The most iconic barbecue joint in every state

• Kansas City and Texas are among the best-known places in the country for barbecue.
• However, great barbecue can be found across the country.
• From roadside shacks to barbecue institutions, here's the most iconic barbecue joint in every state.

Nothing says summer like a plate of barbecue.

We found the most iconic or beloved barbecue joints in every state, from nationally known institutions like Franklin Barbecue in Austin to side-of-the-road smokehouses that have become local legends.

Our list includes barbecue destinations with historical or regional significance and devoted national or local followings. Many of the spots or their pitmasters have won major accolades, and some have made mainstream TV appearances. Together, they show that great barbecue can be found in every corner of the country.

Here's the most iconic barbecue restaurant in every state.

ALABAMA: Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa

Famous for its ribs, Dreamland Bar-B-Que has been satisfying folks in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, since 1958.

Even celebrities come to the restaurant to enjoy the food, including actor and singer Reba McEntire and former president George W. Bush, who ordered some of the restaurant's famous ribs to-go to eat aboard Air Force One, The Tuscaloosa News reported.

ALASKA: Big Daddy's Bar-B-Q in Fairbanks

It's not just any place that can get Guy Fieri and his frosted tips up to the northernmost part of the US, but Big Daddy's Bar-B-Q did. The Fairbanks institution was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" (a fact that's prominently advertised throughout the restaurant) in 2009.

Fieri recommends the Arkansas-style ribs and the smoked turkey.

ARIZONA: Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix

Little Miss BBQ got started when its owner, Scott Holmes, took a trip to Texas and had his mind blown by Texan barbecue. It started him and his wife on a journey that's led to two Little Miss BBQ locations, a dedicated following, and Holmes becoming a James Beard semifinalist this year, per KTAR News.

ARKANSAS: McClard's Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs

McClard's has been part of the Hot Springs community for almost 100 years — it opened in 1928. Four generations later, it's still in the McClard family, and its priceless sauce recipe is locked inside a bank vault for safekeeping.

While many barbecue places have longtime fans, McClard's Bar-B-Q can claim one special person among its dedicated fan base: Bill Clinton. Per The Takeout, the then-president would have McClard's wings flown to DC on Air Force One, and they were even served at Camp David.

CALIFORNIA: Bludso's BBQ in Los Angeles

Bludso's BBQ was founded in 2008 by Kevin Bludso, a James Beard Award winner and frequent judge on the Netflix competition series "Barbecue Showdown."

Fans recommend the brisket and the ribs, along with sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.

COLORADO: Post Oak Barbecue in Denver

Post Oak describes itself as the "most down-to-earth Texas barbecue you'll find anywhere in Colorado," as all the wood it uses for its pits is flown in straight from Austin.

The pulled pork and burnt ends are fan-favorites.

CONNECTICUT: Bear's Smokehouse BBQ in Hartford

Bear's Smokehouse is a Hartford favorite, though the chain has multiple locations throughout the state. Local outlet Hartford Courant named Bear's Smokehouse the best ribs and best food truck in the state. USA Today also named it one of the best restaurants in the country in 2026 (albeit, one of the North Carolina locations).

DELAWARE: Bethany Blues in Bethany Beach

Best of Delaware has regularly shouted out Bethany Blues as the state's best place to grab barbecue, and the fact that it's on the beach only adds to the great summer vibes.

In addition to the tasty brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, dedicated customers recommend checking out the huge list of bourbon.

FLORIDA: Big Lee's Barbecue in Ocala

Another Guy Fieri favorite is Big Lee's in Ocala. The current head pitmaster, Rashad Jones, has popped up on other Food Network shows, including "Beat Bobby Flay" in 2023, when he, in fact, beat Flay.

The burnt ends, the Deacon fries that are topped with pulled pork, and the homemade sweet tea are all notable menu items.

GEORGIA: Southern Soul Barbeque in Saint Simons Island

Southern Living readers named Southern Soul Barbecue the best barbecue in the South in 2026.

The magazine noted the "big St. Louis-style [ribs] slathered in turbinado and brown sugar," the "smoked-kissed half chicken," and the Brunswick stew, a Georgia classic.

HAWAII: Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu

Helena's Hawaiian Food sells, you guessed it, traditional Hawaiian food, which has its own version of barbecue, including short ribs, slow-cooked pig, macaroni salad, and more. It's a staple of the Honolulu food scene.

