Ultimate Guide: The Best Barbecue Restaurants NYC

Bark Barbecue

5FL, 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Bark Barbecue, a roaming pop-up turned permanent outpost, has been captivating New Yorkers with its Central Texas-style barbecue since 2020. Now don't get it twisted, they aren't selling a hot dog and burger, these guys offer low and slow Lone Star State barbecue cooked with white oak (arguably the king of all BBQ).

Brace yourself for the heavenly aroma of smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all expertly prepared by their pitmasters. Indulge in the juicy, bark-covered goodness of their signature brisket, or savor the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of their ribs. Don't forget to complement your meaty morsels with a side of creamy mac and cheese or tangy coleslaw. You know their BBQ is good because it doesn't need any barbecue sauce!

Hometown Bar B Que

454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Prepare to embark on an epic culinary journey at Hometown Bar-B-Que, a Red Hook institution that has earned a reputation for serving some of the best barbecue in NYC. Brace yourself for a lengthy wait, but rest assured, the reward is well worth the anticipation.



As you make your way through the line, savor the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the smokers. Once you've secured your bounty, indulge in the succulent brisket, a true testament to the pitmasters craft. The giant beef rib and lamb belly bánh mi are must-tries, offering a delightful fusion of flavors. For those in a group, the brisket tacos and Jamaican jerk baby back ribs are sure to delight, serving as the perfect supporting acts to the main event.

Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue

267 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Since its inception in 2013, this Texas-style barbecue haven has been serving up some of the city's finest smoked meats and they are pretty consistently voted as one of some of the best bbq in Brooklyn.

Sink your teeth into the tender, moist, and fatty brisket, or savor the pork ribs adorned with a thick, salty bark and a delightful char. The spacious dining room, with its brick walls and wood ceiling beams, provides a cozy ambiance for savoring every bite. Grab a table and prepare to be transported to the heart of Texas with each smoky, succulent mouthful.

Royal Rib House

256 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11233

For over three decades, Royal Rib House has been a legendary BBQ spot in Bed-Stuy, drawing crowds with its mouthwatering offerings. After a brief hiatus, this beloved institution has reopened in 2022, rekindling the love affair with its devoted patrons.

Prepare to be wowed by the fall-off-the-bone ribs, slathered in a tantalizing hot sauce-based BBQ sauce that will have you licking your fingers. The smoky chopped BBQ and moist rotisserie chicken, painted with a tangy sauce, are equally impressive. And no visit would be complete without indulging in the heavenly peach cobbler, a dessert so divine that even the line waiters will urge you to try it.

Fette Sau

354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

At Fette Sau, the menu is ever-changing, written on a chalkboard and keeping patrons on the edge of their seats. This Williamsburg gem, housed in a converted garage, offers a unique BBQ experience that will delight your senses.

Assuming they haven't sold out (a common occurrence on weekends), you can expect to find brisket and pork ribs on the menu. Order both, and be sure to request a lean cut of brisket that crumbles deliciously with each bite. Complement your meaty morsels with sides like the burnt end baked beans, and wash it all down with a refreshing draft beer from their extensive selection.

Munch BBQ

Venture to the South Bronx, where Munch BBQ awaits with its exceptional smoked chicken wings, dry-rubbed to perfection. But this spot offers more than just wings – it's a haven for BBQ enthusiasts seeking a casual, group-friendly atmosphere.

During their weekday Happy Hour (from 3-6pm), indulge in a wing-fest complemented by baked beans laden with pineapple and tender brisket bits. With an array of meats and sides to choose from, Munch BBQ is the perfect destination for a laidback gathering with friends or family.

Mable's Smokehouse

44 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Step into Mable's Smokehouse in Williamsburg, and you'll be transported to a charming town straight out of "Friday Night Lights." Just a stone's throw away from trendy hotels, this cozy eatery offers a taste of authentic Southern hospitality.

