"James Beard Award–winning & Netflix–featured chef Rodney Scott has the best way of describing his BBQ: 'all wood.' Literally Rodney would go and cut down his own trees to make his mouth-watering BBQ. Rarely do you find that commitment from a true pitmaster. His third location of Rodney Scott’s BBQ is landing in Atlanta later in 2021."

"Burnt ends! Rarely would you associate 'burnt' with delicious, but these perfectly caramelized morsels of tender brisket are the absolute gold standard of BBQ. Arthur Bryant’s is legendary for burnt ends, and it is what I measure my own brisket by day in and day out."

"While Texas might have made brisket popular, Grandpa’s Southern Bar-B-Q in Idaho makes brisket delicious. Lunch specials are enough for dinner, and dinner can feed more than a hungry person. Baby back ribs are pull-apart delicious."

"Eating BBQ is a pleasure. Eating BBQ & fried chicken is just down-right the best experience you can ask for. The BBQ chicken over hash and rice with a couple of fried chicken wings is my go-to here! A study guide to food coma 101!"

"The original-of-all-original Interstate BBQ of Neely family fame. Most people outside of the mid-South region have never heard of BBQ spaghetti. That is the exact reason why you must make the pilgrimage to Interstate BBQ. When you finish rubbing your belly, make sure you save room for the pecan pie!"

"Their tag line is 'Texas BBQ with a Soulful Twist.' The BBQ dirty rice is the best dirty rice on the planet, in my opinion. Full of chicken and brisket, flavor, and just enough spice; I’m not sure whether to order just the dirty rice or the Coca-Cola Cake. Probably both!"

"Rarely do you find BBQ restaurants in Arkansas that make it all the way to the Chicago Tribune food section. But the food is so good here, it should’ve made the front page! This James Beard Award–winning restaurant is not about being fancy. It is all about serving damn tasty BBQ, with friendly service."

"If there is ever a place to get a sampler plate, this is it! Four meats and four sides! If you can’t choose between baby back or spare ribs, then get both. The same can be said for the chicken—either smoked or fried. The sampler is all things delicious."

"West Side! 'Born in Compton, raised in Texas,' they say. The West Coast BBQ scene is coming alive, and Bludso’s is leading the way in delicious BBQ. Though this is Texas BBQ, there are subtle hints of California on the menu, especially with their beverages: Hibiscus agua frescas and Juniors’ Palomas are perfect complements to some of the best smoked meats west of the Mississippi."

"Opened in 2010, Gatlin’s BBQ is not only Houston famous but is known nationwide. Classic BBQ is always mouthwateringly tender. But if nostalgia is part of your love for BBQ, the smoked bologna will take you back to snacks after school. Never ever skip the pastrami. It will make a New Yorker cry…."

"There are so many dishes to like at Stutts BBQ. Classic dishes such as rib tips are a must. Do not, I repeat, do not miss the mini pies for dessert. I recommend ordering it with your meal because if you wait, they might all be gone!"

"Though the name says 'babybacks,' there is one dish on the menu that makes this a destination dining option everyone in the country should know about: BBQ oxtails. These are the specialty of this restaurant, and they are worth the trip! Fork-tender oxtails served with yams and collards might be one of the best dishes served in Detroit or all of Michigan. If for some reason oxtails aren’t your thing, the beef short ribs are equally as delicious."

"BBQ restaurants have standard menu items that you can always try. The specialty of this house (served only on Friday and Saturday) is smoked crab legs. YES! Smoked crab legs. These smoky, succulent crab legs are the biggest reason to make the drive to Barkley’s. Not to be outdone, the smoked chicken cheesesteak is always perfect for everyday eating."

"New York City? Well, actually, Jamaica, New York. The food at Smoke BBQ Pit reminds you of Deep South BBQ with a twist of New York City. Smoked chicken and waffles is a specialty of this restaurant. If crispy fish is your liking, the whiting is always fried perfectly. If you want to venture a 'little upscale,' then get the grilled pork chops. They are never ever dry, and no sauce is required for their perfect flavor!"