Does anything say “summer” like a full plate of barbecue meats?
Whether you’re looking for ribs or chicken, Memphis or Carolina style, or some other variation on the bbq theme, we asked our editors across the country to share with us their favorite spots for finger-lickin’ good bites!
See also: 20 Of The Best Foodies To Follow Across The Country
Explore all the best bbq in your backyard and work a few of these must-try spots into your travels.
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2243 Akers Mill Road SE / Website
Former K-pop star, chef Jiyeon Lee, and chef Cody Taylor own this Cumberland eatery that marries Korean and Southern-style barbecue, earning it a spot on the 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Make sure to check out acclaimed eats like the gochujang rubbed smoked spare ribs, the spicy Korean pork platter, the 12-hour smoked brisket and the kimchi coleslaw. There’s even more delicious barbecue to explore on Atlanta’s full list.
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3800 N. Pulaski Rd. / Website
Dig into juicy Texas sausages, tender baby back ribs, brisket tacos and indulgent barbecue gumbo at this Irving Park Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand spot. Amp things up with the joint’s half-brisket, half-pulled pork sandwich, served with slaw and your choice of sides like brisket chili, barbecue beans, coleslaw and cornbread. Dive even deeper into the sauce and try one of Chicago’s other great bbq spots on the city’s full list.
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1800 S Akard St. / Website
Enjoy barbecue inspired by both Dallas and Memphis flavors. The joint is known for its signature Shak Rub, which is a secret family recipe that is used on all of the joint’s meats. Ribs, brisket, pork, Boudain, turkey legs, chicken drumsticks, and more fill the menus. Make an attempt at a healthy meal by adding one of the flavorful proteins to a chef’s salad or, throw the diet out the window and order a baked potato loaded with barbecued meats and all of the cheesy, buttery fixings. Walk-ins are welcome or order takeout online using their website. Closed on Sundays. You know Texas doesn’t mess around when it comes to bbq, so be sure to check the other great spots on Dallas’ full list.
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199 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton; 631-604-6470 / Website
Unleash your inner beast and howl with delight at this “smokin’” barbecue spot in East Hampton. Chef Arthur Wolf is serving up some of the finest southwest barbecue with exciting options using the freshest and finest ingredients in a unique and friendly ambiance. With dishes suitable for every palette, like tender meats, savory seafood and their iconic fresh-baked cornbread, this establishment creates an enjoyable and social atmosphere for every barbecue enthusiast. Besides smoky platters and sides, they offer a plentiful selection of quesadillas, salads, burgers and decadent desserts, if you have room. Definitely do make room in your schedule to try the other bbq spots on the Hamptons’ full list.
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5425 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire / Website
This unique and popular barbecue joint serves a mean Texas Trinity and features a menu inspired by the owners and pitmasters’ Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. Pitmaster Quy Hoang has been nominated for a James Beard award and the community is obsessed with the joint’s gochujang glazed pork ribs, smoked turkey banh mi, thit nuong pork belly, brisket burnt end steamed buns, and green curry boudin balls, among other delectable choices. Be sure to save room for side dishes like brisket fried rice, jalapeño creamed corn, kale strawberry salad, and the jalapeño coleslaw. Keep up with their Instagram page to find out about daily specials. Customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis, or order 48 hours in advance for a guaranteed easy, delicious takeout barbecue meal. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Be sure to indulge in all the other spots on Houston’s full list.
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609 N La Brea Ave. / Website
Over a decade ago, Kevin Bludso opened a small barbecue stand in Compton and has since turned Bludso’s into an international operation. Franchising his recipes and signature seasonings and rubs, Bludso eagerly shares his barbecue expertise with anyone who wants to learn. Along with various meat selections, Bludso’s offers mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad and more. With locations in Hollywood and near LAX and a concession stand at the LAFC Soccer Stadium, Bludso’s is a must-try for BBQ lovers. Don’t stop there! Make reservations at the rest of the restaurants on LA’s full list.
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Multiple Locations / Website
You can’t go to everybody’s BBQ chain without ordering the mighty huge Brontosaurus Rib. The name of this slow-smoked short rib may sound intimidating, but we promise you, it’s worth every single penny (and the inevitable food coma). If you’re more of a brisket person, the Paprika-rubbed brisket puts all other briskets to shame. 10/10. Keep your flavor journey rolling and try the other spots on NYC’s full list.
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6904 Miramar Rd. / Website
Family-run Abbey’s Real Texas Bar-B-Q has been serving up tasty, authentically Texas-style barbecue and homemade side dishes since 1982. Every day, meats are slow-cooked in a cast-iron smoker over green oak and mesquite right on the restaurant’s premises. The beef brisket and pork shoulder are cooked this way for 18 to 24 hours, according to the joint’s website. Hot links, kielbasa sausage, burnt ends, pulled pork, chicken, and a host of sides fill the lengthy menu. The restaurant is open to walk-ins seven days a week. Online takeout orders can be placed here. Get even more wow with a trip to one of the other spots on San Diego’s full list.
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680 8th St.; 415-796-2437 / Website
Having a spot on one of our must-visits when in the Design District, this cozy joint is truly an unexpected yet surprisingly amazing find! By smoking all their own meats in-house, they can deliver on flavor and portion sizes, generously topping your plate with savory piles of Pork Spare Ribs, Mesquite Barbecue Chicken, and more. You must have their plates with a side of the creamiest potato salad, and save room for dessert with their Fried Apple Pie. Go for a hike and make room for more, then try another best bbq spot on San Fran’s full list.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Ranked as The Washington Post’s 2022 first choice for the best barbecue spot in the DMV, this Texas-inspired barbecue is one not to miss. Meats are smoked fresh daily over oak wood and the menu features a delectable selection of beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage links, prime brisket, and so much more. The joint opened a second location in Union Market with a smaller, yet equally delicious menu. Keep up with the restaurant’s Instagram page to find out about their daily specials. Walk-in customers are welcome, however, it’s worth noting that the joint frequently runs out of food. Takeout orders must be placed a day in advance on their website. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. More bbq? A capital idea! Try the other spots on DC’s full list.
Want more tips? Check our guide to the best foodies to follow in every city Modern Luxury calls home.
Photography by: Getty
