In the South, barbecue is a way of life, a fiercely debated art form, and a source of immense regional pride. From the tangy vinegar sauces of the Carolinas to the sweet, smoky ribs of Memphis and the brisket brilliance of Texas (yes, I’m including it!), the region is a veritable mecca for meat lovers.
But with so many contenders, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely great? I went straight to the source: the pitmasters, chefs, and BBQ aficionados who live and breathe the smoky art.
Prepare your taste buds for a tour of the South’s most hallowed BBQ grounds, as judged by the very people who fuel the flames. Here are 25 joints that have earned the coveted stamp of approval from the pros.
1. Franklin Barbecue, Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue in Austin is legendary for good reason. The brisket here is like a meaty symphony, worth every minute you spend in line, and the aroma of smoked meat hooks you before you even reach the counter.
Patrons who wait patiently are rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, smoky flavor that makes discerning carnivores smile. Aaron Franklin’s BBQ is an experience in itself, turning simple patience into pure culinary bliss.
2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, KS
Ever tried BBQ from a gas station? Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que proves that the best treasures often appear in unexpected spots. Its mouth-watering burnt ends deliver a flavor explosion that keeps taste buds dancing.
Though unconventional at first glance, Joe’s has earned legendary status, turning skeptics into believers one rib at a time. It’s BBQ magic served with a side of authenticity that makes visitors eager to return.
3. The Bar-B-Q Shop, Memphis, TN
The Bar-B-Q Shop in Memphis offers a meaty heaven. Home to the famous Dancing Pigs BBQ Sauce, it perfectly balances tangy sweetness and smoke.
From ribs that fall off the bone to a sauce that practically dances on your palate, every bite is a nod to true Memphis tradition.
4. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Decatur, AL
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q introduced white BBQ sauce to the mainstream, offering a tangy twist that stands out in a world of red sauces. Since 1925, it has served succulent chicken and savory pulled pork with a signature Southern flair.
From succulent chicken to savory pulled pork, the flavors at Big Bob Gibson’s are like a southern symphony for your taste buds.
5. Scott’s Bar-B-Que, Hemingway, SC
Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway keeps it old-fashioned by cooking whole hogs low and slow. The result is smoky magic that leaves an indelible mark on your taste buds.
It’s a labor of love, and one taste of Rodney Scott’s BBQ will have you singing its praises for days.
6. Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis, MO
At Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, the smell alone can make your stomach rumble. Known for Memphis-style ribs, this carnivore’s delight is slow-smoked to perfection.
Tender, juicy meat brimming with flavor defines the Pappy’s experience. It’s BBQ done right, and one bite is all it takes to appreciate the dedication behind each slab of ribs.
7. Central BBQ, Memphis, TN
Central BBQ has mastered the art of smoking meat, offering crispy, smoked wings that feel like a treat straight from BBQ heaven. Their secret blend of spices elevates every bite.
From those addictive wings to classic pulled pork, the menu keeps you coming back. It’s a Memphis classic for a reason, decades of practice honed to smoky perfection.
8. City Market, Luling, TX
Have you ever tasted brisket that’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth? City Market in Luling, Texas, offers just that.
This no-frills BBQ joint is a beloved institution, where the focus is purely on the meat. And oh, what meat it is!
9. B’s Cracklin’ BBQ, Savannah, GA
B’s Cracklin’ BBQ in Savannah serves flavors that reflect true Southern tradition. The smoked meats are bold, and each bite tells a story of the region’s culinary history.
From cracklin’ pork to mouthwatering ribs, it’s a tribute to all that makes Southern BBQ special. One meal here, and you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
10. Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Charlotte, NC
In Charlotte, Sweet Lew’s BBQ feels like a home away from home. The welcoming atmosphere matches the incredible flavors of their smoked meats, making comfort food a top priority.
From tender pulled pork to carefully cooked brisket, each plate is pure Carolina goodness. It’s a taste of down-home hospitality that warms the soul as much as the stomach.
11. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Atlanta, GA
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is a carnivore’s delight in the heart of Atlanta. The menu is a testament to the brothers’ passion for big, bold flavors.
The brothers behind this joint have created a menu that’s a carnivore’s delight, with flavors that dance on the palate.
12. Luling Bar-B-Q, Luling, TX
Luling Bar-B-Q serves up meats smoked to perfection, treating brisket as the star. Each mouthful offers the rich, deep essence of Texas BBQ tradition.