Keep it simple and order the deluxe platter, which comes loaded with brisket, pulled chicken, pulled pork, and your choice of three sides. The mac and cheese is a non-negotiable must-try, but don't overlook the other tempting options like collard greens or cornbread. Savor each bite as you bask in the warm, welcoming ambiance that Mable's Smokehouse exudes. Don't just take my word for it, go and check out Mable's Smokehouse and see for yourself why they're one of the best barbecue restaurants NYC has to offer.

Dinosaur BBQ

700 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027

At Dinosaur BBQ, the boundaries of regional BBQ styles are pushed to new heights. This vibrant eatery celebrates the diversity of American barbecue, offering a tantalizing array of meats, cooking styles, and sauces from across the country.

Indulge in the St. Louis-style ribs or the Memphis-style pulled pork, or venture beyond the traditional with Creole deviled eggs. The grilled ribs and smoked jumbo chicken wings are crowd-pleasers, but don't miss out on the fried green tomatoes, served with a tantalizing ranch-based dipping sauce. Whether you visit the Harlem or Gowanus location, you'll be greeted by a rustic, barn-like atmosphere perfect for groups and families.

John Brown Smokehouse

27-20 40th Ave, Queens, NY 11101

Even on a rainy day when the courtyard is off-limits, John Brown Smokehouse in Long Island City will leave you utterly satisfied. While their sweet, tangy Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is a delight, the true star of the show is the burnt ends.

These smoky, tender, bark-covered bites of meat are the epitome of BBQ perfection, and they're arguably some of the best in the city. Savor each morsel as the flavors dance across your palate, leaving you craving for more of these delectable morsels.

Queens Bully

113-30 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375

If you're looking for the best BBQ in Queens then you need to head on over to Queens Bully in Forest Hills. This lively eatery, situated right on Queens Boulevard, serves up some seriously good smoked chicken, smoked turkey, and baby back ribs, alongside six types of wings.

For those with a penchant for heat, try the sauce made with Carolina reaper peppers – a fiery challenge that will have you reaching for your beverage. But don't worry; there are plenty of milder options to suit every palate, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied and well-fed.

Hill Country

30 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010

Hill Country, a massive Flatiron establishment, is a go-to spot for those seeking dry rub, slow-smoked meats served on butcher paper. Whether you're looking for a casual meal, a lively night out, or a live music experience, this versatile venue has you covered.

While the pitmaster special (brisket, pork ribs, chicken, sausage, and two sides) is tempting, the true standouts are the peppery ribs and spicy sausage. Complement your meaty indulgence with a slice of cornbread, and you'll have a meal fit for a BBQ connoisseur.

Pig Beach

35-37 36th St Ground Floor, Astoria, NY 11106

If you're in the mood for an al fresco BBQ experience, look no further than Pig Beach, a restaurant nestled next to the Gowanus Canal. This outdoor oasis boasts a sprawling courtyard that's perfect for whiling away a summer afternoon with friends, frozen cocktails in hand.

While the messy cheeseburger (available with one, two, or three patties) is a crowd favorite, the sampler platter is a must-try for BBQ enthusiasts. Featuring ribs, pork shoulder, and turkey, this platter showcases the smoky goodness that Pig Beach is known for and is arguably some of the best barbecue NYC offers. Don't forget to snag a piece of cornbread to soak up every last drop of flavor.

Izzy's Smokehouse

397 Troy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

For those seeking a kosher BBQ experience, Izzy's Smokehouse in Brooklyn is a hidden gem. Just a short walk from the Utica Ave subway station, this casual eatery offers a mouthwatering array of smoked meats and they sell some of the best bbq Brooklyn has to offer.



The peppery beef ribs and Southern-style fried chicken sandwich are standouts, but the true star of the show is the lean, tender brisket. Smoked for an impressive 18 hours, each cut boasts a char along the edge that's a testament to the pitmaster's craft. So head on over, grab a plate or take out and have a little picnic in the park!

Conclusion: Your guide to the best NYC BBQ

So there you have it folks that's my ultimate list of the best BBQ NYC has to offer. So grab a beer and some napkins, and come and experience barbecue New York City style the next time you're here!

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