There’s nothing quite like the smell of smoked meat wafting through the air, the sizzle of a perfectly grilled steak, or the satisfying crunch of a tender, caramelized rib. Barbecue is more than just a meal—it’s an experience, an art form, and for many, a way of life. Whether you’re a fan of classic American BBQ styles like Texas brisket and Kansas City ribs, or you’re exploring exciting variations like Korean BBQ or even Brazilian churrascaria, the BBQ scene offers something for every meat lover.
If you’re craving a delicious, meaty feast that hits all the right notes of smoky, tender, and saucy, here’s a guide to some of the best BBQ restaurants across the country. From slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs to expertly smoked brisket and unique regional flavors, these BBQ joints are sure to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)
Style: Texas BBQ (Central Texas)
Signature Dish: Brisket
Must-Try Sides: Mac and Cheese, Pickles, and Jalapeño Cheese Sausage
If there’s one place that consistently earns a spot on BBQ bucket lists across the country, it’s Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Known for its world-class brisket, Franklin’s meats are smoked to perfection, tender on the inside with a beautiful, bark-covered crust. Their Texas-style brisket is the star of the show—juicy, smoky, and simply melt-in-your-mouth. Don’t miss their house-made sausage, either—especially the Jalapeño Cheese Sausage, which has the perfect balance of spice and flavor.
Pro Tip: Get there early. Franklin’s can have long lines, especially during weekends, as their brisket sells out fast!
2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, MO)
Style: Kansas City BBQ
Signature Dish: Burnt Ends
Must-Try Sides: Zesty Pickles, Baked Beans, and Creamy Coleslaw
Kansas City BBQ is known for its rich, flavorful sauces and juicy, smoked meats, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is often hailed as the best in town. Their Burnt Ends, a KC classic, are made from the point of the brisket and are intensely flavorful, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Paired with Joe’s signature tangy BBQ sauce, these morsels of heaven are something every meat lover should try. Their sides, like the baked beans and coleslaw, complement the richness of the smoked meats perfectly.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their BBQ sandwiches, which come loaded with tender pulled pork or brisket and topped with that iconic KC-style sauce.
3. The Salt Lick (Driftwood, TX)
Style: Texas BBQ (Hill Country)
Signature Dish: Ribs
Must-Try Sides: Potato Salad, Pinto Beans, and Homemade Bread
Located just outside Austin, The Salt Lick offers a quintessential Texas BBQ experience, complete with picnic tables and a sprawling outdoor setting. Their ribs are a must-try—cooked low and slow over an open pit, they’re flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender. The potato salad and pinto beans are the perfect accompaniments to the smoky, savory meats, and if you’re looking to share, their family-style platters make for a great BBQ feast.
Pro Tip: Try their Texas-style BBQ sauce—it’s a tangy, sweet complement to the deep, smoky flavor of the meat.
4. Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
Style: New York-style BBQ (With Southern Influences)
Signature Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwich
Must-Try Sides: Collard Greens, Sweet Cornbread, and Fried Pickles
For BBQ lovers in the Northeast, Mable’s Smokehouse brings a taste of the South to Brooklyn. Known for their incredible pulled pork sandwich, their pork is slow-smoked and tender, served on a fluffy bun with a variety of house-made sauces. The collard greens and cornbread offer a classic Southern touch, and their fried pickles are a crispy, addictive side that perfectly balances the richness of the meats.
Pro Tip: Check out their banquet hall for private BBQ events—it’s a great way to experience the full menu with a group.
5. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (Los Angeles, CA)
Style: Korean BBQ
Signature Dish: Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Must-Try Sides: Kimchi, Pickled Radish, and Steamed Egg
For a BBQ experience that’s interactive and full of flavor, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong offers an unforgettable Korean BBQ meal in the heart of Los Angeles. This restaurant specializes in Samgyeopsal, which features thick cuts of pork belly that you grill yourself at the table. Pair this with some kimchi, pickled radish, and a steamed egg for a delicious and communal dining experience. The smoky pork belly, dipped in sesame oil and salt, is a unique twist on the traditional BBQ experience.
