50 Best Barbecue Joints in America
Want to find the Best BBQ no matter where you travel in the USA?
With this list, we’ve made your quest to find great Barbecue anywhere you go in America that much easier. How did we do it?
We teamed up with Foursquare to compile a list of the top barbecue joints across the US.
Because the city-guide app allows users to save and favorite the venues they love, Foursquare was able to track down which barbecue spots are getting the most praise across America. Foursquare included the top-rated location of various chain restaurants in the US, removing subsequent locations.
From Memphis dry rubs to thick Texas sauce, read on to discover where to find the most mouthwatering ‘cue in the country.
50. Blue Ribbon BBQ
Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
Foursquare rating: 9.23
Inspired by roadside barbecue joints down South, Blue Ribbon BBQ opened its doors over 20 years ago to bring those same flavors to another part of the country. Today, the spot still serves a host of authentic Southern dishes, including North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends, St. Louis cut ribs, and Texas sliced beef brisket.
49. Hutchins BBQ & Grill
Location: McKinney, Texas
Foursquare rating: 9.24
It’s all-you-can-eat at Huchins BBQ & Grill, so pile it on and dig into melt-in-your-mouth brisket, jalapeño sausage, smoked chicken, and more. Foursquare users cheer the fried okra as well. The place gets crowded, so come prepared to fight for a table.
48. Phil’s BBQ
Location: San Diego, California
Foursquare rating: 9.24
Even in Southern California, it’s possible to find outstanding barbecue if you know where to look. Phil’s BBQ always draws a line out the door.
“I grew up in the South and had all kinds of barbecue. I did not think you could have such flavorful beef ribs in San Diego,” Foursquare user Timothy Mabrey said. “Service is fast, but go during off hours to avoid waiting in a long line.”
47. Midwood Smokehouse
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Foursquare rating: 9.24
The pitmasters at Midwood Smokehouse in Charlotte keep the fire going 24/7, so there’s always enough hickory-smoked pork chop, prime brisket, and smoked salmon to go around. The standout sides deserve a moment of appreciation as well: hush puppies, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, and pimento cheese fries are enough to suffice as a meal on their own.
46. Meat U Anywhere
Location: Grapevine, Texas
Foursquare rating: 9.25
If the clever name alone isn’t enough to get you in the door at Meat U Anywhere, come for the slow-smoked jalapeño cheddar sausage, overflowing brisket sandwiches, and incomparable breakfast tacos. Or splurge on one of the spot’s “prime time” meats, such as peppered tenderloin or bone-in pork loin chop.
45. Aptos St. BBQ
Location: Aptos, California
Foursquare rating: 9.25
Show up early if you’re craving Aptos St. BBQ favorites like St. Louis-style pork ribs or a serving of tri-tip, as the joint frequently sells out. The no-frills food and hip atmosphere are completed by a wall of beer, providing customers with 37 options to wash down dinner.
44. 12 Bones Smokehouse
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Foursquare rating: 9.25
With a rotating menu of sauces that changes daily, 12 Bones Smokehouse continually thinks up new and interesting flavor combinations. Guests can enjoy everything from blueberry chipotle barbecue to pineapple habanero sauce, but frequent trips to the restaurant are the only way to taste ’em all. Grab a few slices of sugar bacon to take home as well — you’ll thank us tomorrow.
43. Alamo BBQ
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Foursquare rating: 9.26
Alamo BBQ gives customers a taste of Texas all the way in Virginia.
“Best BBQ in Richmond, hands down,” Foursquare user Julie Brooke says. “The barbecue sauce makes the meal, the brisket is tender, and the jalapeño mac and cheese is just as good as everyone says. Eat here and you won’t be disappointed.”
42. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Foursquare rating: 9.26
At Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, they know there’s nothing better than all-day breakfast. The Charlottesville joint keeps the biscuits, eggs, and waffles flowing morning to night. Drop in anytime for breakfast sandwiches overflowing with sausage, brisket, or pulled pork. Foursquare users also cheer the fried green tomatoes, served with pimento cheese for dipping.
41. Southern Soul Barbecue
Location: St. Simon’s Island, Georgia
Foursquare rating: 9.26
Famous on St. Simon’s Island, Southern Soul Barbecue has an extensive menu that draws customers back time after time. Order anything from pulled pork to a rack of ribs, but be sure to top it with the Sweet Georgia Soul sauce, a customer favorite. Leave room for a side of Brunswick stew and a few fried Oreos as well.
While this is an impressive list, I am not sure that Foursquare represents a valid cross section of BBQ aficionados (experts for us country folk), as evidenced by the number of NYC listings in the top 50. I have had some good BBQ in NYC, but not that many to rank in the top 50, especially given the range of good places in the rest of the country. I think I have been to about 1/4 of the places on this list 🙂
Most definitely a subjective list here