BBQ lovers, get ready for a smoky, saucy, and finger-licking journey across America! From the legendary brisket joints of Texas to the vinegar-based wonders of North Carolina, we’ve mapped out the best BBQ restaurants in every state.
So whether you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a new bucket list BBQ spot, here’s where you’ll find the best smoked meat in the USA.
🏆 The Best BBQ Spots by Region
🔥 The BBQ Giants: Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, & The Carolinas
📍 Texas – Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)
- Known for: Legendary beef brisket (sells out daily)
- Pro Tip: Get in line early—people camp out for this BBQ!
📍 Missouri – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, MO)
- Known for: Burnt ends & Z-Man sandwich
- Pro Tip: Order extra sauce—this is Kansas City BBQ at its finest.
📍 Tennessee – Central BBQ (Memphis, TN)
- Known for: Dry-rubbed ribs & pulled pork
- Pro Tip: Get the half-rack—you’ll still need a nap afterward.
📍 North Carolina – Skylight Inn BBQ (Ayden, NC)
- Known for: Whole-hog BBQ with a perfect vinegar-based sauce
- Pro Tip: Skip the plate, get a sandwich—trust us.
📍 South Carolina – Lewis Barbecue (Charleston, SC)
- Known for: Texas-style brisket with a Carolina twist
- Pro Tip: Try the green chile corn pudding—unexpected but life-changing.
🌽 Midwest BBQ – Pork, Smoke, and Surprising Flavors
📍 Illinois – Lem’s Bar-B-Q (Chicago, IL)
- Known for: Rib tips & hot links
- Pro Tip: Cash only! (But worth it.)
📍 Iowa – Smokey D’s BBQ (Des Moines, IA)
- Known for: Award-winning smoked pork & BBQ nachos
- Pro Tip: Perfect balance of sweet & smoky flavors.
📍 Wisconsin – Speed Queen Bar-B-Q (Milwaukee, WI)
- Known for: Beef ribs & chopped BBQ sandwiches
- Pro Tip: Their signature sauce is a must-try!
🌵 The Southwest – Spicy, Bold, & Unexpected BBQ Twists
📍 Arizona – Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ)
- Known for: Central Texas-style brisket
- Pro Tip: The pecan-smoked meat melts in your mouth!
📍 New Mexico – Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue (Cloudcroft, NM)
- Known for: Mesquite-smoked brisket & sausage
- Pro Tip: They sell out daily—get there early!
📍 Nevada – Jessie Rae’s BBQ (Las Vegas, NV)
- Known for: Famous “God Sauce” on ribs
- Pro Tip: Perfect BBQ stop before hitting the Strip.
🌴 West Coast – Where BBQ Meets Innovation
📍 California – Phil’s BBQ (San Diego, CA)
- Known for: BBQ tri-tip & giant beef ribs
- Pro Tip: The BBQ sauce is dangerously addictive.
📍 Oregon – Podnah’s Pit (Portland, OR)
- Known for: Slow-smoked brisket & pork shoulder
- Pro Tip: Perfect balance of Texas-style smokiness & Oregon craft.
📍 Washington – Wood Shop BBQ (Seattle, WA)
- Known for: Brisket & smoked chicken
- Pro Tip: Great beer pairings with local brews!
🌽 The South – Home of Slow-Cooked Perfection
📍 Georgia – Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta, GA)
- Known for: Smoked brisket & pulled pork
- Pro Tip: Try the “Tomminator” – tater tots covered in BBQ!
📍 Florida – The Bearded Pig (Jacksonville, FL)
- Known for: St. Louis-style ribs & brisket
- Pro Tip: The best BBQ in Florida—hands down!
📍 Louisiana – The Joint (New Orleans, LA)
- Known for: Smoked pork ribs & brisket
- Pro Tip: Pairs perfectly with a cold beer in the Big Easy!
🏔️ New England & The Northeast – Where BBQ is the Underdog
📍 New York – Hometown Bar-B-Que (Brooklyn, NY)
- Known for: Beef ribs & smoked turkey
- Pro Tip: The perfect mix of Texas & NY attitude.
📍 Massachusetts – Sweet Cheeks Q (Boston, MA)
- Known for: Buttermilk fried chicken & Texas-style brisket
- Pro Tip: Their biscuits are legendary!
📍 Maine – Wilson’s BBQ (Portland, ME)
- Known for: Pulled pork & hickory-smoked ribs
- Pro Tip: Surprisingly good BBQ from the lobster capital!
🔥 Plan Your BBQ Road Trip Now!
If you’re a BBQ lover, visiting these legendary BBQ joints should be on your bucket list. Whether you’re into smoky brisket, saucy ribs, or whole-hog pork, America has something for every BBQ craving.