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Pasta in Italy, tacos in Mexico, dumplings in China, each country has their top national dish. In the USA that has to be BBQ. BBQing is the process of smoking a meat on low heat for anywhere between 5 – 24 hours. To the untrained palate one might assume all BBQ is created equal. Not only will this offend the top pit-masters of the country, but it is also far from the truth.

The culinary act of smoking meat has diverged into several different regional styles of BBQ. The smoking style, the types of meat and the kinds of sauce all vary from region to region. Here’s a look at the best BBQ cities in America where you can try all the different styles of BBQ. Find out the best BBQ places to try in each city and the meats and sides you shouldn’t miss. 

Best BBQ Cities in America – Austin, TX

By Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips

Everyone knows that Texas is world-renowned for BBQ, but did you know that Austin is home to some of the United States’ top BBQ joints? As one of the most affordable cities in Texas, Austin features nationally-ranked and recognized smoked meats earning top-tier awards.

The first BBQ restaurant to discover in Austin is Franklin Barbeque, offering perfect, tasty briskets for the hundreds of visitors entering through its doors every day. Franklin Barbeque is known for the classic Franklin brisket, but if you are looking for a unique take on Texas BBQ, head over to the Asian smokehouse Loro where the Franklin brisket is smothered with Thai herbs and chili gastrique.

Another great spot in Austin is Black’s Barbeque, where you will receive more than your fair share of tasty barbequed meat. Make sure to try the beef ribs, brisket, and sausage while stopping in, as you will want to taste all this southern BBQ joint has to offer.

For a more tailored Texas BBQ experience, head over to Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew. Here, you will enjoy delicious barbeque entrees mastered by the lead pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick, who trained under the famed chef Bob Mueller. The top orders here are the pork ribs and barbeque sandwiches, and if you prefer turkey, they offer a massive serving accompanied by Alabama white sauce.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Lockhart, TX

By Erin from Sol Salute 

One of the best cities for BBQ isn’t actually a city at all, but a small town just 30 minutes from Austin. Tiny Lockhart is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It’s home to four powerful BBQ joints. Texas BBQ is slow-smoked over hours, rendering the meat tender and juicy. So tender that in some of these restaurants you’ll be refused a fork (don’t worry you won’t need it).

To try the best BBQ in Lockhart, I recommend starting with Kreuz and Smitty’s. Kreuz is a Lockhart original and has been smoking meat since 1900 (the current building has been around since 1999). Saunter up to the counter and order your meat by the pound. I recommend the buttery brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage.

After Kreuz, find your way to historic downtown for Smitty’s. Smitty’s is the other half of a family disagreement that split the original Kreuz in two and is in the original location. The walls of the entry hall are a deep black from decades of pit smoke and the brick pits in the back are original.  The meat falls right off the bone. Smitty’s was my favorite. The quality was the best I’ve ever had. Even the lean brisket was like butter and the 1800’s era building has an atmosphere that was unbeatable.

For a complete BBQ crawl in Lockhart, try Chisolm Trail and Black’s BBQ. Chisolm Trail is a classic no-frills barbecue joint where you’ll find the locals. Black’s has been family run since 1932. Wherever you go, to one or to all four, you can rest assured you’ll be tasting some of the best meat in the state. In fact, the Texas Legislature even dubbed Lockhart the BBQ Capital of Texas in 1999.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Dallas, TX

Photo by Kristy Henderson

Written by Jamie from Fly By the Seat of Our Pants

Texas brags about being bigger and better than other states, but when it comes to Bar-B-Que it’s true! BBQ is better in Texas, specifically in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With the rich history of cattle traders in Fort Worth, it makes sense that the perfect combination of the best BBQs was created in DFW.

Hard Eights is one of the best BBQ restaurants in the area. You know the minute you walk in with the aromas of smoked meat that you are in for a treat. You can see an incredible variety of meats to choose from. My personal favorite is the brisket and pulled pork. Multiple dipping sauces are available, but I find that the flavor is so great you won’t need any sauce to spice it up. Once you order your plate of meat, you also get unlimited baked beans and coleslaw which is the perfect pairing.

In between Dallas and Fort Worth, you’ll find more delicious BBQ at Back Forty. Its right off the North Richland Hills stop on the TEX rail which makes it easy to access. Back Forty is a locally owned smokehouse that sells meals or meat by the pound if you prefer to take it home. The flavor is rich and deep with tender cuts. Try the Big Baked Potato for a delicious side.

BBQ in DFW will leave you stuffed and satisfied. Find 75 activities in the DFW area to work off all those calories

Best BBQ Cities in America – Memphis, TN

Memphis is one of the best cities for barbecue in America. Pork ribs and pulled pork are the most popular meats. While other cities are known for their distinct style of BBQ sauce, Memphis’ claim to fame is using a dry rub on the meats instead of a sauce. The ribs especially are rubbed with the spices which may include garlic, paprika, onions and others and then smoked until they are fall off the bone tender. 

