Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ in Anchorage, Alaska
In the world of BBQ, pitmaster Mike Mills was a legend. He won countless BBQ contests before he passed away, and chefs from all over flocked to restaurants to learn from him. One of those chefs was Jack Goodsell, who eventually left and opened his own restaurant in Anchorage, Alaska. His restaurant serves up all the staples, including ribs, chicken, and pork, but he also serves smoked fish as a nod to local tastes.
Locals have picked Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ as the best BBQ restaurant for four years in a row, so you know you're in good hands when you walk into Goodsell's restaurant.
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, Arkansas
Usually, the best BBQ joints are off the beaten path, which is true of Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, Arkansas. This place might be small, but it's legendary in the food world. They've been open since 1910, and according to the James Beard Away, the place is an "American Classic." The diner is known for its pulled pork sandwiches, but you really can't go wrong no matter what you order.
They only have two tables, and the diner is set inside a family home, but it's well worth the stop if you happen to find yourself in Arkansas and many people drive for hours around to eat here.
Owlbear BBQ in Denver, Colorado
If you know a bit about BBQ, then you've probably heard of Franklin BBQ. It's a popular restaurant in Austin, Texas, where a lot of chefs go to learn the trade. Karl Fallenius was one such chef, and after learning all he could, he went back to Denver, Colorado, to open up his own restaurant, Owlbear BBQ. They serve up pork belly, brisket, and many other staples, along with some vegan options.
However, they usually sell out not long after opening up so if you want to try the place for yourself it's advisable to get there as early as you can.
Locale BBQ Post in Wilmington, Delaware
Locale BBQ Post actually started out as a pickling location. That was until chef Daniel Sheridan found Mike Gallucio and Justin Mason, and the three decided to open up a BBQ restaurant to go along with the picking business. The pairing turned out to be perfect, and today, Locale BBQ Post is one of the best restaurants in Delaware. The three also opened up a couple of more locations in South Carolina and Kansas.
You'll find all of the staples here, including ribs, pork, and sausage, paired with delicious pickles that bring much-needed acidity to what is usually a very heavy meal.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q in Atlanta, Georgia
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q in Atlanta, Georgia, has long been rated one of the city's best BBQ joints. And considering all of the different options throughout the state, that's really saying something. The ribs are a top choice, but ordering pretty much anything on the menu is going to leave you satisfied and glad you stopped by. However, the lines are usually long and expect to wait for a while if you want to eat at this legendary restaurant.
Brisket is usually more of a Texas BBQ staple, with other Southern states better known for their pork and chicken, but Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q does it as good as anybody.
Grandpa’s Southern BBQ in Idaho Falls, Idaho
Grandpa’s Southern BBQ in Idaho Falls was set up by Lloyd Westbrook, who himself is actually from Kentucky. This small restaurant is often billed as the best in the state by locals and as some of the best BBQs outside of the South by those traveling from out of town. The restaurant serves the usual staples, like ribs and chicken, along with traditional sides, like mac and cheese and smoky baked beans.
The baby back ribs smothered in a cherry BBQ sauce are said to be the best dish on the menu, but it's also one of the few places outside the South you'll find serving gumbo.
Hank’s Smoked Briskets in Indianapolis, Indiana
Many of the best BBQ restaurants are little more than holes in the wall, and that's also true of Hank's Smoked Briskets in Indianapolis, Indiana. The owner is from Texas and cooks the brisket over mesquite he gets from back in his home state. Obviously, the draw here is the brisket, but the sides and other meats are well worth a try if you happen to be in town.
Hank Fields opened the place all the way back in 2004, and they've been serving the community and earning accolades ever since, so you're guaranteed not to leave disappointed.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, Kansas
Despite being out West, Kansas City has a long history of serving up tasty BBQs. The city's BBQ is known for the sweet and thick sauce that's usually used. At Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, you'll also want to try the burnt ends, which are just as delicious as they sound. The restaurant started off serving fried chicken in a gas station, which is how you really know it's good.
They also serve other BBQ staples like pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, all of which we recommend trying if you're in Kansas City or happen to be passing through the state.
Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette, Louisiana
While southern Louisiana is known for its cajun and creole cooking, northern Louisiana serves up traditional Southern BBQ. Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a local favorite that serves slow-smoked sausage, pulled pork, and ribs, along with traditional sides like mac and cheese and green beans cooked with bacon. They also serve the state's famous boudin, which is a sausage filled with rice and other bits, along with other specialty meats.
