1. Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
When it comes to Texas barbecue, Franklin Barbecue is legendary. Known for its perfectly smoked brisket, this Austin hotspot has lines that form hours before opening. The brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for any barbecue lover.
Signature Dish: Smoked Brisket
Location: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Website: Franklin Barbecue
2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
Formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a local favorite serving up slow-smoked meats in the heart of barbecue country. The restaurant is famous for its pulled pork, ribs, and the Z-Man sandwich, which includes brisket, smoked provolone, and onion rings.
Signature Dish: Z-Man Sandwich
Location: 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS
Website: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
3. The Pit – Raleigh, North Carolina
The Pit offers authentic North Carolina barbecue, with a focus on whole-hog, pit-cooked pork. Known for its vinegar-based sauces and perfectly smoked pork, The Pit serves traditional Carolina barbecue dishes like pulled pork, chopped pork, and ribs.
Signature Dish: Pulled Pork with Vinegar Sauce
Location: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC
Website: The Pit
4. Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
If you’re in St. Louis, Pappy’s Smokehouse is the place to go for Memphis-style barbecue. The restaurant is famous for its slow-smoked ribs, which are dry-rubbed and smoked over apple and cherry wood. The ribs are so tender that they fall off the bone, making Pappy’s a top barbecue destination in the Midwest.
Signature Dish: Dry-Rubbed Ribs
Location: 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO
Website: Pappy’s Smokehouse
5. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
Established in 1925, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is one of the oldest and most iconic barbecue joints in the South. Known for its unique Alabama white sauce, which is a tangy mayonnaise-based sauce, Big Bob Gibson serves up a variety of smoked meats, including chicken, ribs, and brisket.
Signature Dish: Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Location: 1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL
Website: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
6. Hometown Bar-B-Que – Brooklyn, New York
For a taste of Southern barbecue in the heart of New York City, Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn offers a diverse menu of smoked meats with global influences. The brisket and pulled pork are the stars of the menu, but the smoked lamb belly and jerk baby back ribs bring a unique twist to classic barbecue.
Signature Dish: Smoked Brisket
Location: 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY
Website: Hometown Bar-B-Que
Conclusion
From Texas to the Carolinas, barbecue is a beloved American tradition with rich regional variations. Whether you're enjoying melt-in-your-mouth brisket at Franklin Barbecue or indulging in Alabama white sauce at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, these top barbecue restaurants offer an authentic taste of the best barbecue the USA has to offer. Be sure to visit these legendary spots to experience true American barbecue!
