Set along the Illinois River, Peoria is pure Midwest at heart—meaning big portions, smoky comfort food, and hospitality that never quits. The city’s barbecue spots celebrate everything from southern-style pulled pork and St. Louis ribs to tender, slow-cooked brisket. There’s a community-driven “meat and three” tradition, lots of locally owned ‘cue shops, and plenty of …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Peoria, Illinois to Try Read More
Santa Ana’s food scene is famously diverse—thanks to its vibrant Latinx community and creative young chefs—which means you’ll find a melting pot of smoky flavors at every barbecue hotspot. Here, California cuisine meets Southern barbecue, and even classic ‘cue gets a SoCal upgrade (think street tacos stuffed with smoked meat, or tri-tip with tangy salsa …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Santa Ana, California to Try Read More
San Bernardino might be world-famous as the birthplace of McDonald’s and a landmark along historic Route 66—but to hungry locals, it’s also become a serious hub for authentic barbecue. With its mixture of SoCal sunshine, desert air, and a diverse community, San Bernardino’s pitmasters blend classic Southern ‘cue with West Coast flair. Here, tri-tip meets …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in San Bernardino, California to Try Read More
Waterbury is often nicknamed the “Brass City” for its industrial legacy, but lately, locals are just as likely to crave the city’s barbecue aromas as they are history lessons. Connecticut might not be the first place you look for pit smoke and slow-cooked ribs, but the central Naugatuck Valley represents with big, bold barbecue personalities. …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Waterbury, Connecticut to Try Read More
As home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a lively college town with a deep love for sports, live music, and affordable—and seriously tasty—barbecue. The city’s ‘cue scene is a blend of Florida tradition, Southern comfort, and a touch of college-town creativity, with pitmasters dishing out smoky goodness to hungry students and locals alike. …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Gainesville, Florida to Try Read More
Naperville, one of Chicagoland’s largest and most dynamic suburbs, has developed a barbecue tradition that merges the city’s rib-loving ethos with suburban comfort and creative flair. Here you’ll find classic baby backs, Texas-influenced brisket, and even a few contemporary twists courtesy of inventive Midwestern chefs. Sharko’s BBQ Long a favorite for families and big groups, …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Naperville, Illinois to Try Read More
Nestled at the edge of greater Los Angeles, Simi Valley is a quintessential California exurb where hearty barbecue has a loyal following. Pitmasters draw on everything from Texas low-and-slow to Santa Maria-style tri-tip, often with a uniquely West Coast focus on fresh sides, craft beers, and inventive sauces. Green Acres Farm Market and Catering A …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Los Angeles, California to Try Read More
Scottsdale is widely known for its golf resorts and luxurious spas, but behind the sunshine and sleek downtown lies a serious appreciation for smoked meat and Southwestern-style barbecue. Pitmasters here embrace bold flavors—think mesquite smoke, green chiles, house salsas, and creative rubs that reflect Arizona’s melting pot vibe. Whether you’re looking for slow-cooked Texas brisket, …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Scottsdale, Arizona to Try Read More
Set right on the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi brings together classic Texas smoke, Mexican flavors, and fresh coastal ingredients. Here, brisket can meet shrimp tacos, and pitmasters embrace both mesquite and oak with a side of seaside breeze. The BBQ scene is defined by heart, hospitality, and bold flavors—perfect for refueling after a beach day. …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Corpus Christi, Texas to Try Read More
Denton, perched on the northern tip of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is a lively college town with a quirky, independent spirit. The city’s music traditions and diverse population have helped shape a barbecue scene that’s classic, creative, and fiercely local. Expect meaty plates where technique meets Texas tradition—plus plenty of live tunes and late-night eats. …
5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Denton, Texas to Try Read More