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Where to Find Delicious BBQ Food in New York City

Whether you want comfort food, regional cuisine, or a place to hang out and watch a football game, nothing fits the bill better than a good barbecue restaurant

grilled bbq at nyc barbecue restaurant

. Not surprisingly, in a city that boasts all manner of cuisines, you can find plenty of options for excellent barbecue restaurants in New York City.

I know my geography. New York is in the north, but if you crave a taste of the South with its flavorful smoked meats and rich, comforting side dishes, New York offers up several possibilities regardless of what neighborhood you’re in.

Ribs, brisket, and plenty of rich sauces abound in the barbecue joints around New York, and you can always find a small-batch whiskey or local craft brew to pair perfectly with your meal.

From casual to a bit upscale, from gritty roadhouse to industrial chic, check out my list of the best barbecue restaurants in NYC below!


Hometown Bar-B-Que

454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: 347-294-4644
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Hometown Bar-B-Que
Source: Hometown Bar-B-Que

In the waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn, Hometown Bar-B-Que stands out from the seafood-dominated crowd.

With a mouth-watering menu, Hometown offers traditional barbecue options in an industrial setting.

I’m personally in love with its brisket that falls apart as you eat it or the pulled pork slathered in sauce.

Adding to its classic barbecue flair, Hometown offers a walk-up service at the counter in addition to indoor and outdoor dining.

Hometown welcomes families, larger groups, and individuals. So be prepared to enjoy the atmosphere and hang out with fellow customers while you wait.

With its comfy, casual scene, you can ease your wait by selecting a drink from the robust list of craft beer, American whiskey, or wine by the bottle and glass.

Just don’t leave the Red Hook neighborhood without a picture from the pier at Louis Valentine, Jr. park, especially at sunset.


Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Multiple locations
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Source: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

With multiple locations in and around the city, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que offers more than just your traditional barbecue menu.

With burgers, seafood, and a fantastic pick-your-protein salad, it’s hard to stick to just barbecue.

I’m a sucker for their oversized portion of pork ribs, but I can never leave without having some of their jerk-glaze wings.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Q may look like a gritty roadhouse, but you can definitely visit with your kids, who won’t be disappointed by their menu choices.

Even dogs, considered “Dino Dogs,” can find a welcome here with a water bowl and free smells. To avoid waiting for a table, you can reserve online for up to 20 people.


Fette Sau

354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-963-3404
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Fette Sau
Source: Fette Sau

With cement floors and a laid-back atmosphere, Fette Sau crowns meat king in Williamsburg, a trendsetting neighborhood in Brooklyn.

With no wait staff, simply walk up and order your barbecue, get it piled on butcher paper, and take it to a communal picnic table to enjoy.

See also  10 Best Meats for Grilling This Summer

You can’t go wrong with the Berkshire pork belly, or the Duroc pulled pork. Because the meat is priced by the half-pound, you can easily order several options and share.

If you like Fette Sau, hop across the street to Spuyten Duyvil. This bar shares its owners with Fette Sau. Devoted to Belgian beer and imported microbrews, you won’t be disappointed.


Hill Country Barbecue Market

30 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010
Phone: 212-255-4544
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Hill Country Barbecue Market
Source: Hill Country Barbecue Market

With a well-stocked bar and a menu populated by several family recipes, you can find a piece of central Texas at Hill Country Barbecue Market.

In the Flatiron District, you can stop here after taking in one of the art installation pop-ups at Madison Square Park. If you come at lunchtime, though, be ready for lengthy lines.

Football fans flock here to enjoy Southern hospitality and football games on the big screen TV, especially Texas collegiate games.

During the NFL season on Sundays, you can play some tailgate-inspired games along with your barbecue. Don’t leave without eating the brisket and trying at least one dessert.


Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque

Multiple locations
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Mighty Quinn's Barbeque
Source: Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque

With Pit master Hugh Mangum at the helm, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque blends both Texas and Carolina low-and-slow traditions for a unique Texalina experience.