IDAHO: BBQ4LIFE in Boise

Boise Weekly named BBQ4LIFE the best barbecue in the state, and looking at the menu, we can see why. In addition to its many flavorful meat options, BBQ4LIFE also has vegan options, a rarity in this cuisine.

What we'd be interested in trying, though, is the broodwich: pulled pork, mac and cheese, and barbecue sauce all on French toast with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

ILLINOIS: 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro

17th Street was well-known throughout the barbecue community, mostly due to its owner and pitmaster, Mike Mills, a pillar of the Illinois barbecue scene. Upon his death in 2020, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker posted his condolences, and his obituary said that Mills was the "only barbecuer with top-security clearance to board Air Force One, where he delivered barbecue to President Bill Clinton, and the only pitmaster in America who's been featured in Vogue magazine four times."

17th Street is still going strong, with his daughter Amy taking over. The baby back ribs are a must, as they're sprinkled with a secret seasoning called "Magic Dust."

INDIANA: Big Hoffa's in Westfield

Big Hoffa's has a cult following in Indiana due to its unique pirate theme, complete with murals, a fake cypress tree draped in "Spanish moss," and shelves of pirate memorabilia.

Oh, and the food is good too, as the barbecue is fused with Caribbean influences.

IOWA: Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack in Iowa City

Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack is a favorite of students at the University of Iowa, which is less than 10 minutes away by car. In addition to the (of course) ribs, the chicken wings are a hugely popular menu item.

KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City

Kansas City is famous for its barbecue, and its iconic spot is Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which is attached to a gas station.

On Joe's famous menu, the most famous item is the Z-Man sandwich, which traditionally features brisket, provolone, and onion rings on a kaiser roll. But if brisket isn't your deal, Joe's also offers pulled pork, smoked chicken, and portobello mushroom variants.

KENTUCKY: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn in Owensboro

Moonlite Bar-B-Q is famous for its barbecue mutton, which is unique to Kentucky.

"Kentucky has been known as the mutton capital of all things barbecue," pitmaster and television personality Danielle Bennett told Food and Wine, and Moonlite is the best place to get it.

LOUISIANA: The Joint in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of, if not the most, food-focused cities in the US, so if something rises to the level of institution, you know it's good.

The Joint has been in the Bywater since 2004, and in the 20 years since, locals have come to love the burnt ends, barbecue chicken, pecan pie, and frozen drinks.

MAINE: Wilson County Barbecue in Portland

Maine isn't particularly known for its barbecue offerings, but Mainers swear by Wilson County, which local outlets have praised for its North Carolina-inspired menu, including its whole-hog pulled-pork sandwich.

MARYLAND: Andy Nelson's Southern Pit Barbecue in Cockeysville

Maryland may be famous for its seafood, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own tasty barbecue. The best-known barbecue spot in this state is Andy Nelson's, named for the Baltimore Colts (before they moved to Indianapolis) safety. His family was a barbecue family, and he used recipes passed down from his father.

The pit beef, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked turkey are not to be missed.

MASSACHUSETTS: BT's Smokehouse in Sturbridge

BT's Smokehouse regularly appears on lists of the best barbecue in the Northeast or New England.

"I try to cook my barbecue the way you think barbecue should taste," said founder Brian Treitman.

"When you think about a pork rib, in your mind, it is tender, succulent, ready to fall off the bone with a little smoke and glazed with a flavorful, spiced, sweet sauce. You want to lick your fingers — no need for a napkin," he continued. "That's the way I try to cook."

MICHIGAN: Slows Bar-B-Q in Detroit

Slows has been a staple of the Detroit neighborhood of Corktown for over 20 years, per Eater. It gained such a following that its Yardbird sandwich (smoked chicken, mushrooms, cheddar, bacon, and house honey mustard barbecue sauce) was featured on an episode of "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America."

MINNESOTA: Ted Cook's 19th Hole BBQ in Minneapolis

Ted Cook's 19th Hole BBQ has been a Minneapolis institution since 1968. It was run by Cook and his wife until 1986, when the Davis family took over. The Davises then sold it to Moses Quartey in 2001, who is still operating it today.

Rib tips originated in Chicago, but the ones at this Minneapolis joint are not to be missed.

