If you love smoky meats, homemade sauces, and that unmistakable slow-cooked flavor, Pennsylvania’s BBQ scene will not disappoint you in 2025. From traditional Southern-style smokehouses to modern BBQ joints with a local twist, the state offers a mix of old-school craftsmanship and fresh creativity. Here are ten of the best barbecue spots you must try this year — each known for quality, authenticity, and unforgettable flavor.
Harvey’s Main Street BBQ has become a local legend for a reason. Their pitmasters have been smoking meats the “low and slow” way for years, using a mix of oak and hickory to bring out deep, smoky flavors. The menu features tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork, and spicy Cajun sausage.
Their “Decision Maker Platter” is a fan favorite — it comes with a mix of meats and two sides, making it perfect for anyone who can’t decide what to try first. Locals swear by their homemade barbecue sauce, which balances tangy vinegar with a touch of mustard.
Authentic Southern-style BBQ flavor
Big portions and great prices
Friendly, down-to-earth service
- Location: 304 E Main St, Mount Joy, PA
- Tip: Go early for dinner — the brisket often sells out by evening.
2. Hog Father’s Old-Fashioned BBQ – Multiple Locations
With several locations around Pennsylvania — including Washington, Canonsburg, and Monongahela — Hog Father’s Old-Fashioned BBQ is a must-stop for anyone serious about smoked meat. The restaurant stays true to traditional Southern BBQ, offering everything from tender baby back ribs to juicy smoked chicken and pulled pork sandwiches.
Their ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood and finished on the grill for a perfect smoky-charred crust. Add a side of baked beans or creamy mac & cheese, and you’ve got yourself a hearty Pennsylvania meal.
True Southern BBQ flavor in PA
Huge menu with generous portions
Great for families and road trips
- The St. Louis-style ribs with their signature spicy red BBQ sauce.
3. Fette Sau – Philadelphia
Located in the trendy Fishtown neighborhood, Fette Sau brings a modern, artisanal approach to barbecue. The restaurant sources its meats locally, dry-rubs them with a secret spice blend, and smokes them on-site for up to 14 hours.
Here, you order by the pound — just like in Texas. The brisket and ribs are standout items, but don’t overlook the smoked chicken and pork belly. You can pair your meal with craft beer or small-batch bourbon for a complete experience.
Unique “by the pound” BBQ experience
Industrial-style atmosphere perfect for photos
Locally sourced meats and small-batch drinks
- Tip: The brisket sells fast — visit early for lunch or make a reservation for dinner.
- Location: 1208 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Website: Fette Sau Philly
4. Smokehouse BBQ & Brews – Lancaster County
Nestled in the heart of Amish Country, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews combines rustic charm with top-quality BBQ. The restaurant sits on the historic Plain & Fancy Farm, so you get a scenic countryside view while enjoying slow-smoked meats.
Their menu includes brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and ribs — all cooked to perfection. Don’t miss their house-made sauces and hearty sides like corn pudding and coleslaw.
Peaceful farm setting
Friendly staff and country atmosphere
Great craft beers to pair with your BBQ
- Family outings or a weekend food trip through Lancaster County.
- Location: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA
- Website: Smokehouse BBQ & Brews
5. Big Creek Bar-B-Q – Lehighton
If you love discovering local hidden gems, Big Creek Bar-B-Q is the place. This small-town BBQ joint is known for its wood-smoked meats, generous portions, and down-home charm. The smell of smoked hickory hits you as soon as you step out of your car.
Their ribs and pulled pork are customer favorites, while the smoked chicken wings (nicknamed “hog wings”) are a must-try. The casual roadside vibe makes it a great stop for travelers exploring the Poconos or northern Pennsylvania.
Authentic, smoky flavor
Friendly small-town service
Affordable and filling meals
Their homemade sweet BBQ sauce — it’s perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Location: 653 Blakeslee Blvd Dr E, Lehighton, PA
6. Hood’s BBQ & Deli – Kennett Square
If you’re exploring Chester County, stop by Hood’s BBQ & Deli, a cozy family-owned restaurant that’s been serving homestyle comfort food and barbecue for years. The atmosphere feels like a friendly country kitchen, and the smell of slow-cooked meats greets you the moment you walk in.
Their menu includes pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and smoked turkey — all cooked to perfection. The “Hoodie Sandwich”, filled with pulled pork, sharp provolone, and coleslaw on a Kaiser roll, is a local favorite.
Family-run and consistent quality
Large portions and fair prices
Relaxed, small-town charm
- Their baked mac & cheese and cornbread pair perfectly with the BBQ platter.
- Location: 1664 W Doe Run Rd, Kennett Square, PA
- Website: Hood’s BBQ & Deli
7. Red Rock BBQ & Catering – Susquehanna
Tucked away in northeastern Pennsylvania, Red Rock BBQ & Catering brings southern-style barbecue to the mountains. Everything here is smoked “low and slow” using local hardwoods, giving the meat a deep, rich flavor. The restaurant also brews its own craft beers, making it a great hangout for travelers and locals alike.
Their brisket and ribs are melt-in-your-mouth good, and the pulled pork sandwich is one of the most popular items. If you’re planning a party or picnic, they also offer full catering.
True slow-smoked flavor
Great craft beers to go with your meal
Friendly local vibe
- This is a great stop for a road trip through the Endless Mountains region.
