The best barbecue joint in every state, according to Yelp
Erin McDowell,Gabbi Shaw
- Kansas City and Texas may be the best-known places in the country for their barbecue.
- However, great barbecue can be found in every state.
ALABAMA: Saw's Soul Kitchen in Birmingham
"This was one of the best lunches I've ever had, no doubt. I was traveling with my oldest son and we found a spot at the bar around 2 pm. It was a Friday afternoon and it was full, but we didn't have to wait. We had more food than we should have and it was all amazing. My favorite was the pork rinds, they were perfect. My son had this amazing pimiento cheese and I had barbecue with white sauce. All of it was perfect," wrote Yelp user Steven P.
ALASKA: Big Daddy's BarB-Q in Fairbanks
"Every single bite I had was perfection. Juicy smoky meaty perfection. The prices were reasonable the service was great it was clean and I cannot wait to go back! Keep up the great work guys," wrote Yelp user Ash N.
ARIZONA: Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix
"Nobody likes to admit the hype is real. I'm nobody, and the hype is real. Little Miss brings the flavors every time I go … The food is great, [smoky], rich, indulgent and the atmosphere is exactly what you'd hope for," wrote Yelp user Citali A.
ARKANSAS: Nick's Bar-B-Q & Catfish in Carlisle
"Excellent food! Onion rings are awesome. The fish and BBQ were both superb! Queso and salsa were both amazing," wrote Yelp user Shan D.
CALIFORNIA: Calhoun's Texas Barbeque in Murrieta
"Great Quality! I've eaten here many times and the food has always been wonderful. I highly suggest ordering ahead as they often sell out. I love their pulled pork sandwiches as well as their ribs. The family is super kind and welcoming! I highly recommend this restaurant," wrote Yelp user Will O.
COLORADO: Yazoo BBQ Company in Denver
"Yazoo brings the best Southern BBQ to Denver. As a Southerner myself, and a true student of barbecue, I rarely eat ribs at restaurants — my ribs are better. HOWEVER, Yazoo is the overwhelming exception. I get the ribs every time. The 'Bobs' are also fantastic. If you see something on the menu that you don't know what it is, get it — it'll be awesome! I would recommend this place to anyone at any time. I have not had better barbecue anywhere," wrote Yelp user David M.
CONNECTICUT: Smokin' With Chris in Southington
"Always a good time with delicious food. The place is very clean, the staff is very friendly and the food is out of this world! A lot of gluten-free options as well which is a huge plus," wrote Yelp user Katelyn K.
DELAWARE: Russell's Quality Food in Wilmington
"Awesome food awesome owner. It really does not get much better than this," wrote Yelp user Dan L.
WASHINGTON, DC: Federalist Pig
"Federalist Pig was a surprise to me! Only in the South or in some nook and cranny you can get good BBQ, I thought and this one delivers," wrote Yelp user JC R.
FLORIDA: Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa in Orlando
"I love bringing my family here when they're in town visiting but I could literally eat here every day. The beans and rice alone have me in a chokehold. The staff is awesome, good vibes," wrote Yelp user Kelsey G.
GEORGIA: Southern Soul Barbeque in Saint Simons Island
"Excellent barbecue, brisket is so tender and flavored, service was like a well run ship — those women could multitask without missing a beat, the ambiance is rustic in an old garage — they obviously have it down to a science and take pride in their cooking," wrote Yelp user Anna C.
HAWAII: Fat Daddy's Smokehouse Barbecue in Kihei
"Absolutely delish!! Super tender brisket and the chicken was beyond good! We loved the potato salad and cornbread! Would recommend it 100%! Other reviews have complained that they run out of stuff. Well, duh! It's cooked fresh and they don't want to waste! Go early," wrote Yelp user Beth T.
IDAHO: BBQ4LIFE in Boise
"Just arrived in Boise and noticed this place on the way to my hotel. Stopped by and picked up a pulled pork sandwich and fries. I'm glad I did because the sandwich was very good and hearty! I'm going to remember this place when I come back," wrote Yelp user Lenny L.