Pro Tip: Order a round of soju to accompany your meal for the full Korean BBQ experience.
6. Hometown Bar-B-Que (Brooklyn, NY)
Style: Fusion BBQ (with international influences)
Signature Dish: Smoked Brisket
Must-Try Sides: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Mac & Cheese, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn has quickly become a fan favorite, known for its mix of traditional BBQ flavors with unique international influences. Their smoked brisket is rich and tender, with just the right balance of smoky flavor and juicy meat. One of the standout features at Hometown is their incorporation of international flavors—try the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, which offers a smoky heat with a punch of spice. As for sides, don’t skip the crispy Brussels sprouts and mac and cheese, which add a comforting touch to the meal.
Pro Tip: Get there early, as Hometown is known to get busy, especially during the weekend.
7. The Original Salt Lick BBQ (Round Rock, TX)
Style: Texas BBQ (Central Texas)
Signature Dish: Brisket
Must-Try Sides: Beans, Potato Salad, and Texas Toast
A classic spot for BBQ enthusiasts, The Original Salt Lick in Round Rock, Texas, offers authentic, Central Texas-style BBQ with an emphasis on slow-cooked, wood-fired meats. Their brisket is the star of the show—smoked to perfection, with a deep, rich flavor and tender texture. Pair it with their beans and potato salad for the full Texas BBQ experience, and be sure to grab a slice of Texas Toast for a buttery, crispy bite.
Pro Tip: If you’re with a group, order the family-style BBQ platters for a generous spread of meats and sides to share.
8. Bulgogi (Chicago, IL)
Style: Korean BBQ
Signature Dish: Bulgogi (Grilled Marinated Beef)
Must-Try Sides: Kimchi, Steamed Rice, and Korean Pancakes
If you’re craving Korean BBQ in Chicago, Bulgogi offers an authentic and immersive dining experience. Their Bulgogi, or marinated grilled beef, is perfectly seasoned and grilled at the table. The tender beef, dipped in a sweet and savory marinade, is complemented by traditional Korean sides such as kimchi, steamed rice, and Korean pancakes. The experience is both interactive and flavorful, offering a delicious balance of smoky and savory.
Pro Tip: Pair your BBQ meal with a refreshing Korean iced tea to cut through the richness of the meats.
9. Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, MO)
Style: St. Louis BBQ
Signature Dish: St. Louis Ribs
Must-Try Sides: Fried Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, and Garlic Bread
Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis is a legendary spot for those craving St. Louis-style BBQ. Their St. Louis ribs are a standout—perfectly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The fried corn on the cob is a delightful side, crispy and charred, with just the right amount of seasoning. Pair your ribs with their baked beans and garlic bread, and you’ll have a meal that checks all the BBQ boxes.
Pro Tip: The line here can get long, but it’s worth the wait for some of the best ribs in the country.
10. Rodizio Grill (Multiple Locations)
Style: Brazilian Churrascaria BBQ
Signature Dish: Picanha (Prime Cut Beef)
Must-Try Sides: Rice and Beans, Grilled Veget
ables, and Brazilian Cheese Bread
For a BBQ experience that’s truly over-the-top, Rodizio Grill offers a Brazilian-style churrascaria, where skewers of grilled meat are brought to your table, and you can enjoy an endless selection of cuts. Their Picanha (prime cut beef) is a standout, perfectly seasoned and char-grilled to your preferred level of doneness. The rice and beans and grilled vegetables complement the richness of the meat perfectly. Don’t miss the Brazilian cheese bread—it’s addictive!
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the endless skewers for an all-you-can-eat BBQ feast.
Final Thoughts
Barbecue is an art, and whether you’re craving the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of Texas brisket, the smoky sweetness of Kansas City ribs, or the interactive fun of Korean BBQ, these restaurants deliver the best of what BBQ has to offer. From classic American styles to exciting international twists, there’s no shortage of amazing places to indulge in smoky, tender, and flavorful meats. So grab your napkins, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to dive into a meaty feast that will leave you craving more!