Hello Fellow Monkeys,
I am planning an ultimate BBQ road trip in 2022. The goal is try the best BBQ for the four main styles in the home states (Texas, Carolina, Memphis, Kanas City). The idea would be to Road trip see the US and go to the best spots in the four states.
So I am looking for recommendations for the best BBQ in any of the 4 styles. Y'all got any good recommendations?
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Charleston SC:
https://www.melvinsbbq.com
https://swigandswinebbq.com
Rodney Scott's is good too, though I've only been to the original Hemingway location out in the sticks before he started expanding. Not sure if quality has suffered now that he's also in Atlanta.
Oh ok cool
Rodney Scott’s is trash, skip it just a tourist trap now
In KC you will want to go to Jack Stack.
Andy Reid's favorite spot! Absolutely love stopping there
In Texas, check the latest and historical lists from Texas Monthly. Beyond the usual suspects, I went to Panther City in Fort Worth earlier this year and it was amazing. I've had Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, Dallas a few years and that was incredible as well (when you get there, head inside to sit at the bar so you'll be served faster instead of standing in line).
This is a great idea, I really want to do this.
Edit: a friend of mine in Fort Worth said that Heim BBQ now isn't that good anymore, but BBQ on the Brazos is great. Angelo's is also a super classic spot, hit the stockyards after that.
Lockhart in Dallas also very good
Been there, agree!
Cattleack BBQ in Dallas is great. They are only open about 11 hours a week though and the lines can get long.
Go to Lexington NC in the fall when they do their annual barbecue festival. Shelby has Red Bridges and Alston Bridges, Red is better. For ENC I’d start at B’s Barbecue in Greenville, get there before noon, then Skylight Inn in Ayden and Fat Fellas in Newport. I’d probably spend some time in Morehead City or New Bern both of which have solid non-barbecue food scenes, with Morehead being well known for its seafood.
Can I get in on this!? I’ll drive and hook you up with a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon!?
Hahaha, This is also in line with me want to road trip to get my favorite beer that happens to be on the otherside of the country. I would call it the ultimate Beer run.
Only (good) advice I’ve heard on bbq joints. If it looks like it wouldn’t pass a health inspection, then it’s a go!
You want the smoke house where the chef is getting black lung while tending the meats. If you see a clean white tablecloth, run!!
Franklins BBQ in Austin
BBQ Station in San Antonio
I would add Blacks BBQ in Lockhart in between the two
And not to belittle the prestigious bbq aficionados on wso, but I'd take this post to a smoking meats message board. Some pitmaster will probably tell you to swing by his barrel smoker so he can hook you up with a pork belly bbq sandwich, homemade sauce, and a sweet tea to go!
Houston (best BBQ of all the major TX cities):
- Killeen's BBQ
- Truth BBQ
- Pit Room
- Pinkerton's BBQ
- Big 6 BBQ (a random truck in the middle of the suburbs that doesn't get any love but is outstanding, you won't find it on any lists)
- Gatlin's BBQ
Good list
This is on point for best Houston/TX BBQ.
Coopers BBQ in Llano (not far from Austin and San Antonio) is the best bbq I had in my 25 years living in Texas. There is also a location in Fort Worth if you're passing through there.
Texas Barbecue
Get the brisket and ribs at each spot. You can try sausage too, but I usually just stick with the first 2.
Austin:
Franklin
Micklethwait
La Barbecue
Louie Mueller
Lockhart (about 30 minutes south of Austin):
Kruez Market
Smitty’s
Black’s (The original)
Lexington (Hour East of Austin. Halfway to College Station):
Snow’s (Only open on Saturdays)
Houston:
Truth
Pinkertons
Roegels
J-Bar-M (new place in EaDo with a great view of Downtown)
Beyond that, check out the Texas Monthly top 50. Enjoy the trip!
Damn, I’m sorry. This came out really poorly formatted. Not sure what happened.
No worries. I am still able to read it.
Lewis Barbecue in Charleston is to die for. Brisket is especially phenomenal.
Texas Roadmap.... I would start in Austin and drive to Houston
Franklins - Austin
Blacks - Lockhart
Turth - Houston
Killens - Pearland
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