Emily Flores
Barbecue has its own fan clubs, secret sauces, and bragging rights that sound suspiciously like sports rivalries. Some people camp out before sunrise just to snag a plate. Others swear they’ve found “the one.” Ready to taste-test America’s smoky classics? Let’s go chase down the best bites.
Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
Imagine waiting hours for lunch only to discover it’s already sold out—that’s Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Aaron Franklin’s soft brisket sets the standard so high that it broke the scale. He’s got a James Beard Award to prove it, but the crowds outside are probably the biggest endorsement. Bring a chair.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
The Z-Man sandwich (brisket layered with cheese and onion rings) defines Joe’s reputation. Consistently ranked as one of the top barbecue spots in the country, it was also singled out by Anthony Bourdain as a place to eat before you die. Housed in a former gas station, the diner still draws loyal cross-state crowds.
Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, Texas
Saturdays in Lexington mean one thing: Snow’s. This humble spot was crowned #1 by Texas Monthly in 2008, catapulting pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz into the spotlight. As a James Beard semifinalist, she began barbecuing in her 60s, and crowds still camp overnight just for the chance to taste her legendary work.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – Kansas City, Missouri
History clings to the walls here. Founded in the 1930s, Arthur Bryant’s earned the title “King of Ribs” and even drew U.S. presidents. The pit continues to burn with its original brick, and the sauce remains a closely guarded secret. It’s a living symbol of Kansas City barbecue.
Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
Ask any Memphian where to find good ribs, and Central BBQ usually comes up fast. Their dry-rub racks smoked over hickory and pecan are legendary, but locals will nudge you toward the barbecue nachos too. It’s the kind of place where arguments about “the best” actually taste pretty great.
Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
Named after Jim “Pappy” Emerson, this St. Louis favorite shines for ribs kissed with apple and cherry wood. Television shows like “Best Thing I Ever Ate” further helped cement its reputation, though fans already knew to show up early. By mid-afternoon, the smokers often stand empty, proof of their devoted following.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, South Carolina
Rodney Scott grew up surrounded by the smell of slow-cooked pork. By 11, he was already mastering whole hog barbecue, which was a skill most people never even attempt. Today, his vinegar-pepper sauce keeps crowds coming back in Charleston, making it barbecue with roots, love, and a little fire in every bite.
Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, Texas
Founded in 1949, Louie Mueller Barbecue has stayed family-run for generations. Known for massive, pepper-crusted beef ribs, the restaurant also serves its food on butcher paper instead of plates. Even the smoke-stained walls reflect decades of continuous use, making it one of Texas’s most enduring barbecue institutions.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has operated for more than 90 years and is credited with creating Alabama white sauce, a tangy pairing for smoked chicken. Additionally, the restaurant fields a competition team that regularly enters major contests, including Memphis in May. And such multiple world championships further highlight its reputation.
Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn may not be the first place that comes to mind for barbecue, yet Hometown challenges that assumption. Critically acclaimed for blending global flavors into American smoke, it serves Korean sticky ribs and Vietnamese hot wings alongside classics. Founded by self-taught pitmaster Billy Durney, the place is also known for live music nights that lift your spirit along with your taste buds.