50 Must-Try BBQ Restaurants Across The U.S.

Explore the finest BBQ spots across the U.S., each offering a unique taste and ambiance. From the traditions of the South to innovative takes in the North, these BBQ restaurants promise a delightful culinary journey.

1. Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q, Decatur, Alabama

In Alabama, Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q is a legendary institution that has been serving mouthwatering barbecue for decades. Located in Decatur, this place is known for its award-winning sauces and tender meats. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion for barbecue.

2. T’s BBQ Connection, Fairbanks, Alaska

T’s BBQ Connection in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a unique stop for BBQ enthusiasts. This food truck offers a delightful array of smoked meats, often complemented by the stunning Alaskan backdrop. Whether it’s brisket or pulled pork, every dish is crafted with care. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy good food in a breathtaking environment.

3. Joe’s Real BBQ, Gilbert, Arizona

Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert, Arizona, offers a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its classic BBQ offerings, including ribs and brisket, the restaurant draws crowds with its flavorful dishes. The interior reflects a sense of community and tradition, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. Enjoy a hearty meal in a welcoming setting.

4. Wright’s Barbecue, Johnson, Arkansas

Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson, Arkansas, is a cozy spot that brings Southern charm to its flavorful BBQ dishes. Known for its smoked ribs and brisket, this restaurant captures the essence of Arkansas BBQ. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal with friends and family.

5. Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Los Angeles, California

Moo’s Craft Barbecue in Los Angeles, California, offers a modern twist on traditional BBQ. With artisanal smoked meats and vibrant decor, it stands out in the bustling LA food scene. The restaurant is known for its innovation and quality, attracting BBQ lovers from all over the city. It’s an experience not to be missed.

6. GQue BBQ, Westminster, Colorado

GQue BBQ in Westminster, Colorado, is a lively spot offering a delightful combination of smoked meats and craft beers. This restaurant is known for its friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite among BBQ lovers. The menu features a variety of classic BBQ dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

7. Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hartford, Connecticut

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in Hartford, Connecticut, is a bustling place known for its hearty smoked meats. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings make it a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts. From ribs to pulled pork, each dish is crafted with attention to detail, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.

8. Locale BBQ Post, Wilmington, Delaware

Locale BBQ Post in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a quaint spot for BBQ aficionados. Known for its smoked ribs and welcoming community vibe, the restaurant provides a comforting experience. The dishes are prepared with love and expertise, capturing the essence of Delaware’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to savor a delicious meal.

9. Hometown Barbecue, Miami, Florida

Hometown Barbecue in Miami, Florida, brings a vibrant atmosphere to its delicious BBQ offerings. Known for its open grills and lively crowd, it’s a hotspot for BBQ lovers in Miami. The menu features a diverse selection of smoked meats, each prepared with unique flavors that reflect the city’s multicultural vibe.

10. B’s Cracklin’ BBQ, Savannah, Georgia

B’s Cracklin’ BBQ in Savannah, Georgia, offers a traditional BBQ experience with its smoked meats and rustic charm. Known for its rich flavors and Southern hospitality, this restaurant is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is inviting, making it a perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal with loved ones.

11. Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu, Hawaii

Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers a unique take on BBQ with its Hawaiian-style dishes. Known for its tropical decor and island flavors, this drive-in is a favorite among locals and tourists. The menu features a variety of BBQ options, each infused with the vibrant tastes of Hawaii. It’s a culinary adventure worth exploring.

12. Pitmaster BBQ Company, Meridian, Idaho

Pitmaster BBQ Company in Meridian, Idaho, is a family-friendly spot known for its smoked meats and rustic decor. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for BBQ lovers. Each dish is prepared with care, reflecting the authenticity of Idaho’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to enjoy a meal with family.

