Which State Has the Best BBQ in the Country?
In America, BBQ is more than just food, it’s a way of life. Some people devote their whole careers to it. But which states feature the best BBQ? The website World Population Review has dug deep and found out the stats for each state, and we’ve taken those stats and turned them into a handy guide for those of you seeking the best BBQ in the country (if not the world).
Texas
Texas takes the crown for the best BBQ, and it’s not even a competition. World Population Review talked to people about the quality and 73% of people rated it good, plus it has 9 BBQ restaurants per capita. From Central Texas brisket to East Texas ribs, it has everything you need, and people come from all over to try the delicious food.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s BBQ scene is like a flavor party and everyone’s invited. Memphis is famous for delicious dry-rub ribs and wet-sauced chops, and don’t sleep on their pulled pork sandwiches either. 37% of people who spoke to World Population Review rated the food “good”, though admittedly it’s still second to Texas.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s BBQ is just what you need to capture the spirit of New Orleans. Think Cajun and Creole spices mixed into your meats, with rubs that taste like gumbo or jambalaya. It’s saucy, peppery, and full of personality, just like Louisiana itself. And it has no less than 15 BBQ restaurants per capita and 34% of people rating it good.
South Carolina
South Carolina has a thing for vinegar sauce - it’s tangy, zippy, and sometimes mustard-based, delicious on your meat. Pulled pork or smoked shoulder is a popular dish here, usually topped with slaw. It’s a sharp, refreshing BBQ vibe that brings in tourists and locals alike.
Kansas
The thing Kansas loves most of all when it comes to BBQ is thick, sweet, molasses-and-tomato sauce slathered on ribs. And with plenty of BBQ spots per person, this state knows how to serve up sticky, smoky goodness that sticks to your fingers in the best way possible.
Georgia
Georgia’s BBQ is considered super chill, blending classic Southern pork and chicken with delicious tangy or vinegary sauces. With hotspots in Atlanta and Savannah, it’s a delightful BBQ scene in the state, and that’s just one more thing that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
North Carolina
North Carolina has 14 BBQ restaurants per capita – not bad at all. But what about the taste? The West of the state serves up ribs with ketchup-vinegar sauce, while the East prefers peppery vinegar sauce. Plates come with pulled pork, slaw, hushpuppies, and sweet tea.
Kentucky
Kentucky might surprise you. It’s got a wholesome BBQ game with traditional smoked pork, chicken, and ribs. The sauces tend to be sweet-ish and tangy, pulling in Southern flavors with a little twist. It’s comfort food that a sweet old Kentucky grandma might have made.
Alabama
Alabama’s got that world-famous white BBQ sauce, which is mayo-based, peppery, tangy, and creamy. Picture smoked chicken dunked or slathered in this zesty sauce and your tastebuds just might explode. It’s no wonder people flock to Alabama for a taste of the state’s delicious BBQ.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s BBQ is more laid-back than some of these others, but no less delicious. Slow-smoked pork and ribs get bathed in sweet or tangy sauce and go down easy at family cookouts. It’s humble and soulful, just like the state itself.
Missouri
Missouri is on top of the world when it comes to BBQ, and Kansas City-style reigns supreme. Expect thick, sweet, tomato-and-molasses sauces on ribs when you visit here, and you are planning to visit, aren’t you? And don’t forget, St. Louis brings in its own famous rib cut called “St. Louis style ribs."
Oklahoma
Oklahoma's BBQ game may feel familiar – it’s similar to what Texas has. The state enjoys lots of beef, hickory-smoked, and sometimes topped with savory vinegar-tomato sauces. Don’t miss their iconic smoked bologna sandwiches when you drop into the state on a BBQ tour!
California
There are lots of reasons to go to California – the sun and the surf for a start. Now there’s another reason: the great BBQ. You’ll find Texas-style brisket and ribs sprinkled across towns, and experience it served up to you by smiling waitresses. Enjoy your meat while watching the waves.
Montana
People here love BBQ - online searches for ribs and sauces are sky-high. While there’s not a huge amount of restaurants, what’s there is treasured by the locals. Think hearty smoked meats in pleasant small-town restaurants, where people take their BBQ very seriously.
New York
Millions of tourists pour into New York every year, and plenty of them are craving the sweet taste of American BBQ. They don’t come away disappointed. New York has 48 BBQ restaurants per capita, the most famous being Syracuse’s Dinosaur Bar‑B‑Que.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, a strong BBQ culture has been fueled by people coming in from BBQ capital Texas. Places like the city of Cody give BBQ newcomers dry-rubbed baby backs, pulled pork, and turkey sandwiches that keep them coming back. National parks are also hotspots for good BBQ.