While the meats have enough flavor without a sauce and are less messy to eat, don’t worry if you prefer your BBQ with sauce. Memphis sauce is usually tomato and vinegar based.

It will start a full on debate if you ask anyone where to find the best BBQ in Memphis. There are no shortage of places in the city. Before I visited I made a spreadsheet, I kid you not, of all the BBQ places in the city. I researched the number of times they were recommended and what they were known for.

It was hard to choose, but the first Memphis BBQ spot that made the cut for me was Central BBQ. It is a counter service place with an excellent pulled pork sandwich. I didn’t try the mustard sauce or like the vinegar one, but the mild and hot were both great. The green beans on the side had a little zip to them. I love when you get green beans at bbq places because they are never your usual bland variety. My uncle ordered a bologna sandwich and was still talking about how good it was days later. I’m still skeptical of anyone who orders bologna, but I guess it shows that Central BBQ is great all around! The restaurant is also handy to the Civil Rights Museum, a must visit to learn about Black history in the South. 

In addition to BBQ you know what else Memphis is known for? Elvis of course! Combine them both at a visit to Marlow’s, which is full of Elvis memorabilia. To have the full experience make sure you are driven to the restaurant in one of their pink limousines! Once there you need to order the pork ribs! The portions are gigantic so be careful and don’t get too stuffed like I did!

Best BBQ Cities in America – Nashville, TN

By Brittany from Family on Standby 

When you think Tennessee BBQ, Memphis often comes to mind. But Nashville is quickly growing in popularity for BBQ lovers. And it’s clear why. Nashville has some of the best BBQ across the country.

What kind of BBQ does Nashville specialize in? What’s unique about Nashville BBQ is that it comes in all shapes and sizes. You can get Tennessee pork shoulder, Texas Brisket, or St. Louis style ribs. Take your pick. It’s bound to be delicious.

Take a stroll through downtown Nashville and you’ll have your pick of mouth-watering BBQ joints. Jack’s on Broadway Street is a popular option – known for Tennessee pork shoulder. And of course, all the delicious sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans.

Martin’s is another top pick in downtown Nashville. In addition to amazing BBQ, you’ll be treated to live music, games, and a beer garden with picnic tables. It’s a popular place for both locals and tourists alike. And given the four whole hog pits dedicated to all the flavorful meats, we can see why. One thing that sets this place apart is the ability to order any of the meats on a corn cake Redneck Taco. It’s a must try!

Peg Leg Porker is the new kid on the block. They opened in 2013, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a run at best BBQ in Nashville. Located in the Gulch area of Nashville, you’ll have the opportunity to dine in what they call the “Pig Pen”. Peg Leg Porker uses a low and slow approach with a Memphis style sauce. And while you’re here, try the Memphis sushi for a fun experience. Don’t worry – this sushi is made from sausage, cheese, and saltines. And you can even top it off with a Kool Aid Pickle.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Kansas City, MO

By Katie from Katie B Traveling

A stop in Kansas City is not complete without BBQ. Kansas City is best known for its slow smoked meat with a dry rub and is perfectly paired with KC BBQ sauce which is a thick and sweet BBQ sauce. KC is home to so many amazing restaurants, each known for a different dish. The best thing to do is put together a tour of them all.

Joe’s KC (formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s) is one of the most unique BBQ experiences you can get. The main restaurant is actually a gas station, yes – still functioning, with a convenience store attached selling local BBQ accessories. Joe’s KC was listed 13th on Anthony Bourdain’s Places You Need to Eat Before You Die. You can also find KC BBQ highlighted in season 2 of Queer Eye with Jones Sisters BBQ. Take it from me a KC local, you must try the Z Man or Burnt Ends. A Z Man is a brisket, provolone and crispy onion ring sandwich exclusive to Joe’s. It is a signature and can even be found getting shout outs from late night TV hosts as their favorite thing about KC.

Q39 has taken KC bbq and stepped up on the dining style. While they still offer easy pick up ordering options, Q39 is one of the few table service bbq establishments you can find in KC. Try the BBQ Chicken Wings or the Pulled Pork Sandwich with apple slaw.

Go to Jack Stack for burnt ends and cheesy corn. There is nothing quite like Jack Stack’s cheesy corn to go with your BBQ. The sauce is a little bit thinner than Joe’s or Q39’s but this is a classic KC stop.

If you want to start a heated conversation with a local, just ask who has the best bbq- you won’t get one agreed upon answer. My perfect BBQ tour would start at Q39 for appetizers, mains from Joe’s and sides from Jack Stack. One place isn’t better than the other- they are all amazing in their own way!

