Yelp is a good place to find new restaurants; it's a great resource if you're visiting a new neighborhood. People tend to have strong opinions about where and what they eat, so we took a look at the best barbecue restaurants across the country according to Yelp. Now, these barbecue joints may not be your favorites, because feelings on who has the best bbq is very personal thing. You like what you like.
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Take a look at these barbecue restaurants and see what you agree with and which ones you need to add to your must-visit list. And don't forget, if you like a bbq restaurant, leave 'em a good review. It really does help.
And one note: We encourage you to double-check these locations. Some of them are closed temporarily due to coronavirus concerns, or are only doing curbside pickup or delivery. Check their websites for current information and support them where you can.
ALABAMA: Meat Boss, Cottage Hill and Mobile
One Yelp user called Meat Boss: "100% the best BBQ place in all of Mobile... they truly know how to make authentic southern BBQ." Meat Boss calls their beef brisket unusual, noting that it's pulled brisket instead of sliced. Learn more here.
ALASKA: Firehouse BBQ, Soldotna
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Yes, you can find Texas bbq in Alaska; just look for this family-owned bbq joint in Soldotna. Of course, being Alaska, you can get reindeer sausage along with your smoked brisket and loaded baked potato! Learn more here.
ARIZONA: Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix
Yelp user David A. called Little Miss BBQ, "The BEST BBQ I've ever eaten in my life!! If I could give this place more stars I would! Yes, the line can be long at times and you may need to be strategic on when you show up there, however, it's completely worth the wait. Get the brisket (fatty or chopped), sausage and some of the sides (grits were tasty). And don't forget the pecan pie!!" Learn more here.
Arkansas: Wright's Barbecue, Johnson
Arkansas has a lot of great barbecue joints, but according to Yelp, the best one in the state is in northwest Arkansas. One Yelp user says, "The burnt ends are a must have and the brisket is so rich and flavorful with a crust that is to die for." We should note that those burnt ends are bacon burnt ends; you're welcome. Learn more here.
CALIFORNIA: Prunedale Market, Prunedale
The tri tip sandwich is a winner in many of the reviews from this West Coast barbecue restaurant. Yelp user Don S. also praised the ribs, calling them: "Some of the best ribs we have ever had. We also ordered a few cups of corn chowder to go with the ribs and the chowder was great as well." Learn more here.
COLORADO: Scooter's Smokehouse BBQ, Conifer
You want to get to Scooter's early, because when they're sold out, they're sold out. Yelp users consistently refer to this barbecue restaurant as excellent, including one reviewer who called it, "Outstanding, legit Texas BBQ." Learn more here.
CONNECTICUT: The Pig Rig BBQ, Wallingford
The Pig Rig BBQ food truck opened in 2013, followed by a brick and mortar spot a year later and owner Daniel Lanigan is doing something right because customers love this place. One yelp user says that the meat is so good, it doesn't actually need barbecue sauce for it to taste amazing. Learn more here.
DELAWARE: Russell's Quality Food, Wilmington
Ribs, pulled pork and jerk chicken are all available from this outdoor grill/food truck in a retail parking lot in Wilmington. Plus, if you swing by first thing in the morning, you can grab breakfast sandwiches, too, along with your smoked meats. And you want to go early because they do sell out. Learn more here.
WASHINGTON, DC: Backyard Smokespot BBQ
Backyard Smokespot is not your typical barbecue joint. First, it's located inside the Midnight Deli. Second, you'll find stuffed salmon, lamp chops and seafood mac and cheese along with their ribs and smoked maple chicken wings. Oh, and do not miss the hush puppies. Learn more here.
FLORIDA: Hate Mondays Tavern, Miami
This barbecue comes with a twist of Miami and an excellent name. In addition to ribs and pork belly, you can get a Monday Remedy Burger, which is a beef burger, two slices of smoked pork belly, caramelized onions and an "insanely delicious cheese sauce made with jalapeños and beer." Learn more here.
GEORGIA: Socks' Love Barbecue, Cumming
About 40 minutes' drive north of Atlanta, Socks' Love Barbecue is smoking great barbecue, but their customers love them for the sides, too. One fan on Yelp says: "The mac and cheese is incredible, very heavy with touch of garlic. Honestly I could have just had the Mac and been full. The fire roasted creamed corn was creamy, smokey and delicious." Learn more here.
HAWAII: Sunset Smokehouse, Wahiawa
"Deeep In The Heart of Wahiawa" says on Yelp user about the authentic Texas brisket at Sunset Smokehouse on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which reviewers rave about as being the best barbecue around. Pitmaster James Kim grew up in Texas, but when he moved to his wife's home state, decided it was easier to open his own barbecue restaurant than fly nine hours back to Austin to pick up dinner. Learn more here.
IDAHO: Lunch Box Deli & BBQ, Lewiston
Yelp users call this spot a hidden gem. From the St. Louis-style ribs to the Dracula Fries (oh so much garlic) this barbecue joint is worth a visit. Learn more here.
