If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of slow-cooked meats over a hardwood fire. Whether it’s fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy brisket, or smoky pulled pork, barbecue is more than food—it’s a tradition, an art, and in many states, a point of pride. After months of tasting, researching, and talking to locals, pitmasters, and food critics, I’ve compiled this list of the 15 best BBQ restaurants in the USA in 2025. These spots are known not just for their incredible flavors, but for their history, hospitality, and cult-like followings. Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive in!.
1. Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
Franklin Barbecue isn’t just famous — it’s a pilgrimage site for BBQ lovers. James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin has turned this unassuming joint into an institution, where brisket is smoked low and slow to juicy perfection. Expect a long line (yes, people queue from 7 AM), but trust us, it’s worth every minute.
Sliced brisket (fatty cut, obviously)
Pork ribs
House-made espresso BBQ sauce
- Tip: Go on a weekday and arrive early. They open at 11 AM but often sell out by 1 PM.
- 📍 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- franklinbbq.com
2. Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
Pappy’s has redefined BBQ in the Midwest with its signature dry-rubbed, slow-smoked ribs, cooked over apple and cherry wood. The vibe is casual, the portions are massive, and the flavors are unforgettable. It’s been featured on Food Network and Travel Channel — and for good reason.
Full slab of ribs
Burnt ends (available on certain days)
Sweet potato fries
- Tip: Order ahead online to skip the wait — lines can stretch around the block on weekends.
- 📍 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
- pappyssmokehouse.com
3. The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood, Texas
Located just outside Austin, The Salt Lick offers a true Texas BBQ experience with a side of rustic charm. It’s BYOB, family-style, and surrounded by Texas Hill Country vineyards. Their open pit fires up some of the most visually stunning BBQ you’ll ever see — and taste.
Combo plate (brisket, sausage, pork ribs)
Peach cobbler
Tangy house BBQ sauce
- Tip: Bring a cooler of beer and enjoy live music on weekends. Also perfect for large groups and family outings.
- 📍 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
- saltlickbbq.com
4. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
Once a gas station, now a legend. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is consistently ranked among the best BBQ spots in the country. Their famous Z-Man Sandwich (slow-smoked brisket with onion rings and provolone cheese) is a cult classic.
Z-Man Sandwich
Ribs (thick, tender, and flavorful)
BBQ beans
- Tip: Don’t be fooled by the gas station exterior — this is serious barbecue. Go early or order ahead to avoid long waits.
- 📍 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
- joeskc.com
5. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ – Charleston, South Carolina
Rodney Scott is a James Beard Award-winning pitmaster who’s been cooking whole hog BBQ since he was 11. His approach is simple: wood, fire, patience, and love. At his Charleston location, the pork is pit-cooked for 12+ hours and chopped fresh to order — topped with a signature spicy vinegar sauce.
Pulled pork sandwich
Collard greens and hushpuppies
Banana pudding for dessert
Tip: This spot gets busy fast — order online or hit the drive-thru if you’re in a rush.
- 📍 1011 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
- rodneyscottsbbq.com
6. Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden, North Carolina
Operating since 1947, Skylight Inn is the real deal — a James Beard “America’s Classics” award winner that still cooks whole hogs over wood coals the traditional way. The meat is finely chopped and mixed with crispy skin, then finished with a splash of their signature vinegar-based sauce. No frills — just BBQ royalty.
Chopped whole hog plate with slaw and cornbread
Pig skin mixed in (ask for extra “crunchies”)
Tip: This place is all about authenticity. Don’t expect fancy — expect flavorful.
- 📍 4618 Lee St, Ayden, NC 28513
- skylightinnbbq.com
7. Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a BBQ capital, and Central BBQ lives up to the hype. Known for their slow-smoked ribs and spicy dry rub, this spot is a favorite among locals, tourists, and even food critics. You can smell the smoke before you see the sign.
Dry-rubbed ribs (wet option available too)
Pulled pork nachos
House-made chips and blue cheese dip
- Tip: Try their downtown location if you’re exploring Beale Street or the National Civil Rights Museum.
- 📍 2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- cbqmemphis.com
8. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville, Tennessee
Founder Pat Martin brings West Tennessee-style whole hog BBQ to the heart of Nashville — and adds his own creative flair. The meat is smoked for 24 hours and chopped with love, and the menu offers fun takes like BBQ tacos and brisket poutine.
Redneck Tacos (cornbread hoe cakes + pulled pork)
Brisket sandwich
House-made slaw
- Tip: Their downtown location is great for groups — huge beer garden and live music on weekends.