Best BBQ Cities in America – St. Louis, MO

Photo from Pappy’s Smokehouse by @schrommdotcom

Written by Stephanie from Oklahoma Wonders

While Kansas City might be more famous than St. Louis when it comes to barbecue, don’t tell that to people in St. Louis! While KC bbq features a wide array of meats, St. Louis barbecue usually refers specifically to spare ribs. These seriously delicious, decadent, smoked spare ribs are tomatoey and acidic and are known world-wide as St. Louis ribs. And boy, do not miss them!

If you’d rather go for a steak than ribs, you can choose to eat your local St. Louis protein in steak form. The city is also famous for its BBQ pork steak, which comes with lots of sauce and tons of flavor for an easy-on-the-wallet price.

Pappy’s Smokehouse and Smokin Al’s BBQ are both locally beloved and award-winning, so you know you’re in good hands at either joint. Bogart’s Smokehouse is my personal favorite and is also widely heralded as some of the best meat in the Lou.

When enjoying barbeque in St. Louis, don’t be afraid to opt for a rib sandwich. Besides your ribs, you’ll get loaded up with sides like potato salad, beans, and corn on the cob. If you try to leave hungry, you’ll find they simply won’t allow it!

Travelers have been delighting in St. Louis bbq spots for decades, as the city is one of the major cities on Route 66, inspiring thousands of visitors to carry the spirit of St. Louis barbecue with them back to far corners of the globe.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Oklahoma City, OK

By Stephanie from Oklahoma Wonders

Oklahoma City often gets overlooked in favor of Texan and Kansas City barbecue. In reality the same historical trails, the Chisholm trail and other cattle trails, are the reason all of the cities earned their BBQ stripes. Because the traditions are intertwined, folks familiar with Texas or KC barbecue will feel right at home ordering ribs or pulled pork at any OKC barbecue joint. In fact the easiest way to describe Oklahoma barbecue is to say we use Texas meats with KC sauce. In other words, we get the best of both worlds!

We take a lot of pride in our barbecue, an important part of Oklahoma cuisine. In OKC you can find everything from expensive BBQ restaurants to the dive BBQ joints. If you want to eat a typical meal, head to either Leo’s Barbeque or Clark Crew’s Barbeque. Both restaurants have earned nation-wide recognition as some of the best BBQ in the country.

If you want something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, I’d be remiss not to at least mention Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. While it is technically a steakhouse, you’ll get to try Oklahoma meats and sauces, and this restaurant was listed in the international bestseller 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die. If you’ll only be in the city once, it’s practically a sin to miss out.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Charleston, SC

South Carolina is known for whole hog BBQ and mustard based sauces. While the whole hog isn’t cooked everywhere, pork is still the most common type of ‘cue you will find in the state. BBQ is a staple in Charleston with places serving the more traditional Carolina fare and others bringing in regional favorites.

Lewis BBQ is one of my favorite BBQ spots not only in Charleston, but in the entire Southeast. John Lewis hails from Texas where he grew up close to the Mexican border. His counter service place has the best Texas style meats and a wide selection of sides.  The brisket and pulled pork were both delicious, but the pulled pork was my favorite. Perhaps Lewis’ love of Mexican flavors influenced the creation of his green corn chile pudding side. It is the perfect consistency between a corn bread and a pudding and the flavor was spectacular.

For a slightly more upscale, nicely decorated BBQ joint try Poogan’s Smokehouse. Can’t decide what to order? Then go with the Four Porksmen. With pork, sausage, bacon and ribs, as Sasha Eats says the sandwich has it all and he would definitely order it again!

If you are searching for more traditional whole hog BBQ head to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. As mentioned above this form of bbqing isn’t as common in the state anymore. Rodney Scott keeps the tradition alive. I don’t need to say you have to order the pork, right? As for sides you can’t go wrong, but try the hushpuppies. They are one of my favorites sides, but I can rarely find them outside of the Southeast.

When deciding what to do in Charleston, definitely add these BBQ places to your list!

Best BBQ Cities in America – Asheville, NC

By Carrie from Trains Planes & Tuk Tuks 

Asheville, NC has a legendary barbecue scene specializing in Carolina-style pork with tangy vinegar sauce. You can always find brisket and chicken on the menus, but they’re usually second-rate compared to the pulled pork and ribs. As a local, I’ve tried the barbecue at more than a dozen places. But three easily rise to the top.

First, Buxton Hall BBQ leans into Eastern Carolina-style, whole-hog pork. The meat is tender and juicy, and especially flavorful with the vinegar sauce. When it comes to sides, the collards are the best in Asheville (actually, they’re the best collards I’ve ever had). The restaurant is also famous for its fried chicken sandwich with Alabama-style “white” barbecue sauce.

Next is Luella’s Barbecue. This place has it all — smoked chicken, pulled pork, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, brisket, wings, and even vegetarian barbecue options. The hush puppies, Mac & Hoop Cheese and spicy vinegar slaw are out of this world. Other BBQ spots in Asheville are better at their specialties, but Luella’s is the best all-around.

