Shecky’s

When we asked our Staffers about their favorite summer foods, BBQ rang in loud and clear. This inspired us to do a little tasting…er, investigating to find the best BBQ around the nation. Summer may be winding down with the start of September, but you can enjoy this seasonal taste year-round.

Southern Hospitality (New York, NY) – For all of the taste (and charm) of down south up north, try Southern Hospitality. Escape the hustle and bustle of New York City if only for a meal at Justin Timberlake and friends’ NYC hotstpot, featuring a menu chock-full of Southern specialties from brisket to chicken and waffles…and everything in between.

The Pit (Raleigh, NC) – Renowned for its whole-hog BBQ style, North Carolina staple The Pit offers well, the staples, plus a plethora of vegetarian-friendly options. Try the barbecued tofu (just like grandma used to make) or one of their scrumptious salads if standard ‘cue isn’t your thing.

Mo’s Smokehouse (San Luis Obispo County, CA) – When Mo decided to open the first of his Mo’s Smokehouses (there are now three locations in San Luis Obispo County), he and a friend took a 3,500 mile journey visiting the best BBQ joints across the nation. The result? A smokehouse of his own, decorated with pictures and antiques chairs from each place he stopped along the way. Their famed Tri-Tip proves that the left coast can BBQ, too.

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-b-que: (New Braunfels, TX) – An offshoot of the mother Llano, TX location, Cooper’s BBQ has served finger-lickin’ good barby since 1953. The new spot is located in Texas Hill County “the BBQ capital of the world,” and doesn’t disappoint with faves like The Big Chop, plus free pickles, bread and beans.

Smoket (Miami, FL) – Florida, though physically located in the South, doesn’t get the same credit for producing stellar BBQ like its Southern counterparts, but Smoket is trying to change that. They serve traditional fare inspired by the BBQ styles of Tennessee, Kansas City and Japan to name a few. Wait…Japan? Yep, Smoket offers four different types of Red Neck Rolls (Southern Sushi!) combining sticky rice with classic ingredients like BBQ pork and coleslaw.

The Joint (New Orleans, LA) – If a place can get away with a name like The Joint, when any restaurant can be dubbed with that moniker, you know you’re in for something good. Enjoy scrumptious homemade classics, or try their Chaurice sausage for a Nawlins twist—it’s locally made with Cajun spices and smoked in-house. This Big Easy “joint” makes BBQ look…easy!

P.S.: Many restaurants are selling their homemade sauces for a taste of barbecue at your home. Our favorite? Syracuse-based Dinosaur BBQ has everything a barbecue lover could wish for, from marinades to BBQ sauces and even rubs. Happy ‘cue-ing!

-Lynden Halpern

GIRL TALK TIME: Do you like BBQ food? What’s your favorite? What summer foods do you like to eat year-round? Any restaurant or product suggestions for us?