7 Best BBQ Restaurants in the United States: 2020 Edition

Do you crave the sweet tang of BBQ sauce?

Barbecue is one of America’s greatest staples and it’s not just found in the south.

There’s great barbecue to enjoy all over the country from New York City to Tennessee. 

This article will tell you the best BBQ restaurants in the United States so that next time you’re on a road trip, you’ll know exactly where to pull over!

1. Butts on the Creek BBQ, Maggie Valley, North Carolina

It’s probably no surprise that we kick off our bbq list in a southern state.

Butts on the Creek BBQ is located in a small town just outside Asheville. It’s a wonderful atmosphere with even better food.

You can sit on the patio and hear the creek rush beneath you. They have an array of bbq sauce from mustard flavored to spicy.

Maggie Valley is also a cute town to explore when you’re done with your meal. It’s just a short ride from Cherokee. 

2. Heirloom Market BBQ, Atlanta, Georgia

If you want a mix of cultures, head to Heirloom Market BBQ in Atlanta.

It’s great southern bbq inside a big city. The market combines traditional American BBQ with Korean flavors. 

Be sure to get extra napkins.

3. Dreamland Barbecue Ribs, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Sweet home Alabama, where the ribs are so good. That’s how the song goes right?

Come in to enjoy the joint’s homemade sauce and rack of ribs. Bibs are required. 

4. Hometown BBQ, New York, New York

Are you stuck in the Big Apple missing the taste of good southern cooking?

Don’t worry, Hometown BBQ will take you back to your childhood. They serve a mix of Texas-style brisket and Korean BBQ flavored wings.

Meat lovers will not be disappointed.

5. 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Florida

4 Rivers Smokehouse is a BBQ restaurant located in several Florida cities including Tampa and Tallahassee.

Don’t think that just because it’s a chain that it’s not good cooking.

They serve some of the best pulled pork in the sunshine state.

6. Smitty’s Market, Lockhart, Texas

It’s difficult to stand out as a BBQ place in Texas. 

There are thousands and thousands, but Smitty’s is something special. The food is served in butcher paper with no utensils, giving it a very rustic vibe. 

No one said BBQ was for the prim and proper. 

7. Central BBQ, Memphis, Tennessee

This restaurant has been featured on “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” so you know it’s good. 

The pulled pork nachos add a nice twist to a traditional barbecue menu. It’s a good choice if you’re taking a trip to explore Memphis.

Enjoy These Best BBQ Restaurants

When you’re driving through the country looking for the best BBQ restaurants, you’d be hard-pressed to find better than the ones on this list.

Check out more of our travel articles to find more things to do before and after you enjoy your BBQ.