This is a place where they let the meat speak for itself. Every savory bite is a tribute to the artistry of slow smoking, making it a destination for true BBQ lovers.
13. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Nashville, TN
If whole hog BBQ is your thing, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville should be on your radar. The flavor is rich, and the experience is unforgettable.
It’s a BBQ journey that you won’t soon forget, where every bite is a celebration of Southern tradition.
14. 12 Bones Smokehouse, Asheville, NC
12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville boasts ribs so good they caught President Obama’s attention. Bold, unforgettable flavors mark each dish, making every visit a feast.
Locals and travelers alike line up for these legendary ribs. It’s a destination that turns casual BBQ enthusiasts into devoted fans with one savory bite.
15. Rudy’s Country Store And Bar-B-Q, New Braunfels, TX
Rudy’s offers a unique blend of country store charm and classic Texas BBQ. The smoky aroma fills the air, and brisket is an absolute must-try.
It is a spot where the flavors are as big as the Lone Star State itself. Warm hospitality and memorable meats make Rudy’s a welcoming stop for BBQ enthusiasts.
16. Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood, TX
Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood delivers flavors perfected over generations. Bold smoked meats and iconic sauces define this Texas tradition.
More than just a meal, it’s a place where BBQ is treated like a cherished way of life. People travel far and wide for a taste, drawn by the promise of authentic, soulful barbecue.
17. Archibald’s BBQ, Northport, AL
Serving smoky goodness for generations, Archibald’s shows it in every rib. The depth of flavor speaks to Alabama’s storied BBQ heritage.
It’s a classic spot that locals treasure and visitors seek out. Each bite offers a taste of history that stands the test of time.
18. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Llano, TX
Cooper’s embraces open-pit cooking, letting rich smoke infuse meats for a signature taste. The brisket is a standout, highlighting the best of Texas BBQ methods.
From the moment you step in, the old-fashioned approach is evident. It’s a place where barbecue dreams come true, one perfectly smoked cut at a time.
19. Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Tuscaloosa, AL
Dreamland Bar-B-Que lives up to its name by serving legendary ribs with bold, unforgettable flavor. This Tuscaloosa staple embodies the spirit of Alabama BBQ.
Sauce drips off each rib in a tangy, savory melody that keeps fans returning year after year. Anyone seeking real Southern barbecue will find it here in all its smoky glory.
20. Smoque BBQ, Chicago, IL
Smoque BBQ became a Chicago favorite by offering authentic, bold flavors in the heart of the city.
The meats are smoked to perfection, and every bite is a taste sensation that keeps you coming back for more.
21. Gatlin’s BBQ, Houston, TX
Gatlin’s BBQ in Houston is all about family tradition and robust flavors. Each cut of meat benefits from slow smoking that yields rich, satisfying tastes.
Expect a warm atmosphere and genuine Texas hospitality. This spot captures the essence of Lone Star barbecue, and every bite keeps you coming back for more.
22. Black’s Barbecue, Lockhart, TX
At Black’s Barbecue, family tradition runs deep, making every smoked cut a piece of Texas history. The flavors are hearty, and the brisket is always front and center.
Decades of skill honed in Lockhart’s famed BBQ scene ensure a memorable feast. Each mouthful speaks to the enduring art of slow smoking.
23. Home Team BBQ, Charleston, SC
Home Team BBQ in Charleston combines friendly vibes with crave-worthy barbecue. The smoked meats reflect Southern flavor at its finest, and every plate feels like comfort food done right.
Whether it’s pulled pork or ribs, each dish is packed with slow-cooked goodness. It’s a place where the warmth of the Lowcountry meets the art of smoking.
24. Hog Wild BBQ, Gulf Shores, AL
Bringing bold flavors to the shore, Hog Wild BBQ pairs smoky meats with a hint of ocean breeze. The result is a tasty fusion of Alabama tradition and beach-town relaxation.
Unforgettable ribs and savory pulled pork highlight the menu, proving that coastal vibes only enhance a good barbecue. It’s a must-visit for those who love Southern flavor by the sea.
25. Sizzling Swamp BBQ
Nestled deep in the Louisiana bayou, Sizzling Swamp BBQ serves smoked alligator ribs that will make your taste buds dance. Here, tradition and innovation blend like the swamp’s mysterious fog.
The pitmaster, a rugged local with stories as rich as his sauces, serves up fried catfish with a side of charm. Each bite carries a hint of adventure, woven into the rustic atmosphere.