13 Barbecue Chains in America That Travelers Say Are Worth the Stop

Posted on

13 Barbecue Chains in America That Travelers Say Are Worth the Stop

Famous Flavors

Image Credits: Wikimedia; licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Author

Sharing is caring!

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Texas Tradition Meets Nationwide Appeal

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Texas Tradition Meets Nationwide Appeal (image credits: By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42783323)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Texas Tradition Meets Nationwide Appeal (image credits: By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42783323)

When hunger strikes on the road and you’re craving authentic barbecue, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is an American family-owned barbecue restaurant chain based in Dallas, Texas, and has become the largest barbecue franchise in the United States and worldwide. The story began in 1941 when Travis Dickey opened his first location, and what started as a simple Texas pit has grown into something truly impressive. With 550 locations across 44 states, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a force of barbecue that’s hard to miss.

What makes Dickey’s special for road trippers isn’t just the convenience – it’s the commitment to doing things right. The restaurant chain smokes its meat on-site over wood-burning hickory pits, meaning you’re getting fresh-smoked meats wherever you stop. They slow smoke their humanely raised meats on site over hickory wood, with prices ranging from combos starting at $10.99 to catering offers, and offer high quality, no hormones added meats. Their menu has remained consistent since day one, which travelers appreciate when they know exactly what to expect.

Famous Dave’s BBQ: Award-Winning Ribs Coast to Coast

Famous Dave's BBQ: Award-Winning Ribs Coast to Coast (image credits: By Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17062400)
Famous Dave’s BBQ: Award-Winning Ribs Coast to Coast (image credits: By Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17062400)

Famous Dave’s was founded by Dave Anderson, “A Native American kid at the bottom half of his high school class, he didn’t have a whole lot of opportunities, but he had dreams and perseverance,” and uses hickory wood to hand rub then slow smoke their meats. The chain’s story is one of American determination, starting from humble beginnings and growing into a household name. The restaurant currently has 180 locations throughout the United States, making it accessible for travelers exploring different regions.

At Famous Dave’s BBQ, their focus is their “award-winning ribs” and according to Dave, the restaurants focus on creating the “most enjoyable and authentic BBQ experience possible”. However, some critics note that the chain experience can feel somewhat corporate. Despite this, the widespread availability and consistent quality make it a reliable choice when you’re far from home and need a barbecue fix that won’t disappoint.

City Barbeque: The Rising Star of Regional Chains

City Barbeque: The Rising Star of Regional Chains (image credits: pixabay)
City Barbeque: The Rising Star of Regional Chains (image credits: pixabay)

City Barbeque, based in Dublin, Ohio, and operating in the Midwest and Southeast, is on a tear, and unlike Famous Dave’s or Dickey’s, these smaller chains have developed a hybrid style, which could mean that customers are less likely to compare them to specific regional styles and instead accept them as something new. This Ohio-born chain has figured out something that many larger competitors haven’t – how to create barbecue that appeals to diverse regional tastes without losing authenticity.

Travelers often discover City Barbeque during interstate journeys through the Midwest, and many become instant fans. The chain’s success lies in not trying to be everything to everyone, but rather creating their own distinct identity. Barbecue is a highly regional cuisine, which has traditionally made expanding beyond a concept’s home area a challenge, but the success of Mission BBQ and City Barbeque indicates that such obstacles could possibly be overcome. Their growth trajectory suggests they’re doing something right that resonates with travelers seeking quality barbecue outside traditional BBQ heartlands.

Woody’s Bar-B-Q: Florida’s Family Recipe Legacy

Woody's Bar-B-Q: Florida's Family Recipe Legacy (image credits: unsplash)
Woody’s Bar-B-Q: Florida’s Family Recipe Legacy (image credits: unsplash)

Grace Mills, a passionate home cook, is the inspiration for Woody’s Bar-B-Q, where Woody opened his first restaurant, working alongside his mother Grace who was in the kitchen developing many of the restaurant’s recipes for sides such as crowd-pleasing coleslaw, squash, onion rings, and banana pudding, and for more than 40 years, the growing chain has continued using Grace’s delicious recipes. This Florida-based chain brings a personal touch that many travelers find refreshing in an increasingly homogenized restaurant landscape.

With locations throughout Florida, and one coming soon in Huntington, PA, Woody’s is a tasty stop if you find yourself traveling the Sunshine State, while each location has its own “hometown atmosphere” and every venue strives to make their customers feel welcome. The commitment to maintaining Grace’s original recipes while creating a welcoming atmosphere makes this a standout choice for travelers exploring Florida’s highways and byways.