ILLINOIS: Chicago Culinary Kitchen, Palatine
Yes, go for the brisket and spare ribs, but also: pig candy. You definitely want to try some of the candied bacon with your meal and craft beer at this rock and roll barbecue joint in Palatine. Plus, they have classes that teach you bbq secrets. Learn more here.
INDIANA: Trax BBQ, McCordsville
Located next to the Scarlet Lane Brewery, Yelp user Sean K. said, "The meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth and the sides are just as delicious." Learn more here.
IOWA: Flying Mango, Des Moines
Flying Mango smokes or grills everything but the ice cream. Brisket, turkey, chicken: You name it and you'll probably find it on the menu here. Plus red beans and rice, fire-roasted spiced apples and a sweet potato pancake with mango sour cream. Learn more here.
KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City
Joe's has a great story (you know we like gas station barbecue) and award-winning barbecue. Yelp user Amy P. says the Z-Man is a must-have: "slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings, on a toasted Kaiser roll- GET THIS SANDWICH." Learn more here.
KENTUCKY: Brothers Restaurant, Campbellsville
Just reading the menu will make you want to take a road trip to central Kentucky to eat at this barbecue restaurant. You might try The Bronco, which is smoked chopped beef brisket topped with melted gouda cheese, an onion ring and sweet barbecue sauce. Or you could try the Carolina pulled pork sandwich topped with the house-made vinegar coleslaw. Either way, this place has won reviewers hearts and stomachs. Learn more here.
LOUISIANA: Cou-yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q, Port Allen
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Yelp user Donna D. says you have to try the baby back ribs and baked beans: "The best bbq, beans and ribs!" Learn more here.
MAINE: Gaskin's Barbecue & Lobster, York
Yes, you want to try both the smoked lobster roll AND the brisket at this beach town barbecue restaurant. Learn more here.
MARYLAND: Pioneer Pit Beef, Windsor Mill
The best barbecue is usually found in little hole-in-the-wall joints and Maryland's best barbecue restaurant is no different. Yelper Christopher C. says, "THE most amazing pit beef I've ever had! They slice the meat (which is still steaming) as you order it. Soooooo tender and it's juicy not dry." Learn more here.
MASSACHUSETTS: Chub's Blue Pig BBQ, Attleboro
The ribs at this barbecue joint are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sides are great, too. Yelp user Chris B. called it "well worth the money and the trip." Learn more here.
MICHIGAN: Ricewood, Ann Arbor
This barbecue restaurant has an Asian flare to it, and locals love it. Get a rice bowl with brisket or pork shoulder, or order from the daily specials which include glazed pork belly and Sichuan chicken thighs. Learn more here.
MINNESOTA: Jellybean and Julia's, Anoka
About this Minnesota favorite, Yelp user Tom B. says, "This is possibly the best brisket that I have had. I smoke briskets and can only think of a time or 2 where mine has been close to this good. Nice smoky flavor, but not over-powering, nicely done seasoning, complimentary, but not over-powering and perfectly done." Learn more here.
MISSISSIPPI: The Pig & Pint, Jackson
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Locals and visitors alike are fans of this barbecue restaurant. Yelp user Peter M. said, "Loved this place. Great brisket and large selection of beers. The sides are out of this world - try the green beans (with pork) and fried green tomatoes." Learn more here.
MISSOURI: Scott's Kitchen, Kansas City
It doesn't matter which side of the border you're on, Kansas City knows barbecue. Over on the Missouri side, Scott Umscheid smokes up some excellent 'cue. In fact, Yelp user Chris L. says, "Holy crap -- if I lived near here, I would weigh 600 pounds, and Scott would be driving a Lamborghini funded solely by me. This is a barbecue that tastes as good as the smoker outside smells." Learn more here.
MONTANA: Follow Yer' Nose BBQ, Emigrant
Good barbecue and amazing views. Alexes H. says it best: "Awesome stop on the way to Yellowstone. Can't say enough good things: good music, good food, good atmosphere." Learn more here.
NEBRASKA: Smokin Barrel BBQ, Omaha
Yelp user Dan W. says, "Hands down, the absolute BEST barbecue I've had in the entire state of Nebraska. Brisket, Ribs, Pork, and Sausage are all phenomenal!" Learn more here.
NEVADA: Sparks and Smoke BBQ Takeout, Sparks OR Fox Smokehouse BBQ, Boulder City
You've got two excellent choices in Nevada. If you're a first time customer at Sparks and Smoke BBQ, they'll offer you a sample of the brisket; once you try it, you'll be hooked. Or you can try the competition-winning tam at Fox Smokehouse. Either way, you win at barbecue. Learn more here and here.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: BBQ Shak, New Hampton OR Smokeshow Barbeque, Concord
BBQ Shak has been using their own Smokin Salt Smokehouse hickory seasoning to smoke some excellent barbecue for 30 years. Over in Concord, you can get the Goodness meat at Smokeshow (a blend of chopped brisket, turkey and pork) - try it on their Finn Jack Frito Pie for a little bit of Texas in New Hampshire. Learn more here and here.
