SerpApi.Org
Barbecuing is an art, and you need to master a few things on the grill to achieve that perfect smoky flavor and char. Whether you're in the mood for some tender brisket, pulled pork, or sticky ribs, you want to make sure it's done right. You've probably got your favorite local neighborhood spots, but how do they stack up to the competition?
To get the best bang for your buck, you want the best of the best - and thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from. Yelp compiled a list of the top 100 barbecue restaurants across the United States, according to their Elite Squad, and we're already planning road trips to some of the favorites. Here are the top 10 spots, as well as some standouts you don't want to miss.
1. Little Miss BBQ-University
With two locations in Phoenix, Arizona, Little Miss BBQ-University takes the top spot. The restaurant specializes in Central Texas-style barbecue, and it came about after the owner couldn't get enough of the stuff he tried in the Lone Star State while visiting for a wedding. It's known for its brisket smoked with Arizona oak, barbecue sandwiches and burritos, and signature red chili featuring all of their house smoked meats.
2. Han No Daidokoro
Not too far behind in Honolulu, Hawaii, is Han No Daidokoro, with locations in Kaka'ako and Waikiki. Here you can find A5 grade Miyazaki beef and Washu beef imported from Japan that's so tender it'll melt in your mouth. With exceptional quality, flavor, and atmosphere, it's easy to see why this Japanese barbecue spot is well-loved.
3. Mazra
If you're looking for some Mediterranean flair, Mazra in San Bruno, California, will be your go-to spot. Here you can find grilled chicken wings, grilled salmon, and grilled branzino, as well as steak and chicken shawarma. If you really want to go all-out or you're hosting a large group, pick up the BBQ kebab pack featuring live-fire mesquite grilled chicken, kofta, and lamb.
4. Lewis Barbecue
Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, South Carolina, is next, and you can best believe the food is good because the restaurant was recognized by the Michelin Guide. Here you'll also find Central Texas-style barbecue, including smoked pork spare ribs, "Texas hot guts" sausage, oxtail, and their legendary beef brisket made in custom smokers. They also have locations in Atlanta, Georgia, and Greenville, South Carolina.
5. San Ho Won
Nestled in San Francisco, California's Mission District is San Ho Wan, known for their exceptional Korean-style barbecue. Founded by two fine-dining chefs longing to create a more casual dining experience, all their meats are grilled over solid lychee wood charcoal to infuse that smoked flavor into galbi (beef short ribs), ribeye, pork bulgogi, and more.
6. Franklin Barbecue
It's easy to see why Franklin Barbecue, located in Austin, Texas, came up in the top 10. The no-frills restaurant specializes in classic Texas barbecue, featuring plates piled high with smoked brisket, turkey, sausage, spare ribs, pulled pork, and their signature sides. They emphasize cooking with only the best possible ingredients, including USDA prime brisket, heritage pork, and farm-raised turkeys so the flavors speak for themselves.
7. Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue
High elevation can't stop the barbecue. Situated at 9,000 feet in altitude in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue has easily become a fan-favorite. Stop by for "barbecue more tender than your mother's heart," including popular items like their signature sliced brisket, dino ribs, and pulled pork. They even sell their own brisket rub and barbecue sauce.
8. Caldwell County BBQ
Another Arizona favorite, Caldwell County BBQ is located in Gilbert and known for its Texas-style barbecue with an Arizona twist. All of their meats are cooked over in-house smokers featuring a mix of mesquite and pecan wood. Try their fan-favorite El General Patton sandwich featuring 1/3 lb of brisket and pork, topped with jalapeño cheddar sausage.
9. CorkScrew BBQ
Located just north of Houston in Spring, Texas, is CorkScrew BBQ, beloved for its red oak smoked meats. Quality is key, and the restaurant only uses high-quality, farm and humanely raised meats, cooking it all plus their signature sides and sauces in-house. Taste it in action in their smoked turkey breast, pulled pork, or garlic link sausage.
10. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Rounding out the top 10 is Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, located in Kansas City, Kansas. This isn't your average restaurant, either. While they have multiple locations now, the original location is fashioned out of a gas station, making it a tourist destination for people from all over. Even Anthony Bourdain was a fan. Don't leave without trying one of their specialty sandwiches, such as The Rocket Pig, featuring barbecue glazed pulled pork, bacon, pepper Jack cheese, BBQ mayo, and fried jalapeños.
Some other standouts on the list include Eem in Portland, Oregon, which meshes Thai flavors with Texas-style barbecue; Al Basha in Paterson, New Jersey, praised for its famously tender chicken kebabs; and Pinkerton's Barbecue in Houston, Texas, known for its both wet-mop and dry-rub ribs.
Check out the rest of the top 100, and find a new barbecue spot to try in your neighborhood or while you're on your next road trip.
Further Reading
I Tried Every Possible Way to Bake a Potato, and Found the Curveball Trick I'll Now Follow Forever
We Tried 8 Methods of Cooking Bacon and Found an Absolute Winner