The wood and glass restaurant gives you more of a New York feel, but the barbecue definitely transports you to the South.

If you’re really hungry, get the Brontosaurus rib. If not, opt for the delicious Burnt Ends—you’ll thank me if you enjoy the crusty part of wood-smoked barbecue.

With locations in and around Manhattan, stop in at Mighty Quinn’s, order at the counter, then soak your tray of food with sauce at your table, and dig in.


Blue Smoke

255 Vesey St, New York, NY 10282
Phone: 212-889-2005
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Blue Smoke
Source: Blue Smoke

A bit more upscale than you typically find in a barbecue restaurant, Blue Smoke offers a wide-ranging menu and a warm atmosphere, where couples, colleagues, or even kids feel welcome to dine.

Its location in Battery Park City gives you a great stop after strolling the greenspace and taking in the views of the Statue of Liberty.

Order a cocktail and try the mouthwatering Memphis baby back ribs. The menu gives you plenty more to choose from, including fried chicken and a few desserts.

Your more adventurous, and hungry, children may enjoy trying the kid-friendly baby back ribs from their own menu.


Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall

44 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-218-6655
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Mable's Smokehouse & Banquet Hall
Source: Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall

If you’re looking to get out of New York, just step into Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall in Brooklyn. You may think you’ve stepped into a Southern saloon, and you won’t be disappointed.

Named after the Oklahoma-native owner’s grandma, Mable’s serves up food and drink as you’ve just come back home.

You can understand why this is a neighborhood favorite. Casual and comfortable, the brisket is the boss and is sliced to order in this Williamsburg barbecue restaurant.

With a drink menu rivaling the length of the main menu, Mable’s is clearly focused on the meat, and you can enjoy plentiful offerings both at the bar as well as from the barbecue.

See also  11 Popular Korean Barbecues in The US You Have To Try

Pig Beach BBQ Brooklyn

480 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: 917-259-1176
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Pig Beach BBQ Brooklyn
Source: Pig Beach BBQ Brooklyn

Another favorite NYC football-watching venue, Pig Beach BBQ Brooklyn clearly loves its pork and pork skin.

The unique setup as an outdoor venue makes you feel like you’ve stepped in from the beach, and everyone, including your dog, is welcome.

If it rains, you can enjoy your meal indoors, but don’t let the weather stop you. With pit masters focused on pork, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu.

I suggest trying the pulled pork sandwich or the ribs and taking your pick from the extensive drink menu.

Check the website for football specials, particularly when you know a big game might be coming up.


John Brown BBQ

27-20 40th Ave, Queens, NY 11101
Phone: 347-617-1120
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John Brown BBQ
Source: John Brown BBQ

With a back patio to soak in the pleasant weather as well as indoor seating, John Brown BBQ offers Kansas City-style barbecue to New York City.

A great haunt for Kansas City Chief fans, you need to stop here for the pork belly and the hand-cut fries.

Offering a simple, laid-back atmosphere, you can eat your fill at the tables topped with checkered tablecloths and find plenty to drink from its ample draft beer list.

Don’t avoid John Brown BBQ just because the Chiefs are playing. Dubbed the “official Kansas City Chiefs bar in NYC,” you’ll feel welcome to enjoy your meal with the spirited fans.


Dallas BBQ

Multiple Locations
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Dallas BBQ
Source: Dallas BBQ

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but the same goes for Dallas BBQ in New York City. With several locations throughout the city, Dallas BBQ gives you plenty of Texas-inspired barbecue options, along with Texas-sized portions.

You can even order your drink regular or Texas-size, which means about as big as a ten-gallon cowboy hat.

With a traditional menu, Dallas BBQ aims to please with plenty of extra offerings, such as sliders, steaks, and seafood.

I love the ribs, but locals come here for the wonderfully sticky wings and delicious frozen drinks.

Laidback and approachable, you can stop here without making reservations to enjoy Texas-style barbecue and flavorful, frozen Texas-size drinks.


