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The Best BBQ Joints in Every State in the U.S. (and DC!)

Did we get your state right?

Headshot of Shana LynchBy Shana Lynch
bbq
FourSquare user Patrick

With help from our friends over at Foursquare, the city guide app, we found the top-rated BBQ spots in each state. See which spot has the best reviews near you—and let us know if you think there's a better option out there.

1

Alabama

Dish, Cuisine, Food, Ingredient, Meat, Produce, Ikan bakar, Pulled pork, Recipe, Seafood,
FourSquare user Renee Wilder C.

Saw's BBQ, Birmingham

"As soon as you walk in this place you will smell the most amazing BBQ smell you have ever smelled. If you love BBQ the smells are free, but the food is amazing" - FourSquare user Brandon Johnson

2

Alaska

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Junk food, Ingredient, Italian beef, Pulled pork, Produce, French fries, Fast food,
FourSquare user Valinda

Big Daddy's BBQ & Banquet, Fairbanks

"Everything! The pig out platter is worth EVERY dime. I'm here from Texas and this place blows my mind. Eat here.. NOW.." - FourSquare user Lauren Barbee

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3

Arizona

Barbecue, Grilling, Cooking, Roasting, Churrasco food, Cuisine, Food, Meat, Gas, Dish,
FourSquare user Heather G.

Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix

"Tried everything and it was all outstanding! The brisket is just melt in your mouth phenomenal, the pulled pork super moist, and the lamb neck so tender and unlike anybbq I've had. Can't go wrong!" - FourSquare user Victoria Kelley

4

Arkansas

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Meat, Meal, Flesh, Brisket, Samgyeopsal, Meat chop,
FourSquare user Marisa W.

Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock & Catering, North Little Rock

"Nothing like a real good BBQ joint to make you miss the southern cooking and lifestyle...place is nice and staff have a nice southern charm...Good to come from Cali and get that good ol southern BBQ!!!" - FourSquare user Jonathan Spangler

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5

California

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Pork ribs, Meat, Spare ribs, Rib, Short ribs, Produce,
FourSquare user Helen L.

Junior's BBQ, Culver City

"Lots of meat...all delicious. Baked beans and potato salad are worth it. Collard greensare on point too..not too salty." - FourSquare user Queenie C.

6

Colorado

Food, Dish, Cuisine, Ingredient, Brisket, Snack, Beef, Meat, Bacon, Produce,
FourSquare user Arnel B.

Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q, Colorado Springs

"Great place for brisket or pulled pork. [The] 1/2 pound [is] more than enough for 1 person. If you are there for the 1st time, you will be offered samples. Don't miss it when in Colorado Springs" - FourSquare user Michal Osoba

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7

Connecticut

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Fried food, Meat, Pork steak, Steak, Churrasco food, Tandoori chicken,
FourSquare user Emil A.

Bear's Smokehouse, Hartford

"I could literally eat the bear attack with burnt ends FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!! So good!! Perfectly juicy and amazing!" - FourSquare user Kate Burton

8

Washington, D.C.

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Bun, Fast food, Hamburger, Breakfast roll, Breakfast sandwich, Veggie burger,
FourSquare user Timothy W.

Garden District, D.C.

"Great outdoor seating and an even better burger" - FourSquare user Hannah Bozian

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9

Delaware

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Meat, Ingredient, Flat iron steak, Brisket, Produce, Beef, Steak,
FourSquare user Richard K.

Bethany Blues BBQ, Lewes

"Our family favorite. Get a sampler. Get a Manhattan with your favorite bourbon. Try the St. Louis ribs, the cheesy corn, the baked beans, the brisket sandwich and everything else."- FourSquare user Chris H.

10

Florida

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Junk food, Ingredient, Pulled pork, Meat, Fried food, Comfort food, Produce,
FourSquare user Amanda W.