- Location: 33288 PA-171, Susquehanna, PA
- Website: Red Rock BBQ & Catering
8. Zig Zag BBQ – Philadelphia
In the heart of Philadelphia’s East Kensington neighborhood, Zig Zag BBQ brings a creative twist to classic smoked meats. The restaurant combines Texas-style brisket with modern sides like “Flamin’ Hot Mac & Cheese” and spicy pickles — bold flavors that make this place stand out.
Zig Zag’s team smokes everything in-house daily, and they’re known for experimenting with different wood types and sauces. The vibe is casual, fun, and perfect for foodies looking for something new.
Creative, modern take on BBQ
Perfect for social-media-worthy meals
Unique flavors and fun atmosphere
- Their smoked brisket and spicy burnt-end sandwich.
- Location: 2111 E York St, Philadelphia, PA
- Website: Zig Zag BBQ
9. Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse – Philadelphia
Ask any Philly local where to find great BBQ, and Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse will likely come up. This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic smoked meats since 2003, and it’s still one of the best spots in the city.
Their baby back ribs and pulled pork are smoked fresh daily, and the homemade sauces are both sweet and tangy. The restaurant’s dining room feels warm and welcoming — perfect for families, groups, or a casual night out.
Consistently great food and service
Freshly smoked meats daily
Cozy, family-friendly dining room
- Try their “Pit Sampler” if it’s your first visit — it includes ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket.
- Location: 7500 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA
- Website: Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
10. Redd’s Smokehouse BBQ – Carlisle
In central Pennsylvania, Redd’s Smokehouse BBQ is known for its bold flavors and perfectly smoked meats. The restaurant takes pride in using traditional southern smoking methods, and the results speak for themselves — tender brisket, juicy ribs, and rich, smoky pulled pork.
The casual dining area and friendly staff make it a great stop for travelers or anyone visiting the Carlisle area. Their sauces range from sweet to spicy, so you can pick your heat level.
Authentic southern BBQ feel
Affordable, satisfying portions
Great customer service
- The “Smokestack Sandwich” — pulled pork, brisket, and bacon stacked high on a soft roll.
- Location: 109 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA
- Website: Redd’s Smokehouse BBQ
11. Pig & Fire House of Barbeque – Washington (SW PA)
Set in a historic mansion, Pig & Fire offers an elevated BBQ experience with cherry-wood smoked meats. From juicy brisket to tender ribs and smoked chicken, every dish has deep, rich flavor. The setting is unique — perfect for a date night or special outing.
Distinctive historic setting
High-quality smoked meats
Great for both casual meals and special occasions
- The ribs with house-made BBQ sauce and a side of smoked mac & cheese.
- Location: 1445 Washington Rd, Washington, PA 15301
- Website: Pig & Fire House of Barbeque
12. Devil’s BBQ – Brookville (North-Central PA)
A hidden gem, Devil’s BBQ is known for bold flavors and generous portions. They smoke everything slowly with hardwoods and also offer creative sides like smoked mac & cheese and deviled eggs.
Off-the-beaten-path, perfect for road trips
Creative side dishes complement the smoked meats
Affordable and hearty portions
- The pulled pork sandwich with a side of smoked baked beans.
- Location: 60 Progress St, Brookville, PA 15825
- Website: Devil’s BBQ
13. Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen – Pittsburgh (Western PA)
Walter’s blends Southern BBQ traditions with Pittsburgh flair. Their smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are consistently tender and flavorful. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it perfect for families or groups.
Southern BBQ with a regional twist
Consistently flavorful and tender meats
Friendly, local atmosphere
- The “Pitmaster Combo” featuring ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage.
- Location: 4120 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
14. Big Black Grill – New Stanton (Western PA)
Big Black Grill is known for hearty, no-frills BBQ that satisfies both dine-in and catering crowds. Their smoked chicken, baby back ribs, and pulled pork are crowd favorites.
Great for events and takeout
Generous portions at affordable prices
Simple, straightforward BBQ with excellent flavor
- The pulled pork platter with cornbread and coleslaw.
- Location: 103 E Byers Ave, New Stanton, PA 15672
- Website: Big Black Grill
15. Lehigh Valley BBQ – Lehigh Valley (Eastern PA)
This spot is perfect for covering Eastern Pennsylvania BBQ. They offer smoked meats with a slightly sweet, smoky flavor, and their sides like garlic mashed potatoes and coleslaw complement the main dishes perfectly.
Covers the Eastern PA region
Flavorful smoked meats with well-balanced sauces
Ideal for both lunch and dinner trips
- The brisket sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes and a tangy house-made sauce.
- Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
- Website: Lehigh Valley BBQ
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but these restaurants prove the state has serious smokehouse talent.
From small family businesses to creative city joints, each spot brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re craving classic ribs or looking for a new twist on brisket, you’ll find it right here in the Keystone State.
If you’re planning a BBQ road trip, try visiting one spot from each region — you’ll experience different cooking styles, sauces, and local personalities that make Pennsylvania’s BBQ scene so special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which BBQ spot has the best ribs?
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse and Harvey’s Main Street BBQ both have ribs that fall off the bone and are crowd favorites.
2. Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, especially Smokehouse BBQ & Brews and Hood’s BBQ — both have relaxed, family-friendly atmospheres.
3. Do they offer catering or takeout?
Most of these BBQ spots offer catering and takeout, especially Red Rock BBQ and Hog Father’s.
4. Which one is best for a road trip stop?
Big Creek Bar-B-Q in Lehighton and Red Rock BBQ in Susquehanna are perfect road-trip stops.
5. What makes Pennsylvania BBQ unique?
It’s the blend of Southern smoking methods with Pennsylvania Dutch and local flavors — comfort food meets smokehouse tradition.