- 📍 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
- martinsbbqjoint.com
9. Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
Yes, NYC does BBQ — and Hometown Bar-B-Que proves it can compete with the South. Pitmaster Billy Durney adds a multicultural twist, with menu items like Korean sticky ribs and jerk baby backs. It’s BBQ with bold flavors and Brooklyn grit.
Smoked lamb belly banh mi
Jerk ribs
Classic brisket
- Tip: Seating can be tight — arrive early or order online. Great for BBQ-loving foodies looking for variety.
- 📍 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- hometownbarbque.com
10. Smoque BBQ – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may be known for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but Smoque BBQ is putting the Windy City on the BBQ map. Their philosophy? Treat BBQ with the same care as fine dining — from spice blends to smoke timing. The result: meats that are consistently tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Baby back ribs
Sliced brisket
Mac ‘n’ cheese and BBQ beans
- Tip: No reservations, so get there early. Great spot for families and casual lunch meetups.
- 📍 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
- smoquebbq.com
11. Lewis Barbecue – Charleston, South Carolina
Founded by John Lewis, a former pitmaster at Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Lewis Barbecue brings Texas-sized flavor to the South Carolina coast. Their beef brisket is a standout — tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection — smoked low and slow using custom-made pits.
USDA Prime brisket
Hot guts (house-made spicy sausage)
Green chile corn pudding
- Tip: Outdoor seating is chill and perfect for groups. Lines move fast, but get there early on weekends.
- 📍 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
- lewisbarbecue.com
12. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Restaurant
Located in a former gas station, Joe’s KC has earned its legendary reputation with perfectly smoked meats and rich, tangy sauces. It’s a rite of passage for BBQ lovers — even Anthony Bourdain named it one of the “13 Places You Must Eat Before You Die.”
Z-Man Sandwich (brisket + provolone + onion rings on a kaiser roll)
Burnt ends
BBQ beans
Tip: Skip the fancy — this is a no-reservations, stand-in-line-and-enjoy kind of place.
- 📍 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
- joeskc.com
13. Pappy’s – St. Louis, Missouri
Pappy’s Smokehouse has built a loyal following thanks to their dry-rubbed ribs smoked over apple and cherry wood. They’re always cooked fresh daily — and when they’re gone, they’re gone. That “sold out” sign? It’s a badge of honor.
Dry-rubbed ribs
Pulled pork sandwich
Sweet potato fries
- Tip: Arrive early for lunch or order ahead online. Consider their “Adam Bomb” if you’re extra hungry.
- 📍 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
- pappyssmokehouse.com
14. The Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant – Driftwood, Texas
A true Texas BBQ institution, The Salt Lick has been feeding smoky, saucy goodness to families since 1967. Their open pit in the middle of the dining room is a meat-lover’s dream. The setting? Bucolic and BYOB, perfect for large groups and BBQ pilgrimages.
Family-style brisket, sausage, and ribs
Potato salad and peach cobbler
Their famous mustard-based sauce
- Tip: Bring your own drinks (they’re BYOB) and plan a late afternoon visit — the golden hour lighting is unreal.
- 📍 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
- saltlickbbq.com
15. City Butcher and Barbecue – Springfield, Missouri
A hidden gem in the Ozarks, City Butcher draws inspiration from Central Texas, combining artisanal butchery with expert smoking methods. They don’t drown their meats in sauce — because they don’t need to. Everything is sliced to order and served fresh off the block.
Prime brisket
Pork belly burnt ends
Jalapeño cheddar sausage
- Tip: They often sell out of brisket by mid-afternoon, especially on weekends — come early!
- 📍 3650 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807
- citybutchersgf.com
Final Thoughts
Barbecue isn’t just food—it’s culture, it’s passion, and it’s deeply personal. Whether you’re a purist who swears by brisket and dry rubs, or someone who loves fusion flavors and bold sauces, this list has something for everyone. I’ve been to each of these places (or spoken to folks who live and breathe BBQ), and they all deliver an experience worth the trip.
Tip: If you’re planning a BBQ road trip in 2025, bookmark this page and bring your appetite. And if you’ve got a favorite BBQ spot I missed, let me know in the comments!
FAQs About BBQ Restaurants in the USA
Q: What’s the best state for BBQ in the USA?
A: It’s a hot debate! Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri are top contenders—each with their own signature style.
Q: What should I look for in a good BBQ joint?
A: Look for places that smoke their meats low and slow, use real wood, and have a loyal local following. Sides, sauces, and atmosphere count too!
Q: Are these restaurants family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Most of them have casual vibes, outdoor seating, and kid-approved menu options.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