Virgil’s Real Barbecue

152 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-921-9494
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Virgil's Real Barbecue
Source: Virgil’s Real Barbecue

You may have trouble narrowing down your sightseeing choices in Times Square, but when it comes to restaurant choices, look no further than Virgil’s Real Barbecue.

With a wide array of regional cuisine, Virgil’s doesn’t limit its barbecue to just one part of the South. You get offerings from all over, and nothing disappoints.

The casual atmosphere, which may be filled with football on a game day, welcomes you after a day of exploring Manhattan with satisfying food and an array of drinks to choose from.

If you have a favorite barbecue region, you can find something delicious to match it on the menu. If not, eat the trash ribs—they are by far my favorite.

See also  13 Best BBQ Cities in America to Visit

Hudson Smokehouse

37 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454
Phone: 718-872-7742
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Hudson Smokehouse
Source: Hudson Smokehouse

If you want barbecue in the Bronx, stop at Hudson Smokehouse—it’s actually the only place you can find barbecue in the Bronx.

Serving all types of regional barbecue, this family-friendly restaurant serves up some on-point brisket, perfect when you need a pitstop from exploring the Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium, or the Botanical Garden.

With delicious drinks and a wide array of barbecue featuring traditions from all over the South, you will find comfort not only in the food but also in the laid-back vibe.

Order your meal at the counter, and the servers will bring it to you piled high onto trays so that you can relax at your wooden table with the warm brick surroundings.


Brother Jimmy’s

181 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-779-7427
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Brother Jimmy's
Source: Brother Jimmy’s

Brother Jimmy’s serves up flavorful North Carolina barbecue with communal-style seating for those looking for a familiar, homestyle atmosphere.

However, folks don’t jam into Brother Jimmy’s just because they’re homesick. The food is absolutely excellent, and if you want to relax with some football, especially ACC, this is your spot in Murray Hill.


Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Brother Jimmy’s offers you a welcoming place to relax and eat.

While you’re there, check out the Empire State Building and the Dalmation and Taxi statue, both in the Murray Hill neighborhood.


Queens Bully

113-30 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375
Phone: 718-520-8600
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Queens Bully
Source: Queens Bully

You have so many restaurant options in the Forest Hills neighborhood, but a relaxed atmosphere and consistently good comfort food can be found at Queens Bully.

Not only does it offer the best barbecue in Queens, but you can also order favorites, such as tacos and burgers. The ribs, however, are my favorite.

With large portions and an even larger menu, you can eat your fill at Queens Bully while taking a break from the hubbub of the city.

I suggest walking as parking is impossible, and be prepared to wait. You may encounter long lines, but they are well worth it.


Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue

229 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-622-2224
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Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue
Source: Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue

If barbecue makes you think of summer, then step into Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue any time of the year, and you’ll think you’ve walked into summer. With its Texas-style barbecue offerings, even the free smells don’t disappoint.

The brisket is excellent at this Prospect Heights eatery, and while most barbecue restaurants aren’t known for their side dishes, the mac-and-cheese comforts your heart and soul.

With outdoor dining available, you can opt for an open-air seat or relax inside. Locals to Prospect Heights enjoy watching football at Morgan’s—check their website for football game-day specials.


Nothing relaxes you more after a day in the city than a good meal. Regardless of what area you visit in New York City, you can find some excellent barbecue comfort food from this list.

Even if you haven’t planned ahead and made reservations, any of these eateries welcome walk-ins with plenty to offer from the bar while you wait.

If you’re looking to grab some drinks up high on a rooftop overlooking NYC, definitely check out these awesome bars.

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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Written by Kyle Green

Kyle lives never passes up the opportunity to try a new restaurant. As a former New Yorker of 7 years, he enjoys regular trips to NYC to visit friends and enjoys all the restaurants and activities the city have to offer. He also spends time on the road tasting and reviewing other restaurant scenes around the country.