidst breathtaking views.
3. Arizona – Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix)
Specializing in Central Texas-style barbecue, Little Miss BBQ serves up expertly smoked brisket and ribs that draw long lines daily. Their commitment to quality and flavor has made them a standout in the Phoenix food scene.
4. Arkansas – Wright’s Barbecue (Fayetteville)
From humble beginnings to multiple locations, Wright’s Barbecue offers hand-crafted, pit-smoked meats that embody Arkansas’s rich BBQ heritage. Their slow-cooked brisket and ribs showcase a dedication to traditional methods and bold flavors.
5. California – Bludso’s Bar & Que (Los Angeles)
Bludso’s brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to Los Angeles, featuring slow-smoked meats seasoned with custom dry rubs. Their brisket and ribs, smoked over real hardwood, deliver a smoky, tender bite that’s hard to beat.
6. Colorado – GQue BBQ (Denver)
Bludso’s brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to Los Angeles, featuring slow-smoked meats seasoned with custom dry rubs. Their brisket and ribs, smoked over real hardwood, deliver a smoky, tender bite that’s hard to beat.
7. Connecticut – Hoodoo Brown BBQ (Ridgefield)
Hoodoo Brown BBQ serves authentic Texas-style barbecue with an outlaw twist, featuring brisket, pulled pork, and their famous pork belly. Their creative sandwiches and hearty sides make it a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts in the Northeast.
8. Delaware – Locale BBQ Post (Wilmington)
Tucked away in Wilmington, Locale BBQ Post offers quick-service sandwiches, meats, and sides that pack a flavorful punch. Their commitment to quality and community has made them a local favorite.
9. Florida – 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Orlando)
4 Rivers Smokehouse has garnered acclaim for its slow-smoked barbecue, specializing in brisket and pulled pork. Their dedication to the art of smoking has made them a standout in Florida’s BBQ scene.
10. Georgia – Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta)
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q brings a family-owned, Texas-style barbecue experience to Atlanta, offering smoked wings, brisket sandwiches, and more. Their flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere have made them a staple in the community.
11. Hawaii – Mike’s Huli-Huli Chicken (Kaneohe)
Mike’s Huli-Huli Chicken offers a taste of Hawaii’s best, with chicken slow-roasted over kiawe wood and basted in a savory sauce. Their flavorful dishes capture the essence of island-style barbecue.
12. Idaho – The Rib Shack Barbecue (Eagle)
Known for its award-winning barbecue, The Rib Shack Barbecue serves up ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that have earned them a loyal following. Their dedication to quality and flavor makes them a standout in Idaho’s BBQ landscape.
13. Illinois – Smoque BBQ (Chicago)
Smoque BBQ combines the best of regional barbecue styles, offering a menu that includes brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Their commitment to authenticity and flavor has made them a beloved spot in Chicago.
14. Indiana – Bombers BBQ (Munster)
Bombers BBQ specializes in high-quality smoked meats, craft beer, and signature appetizers, creating a unique dining experience. Their dedication to flavor and hospitality has made them a favorite in Indiana.
15. Iowa – Smokey D’s BBQ (Des Moines)
Smokey D’s BBQ offers an unparalleled barbecue experience, with a menu featuring smoked meats, savory sides, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their passion for barbecue shines through in every dish.
16. Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City)
Once a gas station, now a barbecue legend, Joe’s delivers smoky, peppery brisket and the legendary Z-Man sandwich with onion rings and provolone. The burnt ends sell out fast—and for good reason.
17. Kentucky – Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn (Owensboro)
Mutton smoked over hickory defines this Kentucky classic, paired with their rich, vinegar-based “dip.” A buffet filled with old-school favorites keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
18. Louisiana – The Joint (New Orleans)
Bright colors, backyard vibes, and slow-cooked brisket with blackened bark make The Joint a must in the Big Easy. Their ribs are meaty, sticky, and packed with bold smoke flavor.