Arizona
The state of Arizona will give the hungry visitor brisket, ribs, and chicken smoked low and slow, sometimes with spicy rubs or chipotle tang. Expect bold flavors, and a slightly charred finish that matches the hot desert landscape.
Colorado
Colorado is still catching up BBQ-wise, but it’s improving. Smoky meats, craft BBQ sauces, and foodie-friendly setups are popular in places like Denver and Boulder. You can expect to see brisket sandwiches, smoked ribs, and delicious sides like smoked mac and cheese.
Hawaii
Hawaii unsurprisingly gives BBQ a tropical twist. One things locals particularly love is kalua pig – pork smoked in an underground earth oven. It comes out salty and tender and it’s popular with tourists who want a taste of the local culture. All the more reason to visit Hawaii!
New Mexico
New Mexico’s BBQ style is coming on strong - think spicy New Mexican chile peppers rubbing brisket and pork. It’s thought the best meats here aren’t found in fancy restaurants, but in casual roadside joints and stops, things only the locals know about.
Arkansas
Arkansas has a chill, Southern-style BBQ vibe. The state offers slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and brisket on menus alongside burgers. The sauces are typically sweet-tangy, kinda like a lighter Kansas City blend. Definitely worth checking out!
Florida
Florida’s BBQ is as diverse as its people. You’ll find Southern pulled pork and ribs with sweet or tangy sauces, plus Cuban-influenced flavors like mojo-marinated pork. It's not exactly a BBQ capital, but there’s plenty of variety, especially in popular places like Tampa, Miami, and Orlando.
New Jersey
New Jersey surprises folks with its love for smoky meats. You’ll find both classic Southern BBQ and modern mashups here, like Korean BBQ tacos. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are all popular too, especially in North Jersey and near Philly.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s BBQ scene blends Southern flavors with a Northeastern twist, and it’s delicious. You’ll find everything from Texas-style brisket to sweet, saucy pulled pork in Philly and Pittsburgh. There’s even some Pennsylvania Dutch influence in the sides.
Virginia
The state of Virginia offers up smoked pork shoulder, ribs, and chicken, paired with mustard-vinegar or tomato-based sauces depending on the region. Only 11% of people interviewed by World Population Review said the BBQ there was good – but locals may very well disagree.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, BBQ isn’t king, but it’s got a loyal following. The state’s love for meat shows in its smoked sausages, pork shoulder, and hearty rib platters. Most BBQ joints here are no-frills affairs, with beer and brats often sharing the table with brisket.
Indiana
Indiana BBQ often flies under the radar, but the locals love it. Think smoky pulled pork sandwiches, saucy ribs, and lots of backyard cookouts. It may not have scored very high in World Population Review’s ranking, but there’s a real passion for BBQ in the state - ask anyone.
Maryland
Maryland mixes its seafood roots with BBQ culture - so yes, you might see smoked fish beside brisket or pulled pork. But Maryland doesn’t sleep on the traditional meats either: ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder are all served with tangy sauces and often fries on the side. People love them!
Massachusetts
Massachusetts might be better known for seafood, but BBQ has definitely found its place here too. You'll find a mix of styles - brisket, ribs, pulled pork - all smoked low and slow. Most restaurants lean toward Kansas City or Texas-style BBQ, with sweet sauces and hearty sides like cornbread and slaw.
Connecticut
Connecticut was never famous for its BBQ, but you can still find delicious smoked brisket and ribs here if you know where to look. Small joints and food trucks bring good BBQ meals to all, often combining New York–style meats with Southern-style sauces.
Illinois
Chicago’s known for deep-dish pizza, but its BBQ scene is no joke either. Rib tips and hot links are popular here, and they’re often served with a vinegary sauce and white bread. So stop off at Chicago, see the Bean, and fill yourself up at one of the many BBQ restaurants. There’s 21 of them per capita to be exact.
Nevada
Nevada was never particularly noted for its BBQ (it has other things going on, all the gambling for example), but it’s quietly building a solid scene, despite only having 7 BBQ restaurants per capita. Las Vegas especially has some really good restaurants that serve a mix of Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, and even delicious Korean or Hawaiian BBQ fusions.
Idaho
Idaho’s BBQ scene might fly under the radar, but it's very much there. Think smoked pork and ribs, often paired with potato sides. Local spots usually serve piled-high plates with sweet or tangy sauces. People who’ve tried it report that it’s not fancy, but very comforting.