NEW JERSEY: Smoke BBQ, Audubon
This joint is BYOB, but fortunately there's a brewery just a few doors down so grab some beer and a seat outside for sliced brisket with espresso barbecue sauce, smoked sausage or fish tacos. Learn more here.
NEW MEXICO: Watson's BBQ, Tucumcari
Located inside the Tucumcari Ranch Supply general store, Watson's has outstanding smoked meats in a delightful setting. If you're road tripping Hwy. 66 (or I-40), you should take a break and grab a meal here. Learn more here.
NEW YORK: La Verdad Cafe, Buffalo
This hole-in-the-wall spot has what Alanna P. calls "Easily the best barbecue I've had in Buffalo and some of the best food I've had period. A must stop if you are in the city." Learn more here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Haywood Smokehouse, Dillsboro
The surprise here is that there aren't 15 different barbecue restaurants in North Carolina tied for best, so you know Haywood Smokehouse must be good. Fans love the smoked meat and the unique barbecue sauces like the strawberry chipotle sauce. Learn more here.
NORTH DAKOTA: Laughing Sun Brewing, Bismarck
Barbecue and beer goes hand in hand, and at this brewery the 'cue is just as important as the hops. Get nachos or mac and cheese loaded with your choice of smoked meat and enjoy a beverage and some live music. Learn more here.
OHIO: Pickles & Bones Barbecue, Milford
The meat is smoked on an all-wood fire and, as their names says, the pickles are just as good as the meat at this carry-out only barbecue restaurant. Learn more here.
OKLAHOMA: Jo-Bawb's BBQ, Oklahoma City
Yelp user Jess M. says "Jo-Bawb's is the BBQ I've been missing for years. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. I can't wait to head back and get some more." Learn more here.
OREGON: The Alder Smokehouse, North Bend
Yelp user Erin M. calls the Alder Smokehouse a "Small little BBQ restaurant with excellent food." Learn more here.
PENNSYLVANIA: Jesse's Barbecue & Local Market, Souderton
Yelp user Dee I. calls Jesse's their new favorite barbecue place and a must stop. Try their BBQ Sampler for a little bit of everything. Learn more here.
RHODE ISLAND: Binge BBQ, Newport
Anna P. says "We had an excellent brisket sandwich here. It was so moist and flavorful and just a right size." Learn more here.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Lewis Barbecue, Charleston
Nate H. says "Lewis Barbecue is my favorite place in Charleston. It is where I take people whenever they come in from out of town, where I recommend when anyone asks for great food in CHS, and my answer to where the best BBQ in SC is served." Learn more here.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Bunky's BBQ, Spearfish
Yelp user Becky S. says "The most amazing brisket I have ever had. Sides were tasty too. You can get a beer from the brewery next door and bring it over. Life is good. Would highly recommend." Learn more here.
TENNESSEE: Delauders BBQ, Gatlinburg
Surprisingly, Yelp's favorite Tennessee barbecue spot is not in Memphis; it's all the way across the state in Gatlinburg at this family-run restaurant. Try the Sneaky Pig (pulled pork, sweet habanera sauce, sweet onion and lettuce) or the Holy Bologna Sandwich (grilled bologna, pulled pork, onions, pickles, nacho cheese, lettuce, sweet jalapeno mustard and bbq sauce). Learn more here.
TEXAS: Kat's Barbecue, Santa Fe
Texas has a lot of great barbecue, but Kat's is special. Olivia K. says, "Amazing! That's all I want to say! If I could give 20 stars I would!" Learn more here.
UTAH: Idk Barbecue, Tropic
Bryan Z. says, "This is the best place you'll go in Utah doesn't look like much but just wait until you eat there food." Learn more here.
VERMONT: Prohibition Pig, Waterbury
Brisket, craft beer and duck fries. As one Yelp user says, "Prohibition Pig nails it." Learn more here.
VIRGINIA: Bristol Gardens & Grill, Bristol
Sharon B. says, "This place is a hidden gem off of I 81- great/fresh food, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating -think picnic tables- inexpensive prices and a lovely owner who is a pit master! We enjoyed the brisket tacos, potato bacon soup, and the pork belly BLT." Learn more here.
WASHINGTON: Country Boys BBQ, Cashmere
Doctor K. says, "The The pulled pork sandwich is AMAZING." Plus they make their own chips in house. Learn more here.
WEST VIRGINIA: Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill, Charleston
Cory R. says, "This place is well known around Charleston and rightfully so. I've never been here and been disappointed. Literally everything on their menu is great. Whether you're a local or passing through you can pass this place up." Learn more here.
WISCONSIN: Ono Kine Grindz, Wauwatosa
A slice of Hawaii on the mainland, this barbecue restaurant offers Kalua pig (traditional Hawaiian pulled pork) along with sides like spam musubi and kim chee. Learn more here.
WYOMING: HQ BBQ, Evansville
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Jeff C. calls this barbecue restaurant an "Absolutely great place and wonderful food." Learn more here.