MISSISSIPPI: The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs

In addition to its mouthwatering meats, The Shed has gained national exposure from being featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," when Guy Fieri called it "one of the hippest dives" and on other Food Network programs.

Siblings Brad Orrison and Brooke Lewis have made The Shed famous outside the Gulf Coast with their house sauces and huge combo platters.

MISSOURI: Gates BBQ in Kansas City

Gates BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri, opened in 1946 and specializes in pork ribs, barbecue sandwiches, and sides.

The joint's tomato-based secret sauce also helped make the restaurant an institution in Kansas City.

MONTANA: Notorious P.I.G. in Missoula

Notorious P.I.G. has become one of Montana's best-known barbecue spots by bringing Texas-style smoked meats to downtown Missoula.

The lively restaurant is especially known for brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork, along with its famous mac and cheese, which some say is even better than its barbecue meats.

NEBRASKA: Porky Butts BBQ in Omaha

Porky Butts BBQ was founded in 2019 by championship pitmaster Blane Hunter, whose competition barbecue background helped put the restaurant on the national map.

The Omaha favorite is known for smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, along with award-winning burnt ends and house-made sauces.

NEVADA: John Mull's Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas

John Mull's Meats & Road Kill Grill started as a family butcher shop in the 1950s before evolving into one of Las Vegas' most beloved barbecue destinations.

The off-the-beaten-path spot is famous for smoked brisket and enormous portions served in a casual backyard setting that regularly draws long lines of locals and tourists.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: KC's Rib Shack in Manchester

KC's Rib Shack has built a loyal following in New Hampshire for its lively roadhouse atmosphere and classic barbecue.

It's best known for smoky St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, along with live music and biker-bar energy that sets it apart from traditional New England barbecue joints.

NEW JERSEY: Red White & Que Smokehouse in Green Brook

Red White & Que Smokehouse helped popularize craft barbecue in New Jersey with its low-and-slow approach and Southern-inspired menu.

Among its most beloved offerings are the brisket, smoked wings, and loaded mac and cheese.

NEW MEXICO: Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue in Cloudcroft

Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue has become a destination restaurant tucked high in the mountains of southern New Mexico.

The tiny smokehouse routinely sells out of its Texas-style brisket, giant beef ribs, and pulled pork.

NEW YORK: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que began as a concession stand at biker festivals before opening its original Syracuse restaurant in 1988, eventually becoming one of the most famous barbecue brands in the state.

The barbecue restaurant has since expanded to multiple locations across New York and neighboring states, helping introduce generations of Northeastern diners to Southern-style barbecue.

NORTH CAROLINA: Skylight Inn in Ayden

Skylight Inn in Ayden, North Carolina, specializes in Southern barbecue.

Food Network named the eatery one of its "Top 5" barbecue restaurants in the US, and says one of the best menu items is the chopped pork sandwich.

NORTH DAKOTA: Spitfire Bar & Grill in West Fargo

Spitfire Bar & Grill is a longtime local favorite known for hearty barbecue platters and casual comfort food. Its crew competes in Kansas City BBQ Society-sanctioned competitions; in early May, they beat over 70 other teams to earn the title of best ribs at the Scheels North Dakota Championship Barbecue Competition.

The restaurant, also named by Food Network as the best barbecue in the state, draws crowds for smoked ribs, brisket, and barbecue sandwiches served in a lively sports-bar atmosphere.

OHIO: Cockeye BBQ in Warren

Cockeye BBQ has become a favorite in the state thanks to its competition-style smoked meats and old-school roadside barbecue feel.

The restaurant is especially known for ribs, pulled pork, and loaded barbecue platters, and customers praise its generous portions.

OKLAHOMA: The Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston

The Butcher BBQ Stand was founded by Levi Bouska with help from his father, championship pitmaster and Hall of Fame barbecue competitor David Bouska, just over a decade ago.

The roadside smokehouse has become internationally famous for its smoked brisket, ribs, and Oklahoma-style barbecue, which blends Texas influences with Bouska's own techniques.

OREGON: Podnah's Pit Barbecue in Portland

Podnah's Pit Barbecue helped introduce authentic Texas-style barbecue to Portland when it opened in 2006.

The restaurant is known for its famous pepper-crusted brisket, smoked pork ribs, and classic barbecue sides, all cooked in traditional smokers.