13. Lem’s Bar-B-Q, Chicago, Illinois

Lem’s Bar-B-Q in Chicago, Illinois, is a classic spot known for its ribs and vibrant urban vibe. The restaurant has been serving delicious BBQ for decades, becoming an integral part of Chicago’s culinary landscape. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

14. Shigs in Pit, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Shigs in Pit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers a cozy atmosphere along with its delicious smoked meats. Known for its friendly service, this restaurant is a beloved spot for BBQ lovers. The menu features a variety of classic BBQ dishes, each prepared with attention to detail. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

15. Smokey D’s BBQ, Des Moines, Iowa

Smokey D’s BBQ in Des Moines, Iowa, is a lively spot known for its smoked meats and friendly crowd. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful BBQ experience. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal and make lasting memories.

16. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, Kansas

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, Kansas, is a bustling spot known for its award-winning ribs. The lively atmosphere and delicious offerings make it a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts. With a menu featuring a variety of smoked meats, Joe’s captures the essence of Kansas City BBQ. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed.

17. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Owensboro, Kentucky

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn in Owensboro, Kentucky, offers a traditional BBQ experience with its smoked mutton and Southern hospitality. Known for its rich flavors and inviting atmosphere, this inn is a favorite among locals and travelers. Each dish is prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the legacy of Kentucky’s BBQ scene.

18. The Joint, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Joint in New Orleans, Louisiana, brings a vibrant BBQ experience with its smoked meats and lively jazz ambiance. Located in the heart of New Orleans, this spot captures the city’s unique vibe. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each infused with local flavors, making it a beloved stop for both locals and tourists.

19. Elsmere BBQ, Portland, Maine

Elsmere BBQ in Portland, Maine, offers a quaint spot for BBQ enthusiasts. Known for its smoked meats and cozy atmosphere, the restaurant provides a comforting experience. Each dish is crafted with love and expertise, capturing the essence of Maine’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to savor a delicious meal.

20. Andy Nelson’s BBQ, Cockeysville, Maryland

Andy Nelson’s BBQ in Cockeysville, Maryland, is a family-run spot known for its smoked meats and rustic charm. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for BBQ lovers. Each dish is prepared with care, reflecting the authenticity of Maryland’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to enjoy a meal with family.

21. B.T.’s Smokehouse, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

B.T.’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, offers a lively atmosphere along with its delicious smoked meats. Known for its friendly service, this restaurant is a beloved spot for BBQ enthusiasts. The menu features a variety of classic BBQ dishes, each prepared with attention to detail. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

22. Slows Bar BQ, Detroit, Michigan

Slows Bar BQ in Detroit, Michigan, offers a trendy atmosphere along with its delicious smoked meats. Known for its urban decor and vibrant crowd, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

23. Animales Barbeque Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota

Animales Barbeque Co. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers a unique BBQ experience with its food truck setting. Known for its smoked meats and lively crowd, this spot captures the essence of Minnesota’s BBQ scene. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a meal on-the-go.

24. Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offers a traditional BBQ experience with its smoked meats and Southern hospitality. Known for its rich flavors and inviting atmosphere, this inn is a favorite among locals and travelers. Each dish is prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the legacy of Mississippi’s BBQ scene.

25. Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis, Missouri

Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, Missouri, is a bustling spot known for its smoked meats and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant offers a lively experience, making it a favorite among BBQ lovers. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful BBQ journey. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

26. The Notorious P.I.G., Missoula, Montana

The Notorious P.I.G. in Missoula, Montana, offers a lively atmosphere with its smoked meats and quirky decor. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

27. Phat Jack’s BBQ, Lincoln, Nebraska

Phat Jack’s BBQ in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a friendly spot known for its smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers a warm experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful BBQ journey. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

28. Jessie Rae’s BBQ, Las Vegas, Nevada

Jessie Rae’s BBQ in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a vibrant atmosphere with its smoked meats and lively ambiance. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

29. KC’s Rib Shack, Manchester, New Hampshire

KC’s Rib Shack in Manchester, New Hampshire, offers a quaint spot for BBQ enthusiasts. Known for its smoked meats and cozy decor, the restaurant provides a comforting experience. Each dish is crafted with love and expertise, capturing the essence of New Hampshire’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to savor a delicious meal.

