5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Orem, Utah to Try

Orem might be famed for its proximity to ski slopes and Brigham Young University, but it’s also quietly home to a killer barbecue tradition.

Large family gatherings, pioneer heritage, and a love for hearty fare shape the local ‘cue culture.

Here, bold, smoky flavors meet Rocky Mountain hospitality—expect everything from Texas-style brisket to Utah’s own smoky pulled pork, with plenty of homey sides and even a splash of fry sauce.

Bam Bams BBQ

Bam Bams put Utah County barbecue on the map with Central Texas traditions and a cult-like local following.

The pitmaster, a competitive barbecue enthusiast, does brisket with a textbook blackened bark, smoky turkey, and burnt ends that steal the show.

Try the pork ribs—tender, meaty, and perfectly spiced—and don’t miss their creamed corn, a gooey, addictive side that has its own fan club.

Five Star BBQ Company

Rustic, woodsy, and unapologetically smoky, Five Star BBQ calls itself a “Mom and Pop Smoke Shop.”

Their pork shoulder is slow-cooked for hours, the ribs fly off the bone with a peppery punch, and their beef brisket, while not always on the menu, is worth hunting for.

Order at the counter, choose from their rotating house sauces, and enjoy picnic-style seating and music in the background.

180 Tacos & BBQ

Here you’ll find serious barbecue chops and playful Latin fusion—a nod to Orem’s diverse community.

Try the smoked beef street tacos, pulled pork burritos, or their “180 BBQ Platter,” which mixes and matches Texas-style cuts with a local Utah twist.

The salsas and pickled veggies offer balance, and regulars love the friendly, energetic service.

Smokin Apple BBQ

Part food truck, part catering powerhouse, Smokin Apple is Orem’s spot for old-school barbecue on the go.

Their pulled pork is tender, juicy, and kissed with apple wood for a delicate sweetness.

Sides like cowboy beans and mac & cheese round out the meal. Follow them on social media for their next pop-up, or catch them at local events for the full experience.

R&R Barbecue (American Fork, close to Orem)

While not strictly in Orem proper, R&R Barbecue’s American Fork outpost is just a short drive away and beloved by locals.

The ribs and brisket win awards at regional competitions, and the pit beans—loaded with chopped brisket and spicy sausage—are a must-order.

It’s family-friendly, lively, and always smells of hickory smoke.