Kyle Green
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or live in Philadelphia full time, there’s no doubt you’ll have plenty of amazing restaurants to try.
With so many options, it can be hard to choose where to go first and what is really worth your time and money.
Well, if you’re looking for somewhere to start, I recommend the barbecue spots. When you’re craving that home-style cooking, what’s better than barbecue, potato salad, and mac and cheese?
So, I’ve put together a list of my favorite barbecues in town so you can taste them for yourself.
Whether you prefer traditional barbecue or want to try something a little different, there’s a spot for you on my list.
With meat by the pound, sandwiches, platters, and family meals, you’ll find the perfect amount of food for every occasion here. Keep reading to learn a bit about each place!
Best BBQ Food in Philadelphia
Fette Sau
1208 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 391-4888
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With a name that means fat pig in German, Fette Sau was bound to be one of the most popular barbecue spots in town.
This restaurant offers high-quality barbecue that is dry rubbed and smoked every day. Using locally-sourced meat, you can feel good about supporting this spot.
Fette Sau’s menu changes daily, so you’ll have something new to try each time you visit. Try out the burnt ends sandwich, brisket sandwich, Martins spicy sausage, or St. Louis ribs. Make sure to order some dessert or grab a bottle of their sauce to-go!
Mike’s BBQ
1703 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (267) 831-2040
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When looking for the freshest barbecue in town, check out Mike’s BBQ. This local barbecue shop smokes fresh barbecue daily, so you can count on it being the highest quality.
Open Thursday through Sunday, you’ll want to make sure you grab some of this food before it sells out.
Offering a straightforward menu, you’ll find exactly what you need at Mike’s BBQ. Try out the prime brisket, full spare ribs, or brisket cheesesteak.
Make sure to order some smoked gouda mac and cheese or bacon potato salad on the side!
Zig Zag BBQ
2111 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 267-951-2596
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Zig Zag BBQ tops my list of the best BBQ Philadelphia places with its melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats and sandwiches.
The menu includes smoked meats, sandwiches, and mouth-watering sides. I recommend the pulled porker sammish meal deal. You’ll get a lot of food for the price, and the smoked pulled pork is to die for.
Zig Zag BBQ also has an excellent selection of alcoholic beverages, including small-batch IPAs from local breweries.
You’ll find this hidden gem in the East Kensington area, near the intersection of East York and Martha Street. Norris Square Park is a few blocks away.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
7500 State Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 333-9663
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Though it may not be impressive from the outside, Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse is bound to impress you with their amazing food. Garnering nearly 3,000 positive reviews on Google, this is a spot you really won’t want to miss out on.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse’s menu is full of authentic hickory smoked barbecue. Be sure to try the Philly beef brisket, BBQ pulled park, smoked kielbasa, or any of the super combo platters. Don’t forget smores pie or apple crisp on your way out!
Huff & Puff BBQ
246 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 267-239-5617
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From chicken to pulled pork or Texas brisket, Huff and Puff BBQ is a meat lover’s paradise. This family-friendly establishment deserves a spot on the list of my favorite BBQ Philadelphia restaurants thanks to the quality of the meat served.
You can indulge with a large BBQ platter or enjoy one of the delicious smoked meat sandwiches. Don’t forget to order one of the classic BBQ sides to complete your meal.
I like the fact that Huff and Puff BBQ has something for everyone with vegan options like smoked watermelon or corn ribs.
This BBQ restaurant is in the Midtown Village area on South 11th Street. The Jefferson Alumni Hall is directly across the street.
The Lucky Well
990 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 646-4242
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A newer addition to the barbecue scene in Philly is The Lucky Well. This local restaurant serves up delicious barbecue that you can’t miss out on.
Run by Chef Chad Rosenthal, with countless years of experience and appearances on multiple cooking shows, you can be the food here is top notch.
The Lucky Well’s menu offers appetizers, barbecue al a carte, sandwiches, and sides. Be sure to try the pulled pork sandwich, St. Louis pork ribs, smoked portobello ribs, or herb-brined fried chicken sandwich.
Don’t forget the waffle fries, mac-n-cheese, or spicy pickles on the side!
Deke’s Bar-B-Que
3402 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 222-4444
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With over 1,000 reviews, it’s clear that Baby Blues BBQ Philly is a popular spot for barbecue in town.
With a So-Cal inspired menu and authentic roots, it makes sense this spot has been featured on several Food Network shows.