19. Maine – Spring Creek Bar-B-Q (Monson)
Tucked in the woods of northern Maine, this tiny smokehouse serves ribs with deep bark and sweet-spicy glaze. The wood-fired flavor makes it feel like a backyard gathering in every bite.
20. Maryland – Andy Nelson’s BBQ (Cockeysville)
Andy Nelson’s BBQ in Cockeysville, Maryland, offers a delightful BBQ experience. Known for their smoked meats, this spot delivers flavors that impress. The charming rustic interior and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among locals. Customers appreciate the quality ingredients and attention to detail in every dish. From brisket to ribs, the flavors are consistently impressive. Friendly service and great portions add to the overall appeal. Whether a BBQ enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Andy Nelson’s BBQ offers a delicious taste of Maryland’s BBQ tradition.
21. Massachusetts – Sweet Cheeks Q (Boston)
Chef Tiffani Faison brings a Texas twist to Boston with trays of buttery biscuits, fatty brisket, and smoky pork belly. Don’t skip the pork belly cracklings—they’re dangerously addictive.
22. Michigan – Slows Bar BQ (Detroit)
Slows Bar BQ in Detroit, Michigan, is a BBQ hotspot known for its mouthwatering brisket. The lively atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Customers rave about the tender meats and flavorful sides. This spot offers a diverse menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The dedication to quality ingredients and authentic smoking techniques shines through in every bite. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or just seeking a great meal, Slows Bar BQ provides a delicious experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
23. Minnesota – Animales Barbeque Co. (Minneapolis)
A food truck parked outside a brewery, serving tacos piled with brisket and rotating meat specials like pastrami or smoked beef cheeks. It’s inventive, playful, and loaded with flavor.
24. Mississippi – The Pig & Pint (Jackson)
Where craft beer meets barbecue magic, with smoked wings, pulled pork tacos, and a standout white BBQ sauce. The pork belly corn dogs are a crispy-salty-sweet marvel.
25. Missouri – Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis)
Memphis-style ribs smoked over apple and cherry wood form the backbone of this St. Louis icon. Order early—when they sell out, it’s game over for the day.
26. Montana – The Notorious P.I.G. (Missoula)
A playful name with serious BBQ, this spot dishes out housemade sausages, tender pulled pork, and Montana-sized portions. The Carolina mustard sauce is a fan favorite.
27. Nebraska – Phat Jack’s BBQ (Lincoln)
Kansas City roots shine through with tender burnt ends, sticky ribs, and a savory sausage that holds its own. Their sweet heat sauce balances richness with just the right kick.
28. Nevada – Jessie Rae’s BBQ (Las Vegas)
Off-strip and wildly flavorful, Jessie Rae’s offers smoked meats drenched in their award-winning “God Sauce.” The brisket melts, the ribs cling to the bone, and the portions go big.
29. New Hampshire – KC’s Rib Shack (Manchester)
BBQ with attitude, where the pulled pork is juicy, the sides are stacked, and the ribs are fall-apart good. Their hickory pit churns out flavor that punches way above New England expectations.
30. New Jersey – Henri’s Hotts Barbeque (Hammonton)
Southern-style comfort right in the Garden State, known for smoky ribs, chicken, and homemade cornbread. Everything’s made with love—and you can taste it.
31. New Mexico – Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue (Cloudcroft)
Texas-style brisket with bark as dark as midnight served at 9,000 feet above sea level. Mad Jack’s slices it thick, juicy, and worth every minute of the wait.
32. New York – Hometown Bar-B-Que (Brooklyn)
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn, New York, is a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast. Known for their mouthwatering brisket, this spot offers flavors that impress. The modern interior and inviting atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Customers rave about the quality ingredients and authentic smoking techniques that shine through in every bite. In addition to brisket, their ribs and sides are also highly recommended. Friendly service and generous portions add to the overall appeal, making Hometown Bar-B-Que a standout choice for delicious barbecue in the heart of Brooklyn.