The place leans into local cajun and creole cooking, taking advantage of spices like cayenne and churning out its own version of the po'boy and other famous local dishes.
Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore, Maryland
Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore, Maryland, is a little different than the other BBQ restaurants on this list. At Chaps, it's all about the sandwiches. They're best known for their roast beef sandwich, which is piled high with thinly sliced roast beef and served alongside baked beans. They cook their roast beef over an open flame, which gives it a slightly smoky flavor. They also serve ham and turkey sandwiches with hearty portions.
The restaurant has been voted the best of Baltimore for 24 years in a row, which should tell you something about how valued this place is by locals. The small restaurant also serves BBQ chicken and ribs, but the real draw is the sandwiches.
Slows Bar-B-Q in Detroit, Michigan
At Slows Bar-B-Q in Detroit, you'll find a lot to love, including a pulled pork sandwich stacked high with slow-smoked pork, bacon, pickles, and slaw. That's not even mentioning the other menu items, like the jambalaya, smoked turkey, ribs, and brisket. The place opened in 2005 and has since expanded to a couple of more locations, not to mention vastly expanding its beer offerings with around 36 taps on hand.
Slows has a modern take on BBQ that still feels rooted in tradition, and it's definitely worth a visit if you happen to be passing through town. It may be worth staying the night and visiting a couple of times.
The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint on Mississippi's Gulf Coast is a local favorite with live music and outdoor seating. While those are some good reasons in and of themselves, they also serve up some great BBQ. Their pulled pork sandwich is a must-order with a side of fried okra. However, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. After you grab your plate, head dockside to have your meal next to the water.
The Shed has been featured on The Food Network and even had their own series back in 2013 that followed the family around and showed how they make their famous BBQ.
Follow Yer’ Nose in Emigrant, Montana
Follow Yer' Nose in Emigrant, Montana, might just have the best name on this list. But don't let that distract you; they also serve up a mean plate of BBQ. Their huge slab of smoked ribs is a local favorite. And just as the name suggests, there's nothing better than passing by a BBQ joint and smelling all of the meats being slowly cooked in huge smokers out back.
Like a lot of other places on this list, space here fills up fast, so if you want to get a table, try to get there kind of early.
John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada
John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill was opened in 1954 and predates a lot of the development that has happened on the Las Vegas Strip. The small restaurant still serves up BBQ in much the same way it always has. Their BBQ chicken, burnt ends, and hot links have been leaving customers satisfied ever since the place opened. They also operate their own butcher shop since that was the original profession of the restaurant's founder.
The restaurant is beloved by the local community, and it was listed as an historic site by the city not that long ago, which hopefully means it'll be there for years to come.
Henri’s Hotts Barbeque in Hammonton, New Jersey
Henri’s Hotts Barbeque offers an all-you-can-eat buffet that you're going to want to take advantage of. They serve barbecued chicken and ribs slow-smoked using hickory and oak. The restaurant originally opened up as a food truck, but demand proved to be too much, and they moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant around 2009. Today, their homestyle cooking has won over the community, and their collard greens and made in-house pies are a must-try.
During the pandemic, the restaurant's founder, Douglas Henry, passed away, but his wife has taken over at the restaurant and said she wants to keep the tradition alive.
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn, New York
In recent years, pitmasters have taken their talents and opened up a number of great BBQ restaurants in New York City. One of the best is Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn. They serve healthy portions of ribs, brisket, and pork, besides traditional staples like cornbread and mac and cheese. They slow smoke their meats using oak and have garnered quite a following since they first opened their doors back in 2013.
Since opening their original location, they've also opened another, but menu items vary, so you'll need to check ahead before making a trip out there if there's something specific you want.
Monty’s BBQ in Minot, North Dakota
Despite its long history of cattle drives, North Dakota isn't exactly known for BBQ. At least, that was until Daniel Montgomery founded Monty's BBQ. Now, the place is a local favorite that serves pulled pork, burnt ends, and brisket. The restaurant is basically just a kitchen inside a camper park, but the food is so good that it's become somewhat of a go-to place if you're in town or passing nearby.