ILLINOIS: Smoque BBQ in Chicago
"Simply the best BBQ in Chicago! Absolutely delicious options at Smoque if you are looking for authentic smokey goodness. On the latest trip, we had their brisket platter which is hands down their best meat. Literally melt-in-your-mouth with the perfect amount of smoke flavor. For sides, we had the coleslaw which had a unique sweet vinegar taste, cornbread, and Mac and Cheese. All were cleaned up. To top off, the service here was amazing — super friendly and very attentive. They seated us, offered more BBQ sauce, and gave us candied jalapeños as a bonus.," wrote Yelp user Rob G.
INDIANA: Big Hoffa's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in Westfield
"Finally went here after many months of hearing about it for lunch with my son and they delivered! We were properly served. My son had the ribs, and I had the brisket sandwich. Both were incredibly tasty and tender. I also have the beans and coleslaw, which were very tasty as well. The only slight thought I would find is that the spicy barbecue sauce was not very spicy for our Southern California taste buds," wrote Yelp user Tim C.
IOWA: Boxer BBQ in Council Bluffs
"If you need a barbecue fix, this is the place to come! With recipes that are simply some of the best that I've had from cornbread to smoked prime rib you just cannot go wrong," wrote Yelp user Hillary P.
KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City
"It's weeks later, and I'm back home now, in California, but if I close my eyes and imagine a deep breath, I can still smell the wonderfully rich and smoky aroma of Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. I'm starting to salivate! I might just have to get some FedEx'd to me," wrote Yelp user James G.
KENTUCKY: Feast BBQ in Louisville
"Feast BBQ is a fantastic BBQ restaurant located in downtown Louisville. I recently had the pleasure of trying their 10-piece wings, which were absolutely delicious. The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. In addition to the great food, the service was also top-notch. The guy who took my order was friendly and helped recommend many good items when I was having trouble deciding what to get. Overall, I highly recommend Feast BBQ for anyone looking for great BBQ in Louisville," wrote Yelp user Matt W.
LOUISIANA: The Joint in New Orleans
"We love stopping at The Joint! Whenever we are in New Orleans we make a point to stop in for the awesome BBQ. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It's a great place for kids also. We had the ribs, brisket, and chicken this trip. We will definitely be back," wrote Yelp user Nancy S.
MAINE: Riverfront Barbeque & Grille in Augusta
"I eat here a lot! Working in close vicinity to Riverfront BBQ, I have had just about everything on their menu. From the jerk chicken sandwich to the veggie risotto, and buffalo wings. Riverfront delivers tasty, fresh, consistent BBQ which is a refreshing change of pace considering this is New England and it's downtown in Maine's [capital] city," wrote Yelp user Desi-Rae S.
MARYLAND: Lefty's Barbecue in Waldorf
"Lefty's has always been consistent with their service, food, and prices. It's just good BBQ and soul food. I actually miss dining in. My usual: catfish (fried) and/or whiting (fire-grilled), macaroni and cheese, sweet potato souffle, fried garlic cabbage, collard greens, and banana pudding," wrote Yelp user Toya D.
MASSACHUSETTS: B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge
"This place is amazing. Probably the best BBQ I have had since my time visiting the south. There was a long wait that didn't let up when we visited. Their condiments included pickled onions, pickled carrots, and jalapeños (which was definitely different than your traditional BBQ place). B.T. is BYOB which is convenient because it is near a really good brewery. This place doesn't skimp on portions. The brisket was so tender and there was a multitude of sauces to choose from. The mac and cheese was very creamy. The cornbread was tasty as well. I will definitely be back," wrote Yelp user Payal P.
MICHIGAN: Red Rock Downtown Barbecue in Ypsilanti
"Do yourself a favor and get the pulled pork. It's DELICIOUS. The fries are pretty spectacular too. The portions are a good size. No complaints," wrote Yelp user Mallory R.
MINNESOTA: Animales Barbeque in Minneapolis.
"We waited in line for 40 minutes at Bauhaus Brewery. While waiting, they sold out of a bunch of stuff. But even ordering leftovers was still delicious. Very impressed by everything we had. I definitely want to go back! And the brewery was a cool spot too," wrote Yelp user Dale G.
MISSISSIPPI: Memphis Barbecue in Horn Lake
"Came here with a group of guys and the bartender recommended the World Champion platter! We got ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and chicken plus three large sides (bbq spaghetti, mac and cheese, and potato salad) and cornbread. I went back for seconds and thirds and we still did not finish it all. Everything was really tasty and I would recommend trying as much as you can," wrote Yelp user Rob H.
