Few things bring people together quite like a great BBQ, especially when it’s served up at a place with deep roots and a story that’s stood the test of time. Across America, these BBQ joints have become legendary, not just for their mouthwatering ribs or brisket but for the traditions they’ve upheld for decades—sometimes even over a century. So, as you dig into this list, you’ll discover not only some of the best BBQ around but the rich stories behind them.
Contents
- 1 Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
- 2 Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue – Kansas City, Missouri
- 3 Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
- 4 The Salt Lick – Driftwood, Texas
- 5 Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
- 6 Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, Texas
- 7 Rendezvous – Memphis, Tennessee
- 8 Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, Texas
- 9 Black’s Barbecue – Lockhart, Texas
- 10 Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
- 11 Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
- 12 City Market – Luling, Texas
- 13 Wilber’s Barbecue – Goldsboro, North Carolina
- 14 Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
- 15 Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que – Williamsburg, Virginia
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 25 Perfectly Baked Chicken Recipes for Any Meal
- 18 This Week’s 15 Must-Have Aldi Finds You’ll Want in Your Cart
Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
Franklin Barbecue in Austin is widely regarded as one of the best BBQ spots in the United States. It was founded by Aaron Franklin in 2009, quickly gaining a reputation for its perfectly smoked meats. Franklin’s brisket is the most sought-after item, often drawing long lines of patrons willing to wait for hours. The restaurant has won several prestigious awards and is frequently featured in food media. Aaron Franklin even received a James Beard Award for Best Chef. It’s a true representation of Texas BBQ tradition.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue – Kansas City, Missouri
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue is an iconic Kansas City institution that has been around since the 1920s. It was originally run by Charlie Bryant before being handed over to his brother, Arthur, who made it famous. This spot is renowned for its signature sauce and deliciously smoked meats, including ribs and burnt ends. Presidents and celebrities have dined here, contributing to its legendary status. Known for its unique flavor and large portions, Arthur Bryant’s remains a landmark in Kansas City BBQ culture.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
Founded in 1925, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has stood the test of time and remains one of the most iconic BBQ restaurants in the U.S. The restaurant’s founder, Bob Gibson, started cooking BBQ in a makeshift pit in his backyard, eventually creating his famous white barbecue sauce, which has become a regional specialty. The restaurant has won multiple World BBQ Championships. Today, it continues to serve traditional Alabama-style BBQ with a focus on pork, chicken, and Gibson’s signature sauce.
The Salt Lick – Driftwood, Texas
Opened in 1967, The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas, is another beloved BBQ destination with a long history. Its founder, Thurman Roberts, Sr., built the original pit by hand, and the restaurant remains a family-owned business. Known for its deliciously smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages, The Salt Lick combines Texas BBQ tradition with a rustic, open-pit cooking method. The location’s rural setting and sprawling outdoor seating make it a unique and cherished BBQ spot.
Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
Central BBQ opened in 2002 and has since become a Memphis institution. The owners, Roger Sapp and Craig Blondis, were longtime BBQ competitors who brought their expertise to the restaurant. Central BBQ specializes in slow-smoked meats that are marinated for 24 hours, with a menu that includes pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. Their dry-rubbed ribs are a standout item, giving patrons an authentic taste of Memphis BBQ, famous for its use of dry rubs.
Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, Texas
Louie Mueller Barbecue is a historic Texas BBQ spot, serving its community since 1949. Louie Mueller initially opened the restaurant in a former grocery store, and it quickly became known for its massive beef ribs and peppery brisket. Now operated by his grandson, Wayne Mueller, the restaurant has maintained its commitment to slow-cooked, wood-smoked meats. It’s often hailed as a quintessential representation of Texas BBQ, earning national recognition for its bold flavors and authentic techniques.
Rendezvous – Memphis, Tennessee
Rendezvous in Memphis has been serving up its famous BBQ since 1948, becoming synonymous with the city’s BBQ culture. The restaurant is known for its charcoal-cooked ribs, heavily coated in a dry rub seasoning. Founded by Charlie Vergos, Rendezvous has been passed down through the family and is now a multi-generational business. Celebrities and locals alike flock to the restaurant for its no-frills, yet flavorful approach to BBQ, making it a must-visit in Memphis.
Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, Texas
Snow’s BBQ, a small but legendary BBQ joint in Lexington, Texas, rose to fame after being named the best BBQ in Texas by Texas Monthly in 2008. It was founded by pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, who has been smoking meats since the 1960s. Despite its small size and limited hours (it’s only open on Saturdays), Snow’s BBQ draws crowds from across the country for its expertly smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Tomanetz, now in her 80s, is a BBQ legend and continues to work the pits.
Black’s Barbecue – Lockhart, Texas
Black’s Barbecue is one of Texas’ oldest BBQ joints, founded in 1932 in Lockhart, the “BBQ Capital of Texas.” This family-owned restaurant has been passed down through four generations, continuing to serve their famous brisket, sausages, and ribs. Known for its large portions and bold flavors, Black’s Barbecue has a rich history tied to the early days of Texas BBQ culture. Its commitment to tradition and quality makes it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
Originally known as Oklahoma Joe’s, this Kansas City BBQ spot opened in a gas station in 1996 and quickly gained national attention. Founded by Jeff and Joy Stehney, the restaurant has won numerous BBQ competitions. Their burnt ends and ribs are particularly well-known. Despite its humble beginnings, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has become a BBQ powerhouse, frequented by both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant continues to embody Kansas City’s love for slow-smoked meats.
Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn may be a newer addition to the BBQ scene, opening in 2013, but it has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the best in the Northeast. Owned by pitmaster Billy Durney, the restaurant combines traditional Southern BBQ techniques with a New York twist, offering smoked meats with a mix of cultural influences. The brisket and ribs are standouts, but the menu also includes globally inspired dishes like Vietnamese wings.
City Market – Luling, Texas
City Market in Luling, Texas, has been serving Central Texas BBQ since 1958. This small-town joint is famous for its no-frills approach to BBQ, offering smoky brisket, ribs, and sausage with a tangy house-made sauce. City Market’s simple menu and focus on quality have made it a must-stop for BBQ aficionados. The rustic, old-fashioned setting only adds to its charm, with visitors praising its authenticity and consistently delicious offerings.
Wilber’s Barbecue – Goldsboro, North Carolina
Wilber’s Barbecue has been a Goldsboro institution since 1962, serving Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ. Known for its whole-hog barbecue and tangy vinegar-based sauce, Wilber’s stays true to the region’s traditions. The restaurant faced closure in 2019 but was saved by new ownership, keeping its legacy alive. Wilber’s continues to draw crowds for its classic Southern BBQ experience and has been an essential part of North Carolina’s barbecue heritage for decades.
Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
Pappy’s Smokehouse opened in 2008 and quickly became a beloved spot for Memphis-style BBQ in St. Louis. Known for its dry-rubbed ribs, Pappy’s uses apple and cherry wood to slow smoke its meats, resulting in a sweet and smoky flavor. The restaurant’s casual, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent BBQ have made it a local favorite. Its commitment to quality and innovation has also earned Pappy’s national recognition.
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que – Williamsburg, Virginia
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que has been a Virginia BBQ landmark since 1971, serving up hickory-smoked meats with a unique, tangy sauce. Founded by Julius C. Pierce, the restaurant has grown from a small roadside stand to a beloved institution in the region. Pierce’s is particularly known for its pulled pork sandwiches, which have a loyal following. Its combination of Southern BBQ tradition and family recipes has kept customers coming back for generations.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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