Best BBQ in Northeastern US:

  • Dinosaur BBQ (246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY) -- With 9 locations throughout the Northeast, the original, opened in 1988, is known for Harleys outside and delicious food inside like 14-hour pit smoked brisket, pulled pork poutine, homemade hot links, & slow-cooked St Louis ribs.
  • Hill Country BBQ (410 7th St NW, Washington, DC) -- Along with its NY location, this jam-packed favorite serves up amazing Texas style BBQ such as sausage shipped in from Texas, brisket, ribs, and strawberry-flavored Big Red soda.
  • Fette Sau (345 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY) -- German for "fat pig," they emphasize their dry rub and thorough smoking practices, and their charred fatty brisket will melt in your mouth.

Best BBQ in Midwestern US:

  • Arthur Bryant's BBQ (1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO) -- This legendary original spot spawned several other locations and celebrities, athletes, and even presidents have enjoyed their famous ribs, burnt ends, lard-fried potatoes, and secret sauce.
  • Smoque BBQ (3800 N Pulaski Rd #2, Chicago, IL) -- They offer BBQ styles from all regions of the US featuring peppery tender Texas-style brisket with 2 layers of dry rub and cooked 14 hours, as well as meaty St Louis-style pork ribs.

Best BBQ in Southeastern US:

  • Franklin BBQ (900 E 11th St, Austin, TX) -- Pitmaster Aaron Franklin started with a food truck and now his restaurant has been written up as one of the best BBQ in the country by the likes of New York Times and Bon Appétit, thanks to their delicious 18-hour slow cooked brisket.
  • Big Bob Gibson BBQ (1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL) -- Opened in 1925 by Bob Gibson and still family owned and operated, their wide variety of sauces include a white sauce spiced with perpper and horseradish, a tangy red sauce, and a dry rub.

Honorable Mentions:

Cost:
$ $
 Difficulty:
⚒
 Bliss Level:
☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