Finally, the #1 barbecue restaurant in Asheville is 12 Bones. This counter-service restaurant routinely has lines stretching all the way to the road — the pulled pork and ribs are just that good. The sauces seal the deal, with the blueberry chipotle and SC-style mustard sauces rising to the top. Don’t miss the jalapeño cheese grits. Its funky location in the River Arts District, next to Wedge Brewing, and across from Summit Coffee adds to the appeal.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Atlanta, GA

Unlike many of the other top BBQ cities in the country Atlanta doesn’t have a unique BBQ style. That doesn’t mean you can’t get some seriously good barbecue in the city though. You can find a wide range of places with styles pulling from Texas, South Carolina and the other barbecue hot spots. Many places have even created their own style.

Heirloom BBQ for example mixes traditional ‘cue with an Asian twist. Their brisket is one of my favorites in the city and the Korean sweet potato side is a delicious mix of a classic southern dish with that Asian flavor. The small restaurant is located in the northern part of the city near the Cochran Shoals Chattahoochee River hikes. It’s the perfect meal after a long hike.

Wood’s Chapel BBQ in Summerhill smokes some delicious meats and makes the tastiest sides. I’m always a sucker for cornbread, but Wood’s Chapel has to bake one of the best melt in your mouth cornbreads. The most popular in the city and for good reason is Fox Bros BBQ. The brothers who own this acclaimed BBQ place hail from Texas and smoke their meats the Texas way. They have even been featured on Diners, Drive Ins & Dives.

It’s hard to choose only three because thankfully I haven’t ate any mediocre BBQ as Atlanta really is one of the top BBQ cities. See my full guide to BBQ places in Atlanta for more suggestions. Atlanta isn’t just known for BBQ, they have a great food scene in general with casual restaurants of every cuisine.

Best BBQ Cities in America – Mesa, AZ

By Nicole from Bucket List Lists 

If you are looking for the best BBQ cities in America, look no further than Mesa, Arizona. This probably seems like an unlikely destination to find BBQ, or even amazing BBQ at that, but read on.

Jalapeño Bucks is a roadside BBQ joint right off the highway in Mesa, Arizona and serves up some of the best BBQ in all of America. You can get pretty much anything. All the meats and sides are prepared fresh daily, including more than four salsas to choose from for your chips.

Jalapeño Bucks is the type of place you question before going but once you are there, you know it is going to change your life. You will forever recommend this spot to people and find yourself looking for new ways to get back.

The absolute, hands down, best item on the menu is a peanut butter and grape jelly brisket sandwich. It is ok to question this, everyone does and no one thinks it will be good. Once tasting it, you will never be able to eat brisket the same way ever again! The peanut butter melts perfectly between the slices of brisket bringing a creamy nutty flavor and the grape jelly adds the hint of sweetness. The combination will blow your mind.

If you are checking things off your Arizona bucket list – make sure a stop at Jalapeño Bucks is on the list!

Best BBQ Cities in America – Little Rock, AR

By Karen from Somewhere Down South

Arkansas is an unheralded but excellent barbecue state. In fact, one of the premiere barbecue joints in the country is located in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is a two table place that sells one thing and one thing only – pork barbecue. They do it so well that Mr. Jones has won the prestigious James Beard award in the America’s Classics category.

Arkansas tends to be a bit of a “border” state. There is a preference for pork barbecue but you will also often find beef on the menu. The sauce in the area is not the heavy and sweet sauce of Kansas or the mustard and vinegar of the Carolinas. It is something in between and is delicious. A little bit sweet, a little bit vinegary, and a little bit spicy. Do note that in this area you will be served coleslaw on top of your barbecue sandwich unless you request otherwise. The capitol city of Little Rock has some wonderful barbecue restaurants.

Whole Hog Cafe is one of the best known. The owners say that it was a “hobby that got out of hand,” and they have won several national championships on the barbecue competition circuit. HB’s Bar-B-Q is the very definition of a “hole in the wall.” With a tiny restaurant and the smoker right out back HB’s is a local’s favorite that most people from out of town would never know about. If pressed most folks from Little Rock would probably say that Sims Bar-B-Que is their favorite. Sims has been around since 1937 and their Barbecue is true smoky perfection. The sauce is slightly thin and tangy with just enough sweetness. The sides at Sims, especially the coleslaw, are excellent and the perfect match to their Q.

You will definitely want to try some barbecue if you visit Little Rock!

Now that you know where the best barbecue cities in America are, which city are you heading to first?  

More USA Posts

• Georgia
• Illinois
• Lousiana
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New York
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin
• USA GENERAL: Places to Learn About Black History, The Best History Museums in the US, The Best Art Museums in the USA

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