MISSOURI: Bogart's Smokehouse in Saint Louis
"Amazing ribs! Best I've ever had in my life and that's saying a lot since I travel to different states and try BBQ from all over. If you're looking for BBQ, Bogarts in the Soulard area of St Louis is the place to go. You won't regret it," wrote Yelp user Brett O.
MONTANA: Riverhouse BBQ & Events in Big Sky
"If you come to Big Sky, Montana, this restaurant is a must!!! It's everything Big Sky and the BBQ is great! The wait can [be] long, but have some drinks at the bar while you wait at this lively restaurant," wrote Yelp user Laura G.
NEBRASKA: Phat Jacks in Lincoln
"Best BBQ in town! A little hard to find but worth the search. The brisket is to die for. Delicious," wrote Yelp user Dina H.
NEVADA: Carolina Kitchen & Barbeque in Sparks
"The sauce and brisket is to die for. This place is like a little piece of southern comfort in the west and they have fried okra!!!" wrote Yelp user Kathleen F.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Smokeshow Barbeque in Concord
"This is the best barbecue we've found since moving to New Hampshire from the south 11 years ago. I love the Goodness sandwich and get it every time. The meat is tender and full of flavor - and they put a lot of meat in the sandwich," wrote Yelp user Mitze B.
NEW JERSEY: Henri's Hotts Barbeque in Hammonton
"We literally drive almost two hours just to eat here and then go home. The fried chicken has got to be the best I've ever had. Ribs are unreal. Brisket is perfection. Sides are fantastic- my husband swears the collard greens taste like he's back in the Carolinas. The desserts are homemade awesomeness. We've eaten everything there is on the menu over the past ten years and never had a bad meal," wrote Yelp user Sandy A.
NEW MEXICO: Mr Powdrell's Barbeque in Albuquerque
"Good Lord, how have I not reviewed Powdrell's?! It is an INSTITUTION in Albuquerque and I've been eating here since I was a child. I have incredible memories of coming to eat as a child with my grandparents. They loved the pork sandwich then and I love it today! Powdrell's is more than one sandwich, though. The brisket is juicy and tender. I also enjoy the pulled chicken sandwich, smothered in their signature sauce. The hot links have a wonderfully smoky flavor as well," wrote Yelp User Scott E.
NEW YORK: Biscuits & Barbeque in Mineola
"Not for the calorie conscious! What looks like a tiny roadside diner was actually a huge hit. Sitting off the beaten path in a converted yet cutely decorated trailer with limited seating (there's outdoor picnic tables during nicer weather), I can understand why this joint [seems] to have a cult following. The classic southern BBQ and Cajun-style cuisine was delicious. They offer everything from fried chicken to po boys to ribs to mac and cheese and beyond... and their fresh biscuits change daily," wrote Yelp user Jennifer R.
NORTH CAROLINA: Big Mikes BBQ in Cary
"Delicious food. The best option is the burnt ends, but they go fast!!! Meats by the pound are fantastic!!! A great place for a carnivore," wrote Yelp user Vincenzo A.
NORTH DAKOTA: Jay's Smokin' BBQ in Fargo
"I love it when we try a restaurant for the first time and it exceeds my expectations. It's rare, but that happened tonight and it was so GREAT," wrote Yelp user Jon M.
OHIO: Midwest Best BBQ & Creamery in Loveland
"I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Amazing wings, amazing BBQ. I've never had anything bad at this restaurant. Definitely my go to BBQ joint near us. Highly recommend!!" wrote Yelp user Byron M.
OKLAHOMA: Iron Star Urban Barbeque in Oklahoma City
"What a cool BBQ experience! It's got upscale atmosphere but it's classic, delicious BBQ. And the prices are very reasonable. We came for a birthday dinner and received a free dessert! Seriously this place is laid back but slightly upscale and a cool take on BBQ," wrote Yelp user Gus O.
OREGON: Matt's BBQ in Portland
"Holy barbecue!! We did it up at Matt's today. Burnt end pork belly, brisket sandwich, queso mac and cheese, coleslaw and pickled cucumber & red onion. The pork belly was SO decadent, totally worth it. Everything was worth it, but the pork belly was truly a treat, a genius treat," wrote Yelp user Camille H.