The founder is originally from Texas and brought his love of BBQ to his new home not long after settling down in North Dakota. They slow smoke over wood, and the sausage is a standout.
Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jamil’s Steakhouse is a unique BBQ restaurant that pairs traditional BBQ with Mediterranean favorites like hummus and trouble. It might sound a bit weird at first, but the acidity of the Mediterranean dishes pairs perfectly with the heavy BBQ ribs, brisket, and steak. However, you don't have to take our word for it; the restaurant has been serving locals for more than half a century, so you know it has to be good.
Reportedly, their specially made bologna sandwich is one of the best items on the menu, and it features a thick cut of bologna that's cooked over an open flame.
Federal Hill Smokehouse in Erie, Pennsylvania
Federal Hill Smokehouse is often voted as the best BBQ restaurant in the state of Pennsylvania, and for good reason. Their deep-fried pulled pork is unique and tasty, as are the more traditional dishes, like sausage, brisket, and pork. The menu isn't overwhelming but has a little something for just about any taste, and what they do have, they make well. The restaurant was opened by Ryan and Autumn Atzeret.
The smokehouse was only opened in 2016, and it sits down the road from Ryan's tattoo and piercing shop if you feel like dining right before sitting down to get some ink.
Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, South Carolina
Nearly since it opened, Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, South Carolina, has attracted lovers of BBQ from both near and far. Pitmaster John Lewis slowly cooks his pork for around 18 hours in order to get the flavor he wants. The restaurant also serves up other Southern staples like mac and cheese and collard greens. Reportedly, they also do a really good brisket due to the fact that Lewis is from Texas.
However, the Carolinas are more known for their pork BBQ and that's no different here and probably one of the reasons Lewis cooks his pork offerings for so long.
Cozy Corner Restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee
In our opinion, Cozy Corner Restaurant is the perfect name for a BBQ place, and it doesn't hurt that this eatery in Memphis, Tennessee, offers up some of the best BBQ in the state. They opened back in 1977, and their offerings are pretty traditional when it comes to Memphis-style barbecue. However, their Cornish hen and hot BBQ sauce have attracted diners from nearly every corner of the world.
The place doesn't look like much on the outside, but you can bet that you're getting a world-class meal when you walk into this small BBQ restaurant in Memphis.
Torrey Grill & BBQ in Torrey, Utah
Utah is another state that wasn't really known for its BBQ. So, when chef Peter Cole opened Torrey Grill & BBQ, he must've seen an opportunity to bring a great BBQ joint to the state. The restaurant serves ribs, pulled chicken, and steak alongside sides like cornbread and collard greens. They also have a pretty good dessert menu with dishes like their old-fashioned peach cobbler and ice cream.
Their menu is really limited, but that also means that the dishes they do serve are done extremely well, and you can tell from the large following they've garnered since opening.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque in Richmond, Virginia
Unlike a lot of places on this list, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue in Richmond, Virginia, was opened by a chef with little prior experience. Chris Fultz and his wife opened the restaurant after Chris developed an affinity for Texas BBQ. He must've had a knack for it because today, they serve some of the best BBQ in the state, and their ribs, sausage, and brisket are to die for.
We definitely recommend giving this place a go if you're passing through Virginia, as Chris and his wife have made quite a reputation for themselves in the state and beyond.
Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill BBQ in Charleston, West Virginia
Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill BBQ was founded by former football player Adrian Wright after he moved back home to Charleston, West Virginia. The restaurant uses a slightly spicy and tangy sauce that pairs really well with the beef ribs and other offerings. The place itself is pretty unassuming on the outside, but it didn't take long for it to quickly rack up awards and recognition after it opened back in 2013.
The huge smoker out back offers great smells and makes it hard to pass the place up if you happen to pass through town during just the right time of day.
Fat Rack’s BBQ in Cody, Wyoming
Fat Rack’s BBQ originated in a food truck run by chef Mike Mitchell. However, they have since moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, most likely due to the high demand they were seeing. The BBQ here is traditional Texas style, but they also make a really mean turkey sandwich. In addition, you'll find all your traditional staples here, like ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage, along with mac and cheese and baked beans.
Like any good BBQ restaurant, the proportions are pretty big, and this place can get pretty busy on some days, so it's best to get there early to get a spot to sit.