PENNSYLVANIA: Stookey's Famous Bar-B-Que in Nanticoke

Stookey's Famous Bar-B-Que dates back to 1926 and is beloved for its nostalgic roadside barbecue style.

It's especially known for its barbecue sandwiches and tangy house barbecue sauce.

RHODE ISLAND: Smoke House in Newport

Rhode Island isn't traditionally known for its barbecue, but Smoke House in Newport is attempting to change that. The restaurant has become a go-to barbecue destination in the state, bringing Southern-style smoked meats to Rhode Island's coastal dining scene.

The restaurant is known for barbecue favorites such as brisket and baby back ribs, as well as local dishes like classic New England lobster rolls.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Scott's Bar-B-Que in Hemingway

Scott's Bar-B-Que is one of the most revered barbecue restaurants in America and a cornerstone of South Carolina's whole-hog barbecue tradition.

The legendary spot helped launch pitmaster Rodney Scott to national fame, earning him a James Beard Award and a spot on Netflix's "Chef's Table: BBQ."

SOUTH DAKOTA: J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit in Summerset

J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit has earned a strong regional reputation for classic hometown barbecue near Rapid City.

The casual smokehouse is known for brisket, smoked meats, and house-made sauces served in a rustic roadside setting.

TENNESSEE: Central BBQ in Memphis

Central BBQ opened in Memphis in 2002 and quickly became one of the city's most celebrated barbecue institutions by blending traditional slow-smoking techniques with flavor-packed rubs and sauces.

The beloved smokehouse is especially famous for its Memphis-style dry-rub ribs, which draw both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of the city's barbecue culture.

TEXAS: Franklin Barbecue in Austin

Established in 2009, Franklin Barbecue has been a staple of the Texas and Austin barbecue scenes for years and has gained a worldwide reputation for its mouthwatering brisket and barbecue sides.

Eater reported that Anthony Bourdain visited the spot for an episode of "No Reservations" in 2012, where he waited in line for over an hour. The barbecue was apparently well worth the wait since he called the brisket "earth-shatteringly good."

Franklin Barbecue owner Aaron Franklin is also one of the top names in barbecue. In 2015, he became the first barbecue chef to be awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Southwest.

UTAH: Pica Rica BBQ in St. George

Pica Rica BBQ has built a devoted following in southern Utah for its Texas-inspired barbecue.

The family-run restaurant is especially known for brisket and smoked turkey, along with house-made sauces and consistently long weekend lines.

VERMONT: Prohibition Pig in Waterbury

Prohibition Pig specializes in classic smoked barbecue meats, but the Food Network says the real star on the menu is the mac and cheese.

The restaurant is also known for brisket, pulled pork, and creative barbecue plates paired with house-brewed beer in a lively gastropub setting.

VIRGINIA: Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg

Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que has been a Williamsburg go-to for barbecue since 1971 and remains one of Virginia's most famous roadside barbecue joints.

The longtime favorite is best known for chopped pork sandwiches topped with its signature sweet-and-tangy sauce and barbecue plates with hushpuppies, a local favorite.

WASHINGTON: Jack's BBQ in Seattle

Jack's BBQ became a Seattle standout after founder Jack Timmons traveled through Texas, learning traditional barbecue techniques before opening his own restaurant in 2014.

The smokehouse is known for its oak-smoked brisket, beef ribs, and sausages, all cooked in offset smokers imported from Texas to cook everything low and slow.

WEST VIRGINIA: Dee Jay's BBQ Ribs & Grille in Weirton

Dee Jay's BBQ Ribs & Grille has developed a cult following in West Virginia for its famously large rib portions and laid-back, tropical-themed atmosphere.

In addition to barbecue, the restaurant is well known for its burgers and other classic American fare.

WISCONSIN: Double B's BBQ in West Allis

Double B's BBQ has earned praise for bringing authentic Southern-style barbecue to the Milwaukee area, winning local awards and previously being named by Yelp as one of the 100 best barbecue spots in the country.

The smokehouse is known for brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, and house-made sauces.

WYOMING: Pokey's BBQ & Smokehouse in Gillette

Pokey's BBQ & Smokehouse, which Food Network recognized as the best barbecue in the state, has become a popular Wyoming stop for smoked meats and hearty Western-style barbecue in a diner-style atmosphere.

The casual smokehouse is known for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, reflecting the state's ranching culture.

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