10 Mouth Watering Barbecue Restaurants in the South

When you think of Southern barbecue, what comes to mind?  Think smoked meats, tangy, spicy sauces, and too many sides to name, some good barbecue is at the heart of Southern culture. Take a look at these 10 barbecue restaurants across the South and dig right in.

Patillo’s BBQ

Beaumont, Texas

Get a taste of traditional, slow-cooked barbecue that falls off the bone at Patillo’s in Southeast Texas. 5 generations in, Patillos does things the old-fashioned way, offering customs rubs and seasonings – and don’t miss the secret family barbecue sauce. 

Martin’s BBQ Joint

Nashville, Tennessee

With 4 locations across the South, this can’t miss West Tennessee style whole-hog barbecue will make your mouth water. Enjoy a medley of sides alongside meats smoked over hickory wood for up to 24 hours. With sauces, rubs, and sides made from scratch daily, this often sold-out barbecue joint is one for your bucket list.

Big Bob Gibson

Decatur, Alabama

Big Bob Gibson learned his cooking skills in a hand-dug barbecue pit, and his namesake restaurant shows that same grit. His legendary old-fashioned barbecue is the opposite of dry slathered with a medley of house-made sauces. 

Fox Bros BBQ

Atlanta, Georgia

Bring an empty stomach to this family-owned Atlanta favorite, where Texas-native twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox offer slow cooked brisket, pulled pork, wings, signature sides, and more. The relaxed atmosphere and generous portions make it a must-stop for barbecue lovers in the South.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q

Owensboro, Kentucky

Old Hickory BBQ of Owensboro Kentucky has perfected their recipes for over a century, and it’s easy to tell. From blacksmith to barbecue pit, the Foreman family learned the secret to barbecue success, providing smoked meat and tangy sauces that melt on the tongue. 

Burnt Bean Co

Seguin, Texas

Experience traditional barbecue with a twist at Burnt Bean (link to restaurant page) in Seguin, Texas. From cooking competitions to opening doors, Dave Kirkland and Ernest Servantes aim to expand the palate by introducing modern flavors, such as hot Cheeto and bacon ranch, to the already abundant landscape of Texas barbecue.

Clay’s House of Pig

Tupelo, Mississippi

There are truly no limits to the charm of Southern barbecue – Clays House of Pig, settled in a bait and tackle shop, is proof of that. Declared some of Mississippi’s best barbeque, CHOP keeps it simple and serves it straight off the pit.

Peg Leg Porker

Nashville, Tennessee

At Peg Leg Porker, pitmaster Carey Bringle has built a reputation for exceptional barbecue and award-winning whiskey. Known for his perfectly seasoned dry-rub ribs and tender pulled pork, Bringle’s team smokes meats fresh every day, perfectly capturing authentic Nashville barbecue. 

Shephard BBQ

Wilmington, North Carolina

This brick-and-mortar BBQ joint may be small, but that doesn’t stop locals from lining up for a taste of Brandon Shepard’s beloved recipes. With fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, every bite delivers the rich, smoky flavors that make for great Southern barbecue. Before you leave, be sure to grab an order of banana pudding for dessert.

Southern Soul Barbecue

St. Simons Island, Georgia

You won’t be strapped for options at Southern Soul Barbecue on the Georgia coast. Offering slow smoked meats of almost every variety, pair your delicious protein with homemade barbecue sauce and a medley of soulful sides for the perfect comfort food experience. 

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