For food lovers, nothing beats the feeling of biting into juicy, perfectly smoked BBQ or participating in a festival dedicated to meaty goodness. In the United States, there are plenty of cities where you can explore the food culture and indulge in tasty, slow-cooked BBQ.
From Kansas City to Memphis, these cities boast some of the best BBQ joints and festivals you will ever come across. This article will explore the top six U.S. cities for meaty festivals and delicious BBQs.
Nashville, Tennessee
Lastly, Nashville is not just famous for its music. It is now known for its BBQ scene too, from traditional southern style to Nashville hot chicken. Be sure to check out Peg Leg Porker. Here, Pat Martin blends traditional and modern techniques to create some of the essential BBQ flavors in Nashville. Thus, the U.S. is home to several cities famous for meaty festivals and delicious BBQs.
Kansas City, Memphis, Austin, Lockhart, Nashville, and Carolina are just a few to visit for an authentic BBQ experience. Even if you are not much of a meat lover, these cities offer plenty of options and cultural experiences worth exploring. So fire up those taste buds and plan your next trip to one of these meaty destinations to have a taste of what they have to offer.
Kansas City, Missouri
If you are a BBQ enthusiast, then you have likely heard of Kansas City’s BBQ reputation. Known as the BBQ capital of the world, this city has more than 100 BBQ restaurants and hosts the American Royal Barbecue Contest, which is the largest BBQ competition in the world.
Some of the must-try places in this city include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Gates Bar-B-Q.
Memphis, Tennessee
Next up: Memphis-style BBQ is world-famous, and for a good reason. The city is the home of slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and briskets and hosts the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which brings together some of the best pitmasters worldwide.
While you are here, be sure to check out Central BBQ, which offers its own dry rub ingredient, and Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
Austin, Texas
For BBQ lovers, Austin is a destination. This city is famous for its food trucks and has some of the best BBQ joints you will ever visit. Franklin Barbecue, one of the most renowned BBQ spots, serves mouth-watering brisket and is a must-visit for lovers of all things meat.
Other BBQ hot spots in Austin include Terry Black’s Barbecue and Micklethwait Craft Meats.
Lockhart, Texas
This city is said to be the birthplace of Texas BBQ. And the culinary art is carried on today. Where else will you have a choice of ordering from three meat masters, each with their Texas-branded style?
Today, the city has gained recognition for its barbecue prowess worldwide, especially Black’s Barbecue and Kreuz Market.
Memphis, Kansas, and Carolina
These cities are famous for their styles of sauce and meat smoking. Memphis style involves rubbing with different herbs and spices, while Kansas City style includes adding a sweet tomato sauce.
Likewise, the Carolina style uses a vinegar-based sauce. Try these styles during a visit to these BBQ meccas.
