With summer in full swing, there’s truly never been a better time to have a traditional BBQ meal. From mouth-watering smoked meats to cornbread and mac and cheese, nothing quite beats the smell of a smoky grill. Inspired by some of the meat capitals of the country like Texas, Kansas City, and the Carolinas, New York City confidently stands up for itself in this food category dominated by the South. Our restaurants offer some of the best slow-cooked, smoke-infused, tangy BBQ flavors around – if not the best! To get your taste buds excited, we tallied up the best BBQ restaurants in NYC!
1. Pig Beach BBQ, Astoria
One of our favorite spots for BBQ is Pig Beach BBQ, who effortlessly combines classic flavors with a modern twist. For starters, you’ll feel amazed knowing every ingredient is locally sourced. With a focus on their sustainable seafood, market fresh produce, and the best picks from local breweries and distilleries, every detail of a Pig Beach meal is done with care. Although there’s plenty of love for the classic American-style of BBQ here, there’s also influences from Italian, French, Middle Eastern, and Asian styles as well.
The reason we love Pig Beach though is their dining space and outdoor patio. Combine your smoked meal with a contemporary cocktail in their outdoor seating area, and it makes for a perfect dinner plan!
Where:
Astoria – 35 – 37 36th Street, Queens
2. Hometown Bar-B-Que, Red Hook
Once spot that will amaze even the most stoic of Southern New Yorkers is Hometown Bar-B-Que. It’s the perfect place to try some homestyle BBQ and have you feeling like it’s straight from Southern backyard grill. Specializing in authentic pit-smoked meats, cooked on oak wood, the shear flavor of the food is astonishing. The Southern BBQ aesthetic here though is the authentic feel of the walk-up service – where the hot off the grill bites are ordered at a cashier on a first-come, first-served basis.
Come for the meat, and stay for a chat and drinks, especially on nights when they have live music.
Where: 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn
3. Fette Sau, Williamsburg
Fette Sau is a half barbecue restaurant, half bar, that specializes in heritage-bred smoked meats, craft beers, and American-produced spirits. Since their name translates to “Fat Pig” in German, this BBQ joint combines influences of Germany, Texas, and of course, a traditional New York deli! Their menu consists of BBQ classics alongside their more signature specials like the beef tongue pastrami, pork belly, and veal heart. Slab it up with one of their delectable house barbecue sauces, and you’ll be wanting even more!
Where: 354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
4. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Various Locations
If you’re craving BBQ that’s quick in service but still made with love, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is the spot for you. Home to the famous pitmaster Hugh Mangum who starred on Firemasters, the BBQ food here is born from the key elements of wood, time, salt and spice. Pitmaster Mangum and his crew always turn up the heat on traditional BBQ as well, just take a look at meals like the Burnt Ends or the Brontasaurus Rib that you won’t find anywhere else.
Where:
Manhattan – 103 2nd Ave
Brooklyn – 433 3rd Ave, Brooklyn
Queens – 108-22 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
Bronx – 1 E 161st St, Bronx (In Yankee Stadium)
Long Island – 829 Franklin Ave, Garden City / 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont (In UBS Arena)
5. Sixth Ward, Gowanus
Sixth Ward is not just an eatery, it’s an entire backyard barbecue experience. With their signature good neighbor vibes, comfort food, local craft beers, and front-row access to all major sporting events, Sixth Ward isn’t just another BBQ joint – it’s a home for fun with all your favorite people. Plus, they have live music daily from 6 pm to 9 pm to add a little spice to the night! Be sure to check out their website to find out what special events and drink specials they have coming up!
Where: 166 Smith St, Brooklyn
6. John Brown BBQ, LIC
For anyone looking for the best of the best Kansas City-Style BBQ, look no further than John Brown BBQ. Small in size but huge in flavor, this BBQ joint is worth at least one trip to see why they’ve earned half a dozen awards and accolades. From being the official Kansas City Chiefs bar, to ranking on the Top 5 BBQ Lunch Spots by CBS, the food and people here are both on-point. They’ve also been proudly declared the King of Brisket by NY Magazine, so you know this place is the real deal.
Where: 27-20 40th Ave, Queens
7. Butcher Bar, Astoria
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ll surely fall in love with the signature “Meat Candy” at Butcher Bar. Described as “Guaranteed to change your life,” this signature treat is worth savoring at least once. Pairing it with their classic Blue Plate Special is always one of our favorite ideas too! No matter if you’re craving ribs, steak, or a massive “Butcher’s Platter,” you’re sure to find some smoky-sweet goodness here. We should mention that carved meat is served on a first-come, first-served basis, and has a tendency to sell out quick, so it might take a trip or two to order what you’re hankering.