PENNSYLVANIA: Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse in Philadelphia
"If you like BBQ, then Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse is the place for you. Hell if you have taste buds and aren't a vegetarian, then Sweet Lucy's is the place for you. Everything is great, but the sliced brisket is probably the most tender and incredible tasting I've ever had. It just melts in your mouth and the in-house BBQ sauce is just the right amount of sweet and smoky. [Combined] with their hot-sauce, it's a lethally delicious combination," wrote Yelp user Adam B.
RHODE ISLAND: Flatts Smokehouse in South Kingstown
"Love the food here! BBQ is amazing with a unique menu, plenty of choices and haven't been [...] disappointed yet after dozens of visits. Much more to the place than the unassuming exterior, it's worth a try if you are looking for a case of the 'Meat Sweats!'" wrote Yelp user Bryan A.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Lewis Barbecue in Charleston
"My brother and sister in law were in town this past weekend from Tennessee. When my bro requested BBQ I knew exactly where to meet them: Lewis BBQ. While I had never been either, I have heard rave reviews and seen tons of mouthwatering pictures...and it absolutely lived up to every expectation," wrote Yelp user Erika W.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Big Tom's Diner in Pierre
"Big Tom's is a find! Friendly service, great food cooked to order and you just have to embrace the divey ambience. The hamburger buns baked on-site really set Tom's apart from all the rest — they're great," wrote Yelp user Paul W.
TENNESSEE: The Bar-B-Q Shop in Memphis
"Easily the best BBQ I've ever had in my life. Their housemade sauce is out of this world. BBQ spaghetti sounds weird but [is] delicious. The title of best BBQ in Memphis easily goes to the Bar-B-Q Shop," wrote Yelp user Dave G.
TEXAS: La Barbecue in Austin
"Oh my goodness. Absolutely worth the hype ... Everything was absolutely delicious and SO worth the Texas BBQ hype but please do yourself a huge favor and be sure you get yourself some ribs," wrote Yelp user MJ S.
UTAH: The Smoking Apple in Lindon
"I've lived in Lindon my whole life, and just recently tried The Smoking Apple. Let me tell you, best barbecue in Utah County! Small quiet place. Went here for a business lunch [and] it didn't disappoint. Service was fast for how busy they were. 10/10 recommend," wrote Yelp user River R.
VERMONT: Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington
"Every so often you have a meal that is SO good it makes you want to cry. This is one of those meals. The ribs are butter, the brisket perfection, the chicken juicy and smokey. Run, don't walk," wrote Yelp user Eleanor L.
VIRGINIA: Q Barbeque in Glen Allen
"First time here, and I wonder why I didn't find this place sooner? Absolutely amazing! I had the 2 Meat Dinner and it was just enough food to make me feel satisfied. I recommend the burnt ends and the Potato Salad was terrific. The Ribs were terrific, and the meat falls off the bone," wrote Yelp user Philip E.
WASHINGTON: Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse in Olympia
"One of the few times I give a 5-star review, but this fine eating establishment deserves it. I've dined here [perhaps] a couple dozen times over the past [two to three] years and have always had excellent food. And, the servers are all attentive, friendly and professional," wrote Yelp user Terry M.
WEST VIRGINIA: Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill in Charleston
"This place is amazing! We were driving through and stopped based on Yelp reviews ... I'm glad we did! The fries are excellent ... I highly recommend them. The atmosphere is very much that of a typical barbecue joint, which is very much what we expected. The price is amazing," wrote Yelp user Jen S.
WISCONSIN: Smoke Shack in Milwaukee
"Oh. My. God. I love this place. I was craving BBQ one day and this is one of the only places I know in Milwaukee that serves BBQ so I decided to go over and try it. I've had their pulled pork and brisket and all I can say is that they did not disappoint. They smoke their meats in [house] which provides the perfect flavor and they have a variety of sauces that I quite enjoy," wrote Yelp user Rachel B.
WYOMING: Fat Racks BBQ in Cody
"After a full day of sight-seeing, we decided to try out this new restaurant and we were very impressed. We got a total of the 3 meat combo, loaded nachos and pulled pork sandwich. After reading the reviews of this place, I can definitely see why they are rated so highly. The food was amazing," wrote Yelp user Marionasie 1.
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