MARYLAND - Maryland is the state for you if you're looking for a great barbecue joint. Maryland's barbecue is known for its smoky meats, including pulled pork and chicken wings. The barbecue is also known for its beer, including some excellent brews. Here are a few top barbecue spots to try in the state.
Maryland's BBQ Trail: A Guide to the State's Best Smokehouses and Pit Beef
This article explores some of the best BBQ spots across the state.
Maryland, while famous for its crabs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant and diverse barbecue scene. From classic pit beef (a Baltimore specialty) to Texas-style brisket, smoked chicken, and mouthwatering ribs, Maryland's BBQ joints offer a range of flavors and styles to satisfy any craving.
1. Wagon Wheel Restaurant (Churchton): Casual Dining with Great Burgers, Ribs, and Fries
Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Churchton offers a casual dining experience with a focus on classic American fare, including great burgers, ribs, and french fries. While not exclusively a BBQ joint, their smoked meats are highly praised, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a satisfying and affordable meal.
- Location: Churchton, MD
- Highlights: Great burgers, ribs, french fries, casual dining, American food, affordable
2. Mackie's Southern Barbecue (Gaithersburg): Mouth-Watering BBQ with Online Ordering
Mackie's Southern Barbecue in Gaithersburg is a local chain serving up "the best mouth-watering BBQ around." With online ordering through Uber Eats and various delivery options, Mackie's makes it easy to enjoy their Southern-style barbecue.
- Location: Gaithersburg, MD
- Highlights: Southern barbecue, online ordering (Uber Eats), delivery options, local chain, mouth-watering BBQ
3. Chaps Pit Beef (Baltimore): A Baltimore Icon for Pit Beef
Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore is a legendary spot for classic Baltimore-style pit beef. Despite its unassuming location (in a strip-club parking lot!), Chaps is renowned for its savory meats, cooked to your preference (rare, medium-rare, or well-done), and served on sandwiches. This is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Baltimore culinary experience. They are known for their pit beef.
- Location: Baltimore, MD (Pulaski Highway)
- Highlights: Classic Baltimore-style pit beef, savory meats, cooked to order, sandwiches, iconic Baltimore spot, unique location
4. Hot Off the Coals (Easton): Eastern Shore BBQ with "Slaughter House" Brisket
Hot Off the Coals in Easton, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is a BBQ joint owned by Ric Brice, who has perfected his cooking style through years of experience. The menu features a variety of barbecue favorites, including their signature "Slaughter House" Brisket, Pit Beef, and Pulled Pork.
- Location: Easton, MD (Eastern Shore)
- Highlights: "Slaughter House" Brisket, Pit Beef, Pulled Pork, Eastern Shore BBQ, chef-driven, variety of BBQ favorites
5. 2Fifty Texas BBQ (Riverdale Park): Wood-Smoked Meats and a Casual Atmosphere
2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park brings the flavors of Texas-style BBQ to Maryland. This restaurant offers wood-smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides, along with beer and wine, in a very casual and friendly atmosphere. The spacious, beautifully decorated restaurant features local artwork and ample parking.
- Location: Riverdale Park, MD (near Washington, D.C.)
- Highlights: Texas-style BBQ, wood-smoked meats, sandwiches, sides, beer, wine, casual atmosphere, spacious restaurant, local artwork, ample parking
6. Woodrow's Bar-B-Que (Baltimore): Texas-Style BBQ with Wood-Fired Pit
Woodrow's Bar-B-Que in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Baltimore specializes in Texas-style barbecue, primarily featuring beef. The meat is prepared in a wood-fired pit for over 12 hours, ensuring a deep, smoky flavor. The menu also includes house specialties like chicken and shrimp. They offer takeaway options.
- Location: Mount Washington, Baltimore, MD
- Highlights: Texas-style BBQ, beef, wood-fired pit, smoked meats, chicken, shrimp, takeaway, Baltimore BBQ
Maryland's BBQ scene offers a delicious range of options, from classic pit beef sandwiches in Baltimore to Texas-style brisket and Southern-inspired smoked meats. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to explore these and other BBQ joints and discover your own favorite flavors in the Old Line State!
