Utah’s capital is sometimes overshadowed by its outdoor adventures, but Salt Lake City has built a barbecue scene that can hang with the country’s best.
Here you’ll find pitmasters drawing inspiration from Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis, all while adding a little western mountain flair—think house-cured pastrami, local fruitwood smoke, and a dash of Utah “fry sauce” culture.
From sleek urban smokehouses to hole-in-the-wall gems, Salt Lake’s ‘cue is a revelation.
Pat’s Barbecue
A local legend tucked into a converted warehouse, Pat’s consistently racks up awards for its slow-smoked ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and soulful atmosphere.
Music posters and blues tunes line the walls.
The burnt ends are the stuff of BBQ dreams—charred, fatty, and oh-so-tender.
Try the “two-meat combo” with jalapeño cornbread and spicy greens.
R&R Barbecue
With a flagship downtown and several Utah locations, R&R was started by two competitive barbecue brothers and has taken SLC by storm.
Their Texas-style brisket is deeply smoked and sliced to order, and the ribs are sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy.
Their house pickles and fried okra show true Southern pedigree.
SugarHouse Barbeque Co.
For over 25 years, SugarHouse has served up Memphis-style barbecue with a Utah twist (they even have a smoked turkey breast for the health-conscious).
The pulled pork is a star, as is the spicy barbecue sauce that regulars rave about.
Add savory collard greens and homemade cornbread for the full experience.
Charlotte-Rose’s Carolina BBQ
Offering a taste of the Carolinas in downtown SLC, this small spot specializes in slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches decked with a house vinegar-based sauce.
Fried green tomatoes and hushpuppies round out a Deep South-inspired menu, and their sweet tea is properly Southern.
Firebird SLC
Newer on the scene but quickly gaining a following, Firebird serves up smoky Texas-style ‘cue in a lively, welcoming space.
The brisket is the star, but don’t sleep on the jalapeño cheddar sausage or their unique barbecue tacos (which pack a spicy punch). Try their roasted street corn as a bold side.
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