22 Best BBQ Joints In The South, According To The Pros

Barbecue in the South isn’t just food—it’s tradition, pride, and a whole lot of smoky passion. Whether it’s pulled pork in North Carolina, brisket in Texas, or ribs in Memphis, every pitmaster has their own secret method and loyal following. We rounded up 22 BBQ joints across the South that consistently earn high praise from chefs, critics, and barbecue purists alike.

1. Franklin Barbecue – Austin, TX

The gold standard of Texas brisket. People wait hours for Aaron Franklin’s perfectly smoked beef—and they say it’s worth every minute. Known for its balance of flavors and tender texture, Franklin Barbecue in Austin, TX, is a testament to patience and skill. The line forms early, with BBQ enthusiasts eager to savor the rich, smoky layers of brisket.

Each bite transports you to a place where time slows, and culinary excellence reigns. As the brisket melts in your mouth, you appreciate the mastery that has made Franklin’s a household name. Legendary, indeed.

2. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, AL

Home of the legendary white sauce and award-winning smoked chicken, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL, is a staple of Alabama barbecue history. The white sauce brings a unique tang to the tender chicken, a combination that has won over hearts and taste buds alike.

Founded in 1925, this establishment carries a rich history, blending tradition with innovation in every dish. The smokehouse aroma, coupled with vibrant Southern hospitality, creates an atmosphere that feels like home—warm and welcoming. This BBQ joint is a living piece of history, cherished by all who visit.

3. The Skylight Inn – Ayden, NC

In Eastern North Carolina, The Skylight Inn in Ayden offers whole-hog BBQ chopped and seasoned the traditional way. Here, simplicity meets perfection, where every detail is attended to with care.

The pitmaster’s dedication to craft shines through in the rich, savory flavors that have defined Carolina barbecue for decades. The no-frills setup places the focus squarely on the food, enticing locals and tourists alike. Eating at The Skylight Inn is more than a meal; it’s a rite of passage into the heart of Southern tradition, where every bite speaks volumes.

4. Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, SC

James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott serves up whole-hog barbecue in Charleston, SC, with bold flavor and Southern soul. Known for his infectious passion and storytelling, Rodney’s BBQ is a celebration of heritage and innovation.

Each plate tells a story, with flavors that dance across your palate—smoky, savory, and robust. The vibrant atmosphere invites you to stay awhile, savoring not just the food but the experience of being part of something extraordinary. Rodney Scott’s BBQ is more than a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of tradition.

5. Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, TX

Open only on Saturdays, Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, TX, has become a barbecue pilgrimage. Thanks to pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz and her old-school methods, this tiny spot holds profound appeal.

The atmosphere is electric as patrons gather, lured by the promise of exceptional barbecue. Tootsie’s expertise shines through in every bite, a testament to decades of dedication and love for the craft. Eating at Snow’s is an experience—a reminder of the simplicity and authenticity that define great barbecue. It’s a place where memories are made, one smoky bite at a time.

6. Central BBQ – Memphis, TN

Central BBQ in Memphis, TN, is renowned for its dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sauces. The rich, smoky aroma welcomes you, setting the stage for a dining experience filled with flavor and warmth.

Locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the tender, succulent meats paired with unique sauces that enhance every bite. The vibrant setting, filled with laughter and shared stories, makes each visit memorable. Central BBQ stands as a testament to the soul of Memphis, where barbecue is more than food; it’s a way of life.

7. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Atlanta, GA

In Atlanta, GA, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q combines Texan roots with Georgia flair, creating a unique BBQ experience. Known for their brisket, brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox have crafted a menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

The fusion of flavors reflects their journey, blending bold Texas tastes with the warmth of Southern hospitality. The lively setting, filled with friends and families, is a testament to the sense of community they’ve built. Fox Bros. offers more than just food; it’s a place where stories are shared and memories created, one bite at a time.

8. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, KS

Technically in Kansas, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que finds love across the South. Famous for its ribs and the Z-Man sandwich, this joint draws barbecue lovers from near and far.

The aroma of smoked meat fills the air, a prelude to the feast that awaits. Each dish is crafted with precision, offering a richness that lingers long after the meal is over. The vibrant atmosphere, brimming with laughter and chatter, makes every visit a celebration of flavor. At Joe’s, barbecue is an art form, shared and savored by all who enter.

9. Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa, AL

Known for their perfectly charred ribs and signature sauce, Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa, AL, promises a dining experience like no other. The savory aromas welcome you, inviting you to indulge in barbecue heaven.

The rustic charm of the setting, combined with the vibrant energy of patrons, creates an atmosphere that feels both familiar and extraordinary. Each bite of the tender, flavorful ribs is a testament to the passion and dedication of those who craft them. Dreamland is a place where tradition meets innovation, and every meal is a celebration of Southern barbecue.

10. Hite’s Bar-B-Que – West Columbia, SC

A South Carolina gem, Hite’s Bar-B-Que in West Columbia is beloved for its mustard-based sauce and time-honored pit techniques. The tangy, rich flavors are a hallmark of the region, drawing enthusiasts eager to experience authentic South Carolina barbecue.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the aroma of smoked meat enveloping you in comfort. The skilled pitmasters pour their hearts into every dish, creating a dining experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. Hite’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a journey into the heart of Southern tradition.

11. Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, TX

A Texas institution, Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor is famed for its pepper-crusted brisket and smoky sausage. The rich, bold flavors are a testament to decades of tradition and passion for the craft.

The rustic setting, filled with the chatter of satisfied diners, creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and vibrant. The pitmasters’ dedication to excellence is evident in every bite, offering a taste of Texas that lingers long after the meal. Louie Mueller Barbecue stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Texas barbecue, cherished by all who visit.

12. Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Memphis, TN

Famous for chopped pork sandwiches piled with tangy mustard slaw, Payne’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis, TN, is a must-visit for barbecue aficionados. The rich flavors and vibrant local vibe create a dining experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.

The bustling kitchen, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, sets the stage for a culinary adventure. Each bite of the tender pork, perfectly complemented by the slaw, offers a taste of Memphis that is both satisfying and memorable. Payne’s is where tradition meets passion, a testament to the city’s rich barbecue legacy.

13. Scott’s Bar-B-Q – Hemingway, SC

This no-frills roadside stop, Scott’s Bar-B-Q in Hemingway, SC, serves classic wood-cooked whole hog that defines Carolina barbecue. Simplicity and authenticity are at the heart of every dish, crafted with care and precision.

The skilled pitmaster, a guardian of tradition, pours decades of experience into each bite, creating a flavor that is both rich and satisfying. The sense of community around the BBQ, where stories are shared and memories made, adds to the charm. Scott’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Southern heritage and culinary excellence.

14. Archibald’s – Northport, AL

A tiny brick shack, Archibald’s in Northport, AL, has been turning out deeply smoked, tender ribs since the 1960s. The modest setting, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, offers a glimpse into the past, where simplicity reigns.

The rich, savory flavors of the ribs, crafted with precision and care, are a testament to the skill of the pitmasters. Each bite transports you to a place where tradition and flavor meet, creating a dining experience that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Archibald’s is a cherished piece of Southern history, celebrated by all who come.

15. B’s Barbecue – Greenville, NC

One of the last-standing, wood-only joints in the state, B’s Barbecue in Greenville, NC, is whole hog heaven with a cult following. The rustic charm and simplicity of the setting create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

The rich, smoky aroma invites you to indulge in barbecue crafted with love and precision. The sense of community, where locals gather to share stories and flavors, adds to the allure. B’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Southern barbecue, where tradition and innovation meet.

16. Sam Jones BBQ – Winterville, NC

From the family behind Skylight Inn, Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville, NC, brings tradition with a modern touch. The lively atmosphere, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, invites you to indulge in flavors that are both familiar and exciting.

The skilled pitmaster, a guardian of tradition, blends old and new in every dish, creating a dining experience that is both nostalgic and innovative. Each bite offers a taste of the past, reimagined for the present. Sam Jones BBQ is a celebration of Southern heritage, where tradition and passion unite.

17. Lexington Barbecue – Lexington, NC

Also known as “Honey Monk’s,” Lexington Barbecue in Lexington, NC, is the spot for Western NC-style pork shoulder. The historic charm of the setting, combined with the aroma of smoked meat, creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and vibrant.

The skilled pitmasters, guardians of tradition, pour their hearts into every dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, crafted with love and precision. Lexington Barbecue stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of North Carolina barbecue, cherished by all who visit.

18. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville, TN

Whole hog smoked daily with house-made sides and sauces, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville, TN, offers a big city spot with small-town soul. The lively setting, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, invites you to indulge in flavors that are both comforting and exciting.

The skilled pitmasters, guardians of tradition, pour their hearts into every dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, reimagined for the present. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is a celebration of Southern heritage, where tradition and passion unite.

19. Peg Leg Porker – Nashville, TN

Award-winning ribs and a vibe as strong as the smoky aroma wafting from the pit define Peg Leg Porker in Nashville, TN. The lively atmosphere, filled with laughter and shared stories, creates a dining experience that is both memorable and exhilarating.

The skilled pitmaster, a guardian of tradition, pours decades of experience into each dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, crafted with love and precision. Peg Leg Porker stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Nashville barbecue, cherished by all who visit.

20. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs, MS

Down-home vibes, live music, and slow-smoked meat keep the Gulf Coast coming back to The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, MS. The lively atmosphere, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, invites you to indulge in flavors that are both comforting and exciting.

The skilled pitmaster, a guardian of tradition, pours their heart into every dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, reimagined for the present. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint is a celebration of Southern heritage, where tradition and passion unite.

21. City Barbeque – Various Southern Locations

A chain with surprising authenticity, City Barbeque across various Southern locations is known for their tender brisket and generous portions. The lively atmosphere, filled with laughter and shared stories, creates a dining experience that is both memorable and exhilarating.

The skilled pitmasters, guardians of tradition, pour their hearts into every dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, reimagined for the present. City Barbeque stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Southern barbecue, cherished by all who visit.

22. Heim Barbecue – Fort Worth, TX

Known for bacon burnt ends and a brisket that’s gained cult status, Heim Barbecue in Fort Worth, TX, is on the rise. The lively atmosphere, filled with the aroma of smoked meat, invites you to indulge in flavors that are both comforting and exciting.

The skilled pitmasters, guardians of tradition, pour their hearts into every dish, crafting flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite offers a taste of the past, reimagined for the present. Heim Barbecue stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Texas barbecue, cherished by all who visit.