Summer weather is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than by gathering some friends and grilling something outdoors? May is about to turn into June, and that means it’s a great time to either do some backyard grilling of your own, or, better yet, get family or friends together and take a fun-filled bus trek to a city world-famous for its barbecue.
The Best Cities for Barbecue
Opinions may differ on what style of barbecue is best, and what state is most famous for its barbecue, but one thing’s for certain: there’s plenty to choose from. Chances are there’s a great barbecue joint not far away, or an unforgettable summer barbecue event.
Knoxville, Tennessee is famous for beans, sweet slaw, sliced pork sandwiches, sausage and fried green tomatoes. Locals recommend Ridgewood BBQ, Calhoun’s, and Sweet P’s. Proximity to lots of local produce make the greens and vegetable sides next-level.
Dallas, Texas: Texas-style barbecue is direct and to the point: cooked over mesquite “cowboy style.” Famous for its brisket, prime rib, sweet beans, pulled pork, and Tex-Mex fare, Dallas is famous nationwide for its barbecue. Dallas connoisseurs of the barbecue pit recommend 18th & Vine BBQ for pit-fired oysters and fish, 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House for barbecue and beer, or the Pecan Lodge for beef ribs.
When in Birmingham, Alabama, stop by Jim ‘n Nick’s Barb-B-Q. There you’ll find brisket, chicken, and barbecue pork, all cooked over a hickory wood fire. If drive-in is more your speed, try the Golden Rule, a roadside barbecue place.
Kansas City, Kansas: Kansas City style barbecue is the yardstick by which most barbecue is judged. This style of barbecue is characterized by dry rub spices and a wide variety of meats. Barbecue is a way of life in Kansas City, and there are few better places to experience it than Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s. Get in early and order the pulled pork sandwich.
Raleigh, North Carolina: Carolina-style barbecue may be the origin of the phrase “whole hog,” because all the various parts of the pig are frequently cooked and mixed together with vinegar and spices. Apparently the locals agree: Clyde Cooper’s in Raleigh is the place to experience Carolina-style barbecue. Hog shoulders, chopped and BBQ sandwiches with pepper-vinegar sauce are the orders of the day.
You shouldn’t miss out on BBQ just because you’re vegan or vegetarian. While most people wouldn’t think of Washington, D.C. as their first choice for great barbecue, there are some great restaurants that offer delicious vegetarian or vegan options. DCity Smokehouse at Wicked Bloom serves up barbecue pinto beans and fried onions, while Acre 121 has grilled tofu and veggie burgers on the menu. Fat Pete’s on Connecticut Avenue has a sandwich on the menu with smoked organic tofu served with fajita veggies.
Barbecue Events
Want to experience more than just a single great barbecue meal? Why not try on one of these events for size?
The Stumptown Smoke Off in Whitefish, MT is a competition open to everyone from amateurs to experts, and will feature live music and a hog-calling contest, all right next to picturesque Glacier National Park. The smoke-off happens August 19, 2017.
From August 31 to September 3, 2017, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue will take place in Kansas City. Over 500 teams will compete at the Kansas Speedway, in one of the biggest barbecue competitions in the country. Start planning your trip now and end your summer with a bang!
The 7th ever Kentucky State BBQ festival may not be as big as some of the others on this list, but here are two words for you: eating triathlon. The event will feature live music, celebrity pitmasters, and Four Roses bourbon. The festival happens September 8-10, 2017.
As you can see, there are barbecue events happening well into the fall — and the famous barbecue cities of America serve up great food all year round. Why not get a group together, charter a bus and hit one – or all! – of these events. booking your trip today? Call us at 1-866-556-3545 or contact us today for a free quote.