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin isn't known for its BBQ, but thankfully, it is home to Speed Queen Bar-B-Q, which has been serving the local community there for decades. Their ribs are covered with their signature sweet and slightly tangy BBQ sauce, but that's not the only thing they offer. You can find Southern-style catfish, cornbread, and collard greens. They also serve red beans and rice, making this place a must-try if you're craving not only BBQ but other Southern dishes, too.
Like many places on this list, the building itself isn't much to look at, but as soon as you taste the food, you'll be a believer. Former owner Betty Jean Gillespie passed away in 2000, but her family has since taken over the business.
Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill in Mill Creek, Washington
Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill isn't exactly a BBQ place in the American sense, but it does serve up great grilled chicken and beef that might taste a bit familiar to BBQ fans. The restaurant was opened all the way back in 1976, and its teriyaki sauce provides an excellent flavor that pairs well with the smoky offerings. The restaurant and chef, Toshi Kasahara, has been featured in a number of publications and on TV.
This is one of the top-rated restaurants in the state, whether you're looking at BBQ or Asian restaurants, and it attracts diners from around the region and from around the U.S.
Prohibition Pig in Historic District, Vermont
When Prohibition Pig opened in Vermont, it brought great BBQ to a state that traditionally didn't have many options to choose from. It's now known far and wide, and as the name suggests, their pork dishes are the main attraction. They have more than 20 craft beers to choose from and even operate their own brewery on-site. However, a BBQ place wouldn't be anything without actual BBQ, and Prohibition Pig excels here.
Their pulled pork is great, and they have a number of sides you usually only find in the South, like cornbread, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. Their sausage and chicken aren't bad, either.
Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Texas
When talking about BBQ in a state like Texas, it's tough to pick just one place. There are a lot of great BBQ joints in the state, but Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Texas, has been doing it longer than most. They serve the state's signature smoked brisket and ribs, and among the many accolades they've racked up over the years, The New York Times once called them "the epitome of Texas barbecue."
The portions are about as large as you'd expect them to be, and you're going to walk away with a full stomach and very happy taste buds after visiting.
J. R. ’s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT in Summerset, South Dakota
Like North Dakota, South Dakota didn't really have a tradition of BBQ before J. R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT opened in Summerset. He brought his Texas-style barbecue to the state, and locals have been flocking there ever since. The sausage, brisket, ribs, and traditional sides are all done really well here. If you happen to visit on a friday, make sure and order a helping of the beef rib special.
If you love Texas-style barbecue and happen to be way up in South Dakota, then you definitely have to stop by and try this place out for yourself.
Johnny’s Victory Diner in Burrillville, Rhode Island
Johnny’s Victory Diner is a classic American diner during the week and a great BBQ joint on Fridays. They serve pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and other fare from a barrel smoker out back. The place has been open since the 1930s, and it's been voted Rhode Island's best BBQ despite only serving Southern barbecue on Fridays, which should tell you all you need to know about this local favorite.
Even if you happen to miss the barbecue on Fridays, it's still worth a visit, as their diner fare is said to be just as great as the barbecue.
Holy Trinity Barbecue in Portland, Oregon
Holy Trinity Barbecue brought Texas-style barbecue to Portland, Oregon. The owner and chef, Kyle Rensmeyer, quickly earned a reputation as one of the best pitmasters on the entire West Coast. He served spare ribs, sausage, and, of course, Texas-style brisket. Hence, the name Holy Trinity refers to the combination of brisket, ribs, and sausage in Texas. However, pretty much everything on the menu here was worth a try.
When he first started, Kyle didn't have any experience in the restaurant business and said he simply wanted to bring his barbecue to Portland, and we'd say that he succeeded.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit in Columbus, Ohio
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit has grown to expand to six locations since it first opened, and it's racked up a ton of awards in that time. They serve some of the best barbecue, if not the best, in all of Ohio. Portions are healthy and include ribs, sausage, and pork covered in their homemade sauce, which is both sweet and tangy. They smoke their meats using hardwood for around 16 hours, depending on the cut.
Everything about Ray Ray's is old school, and that's what sets them apart and has allowed them to earn a name for themselves in the highly competitive world of barbecue.
The Skylight Inn in Ayden, North Carolina
You know you're walking into a great barbecue joint when there is a pile of hardwood out back and two to three people chopping pulled pork right behind the counter. That's pretty much Skylight Inn, and this place has been serving the local community since 1947. Their brisket sandwich is a local favorite, but they also do really good pork dishes, and sometimes, you'll find a whole hog on the smoker.
