Barbecue is an all-time American favorite, but good luck finding two people who agree about what defines “good barbecue.” People are willing to throw down over the question of who’s got the best BBQ and even the best type. The only fact we know about for sure is that barbecue is a lot different than just grilling, which is just throwing some burgers and hot dogs over gas or charcoal. Real barbecue always involves slow-roasting meat and serving it with some type of sauce. While we may never be able to agree on the absolute best BBQ or style, here are some places where you can get some mighty fine BBQ west of the Mississippi.
Jack Stack Barbecue-Fright House in Kansas City, Missouri
The Kansas City style is one of the major types of BBQ. Sweet and smoky with a thick molasses-based sauce, Kansas City BBQ won’t let you down. (Pro tip: get the “burnt ends,” which are the charred ends of a brisket. It’s kind of a Kansas City specialty.) Whether you want brisket, ribs or chicken, you can’t go wrong. If you want to go all-out for some great Kansas City BBQ, head to Jack Stack Barbecue-Freight House in downtown Kansas City. Unlike most BBQ joints, this one has table service, which makes it feel a little classier.
Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas
In the other side of the ring is the good old Texas style of BBQ. Real barbecue in Texas begins before dawn and smokes meat all day long until it falls apart. Though you can get sausage, ribs or turkey, brisket is the real star of the show.
Texans are serious about their BBQ, and though there are many worthy contenders all over the state, most people would give the crown to Franklin Barbecue in Austin. The owner actually won a James Beard award and was the only chef who ever competed for BBQ. People start lining up at sunrise to get their food by lunchtime. Bring drinks and lawn chairs to help pass the time—the line is no joke! Come see why it’s worth the crazy waits.
Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix, Arizona
Can you get good BBQ outside of Kansas City or Texas? Arizona says yes! Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix is unique because in addition to having juicy, smoky meats—from brisket to ribs and pulled pork—they also have amazing side dishes, such as jalapeno cheese grits. They have three types of sauces to choose from: house, spicy and mustard. Like Franklin Barbecue in Texas, there will be lengthy waits to get in here, but expect the owner to help you pass the time by bringing you samples of smoked meats while you stand on line. Even the pecan pie is smoked, and you won’t want to miss it.
Baby Blues BBQ in Venice, California
Who said you can’t get good barbecue in L.A.? Baby Blues BBQ—technically in Venice–is where you go when you want some tasty smoked meat in the land of health food. Baby Blues follows the Memphis style of BBQ, so the meat gets a dry rub and smokes all day. The sauce is sweet and smoky and goes perfectly with any of the meats, but locals say the ribs are what you really want to order. Add their corn bread and mashed sweet potatoes for a meal you’ll be thinking about for days.