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Florida’s Barbecue Renaissance

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Florida's Barbecue Renaissance (image credits: pixabay)
4 Rivers Smokehouse: Florida’s Barbecue Renaissance (image credits: pixabay)

4 Rivers is the brainchild of Florida barbecue master John Rivers, and since opening in October 2009, it has become incredibly well-respected, with nine operating smokehouses across the state. Rivers’ backstory is certainly nontraditional: He spent 20 years in the health care industry, but during his travels he decided to learn everything there is to know about barbecue. This unique origin story has created a chain that approaches barbecue with both passion and precision.

What sets 4 Rivers apart for travelers is the commitment to authenticity combined with modern execution. The chain has gained recognition not just locally but nationally, appearing in various travel and food publications. Florida might not be the first state that comes to mind for barbecue, but 4 Rivers has helped change that perception. Their locations provide a welcome respite for travelers who want serious barbecue without having to detour through traditional BBQ regions.

Pappas Bar-B-Q: Houston’s Highway Success Story

Pappas Bar-B-Q: Houston's Highway Success Story (image credits: unsplash)
Pappas Bar-B-Q: Houston’s Highway Success Story (image credits: unsplash)

Pappas Bar-B-Q is another local BBQ staple that got its start in Houston in 1967 and has since expanded as a chain of restaurants to over 90 locations across 8 states. This Texas-born chain has successfully translated Houston’s diverse barbecue culture into a format that works for travelers across multiple states. The expansion from a single Houston location to nearly 100 restaurants across eight states speaks to their ability to maintain quality while growing.

Travelers often discover Pappas while exploring Texas highways, but the chain’s reach extends well beyond the Lone Star State. The restaurant maintains its Texas roots while adapting to different regional preferences, making it a reliable choice whether you’re cruising through Louisiana, Oklahoma, or any of their other expansion states. Their longevity and steady growth suggest they’ve found the right balance between authentic barbecue and traveler-friendly service.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Gas Station Glory

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Gas Station Glory (image credits: pixabay)
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Gas Station Glory (image credits: pixabay)

Dubbed America’s best ribs by rankings, Joe’s Kansas City in Kansas City, Kansas, offers smoky, tender, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue, and this chain began in 1995 in none other than a corner gas station. Since then, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has opened two more eateries and has been the Zagat #1 Rated barbecue in Kansas City every year from 2004 to 2013. The gas station origin story isn’t just quirky marketing – it perfectly captures the unexpected places where great barbecue can be found.

For travelers, Joe’s represents the kind of discovery that makes road trips memorable. The original gas station location has become a pilgrimage site for barbecue enthusiasts, proving that great food doesn’t need fancy surroundings. While they’ve expanded beyond the original gas station, each location maintains that authentic, unpretentious atmosphere that made the original famous. Their consistent Zagat ratings prove that quality remains high despite growth.

Jack Stack Barbecue: Kansas City’s Upscale BBQ Experience

Jack Stack Barbecue: Kansas City's Upscale BBQ Experience (image credits: unsplash)
Jack Stack Barbecue: Kansas City’s Upscale BBQ Experience (image credits: unsplash)

This Kansas City-based chain, whose roots go all the back to 1957, has three locations in the city proper, one in Overland Park, and a fifth in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Jack Stack is classic Kansas City all the way, using hickory wood fire to quickly smoke lots of different varieties of meat, including pork spare ribs, beef ribs, baby back ribs, beef brisket (including burnt ends), turkey, ham, pork, sausage, rack of lamb, and several types of seafood, and they’ll ship nationwide.

What makes Jack Stack special for travelers is the upscale approach to barbecue without losing authenticity. This isn’t fast-casual dining – it’s a full restaurant experience that showcases what Kansas City barbecue can be at its finest. The extensive menu means there’s something for every traveler, from traditionalists seeking burnt ends to adventurous eaters wanting to try barbecued seafood. Their shipping capability also means travelers can bring a taste of Kansas City home with them.

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q: Texas Gas Station Tradition

Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q: Texas Gas Station Tradition (image credits: flickr)
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q: Texas Gas Station Tradition (image credits: flickr)

Rudy’s has over 30 locations in Texas and more spread throughout Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. They’re Texas-style through and through, with brisket, sausage, turkey, ribs, chicken, and pork loin given a hefty dry rub and long-smoked with 100 percent oak. Like Joe’s Kansas City, Rudy’s proves that gas stations can be barbecue destinations, but they’ve taken the concept and refined it across multiple states.