This place is simple yet satisfying barbecue at its best, and it's definitely worth a visit if you want to try Carolina-style BBQ at one of the best places around.
Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue in Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue was opened by Mr. Jackson, and it serves Texas-style BBQ. That means a lot of beef ribs, sausage, and slow-smoked brisket. However, they also do a really good turkey leg. Since opening, the restaurant has become a local staple, and things tend to sell out quickly, so it's worth getting here early if you want to pay them a visit. The beef rib is absolutely huge and worth a try.
Their motto is "Barbecue more tender than your mother's heart," which is a big claim that most of those lucky enough to go here say is absolutely true.
Smokeshow Barbeque in Concord, New Hampshire
Matt Gfroerer transitioned from the world of software and opened Smokeshow Barbeque in Concord, New Hampshire. Today, the place is known for its smoked turkey and pork, but it also does a really great brisket. The restaurant is rooted in Texas-style BBQ, which means the portions are big, and the brisket is cooked for hours on end to make sure it has that signature smoky flavor that melts in your mouth.
It's hard to find a better BBQ joint in New Hampshire and it's safe to say that Matt found his calling when he left the tech world for BBQ.
Grandpa’s Ribs and Secret Sauce in Lincoln, Nebraska
Owner Terry Rupert opened Grandpa’s Ribs and Secret Sauce in the 1980s, and it has since become a cherished local eatery. The brisket is, without a doubt, the most popular item on the menu, but they also serve really great ribs. Terry has since semi-retired, but the restaurant is in good hands and still going strong, and Terry can sometimes still be found there if you want to have a chat with the person behind this great local restaurant.
Look up a list of the best restaurants in Lincoln today, and Terry's place is guaranteed to be at or near the top of that list.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque in Kansas City, Missouri
Missouri has a long tradition of BBQ, but Arthur Bryant stands out from the crowd. Arthur himself has passed away, but the new owners still use the original recipes, and they still have their iconic BBQ sauce, which is made in-house. There have been a couple of updates, but it's still an old-school barbecue joint that serves great big portions of smoked meats with a side of white bread to soak up all that BBQ goodness.
Some will tell you that this is one of the most famous places for BBQ in not only Missouri but in the entire U.S., and it'd be hard to argue with them.
Animales Barbecue in Minneapolis, Minnesota
This food truck and BBQ joint in Minneapolis, Minnesota has all the typical BBQ fare you'd expect to find, such as Southern sausages, chicken, and pork, but they also serve great tacos. The fresh salads and bright sauces are another clue that this place is partly inspired by cuisine from below the American border. They tend to sell out quickly, though, so you have to get there kind of early if you don't want to get stuck waiting in line.
But even if you do get stuck, the wait is well worth it since this is one of the best places in the entire state to try authentic barbecue.
B. T. ’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Massachusetts usually isn't the first state you think of when you think of BBQ, but B. T.’s Smokehouse aimed to change that when they opened. While it started out as a food truck started by Brian Treitman and Ken Oringer, the smokehouse quickly turned into a restaurant and what's now one of the most popular BBQ joints in all of New England. They do a really good brisket and pulled pork.
The menu is tight and well thought out, and there are sometimes seasonal offerings, but you really can't go wrong with just about anything you order at B.T.’s Smokehouse.
Salvage BBQ in Portland, Maine
Maine is another state that's not really known for its BBQ. However, that just means the fine folks at Salvage BBQ were free to take the best BBQ from every region of the South and combine it in one great restaurant. You'll find Texas-style brisket prepared beside Carolina-style pulled pork. They also serve St. Louis-style ribs. However, they also added their own spin in using locally grown red oak to fuel their smokers.
This place really is a must-try if you find yourself in or near Maine and want to take a break from their great seafood and have a slightly heavier meal.
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn in Owensboro, Kentucky
Not many know this, but Kentucky has its own style of BBQ, and it revolves around mutton or sheep. The mutton is slow-cooked for around 12 hours and then served with a vinegar-based BBQ sauce. One of the best places to try Kentucky-style BBQ is at Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn found in Owensboro. While you're there, also check out their assortment of homemade pies, which are a great dessert to finish off your meal.