Where: 37-10 30th Ave, Queens
8. Northern Bell, Williamsburg
The hottest up-and-coming place to grab some hot-off-the-grill bites and good times is Northern Bell in Williamsburg. Voted both Best Wings and Best Craft Beer and Cocktail Bar of 2022 in Brooklyn, this space is as down-to-earth or upscale as you care to get. With a quiet courtyard that can be booked for parties and events, you can bring all your friends and enjoy some cocktails with an underrated BBQ entree.
We recommend the specialty 13-Hour Brisket, the cherrywood-smoked half back ribs or a signature Brisket Burnt Ends Sammy.
Where: 612 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
9. Pure Grit BBQ, Gramercy
Ready for a BBQ restaurant with a bit of a twist? This BBQ spot is for… vegans! And yes, you heard that right! Pure Grit BBQ gives health-conscious and eco-friendly foodies a chance to experience food fresh off the fire, but with a meatless twist!
From the signature Impossible Cut that will have you astounded or their Pulled Eggplant Sandwich which is filled with flavor, you truly can’t go wrong. We recommend pairing it with their Smoked Sweet Potato Bites or Mac and Cheese with shiitake bacon and almond parmesan in order to get the full experience!
Where: 36 Lexington Ave
10. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, West Harlem & Brooklyn
Known as an Upstate New York staple thanks to its roots in Syracuse, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que also has a pair of NYC flagships that serve up some smoky goodness. This BBQ spot is nationally acclaimed and serves some of the freshest meats and sandwiches you’ll ever lay your tastebuds on. Thanks to their famous spice rubs and out-of-this-world signature BBQ sauces (that you can actually buy in grocery stores), this joint is in a class of its own. Our recommendations are feasting on one of their “True Blue Bar-B-Que” platters that you can lather up with one of their sauces. Plus, their pulled pork sandwiches are arguably their biggest hit, all paired with warm cornbread straight from the oven!
Where:
West Harlem – 700 W 125th St
Brooklyn – 604 Union St, Brooklyn
11. Juicy Lucy, Staten Island
Deemed as the best Central Texas-style BBQ in NYC, Juicy Lucy is a vibrant and flavorful hangout that you need to give a try. They proudly serve their “Brisket King” brisket that’s won multiple competitions and it’s a must-order if you stop by this spot. They also serve lots of Southern appetizers and sides to go with it too! We quite like their fancy cheese curds and their poutine (yum!).
Where: 809 Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island
12. Queen’s Bully, Forest Hills
Queen’s Bully is all about the pride and joy of Queens. This gastropub in Forest Hills lives and breathes the culture of the borough and aims to use this inspiration toward their food. Combining influences from neighboring Queens areas like Astoria, Jackson Heights and more, their passion for diverse flavors and culture is evident. Their menu consists of in-house smoked meats, killer sandwiches, proportioned appetizers and so much more! Plus, their atmosphere is everything. They do Taco Tuesday deals, trivia nights, boozy brunches, live DJs and a lot more. Be sure to check out what they got going on!
Where: 113-30 Queens Blvd, Queens
13. Blue Smoke, Battery Park City
Blue Smoke has been operating for over 20 years and is known best for their mouthwatering barbecue, sides, cocktails, local and Southern beers, and wide range of American whiskies. Their menu is curated by Executive Chef Bret Lunsford and focuses on Southern-rooted entrees that are a perfect for a date night, family gathering, or anything in between! Their meats “from the pit” can be ordered by the half or full pound and come out smoking hot (hence the name). Snack on some appetizers beforehand (like their deviled eggs or salt peanuts) and you’ll be in for a treat. Be sure to pair it with a cocktail as well, and if you’re really up for it, go for their happy hour from 3 pm – 7 pm everyday!
Where: 255 Vesey Street
14. Hudson Smokehouse, Bronx
Last but not least is our favorite Bronx barbecue joint, Hudson Smokehouse. Although this restaurant is only a few years old, the chefs here have more than mastered the craft of meat roasting. Anything from their meats/rub section is always a good choice, or even try out one of their signature sandwiches. Everything here is tasty and freshly prepared, making it one of our favorite spots in The Bronx. We recommend going during their happy hour on Tuesday – Friday from 3 pm – 6pm!
Where: 37 Bruckner Blvd, The Bronx
15. Bark Barbecue, DUMBO
What started as pop-up way back when, pitmaster Ruben Santana has since turned his Dominican-Texas-style smoked meats into an established name. Located now in Timeout Market in DUMBO, you’ll find a range of BBQ greatness, ranging from smoked beef brisket to pulled pork to mac and cheese. This spot is so good they usually selling out of their inventory by mid-afternoon. Get it while you can!
Where: 55 Water St (Daily), Smorgaburg Williamsburg (Saturdays 11 am – sellout)