You’re in the mood for a finger-lickin' good rack of ribs, deliciously tender brisket, and mouthwatering Mac & Cheese.
Too bad you can’t hop on your non-existent jet and fly to the South, AKA the mecca of BBQ.
Lucky for you, New York City is home to some of the most decadent BBQ in the country.
The spicy sausage and melt-in-your-mouth cornbread may never beat Nashville or Austin, but these East Coast gems come pretty darn close.
See Also: The Best Tacos In NYC: From Street-Style To Michelin-Starred
If you’re in need of some southern charm, keep reading for the most authentic BBQ joints the city has to offer.
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Multiple Locations/Website
You can’t go to everybody’s BBQ chain without ordering the mighty huge Brontosaurus Rib. The name of this slow-smoked short rib may sound intimidating, but we promise you, it’s worth every single penny (and the inevitable food coma). If you’re more of a brisket person, the Paprika-rubbed brisket puts all other briskets to shame. 10/10.
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30 W 26th St, Manhattan/Website
We know our culture has an aversion to the “m-word”, but the Moist Brisket at Hill Country is truly jaw-dropping (not actually, because your mouth will be full with this life-changing piece of meat). If you’re the type who always tells the waiter “you need another minute,” then the Weekender Package is most definitely for you. Comprised of 11 pounds of meat, sauces, and sides, the Weekender is truly the best of both worlds (and your hangry friends won’t want to kill you because of your indecisiveness).
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454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn/Website
As the name suggests, Hometown Bar-B-Que brings that southern hospitality straight to Brooklyn. Come prepared to get dirty, because the Korean Sticky Ribs are truly out-of-this-world. We’re also big fans of the Caribbean Jerk Baby Back Ribs and the Vietnamese Wings, which tap into a diverse and eclectic palate.
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354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn/Website
They will never be as good as my Bubbie’s Baked Beans, but the Pork and Beef Baked Beans at this renowned establishment are tough to beat. The ratio of sauce to bean to meat is truly perfection, which allows you to taste all of the pungent flavors in one bite. The Black Angus Beef Brisket is also phenomenal, and pairs great with the beans. Yes, we’re positioning the beans as the main character here. Sorry, not sorry.
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255 Vesey St, Manhattan/Website
Going to Blue Smoke and not ordering the Memphis Style Ribs is like going to Via Carota and not ordering Cacio E Pepe. A culinary crime if we ever saw one. Smoked “low and slow” with cherry wood, these ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful. The tangy Memphis sauce beautifully compliments the saltiness of the meat.
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480 Union St, Brooklyn/Website
You really can’t go wrong with any of the meats here. It’s like trying to pick your three favorite pasta dishes in NYC—a nearly impossible task. Some of our favorites include ribs, turkey, and pork, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the party-in-your-mouth sauces. You can literally pour these sauces on two-week-old food and it would still be delicious. Don’t try that home, kids.
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181 Lexington Ave, Manhattan/Website
We know it’s in Murray Hill—insert every basic girl joke known to man—but this BBQ establishment is worth running into your Junior year hookup. Maybe he will even give you your Madhappy sweatshirt back! Everything here is fantastic, but the Loaded Fries (or tots) with your choice of meat, melted cheese, and sour cream, is worth falsely proclaiming “your diet starts tomorrow.”
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Multiple Locations/Website
There’s no better date night than going to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with your sweetheart and getting the scrumptious Sweetheart Deal. The two-for-one package comes with a full rack of ribs and four sides of your choice, which makes for two very lovebirds. If you’re flying solo, we recommend the Jalapeño Crowned Texas Brisket, Syracuse Salt Potatoes, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
Photography by: Luis Santoyo
