UNITED STATES - Regarding BBQ, Missouri is one of the best cities in the country. It has been known for its BBQ spots for decades. It also has been a popular destination for barbecue events and competitions. It is now the mother of BBQ and one of the top barbecue cities in the country.
A Saucy Debate: A Guide to the Best Barbecue Cities in America
In the United States, barbecue is more than just a way to cook meat; it's a cherished cultural tradition, a source of fierce regional pride, and the subject of endless debate. The question of who has the "best" barbecue can spark rivalries as intense as any sports matchup. From the sweet and saucy ribs of Kansas City to the dry-rubbed pork of Memphis and the legendary brisket of Texas, each region offers a unique and delicious take on this beloved American cuisine. This guide will take you on a smoky tour of the country's most iconic barbecue havens.
Kansas City, Missouri: The Saucy Crossroads of 'Cue
Kansas City stands as a true giant in the barbecue world. It is the undisputed hub of competitive barbecue, home to the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the largest organization of its kind in the world, boasting thousands of members.
- The Style: Kansas City barbecue is a celebration of diversity, welcoming all kinds of meat, from pork and beef to chicken. The defining characteristic is its thick, sweet, and tangy tomato-based sauce, which often features molasses. Meats are slow-smoked over a variety of woods and typically seasoned with a dry rub before being sauced.
- Must-Try Dishes: The city is famous for its incredible ribs and, most uniquely, burnt ends. These crusty, flavorful, and fatty cubes of meat are cut from the point of a smoked brisket and are a true Kansas City delicacy.
- Iconic Joints: The city's barbecue tradition traces back to Henry Perry in the early 1900s, and legendary spots like Arthur Bryant's and Gates Bar-B-Q carry on that historic legacy.
Memphis, Tennessee: The Pork and Dry Rub Capital
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis has a love affair with pork. The city is a barbecue haven, home to over 100 establishments dedicated to the craft.
- The Style: Memphis-style barbecue is all about pork, most famously ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The key to its unique flavor is the dry rub. Ribs are generously coated in a complex blend of spices (sometimes up to 40!) and then slow-smoked over hickory wood.
- "Wet" vs. "Dry" Ribs: In Memphis, you'll have a choice. "Dry" ribs are served as is, with the flavorful, crispy crust from the rub as the star. "Wet" ribs are basted with a tangy, tomato-based sauce during and after cooking.
- Iconic Joints: Historic spots like Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous are famous for their dry-rubbed ribs, while places like Central BBQ and the legendary Payne's are masters of the classic pulled pork sandwich.
Texas: The Land of Brisket and Beef
In a state famous for its cattle trade, it's no surprise that beef is king in the world of Texas barbecue.
- The Style: True Texas barbecue is a testament to the purity of the meat. The most iconic dish is brisket, which is slow-smoked for hours over woods like oak or mesquite until it is incredibly tender and flavorful. The seasoning is often a simple but perfect "Dalmatian rub" of just salt and black pepper.
- Regional Variations: Texas is so large that it has its own regional styles, from the German-influenced meat markets of Central Texas to the saucier, chopped beef sandwiches of East Texas.
- Iconic Joints: The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a major hub for world-class barbecue, with legendary pitmasters and establishments that draw lines of devoted fans every day.
Orlando, Florida: A Surprising Barbecue Destination
While not as historically famous as the other barbecue meccas, Orlando has a large and growing scene that caters to its millions of annual visitors.
- The Style: Orlando's barbecue scene is a diverse melting pot, offering a variety of regional styles. However, it is particularly famous for one iconic theme park treat: the massive smoked turkey leg.
- Beyond the Parks: The city is home to a great number of excellent barbecue restaurants that serve everything from classic pulled pork to more inventive, non-traditional dishes, making it a surprisingly strong destination for barbecue lovers.
Sources:
- The Kansas City Barbeque Society
- The Southern Foodways Alliance
- Texas Monthly ("The 50 Best BBQ Joints")
- Memphis Tourism Board
- Visit Orlando
- Food & Wine Magazine
- Local and national food publications and blogs