The Best Barbecue Joints in America

A family-owned local chain in Kansas City, Gates Bar-B-Q has been serving quality smoked meats since 1946. Barbecue is available by the pound, in a sandwich, or on a platter with home-style sides and fries. The burnt ends are a crowd pleaser and the sweet smoky sauce has a spicy bite.

This popular but out of the way counter-service joint has locations in Red Hook and Industry City. Intensely peppered smoked meats and classic sides and cornbread are served on a butcher-paper-lined tray alongside Asian- and Mexican-influenced specials like char siu ribs, Oaxacan chicken, brisket tacos, and Thai chili hot wings.

Specializing in whole-hog barbecue made from locally pastured pigs, Buxton Hall offers traditional East Carolina pulled pork in lively, industrial digs with cocktails on tap. A recent menu update added smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausages to the mix. Customers love the hushpuppies and the hash and rice.

Smoking whole hogs since 1947, this cash-only establishment, serving East Carolina barbecue with a vinegar and pepper sauce, has been listed among the best barbecue restaurants in the country numerous times. The abbreviated menu features pork sandwiches with slaw, pork and chicken by the pound, a few staple sides in generous portions, and of course sweet tea and banana pudding.

Having perfected the art of barbecued chicken and pork, Sid’s catering is a popular drive-through that many devout customers say is the best barbecue they’ve ever had. It’s only open on Saturdays until they sell out, but people come from far and wide for the tender meat, crispy hush puppies, and friendly service.