The South's Best BBQ Joint in Every State 2018

Washington: Fat Pete’s
Photo: Courtesy of Fat Pete's

Is there any food that Southerner's are pickier about than barbecue? We don't think so. Try putting North Carolina dip on Texas brisket, and both states will come after you. It's just not done. And don't suggest any sauce at all to the dry-rib crowd. When it comes to our 'cue of choice, Southerners aren't just opinionated—we're downright fanatical. So our editors knew we were opening the floodgates when we invited readers to pick the South's best. We also knew we had better give states across the region a chance to spotlight their favorites. And here's what we learned: The winners not only deliver succulent, smoky barbecue but also have some of the best names you'll ever see on a place of business, from Fat Pete's and Oklahoma Joe's to Maurice's Piggie Park and The Salt Lick. Ready to hit the road? Tie on your plastic bib, break out the paper napkins, and follow us to the smoke. From Southern Soul to Lexington, here, the best barbecue joints in every state.

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See The Winners

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Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que

Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Courtesy of Dreamland BBQ

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Arkansas: McClard's Bar-B-Q

Arkansas: McClard’s Bar-B-Q
Dero Sanford

Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Florida: 4 Rivers Smokehouse

4 Rivers Smokehouse
Courtesy of 4 Rivers Smokehouse

Winter Park, Florida

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Georgia: Southern Soul Barbeque

Georgia: Southern Soul Barbeque
Andrew Thomas Lee

St. Simons Island, Georgia

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Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Owensboro, Kentucky

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Louisiana: The Joint

Louisiana: The Joint
Mia Reade-Baylor

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Mississippi: The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint

Mississippi: The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint
Courtesy of The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

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Missouri: Arthur Bryant's

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Kansas City, Missouri

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Oklahoma: Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Cue

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Joe’s
Courtesy of Oklahoma Joe's

Tulsa, Oklahoma

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North Carolina: Lexington Barbecue

North Carolina: Lexington Barbecue
Robbie Caponetto

Lexington, North Carolina

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South Carolina: Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ

South Carolina: Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ
Maurice’s Piggie Park

Columbia, South Carolina

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Tennessee: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous

Tennessee: Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous
Robbie Caponetto

Memphis, Tennessee

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Texas: The Salt Lick BBQ

Texas: The Salt Lick BBQ
Courtesy of The Salt Lick BBQ

Driftwood, Texas

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Washington, D.C.: Fat Pete's Barbecue

Washington: Fat Pete’s
Courtesy of Fat Pete's

Washington, D.C.

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