This is another really old BBQ joint, and they've been serving up barbecued mutton since the 1950s, so you know you're in good hands when you give this place a visit.
Smokey D’s in Des Moines, Iowa
This award-winning eatery was opened by Darren and Sherry Warth, and the number of competitions they've won since opening is really quite astonishing. They have around 700 awards under their belts. You'll find smoked turkey, brisket, ribs, and pork on the menu, but this isn't just some traditional BBQ joint (although we also love traditional). They have innovative dishes on offer, like their burnt ends glazed with an Asian-style sauce.
Their platters also come with thick slices of Texas toast that are so buttery and fluffy that they melt in your mouth nearly as well as the meat.
17th Street Barbecue in Marion, Illinois
No list of the best BBQ restaurants would be complete without a mention of 17th Street Barbecue. This legendary eatery was started by pitmaster Mike Mills, who placed first multiple times at world-champion BBQ events. The restaurant has also been featured on the Food Network, which isn't that surprising considering how famous it is. The baby back ribs are the real crowd-pleaser here, but there are also other staples on the menu.
Mike passed away in 2020, but 17th Street Barbecue lives on, and it isn't showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, which is a good thing for its many fans.
Guava Smoked in Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is another place that isn't traditionally thought of when it comes to Southern-style BBQ, but the islands have a style of BBQ all their own. Traditionally, they'd smoke an entire hog underground, and while that certainly sounds tasty, that style of cooking is applied to other cuts of meat as well. Guava Smoked in Honolulu serves up healthy portions of smoked chicken, pork, and even salmon and duck.
This is truly a place you don't want to miss if you're visiting the islands, and it'll have you wanting to come back for more delicious, smoked meats every time.
Jenkins Quality Barbecue in Jacksonville, Florida
The cuts at Jenkins Quality Barbecue are finished with a unique, spiced mustard that really makes their food stand out. Don't expect anything fancy, as the restaurant itself says, but do expect to be treated to some great BBQ done simply and done right. Everything is slow-cooked in a large brick oven, and they use local oak to cook things like ribs, pork, and chicken. They also have three different locations.
Like most great BBQ joints, the buildings look pretty plain, but don't let that fool you because this is some of the best BBQ in the entire state of Florida.
Hoodoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield, Connecticut
We've heard some say that this is one of the best, if not the best, Texas-style BBQs outside the state, which is a pretty big claim to make. However, we're sure the fans of Hoodoo Brown BBQ In Ridgefield, Connecticut, would gladly back up their local restaurant, considering the great choices of brisket, pork belly, and other Southern staples this place serves up. Expect to find all of the BBQ classics on the menu here.
Texas Monthly, which is pretty much the bible of Texas-style BBQ, has also vouched for this place, which is saying something when many of the restaurants in the state of Texas only dream of getting a mention in the publication.
Coppertop BBQ in Big Pine, California
It didn't take long for Coppertop BBQ In Big Pine, California, to make a name for itself. The restaurant serves St. Louis-style ribs but with obvious Southwest influences peppered throughout their menu. It looks like any other BBQ joint on the outside, but don't let that fool you. This is one of the best BBQ joints in the entire state of California and probably one of the best in the entire Southwest.
The pulled pork and sausages are also worth a try, and you'll know you found the place when you see the huge stacks of wood sitting outside the restaurant.
Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix, Arizona
Little Miss BBQ has all of the things that make for a great BBQ restaurant: slow-cooked, tender brisket, mouth-watering sausage, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. However, they also serve lamb neck, which is said to be worth a trip alone. However, you'll have to check the schedule because it's only served once a week, and it tends to sell out very quickly, as do many of the other dishes that make this place a local favorite.
There are two locations that are pretty much the same in quality, but the one in Arizona is the one to visit if you're a stickler for originals.
Archibald’s BBQ in Northport, Alabama
It doesn't get much more old school than Archibald’s BBQ in Northport, Alabama. The place has been serving pulled pork, chicken, and ribs since 1962, and they have a loyal fanbase from all around the state. Everything on the menu is worth a try, but make sure to also pair it with some sweet tea and fried okra or fried green tomatoes and be prepared to find a nice comfortable bed to take a nap in shortly after.
This small restaurant has made it into The New York Times and Southern Living, and local legend says it used to be a favorite of revered state football coach Bear Byrant.