Serving everything from platters, to sandwiches, to a la carte options, there’s the perfect dish for everyone here.
We recommend the brisket sandwich, pulled pork platter, blue devil platter, or a family style deal. Be sure to grab some banana pudding or bourbon pecan pie for dessert!
Long Shot BBQ
2900 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 215-925-8520
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Long Shot BBQ is popular with the locals, and it’s easy to see why with its generous BBQ platters and selection of meat by the pound. You can also try the rolls and wraps, an original alternative to the traditional BBQ sandwiches.
In my opinion, this BBQ spot stands out thanks to the impeccable technique used to slow-cook the meat. The signature dry rubs and BBQ sauces also add to the experience.
You’ll find Long Shot BBQ in the Grays Ferry neighborhood, next to the D. Finnegan Playground on Grays Ferry Avenue. The Schuylkill River isn’t far.
North by Texas at the Chestnut Hill Farmers Market
7673 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
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The Chestnut Hills Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings from 9 A.M. to noon. You’ll find dozens of local producers selling fresh produce, seafood, cider, and more.
North by Texas is a weekly BBQ event hosted at the Mermaid Inn. The inn sources meat from local farms and invites a different pitmaster every week. The menu is never the same, but the results are always excellent.
I highly recommend North by Texas because I love the commitment to sustainability, and it’s a fun experience. The farmer’s market is on Germantown Avenue and Winston Road. You’ll find the Mermaid Inn at the corner of Winston Road and East Mermaid Lane.
Kim’s Restaurant
5955 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-927-4550
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Kim’s Restaurant is my top pick for Korean BBQ in Philadelphia. This authentic Korean restaurant serves an appetizing selection of marinated meat, but you can explore varied options like broiled fish, stews, stir-fries, and more.
I recommend the maeun bulkoki if you’re in the mood for something spicy, but there are milder flavors available as well. From sharing the small entrees to enjoying platters of flavorful BBQ meat, this spot is ideal for a group outing in Philly.
Kim’s Restaurant is in the Olney neighborhood near Melrose Park. It’s on North 5th Street and West Champlost Avenue, kitty corner from Fisher Park.
Big Daddy’z BBQ & Grill
606 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033
Phone: 484-494-6138
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Big Daddy’z BBQ & Grill is an award-winning BBQ Philadelphia restaurant that I recommend for the quality of the food and service.
The menu is a mix of familiar classics like wings, burgers, and smoked meat dinners, but you’ll also find some options like smoked kielbasa that not all BBQ joints offer.
If you’re looking for quality and value, you can’t go wrong with Big Daddy’z. The kid meals and custom combos with your choice of sides and sauces are ideal if you’re looking to get your money’s worth.
Big Daddy’z BBQ & Grill is outside of Philadelphia in Folsom, PA. You’ll have to head to the southwest of the city via I-95 or I-476.
Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill & Italian Restaurant
1026 Wolf St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-463-1311
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Combining an Italian restaurant and a BBQ place is a unique concept. I wanted to try Bomb Bomb to see how this restaurant would mix these two concepts.
Bomb Bomb didn’t disappoint with its elegant Italian fare and award-winning BBQ recipes. It’s a popular lunch spot with its specialty sandwiches, but you’ll also find a dinner crowd enjoying classic dishes like chicken parmigiana or ravioli.
The BBQ menu is smaller compared to the Italian fare, but the marinated chicken and ribs are worth it.
Bomb Bomb is in Lower Moyamensing, on the corner of Wolf and Warnock Street. Mifflin Square Park and Marconi Plaza are nearby.
The Rib Stand
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-925-3155
The Rib Stand is a small sandwich shop located inside the Reading Terminal Market in Center City. You’ll find this busy indoor market on North 12th and Arch Street, a few blocks away from the City Hall.
The stand is easy to find with its large sign, and you’ll typically see a line since it’s one of the most popular food stalls in the market.
The Rib Stand delivers everything you would expect from one of the best street food vendors in Philadelphia. The portions are generous, the food is messy, and you’ll remember the experience as one of the best BBQ sandwiches you ever had.
After reading this list, it’s pretty clear that Philly is full of delicious barbecue for those days when you just need a home cooked meal. Whether you need an easy meal for the whole family or are just craving barbecue, these spots are great for either.
Looking to try out BBQ but with an Asian flare? Check out these amazing Korean BBQ around Philadelphia. Don’t forget to try Kimchi with your BBQ!
Which spot will you visit first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
