(NEXSTAR) – Make no bones about it: Barbecue is one of America’s favorite cuisines.
Barbecue, however, is also the subject of some of the most heated debates among foodies. What qualifies as “barbecue” in one region of the country might not pass in another, seeing as some folks might prefer baby-back ribs over St. Louis-style, or the flavors of mesquite over hickory. And don’t even get started on the sauces.
The best barbecue, therefore, is truly in the taste buds of the beholder.
With that in mind, it’s perhaps easier to set aside any preconceived notions and enjoy some regional styles of barbecue — even if it’s not exactly one's preferred style.
To help determine where some of the most finger-lickin’ examples can be found, the analysts at Yelp have compiled a list of the platform’s top-rated barbecue joints in every state, based on the recommendations from its user community. It should be noted, though, that Yelp’s findings are also based on the “total volume” of reviews for each barbecue spot, which means that newer restaurants might be underrepresented.
Ready to pig out? (Or argue over who makes the best burnt ends?) The top-rated barbecue restaurants in each state — as determined by Yelp’s community of reviewers — are listed below.
Alabama – Saw’s Soul Kitchen, in Birmingham
Alaska – Big Daddy’s BarB-Q, in Fairbanks
Arizona – Little Miss BBQ-University, in Phoenix
Arkansas – Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish, in Carlisle
California – Calhoun’s Texas Barbeque, in Murrieta
Colorado – Yazoo BBQ Company, in Denver
Connecticut – Smokin’ With Chris, in Southington
Delaware – Russell’s Quality Food, in Wilmington
Washington, D.C. – Federalist Pig
Florida – Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa, in Orlando
Georgia – Southern Soul Barbeque, in St. Simons Island
Hawaii – Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse Barbecue, in Kihei
Idaho – BBQ4LIFE, in Boise
Illinois – Smoque BBQ, in Chicago
Indiana – Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, in Westfield
Iowa, Boxer BBQ, in Council Bluffs
Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, in Kansas City
Kentucky – Feast BBQ, in Louisville
Louisiana – The Joint, in New Orleans
Maine – Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, in Augusta
Maryland – Lefty’s Barbecue, in Waldorf
Massachusetts – B.T.’s Smokehouse, in Sturbridge
Michigan – Red Rock Downtown Barbecue, in Ypsilanti
Minnesota – Animales Barbeque, in Minneapolis
Mississippi – Memphis Barbecue, in Horn Lake
Missouri – Bogart’s Smokehouse, in St. Louis
Montana – Riverhouse BBQ & Events, in Big Sky
Nebraska – Phat Jacks, in Lincoln
Nevada – Carolina Kitchen & Barbeque, in Sparks
New Hampshire – Smokeshow Barbeque, in Concord
New Jersey – Henri’s Hotts Barbeque, in Hammonton
New Mexico – Mr Powdrell’s Barbeque, in Albuquerque
New York – Biscuits & Barbeque, in Minneola
North Carolina – Big Mikes BBQ, in Cary
North Dakota Jay’s Smokin’ BBQ, in Fargo
Ohio – Midwest Best Bbq & Creamery, in Loveland
Oklahoma – Iron Star Urban Barbeque, in Oklahoma City
Oregon – Matt’s BBQ, in Portland
Pennsylvania – Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, in Philadelphia
Rhode Island – Flatts Smokehouse, in South Kingstown
South Carolina – Lewis Barbecue, in Charleston
South Dakota – Big Tom’s Diner, in Pierre
Tennessee – The Bar-B-Q Shop, in Memphis
Texas – la Barbecue, in Austin
Utah – The Smoking Apple, in Lindon
Vermont – Bluebird Barbecue, in Burlington
Virginia – Q Barbeque, in Glen Allen
Washington – Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse, in Olympia
West Virginia – Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill, in Charleston
Wisconsin – Smoke Shack, in Milwaukee
Wyoming – Fat Racks BBQ, in Cody
More information on each restaurant can be found at Yelp’s website.
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