The 15 Best Barbecue Joints in America—Is Your State Represented?
Nothing brings people together quite like the irresistible aroma of smoky, slow-cooked barbecue. According to the World Population Review survey, Texas leads the nation with 73% of respondents rating its barbecue as “good,”.
With flavors ranging from sweet and tangy to bold and spicy, barbecue is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. But where can you find the absolute best in the country?
If you’re a die-hard brisket enthusiast or a lover of fall-off-the-bone ribs, these 15 barbecue joints represent the best in America. Is your state ready to claim the crown?
Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
Known globally as the “King of Brisket,” Franklin Barbecue is synonymous with Central Texas barbecue. Franklin Barbecue is synonymous with Central Texas barbecue.
Aaron Franklin’s meticulous methods earned him a James Beard Award, and people line up very early for what many say is the most tender, smoky brisket on earth.
Franklin’s oak-smoked meat has celebrity devotees, including Anthony Bourdain, and has also received attention from a Netflix documentary, which has solidified its legend.
Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, Texas
Tootsie Tomanetz, who is now in her 80s, leads this Texas destination with impressive skill in managing the fires. Even though Snow’s BBQ is open only one day per week, it sells out before noon because of the high demand among Texas BBQ lovers who visit from every part of the state for the famous pork steaks and brisket.
Restaurant doors open at 8:00 AM, and by the time lunch arrives, everything may be sold out, resulting in long lines, even as early as the previous evening. Snow’s BBQ was voted the Best BBQ Joint in Texas in 2022 and offers big, warm flavors in an at-home atmosphere.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
Initially, the location was a gas station, but it is now renowned for its Z-Man Sandwich. A combination of brisket, melted provolone, crunchy onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce has become very popular.
Because of its milder sauce and meats smoked with hickory, Joe’s is commonly ranked among the country’s top barbecue places. With their burnt ends being as delicious as they are, it might convince you that Kansas City is the right place for barbecue.
Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
The tradition of slow-smoked food at Central BBQ dates back to 2002, making it a renowned establishment throughout Memphis. The ribs are rubbed with spices, slowly smoked over hickory and pecan wood, and briefly sauced to get their classic Memphis taste.
Due to their commitment to serving always fresh meat, numerous food shows have highlighted Central BBQ, earning them many loyal customers.
Skylight Inn – Ayden, North Carolina
Skylight Inn, or Pete Jones BBQ, has been the favorite spot for vinegar sauce fans in North Carolina ever since it opened in 1947. Their barbecue is best known for whole-hog cooking, and the meal is finished by adding finely chopped pork and crispy bits of skin. A James Beard award declared Carolina ‘cue as the top barbecue.
Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
Memphis-style ribs smoked at Pappy’s for over 24 hours over sweet apple and cherry woods will make you want more. Despite all the success and appearances on the Travel Channel, their kindness has not faded. Don’t skip the Faygo-braised burnt ends; they’re pure innovation.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, South Carolina
Rodney Scott, a James Beard winner, has raised the standards for whole-hog barbecue by making it simple and refined. Scott achieves the typical taste of Carolina barbecue by using just a few key flavorings, including smoke, vinegar, and spices.
The Charleston original has expanded to additional cities, but the restaurant’s warmth remains intact.
Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
There’s no reason to think that you can’t find a great barbecue in New York City. The creative twist at Hometown Bar-B-Que turns away all those who had doubts about its success. You can order slow-roasted brisket together with jerk baby back ribs and Vietnamese chicken wings.
Every dish you try is unique, featuring modern ideas and prepared with great care. You’ll find a perfect mix of American and Asian barbecue here.
The Salt Lick – Driftwood, Texas
Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, The Salt Lick is renowned for its delicious barbecue and stunning landscapes. You can enjoy family-style, all-you-can-eat food here, which comes with brisket, sausage, and ribs seasoned with their special mustard sauce.
The rustic setting and the use of wood-fired pits make this place ideal for anyone wanting a real Georgia dining experience, plus pecan cobbler.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
Since it opened in 1925, this is the place to call for delicious Alabama barbecue. White barbecue sauce made Big Bob Gibson’s restaurant famous, and their chicken tastes full of smokiness with a hint of tang. With multiple World BBQ Championships under its belt, there’s no question this joint serves some of the South’s finest.
12 Bones Smokehouse – Asheville, North Carolina
Many people love 12 Bones, and both locals and visitors enjoy the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and unforgettable blueberry-chipotle ribs. During his time in office, President Obama frequently visited Asheville, which helped establish the city’s reputation as a destination.
Using fresh ingredients and creative touches, such as jalapeño cheese grits, makes this place stand out.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – Kansas City, Missouri
Arthur Bryant’s has been the Kansas City barbecue standard for almost a century. Most people know it for its thick, delicious sauce, and it’s an ode to the gods of barbecue.
Enthusiasts for this restaurant include presidents such as Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama, as well as locals who consider the simple brisket sandwiches nearly unbeatable.
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro is famous for its mutton barbecue, and Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn gets the most praise. Their slow-cooked mutton is flavored with a Worcestershire-like “dip” that’s deeply earthy and satisfying. At this local eatery, you can taste the less-recognized version of Kentucky barbecue.
4 Rivers Smokehouse – Winter Park, Florida
Thanks to his hard work and mastery, barbecue has taken off in Florida! With its tender ribs that fall off the bone, specially crafted brisket, and delicious sides, 4 Rivers has become a favorite spot. Oh, and don’t forget to try the excellent bread pudding—it’s a must-have before you go!
Sam Jones BBQ – Winterville, North Carolina
Whole hog is a cherished tradition that Sam Jones lovingly preserves and promotes in Eastern North Carolina. With its tangy vinegar sauces, the delightful flavor of the pork truly shines through. Balancing a modern aesthetic with deep family traditions, it creates a wonderful blend of old and new that is sure to be appreciated.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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