If You’re a Barbecue Purist, You’ll Want to Eat in These Places
Barbecue is as American as apple pie, except it’s smoky, spicy, and packed with flavor instead of sweet and fruity. And considering that it’s one of America’s most celebrated culinary traditions, every region puts its own spin on smoky meats.
Eager to find out which U.S. city’s got your barbecue dreams covered? Let’s dig in.
Kansas City, Missouri
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Kansas City is home to one of the world’s largest and most prestigious barbecue competitions, so it’s only natural that the city knows how to do BBQ right. The burnt ends here are legendary. The crispy, smoky brisket morsels are served with a rich, sweet sauce that’s practically a city signature. The American Royal and other everyday joints make this place a BBQ haven.
St. Louis, Missouri
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Did you know St. Louis-style ribs are cut into rectangular slabs, not the usual curved style? That little twist gives you more meat per bite. Those ribs are covered in a sweet, sticky sauce you won’t be able to resist. Don’t miss Pappy’s Smokehouse, where these meaty masterpieces are perfected.
Memphis, Tennessee
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If you love dry-rubbed pork ribs, Memphis should be at the top of your list. The city’s all about that slow-smoked, hickory flavor. Memphis’ dedication to pork extends to pulled pork sandwiches and its annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Houston, Texas
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Houston’s barbecue game is all about beef, specifically brisket. The city does it justice with slow-cooked cuts that fall apart at the slightest touch. You’ll also find sausages, turkey, and more. Hickory Hollow is a must-try if you’re in the area.
Nashville, Tennessee
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What do you get when you cross Nashville’s love for country music with its passion for BBQ? A city where brisket and pork ribs go toe-to-toe, and both bring their A-game. If you’re a fan of smoky turkey or you like spicy barbecue, Jack’s Bar-B-Que is the place to be.
Kansas City, Kansas
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You know what they say: everything’s bigger in Kansas City. That goes for BBQ too. Just across the river from its Missouri counterpart, Kansas City, Kansas, brings the same rich barbecue traditions. The competition is fierce, and the smoke-filled air tells you all you need to know: this place takes its BBQ seriously.
Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago might not be the first city you think of when it comes to BBQ, but this one comes as a pleasant surprise. Chicago’s barbecue is a melting pot of regional influences, with rib tips and hot links standing out. The city’s smoky foods are often served with thick tomato-based sauce. Honey 1 BBQ is one of the best spots to experience this unexpected BBQ scene.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Oklahoma City serves up top-tier hickory-smoked brisket and sausages. If you’re lucky enough to hit a local BBQ competition, get ready for a show. The pitmasters here are committed to perfection, and the results speak for themselves.
Atlanta, Georgia
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While Atlanta might not have one distinct style, it sure knows how to make a killer plate of BBQ. You’ll find smoky meats served with a tangy, rich sauce that’s sure to please. Fox Brothers BBQ is a local favorite that has all the right flavors, no matter what style you’re in the mood for.
Richmond, Virginia
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If you’re into vinegar-based sauces, Richmond’s got something special for you. It’s a nod to the Carolinas, and the tangy kick perfectly balances the smoky meats. The city’s quickly rising on the BBQ map, with new joints popping up to keep things interesting.
Tyler, Texas
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In East Texas, barbecue is a way of life. Tyler is known for its hickory-smoked brisket, which is slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q is the local favorite, but the whole city is making a name for itself in the BBQ world. The meat here is tender, flavorful, and loaded with that signature smoky charm.
Decatur, Alabama
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Decatur offers a totally unique twist with its white barbecue sauce. This tangy mayo-vinegar concoction is perfect for smoked chicken, and Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ has perfected the art of pairing it with tender, juicy meat. If you’ve never tried this Alabama classic, it’s time to make a visit.
Santa Maria, California
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California’s take on BBQ is all about simplicity. Santa Maria’s tri-tip beef is seasoned just right and smoked over red oak wood. This tradition goes back to the days of Spanish cowboys, and it’s still going strong today at spots like Hitching Post.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
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The barbecue here is known for its thin, peppery sauce, which is used on everything from pork shoulder to ribs. The city’s local favorite is McClard’s, where visitors can enjoy slow-smoked meats that perfectly complement the city’s signature tangy sauce.
Brownsville, Texas
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Barbacoa is the star of the show in Brownsville, Texas, where beef is slow-cooked in an underground pit to smoky perfection. Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que is the place to go for this authentic, mesquite-smoked treat, served up with homemade tortillas and salsa.