30. Local Smoke BBQ, Neptune City, New Jersey

Local Smoke BBQ in Neptune City, New Jersey, offers a vibrant atmosphere with its smoked meats and lively crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

31. Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue, Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, offers a scenic experience with its smoked meats and mountain views. Known for its creative flair, this spot captures the essence of New Mexico’s BBQ scene. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a meal with stunning vistas.

32. Hometown Bar-B-Que, Brooklyn, New York

Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn, New York, offers a bustling atmosphere with its smoked meats and urban vibe. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

33. Lexington Barbecue, Lexington, North Carolina

Lexington Barbecue in Lexington, North Carolina, offers a traditional BBQ experience with its smoked meats and Southern charm. Known for its rich flavors and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and travelers. Each dish is prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the legacy of North Carolina’s BBQ scene.

34. Spitfire Bar & Grill, West Fargo, North Dakota

Spitfire Bar & Grill in West Fargo, North Dakota, offers a lively atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly service. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

35. Eli’s BBQ, Cincinnati, Ohio

Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a cozy atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

36. Burn Co. BBQ, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Burn Co. BBQ in Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a bustling atmosphere with its smoked meats and lively crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

37. Podnah’s Pit BBQ, Portland, Oregon

Podnah’s Pit BBQ in Portland, Oregon, offers a rustic atmosphere with its smoked meats and laid-back crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

38. Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

39. Becky’s BBQ, Middletown, Rhode Island

Becky’s BBQ in Middletown, Rhode Island, offers a quaint spot for BBQ enthusiasts. Known for its smoked meats and cozy decor, the restaurant provides a comforting experience. Each dish is crafted with love and expertise, capturing the essence of Rhode Island’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to savor a delicious meal.

40. Southern Soul Barbeque, St. Simons Island, South Carolina

Southern Soul Barbeque in St. Simons Island, South Carolina, offers a lively atmosphere with its smoked meats and Southern charm. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

41. J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT, Summerset, South Dakota

J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT in Summerset, South Dakota, offers a rustic atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

42. Central BBQ, Memphis, Tennessee

Central BBQ in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a bustling atmosphere with its smoked meats and lively crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

43. Franklin Barbecue, Austin, Texas

Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, is a renowned spot known for its smoked meats and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has gained a cult following, attracting BBQ lovers from all over the world. Each dish is prepared with care and precision, reflecting the authenticity of Texas BBQ. It’s an experience that promises a delightful culinary journey.

44. R&R BBQ, Salt Lake City, Utah

R&R BBQ in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a lively atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

45. Bluebird Barbecue, Burlington, Vermont

Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington, Vermont, offers a quaint spot for BBQ enthusiasts. Known for its smoked meats and cozy decor, the restaurant provides a comforting experience. Each dish is crafted with love and expertise, capturing the essence of Vermont’s BBQ scene. It’s a delightful place to savor a delicious meal.

46. The BBQ Exchange, Gordonsville, Virginia

The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia, offers a bustling atmosphere with its smoked meats and vibrant crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

47. Wood Shop BBQ, Seattle, Washington

Wood Shop BBQ in Seattle, Washington, offers a trendy atmosphere with its smoked meats and urban crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

48. Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill, Charleston, West Virginia

Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill in Charleston, West Virginia, offers a lively atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

49. Iron Grate BBQ Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Iron Grate BBQ Co. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a bustling atmosphere with its smoked meats and urban decor. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

50. HQ Southern BBQ, Evansville, Wyoming

HQ Southern BBQ in Evansville, Wyoming, offers a rustic atmosphere with its smoked meats and friendly crowd. Known for its creative flair, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu features a variety of BBQ dishes, each crafted with innovation and quality. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.