Yellow Dog Eats, Gotha

"There's literally nothing at this place that isn't delicious (try the bbq!) and the atmosphere is great. It's always packed, so have a friend hold down a table while you order." - FourSquare user Lauren Swisher

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11

Georgia

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Meat, Kalua, Pulled pork, Barbacoa, Machaca, Produce,
FourSquare user Christian O.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Atlanta

"The Little Five Points favorite serves up Texas-style faves like pulled pork and Flintstones-sized ribs. The sides are equally tasty, especially the mac and cheese, tater tots, and Brunswick stew." - FourSquare user AFAR Media

12

Hawaii

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Meat, Ingredient, Produce, Recipe, Cacciatore, Pork steak, Sesame chicken,
.

Bob's Bar-B-Que, Honolulu

"This place looks like something out of American Graffiti but it's been here forever and clearly, a lot of the customers are regulars. If you are in Kalihi and hungry for some beef ribs or a chocolate malt, check it out.." - FourSquare user John H.

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13

Idaho

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Pork ribs, Ribs, Spare ribs, Ingredient, Churrasco food, Meat, Flesh,
FourSquare user Jackie H.

Pitmaster BarBQue Company, Idaho Falls

"Pork ribs were AMAZING! The BBQ sauce is good enough to lick off your fingers. Got the coleslaw & brisket baked beans both were delish. Service was awesome too! Brisket was sold out :( Will be back!" - FourSquare user Jackie Hardy

14

Illinois

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Meal, Comfort food, Lunch, Produce, Junk food, Side dish,
FourSquare user Cory B.

Smoque BBQ, Chicago

"I'm from Texas, so I know BBQ. Smoque is probably the best BBQ place in the city. Theirbrisket and pork ribs are where its at. About 15 bucks will get you an entrée two sides and a drink. BYOB." - FourSquare user Fletcher Rhoads

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15

Indiana

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Meal, Brunch, Breakfast, Meat, Produce, Full breakfast,
FourSquare user Bryn K.

Shigs In Pit BBQ, Fort Wayne

"This place is amazing! The pulled pork was so tasty and the Mac & cheese - to die for! We were here about a year ago and I pray that it's still there! The staff was so friendly and it was really fun!" - FourSquare user Michele Weltz

16

Iowa

Food, Dish, Cuisine, Ingredient, Barbecue chicken, Meat, Buffalo wing, Produce, Fried food, Chicken meat,
FourSquare user Your Downtown Gal

Jethro's BBQ, Des Moines

"With a mountain of pork, this Des Moines staple does pulled pork near perfect. Addcoleslaw and 1 of Jethro's 5 BBQ sauces (I liked the "Secret" and the "Mustard") to complete your sandwich." - FourSquare user Jake Smith

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17

Kansas

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Meal, Ingredient, Breakfast, Brunch, Full breakfast, Comfort food, Produce,
FourSquare user Carlos G.

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City

"Joe's is the greatest BBQ joint. I've yet to taste better ribs and pulled pork in the U.S. This is a must visit establishment in Kansas City, and yes it's attached to a gas station!" - FourSquare user Erik Rowley

18

Kentucky

Dish, Cuisine, Food, Ingredient, Brisket, Roast beef, Meat, Produce, Recipe, Pot roast,
FourSquare user Scott S.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, Owensboro

"Get the combination plate — including mutton ribs as well as "off the pit" meat chopped and sliced from the hind quarter. Hint: The lean-sliced option will taste the mildest." - FourSquare user Eater

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19

Louisiana

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Roasting, Meat, Ribs, Rib, Meatloaf, Spare ribs,
FourSquare user Plwm B.

The Joint, New Orleans

"Some of the best BBQ I've ever had! Ordered a bit of everything but the highlight was definitely the ribs. Drown it in their homemade BBQ sauce and you can't go wrong. Cheeky little cocktails too" - FourSquare user Stephen McQuaid

20

Maine

Food, Dish, Cuisine, Ingredient, Meal, Junk food, Comfort food, Produce, Supper, Brunch,
FourSquare user Eric C.

Salvage BBQ, Portland

"Everything is great—get a tray and try it all." - FourSquare user Chris Vermilion

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