Philadelphia’s culinary reputation might lean toward cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and roast pork sandwiches, but in the past decade, the city’s barbecue game has undergone a delicious transformation.
Whether you’re craving Texas-style brisket, sticky Memphis ribs, or inventive modern takes, Philly’s pitmasters are serving up smoky, juicy meat with a big side of character.
The city’s barbecue joints range from converted auto garages with picnic tables to intimate kitchens putting out Instagram-worthy plates.
If you’re exploring the city or a local planning your next meat feast, here are five essential barbecue spots where the smoke never stops rolling.
Fette Sau
Nestled in Fishtown in a former garage, Fette Sau (“fat pig” in German) brings Brooklyn-born barbecue swagger to Philly’s creative food scene.
The place is part butcher shop, part beer garden, and all about the meat—which is dry-rubbed, slow-roasted over hardwood, and sold by the pound.
The brisket—moist, peppery, and deeply smoky—is legendary, but don’t skip the pork belly or house-made sausage for a little adventure.
The vibe is rustic-industrial: think reclaimed wood, picnic tables, and chalkboard menus. Add on bourbon cocktails or one of many craft beers, and you’ve got an afternoon well spent.
Mike’s BBQ
Mike’s BBQ is a passion project turned South Philly sensation. The small, counter-service spot draws crowds for its expertly smoked meats and inventive twists.
Mike’s beef ribs are melt-in-your-mouth perfection, best enjoyed with a side of pickles or their mac and cheese loaded with brisket burnt ends.
But the surprise hit? Their “BBQ cheesesteak,” which swaps classic steak for juicy brisket or pulled pork and adds house sauce for a Philly-meets-Texas mashup.
The long lines on weekends attest to their quality and creativity—this is old-school barbecue with new-school heart.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
On the city’s northeast side, Sweet Lucy’s feels like a Southern roadhouse transplanted to Philly.
The atmosphere is family-friendly and unpretentious, with neon signs, checkered tablecloths, and the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke.
The menu leans classic: tender baby back ribs (coated in a sticky-sweet Memphis-style sauce), beef brisket sliced to order, and juicy smoked chicken.
Whether you opt for the generous platters or legendary cornbread, Sweet Lucy’s delivers that comfort-food vibe where everyone leaves happy—and usually full.
South Philly Barbacoa
While it doesn’t serve traditional Southern barbecue, South Philly Barbacoa’s signature slow-cooked lamb takes the principles of smoke and time-honored technique to new heights.
Chef Cristina Martinez has received national recognition for her barbacoa, which is wrapped in maguey (agave) leaves and roasted overnight until fall-apart tender.
Served with homemade tortillas and vibrant salsas, it’s unlike anything else in the city—a reminder that great barbecue traditions span continents. On weekends, expect a line out the door and the intoxicating smell of wood-fired cooking.
Percy Street Barbecue
Located on South Street, Percy Street offers a Texas roadhouse vibe—beer by the can, long communal tables, and a smoker that’s the heart of the kitchen.
The menu is anchored by fatty, pepper-crusted brisket, classic pork ribs, and excellent smoked sausage, with plenty of Southern-inspired sides (fried green tomatoes, collards, and pimento mac and cheese are favorites).
Their bourbon list is one of the city’s best, making this spot as much about the atmosphere as the food.
Come with friends and order “the Lockhart,” a family-style feast guaranteed to leave everyone in a food coma.
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