Michigan
Michigan is kind of like a BBQ sampler platter - you’ll find a little bit of everything depending on the city. Detroit has some surprisingly good brisket and burnt ends, and smaller towns often smoke pork and chicken low and slow. The state is not famous for BBQ, but you can still find tasty dishes if you know where to look.
Nebraska
Nebraska may surprise you - it has a small but passionate BBQ community. Expect smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, and beef cuts, usually served in friendly, small-town BBQ joints. It's hearty, straightforward, and easy to enjoy – even if Nebraska scored a low 8% on World Population Review’s rankings.
Ohio
Ohio is noted for Midwest-style BBQ: ribs, pulled pork, and brisket with sweet or tomato-y sauces. Cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati serve up smoked meats with classic sides, like mac ‘n cheese and slaw. There’s not a huge amount of BBQ restaurants in the state, however.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, you’ll find smoky pork shoulder, saucy ribs, and brisket that melts in your mouth. Mmmm. The vibe in the state is considered to be relaxed and rustic, with meat often served in roadside spots or family-owned joints. It’s comfort food with Appalachian roots, meaning it has a whole lot of flavor.
Iowa
Iowa BBQ is simple, hearty, and perfect for pork lovers. Expect tender pulled pork, smoked chops, and a side of baked beans or cornbread. Local joints will be happy to welcome you in and serve you some sweet sauce, and the vibe is very wholesome and friendly. This is another one where locals might quibble with the World Population Review score – it got a mere 6%.
Maine
Maine isn’t exactly BBQ country, but it’s got some gems, especially in southern towns like Portland. Expect creative spins like maple-glazed ribs or smoked seafood, which turns out delicious. It’s BBQ with a New England twist, and while it’s not traditional, many people love it.
Minnesota
Minnesota BBQ is solid, even if it’s not as famous as some of the other states’ efforts. You'll find smoked meats with sweet sauces, and often a little spice for balance. Expect pulled pork and ribs on the menu, plus some Scandinavian-inspired sides like pickled veggies.
North Dakota
North Dakota has one of the smallest BBQ scenes around, but don’t count it out. You’ll still find ribs, brisket, and pulled pork at a few trusted spots. It’s more down-to-earth than places like Texas when it comes to BBQ, but that just adds to the charm.
Oregon
Oregon brings a modern twist to BBQ – some places even have, whisper it, vegan options. The actual meat is legit, though, especially in Portland where pitmasters delight tourists with slow-cooked ribs and pulled pork. Why not drop by the state and try some?
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a tiny state with a small BBQ scene - but the place still puts out some good meats. Think smoky brisket sandwiches, sticky ribs, and craft sauces. It’s BBQ with slightly hipster vibes, and though traditionalists might hate it, people still keep coming in.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s BBQ scene is quiet but full of charm. Expect classic ribs, pulled pork, and sometimes even bison on the menu. Don’t expect many fancy BBQ restaurants in the state, but you can still find great meats at small, family-run places that only locals know about.
Utah
Utah’s BBQ scene is still growing, but it’s very welcoming to newcomers. BBQ joints serve brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, sometimes with a local twist like honey-almond glazes. The vibe is casual, often family-focused, and perfect for tourists and locals alike.
Vermont
Vermont BBQ features locally raised meat, house-made sauces, and a focus on sustainability. You might find ribs glazed in maple syrup or smoked chicken with a cider glaze. It’s not traditional, but it’s tasty, and many people travel just to get a taste of it.
Delaware
Delaware keeps things simple – maybe some would say too simple, which explains its low score of 5%. Here you’ll find pork shoulder, ribs, and chicken smoked over wood, usually with sweet or peppery sauce. There also aren’t many BBQ joints, but when you find one, it’s often a family-owned restaurant with real heart to it.
New Hampshire
The BBQ scene in New Hampshire is quiet but growing. If you go there, expect to find wood-smoked meats served in rural towns, often with a vinegar-based sauce or a maple glaze. It’s a bit rustic and homey, so maybe it’s not for everyone, but the locals sure seem to like it.
Washington
Washington is known for other things, but its BBQ scene is growing...slowly. Seattle has brought in Texas-style restaurants, with smoked meats and fancy sides like smoked cauliflower. Unfortunately, it may not be enough. The state only scored 5% on World Population Review’s list.
Alaska
Alaska’s not exactly the first place that comes to mind for BBQ, and indeed it’s bottom of the list at World Population Review with a score of just 4%. And yet, people there sometimes smoke wild game - elk, moose, and salmon usually. So there is BBQ, you just need to know where to find it.
