5 american bbq rooms worth the trip across United States, editor-ranked. All cuisines in United States.
Peg Leg Porker ★ 4.4 · Nashville
the-gulch · 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
Carey Bringle's Gleaves Street BBQ joint in The Gulch, Nashville smokes Memphis-style dry-rub ribs since 2013. Family-owned, catering-strong, taproom-tight.
Tip: Lines build by 12:00; come at 11:00 for an easy table. Bourbon list is unusually deep for a BBQ joint.
Phil's BBQ ★ 4.4 · San Diego
point-loma · 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phil's BBQ in San Diego is the Sports Arena Boulevard barbecue counter, a Texas-leaning shop with mesquite-smoked beef ribs, pulled pork and the famous onion ring tower since 1998.
Tip: Take-out from the side window has a shorter line; full table service runs the indoor dining room.
Home Team BBQ ★ 4.3 · Charleston
upper-king · 126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403
Home Team BBQ in Charleston runs pulled pork, wings and brisket from a Williman Street smokehouse since 2006. Casual sit-down room with cocktails and a heavy frozen-drink menu.
Tip: Open until midnight; full menu late. Live music nights draw a crowd.
Edley's Bar-B-Que ★ 4.3 · Nashville
12-south · 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Edley's 12 South barbecue counter in Nashville smokes pork shoulder over hickory and serves the city's reliable BBQ-and-beer lunch since 2011.
Tip: Late-night kitchen runs Friday and Saturday until 22:00; patio gets the runoff from 12 South strolling.
Phil's BBQ ★ 4.3 · San Diego
point-loma · 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phil's BBQ in San Diego is the Sports Arena Boulevard BBQ counter, a mesquite-smoked Texas-leaning shop with beef ribs, pulled pork and the onion-ring tower since 1998.
Tip: Take-out from the side window has a shorter line; full table service runs the indoor dining room.