33. North Carolina – Skylight Inn BBQ (Ayden)
Whole hog, chopped fine with crispy skin mixed in, served on a paper tray with slaw and cornbread. This James Beard-winning shack has defined Carolina ‘cue since 1947.
34. North Dakota – Spitfire Bar & Grill (West Fargo)
Slow-cooked meats, mesquite smoke, and a fiery house sauce draw crowds year-round—even in deep winter. Their ribeye sandwich is a sleeper hit.
35. Ohio – Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
A laid-back vibe and picnic table dining make Eli’s feel like a backyard party. Try the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and mac & cheese on the side—comfort food done right.
36. Oklahoma – Burn Co Barbecue (Tulsa)
Everything hits the grill here—brisket, sausage, and even the sides. Their thick-cut bacon and grilled bologna are local legends.
37. Oregon – Podnah’s Pit (Portland)
Authentic Texas barbecue served in the Pacific Northwest with slow-smoked brisket, hot links, and from-scratch sides. Their cornbread and beans taste like Sunday supper in Austin.
38. Pennsylvania – Ziggy’s BBQ Smoke House (Middletown)
Ziggy’s BBQ Smoke House in Middletown, Pennsylvania, offers a delightful BBQ experience. Known for their smoked meats, this spot delivers flavors that impress. The charming rustic interior and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among locals. Customers appreciate the quality ingredients and attention to detail in every dish. From brisket to ribs, the flavors are consistently impressive. Friendly service and great portions add to the overall appeal. Whether a BBQ enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Ziggy’s BBQ Smoke House offers a delicious taste of Pennsylvania’s BBQ tradition.
39. Rhode Island – Becky’s BBQ (Middletown)
Tiny spot, big flavor. Ribs with a sticky glaze, smoky pulled chicken, and homemade mac n’ cheese make it worth the detour.
40. South Carolina – Scott’s Bar-B-Que (Hemingway)
Legendary whole hog barbecue smoked over wood coals and chopped by hand. The vinegar-pepper sauce gives it that unmistakable Eastern Carolina twang.
41. South Dakota – J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT (Summerset)
An unassuming pit stop serving up tender brisket, homemade sausage, and house rubs that stick in your memory. Big meat, bold flavor, no shortcuts.
42. Tennessee – Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Nashville)
Whole hog barbecue cooked low and slow, pulled fresh daily, and piled high with tangy slaw. Their redneck taco—BBQ piled onto cornbread hoe cakes—is pure genius.
43. Texas – Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Brisket that glistens, smoke rings you could measure, and a bark that crunches like candy. The wait might be long, but the reward is Texas barbecue at its peak.
44. Utah – R&R BBQ (Salt Lake City)
Two brothers turned their competition-winning recipes into a local chain with killer ribs and tri-tip. Their jalapeño sausage packs flavor and a sneaky heat.
45. Vermont – Prohibition Pig (Waterbury)
This brewpub smokes meats with Vermont maple wood, creating a sweet, smoky depth. Try the pork belly burnt ends alongside house-made pickles and beer-battered fries.
46. Virginia – ZZQ (Richmond)
Central Texas BBQ done with precision and passion. The brisket is textbook-perfect, and their jalapeño mac & cheese might be even better.
47. Washington – Briley’s BBQ (Lakewood)
A family-run spot dishing up tender ribs, juicy brisket, and soulful sides like collard greens and cornbread. Every plate feels like a home-cooked meal.
48. West Virginia – Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill (Charleston)
What started as a roadside smoker turned into a full-on BBQ joint with rich, smoky ribs and tender pulled pork. Their BBQ baked beans deserve a moment of silence.
49. Wisconsin – Iron Grate BBQ Co. (Milwaukee)
Old-school techniques meet modern creativity at Iron Grate, where wood-fired smokers turn out brisket, hot links, and their signature “rib tips.” The burnt ends are bite-sized bliss.
50. Wyoming – HQ Southern BBQ (Evansville)
A Southern-style joint tucked in the Rockies, serving ribs so tender they fall apart with a glance. Their peach BBQ sauce adds a touch of sweetness that makes everything sing.