Travelers appreciate Rudy’s because it combines convenience with authenticity. You can fuel up your car and your body at the same time, and the quality rivals standalone barbecue joints. The use of 100 percent oak for smoking creates a distinctive flavor profile that’s become Rudy’s signature. Their expansion across the Southwest makes them a reliable choice for travelers exploring that region, offering consistent Texas-style barbecue wherever you stop.

Sonny’s BBQ: Southern Hospitality on the Highway

Sonny's BBQ: Southern Hospitality on the Highway (image credits: unsplash)
Sonny’s BBQ: Southern Hospitality on the Highway (image credits: unsplash)

Sonny’s BBQ, the fourth largest mainstream American barbecue chain, had a 4.2% drop in sales and closed a net two restaurants while its AUV dipped 1.5% to just under $2 million. Despite recent challenges, Sonny’s remains a significant player in the barbecue chain landscape, particularly in the Southeast where their Southern hospitality approach resonates with travelers.

Sonny’s has built its reputation on creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes travelers feel like they’ve discovered a local favorite. The chain’s focus on Southern-style barbecue and hospitality has created a loyal following among road trippers exploring the Southeast. While they may be facing some headwinds in today’s competitive market, their established presence and regional recognition keep them relevant for travelers seeking authentic Southern barbecue experiences.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que: Alabama’s Best Kept Secret

Full Moon Bar-B-Que: Alabama's Best Kept Secret (image credits: unsplash)
Full Moon Bar-B-Que: Alabama’s Best Kept Secret (image credits: unsplash)

For more than 30 years, this barbecue chain grew out of a single restaurant opened in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1981 by an assistant football coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide and has always smoked its meats the traditional way: slowly, over a hickory wood-fired pit. Calling itself the “Best Little Pork House in Alabama,” this joint has 12 locations throughout the state and features its famed hickory-smoked pork, pulled chicken, turkey, Black Angus beef brisket, pork links, and its famous baby back ribs and spareribs.

Full Moon represents the kind of regional treasure that makes road trips through the South memorable. The menu offers a selection of stuffed potatoes like the Big Baker, which includes pork, cheese, butter, and sour cream; salads; and a sweet list of desserts, including its popular Half Moon cookies, made from scratch, filled with chocolate and pecans, and hand-dipped in chocolate sauce. Their football heritage and commitment to traditional smoking methods create an authentic Alabama experience that travelers can’t find anywhere else.

Mission BBQ: Patriotic Pit Masters

Mission BBQ: Patriotic Pit Masters (image credits: flickr)
Mission BBQ: Patriotic Pit Masters (image credits: flickr)

The success of Mission BBQ and City Barbeque indicates that such obstacles could possibly be overcome when it comes to expanding barbecue chains beyond their regional origins. Mission BBQ has built its brand around American patriotism and military appreciation, creating a unique positioning in the crowded barbecue market that resonates with travelers from all backgrounds.

What sets Mission BBQ apart is their commitment to honoring American service members while serving quality barbecue. Each location features tributes to local heroes and military history, making dining there feel like more than just a meal. For travelers, this creates memorable experiences that go beyond food. The chain’s rapid growth suggests their formula of combining patriotic themes with solid barbecue execution appeals to a broad audience of American road trippers.

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que: Everything’s Bigger in Texas

Soulman's Bar-B-Que: Everything's Bigger in Texas (image credits: flickr)
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que: Everything’s Bigger in Texas (image credits: flickr)

Originally opened in 1974 in Dallas, TX, Soulman’s now has 19 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With their motto, “We’re not stingy with our meat!” you know you’re in Texas, and in Texas everything is bigger, including Soulman’s portion sizes. This Dallas-born chain embodies the Texas philosophy that if you’re going to do something, do it big.

Travelers exploring the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex often stumble upon Soulman’s and leave talking about the generous portions and authentic Texas flavors. The chain has maintained its regional focus rather than pursuing aggressive national expansion, which has allowed them to stay true to their Texas roots. Their “not stingy” philosophy means hungry travelers get genuine value, making Soulman’s a favorite among those who believe barbecue should be both delicious and filling. The regional concentration also means consistent quality since they’re not stretched thin across too many markets.

Road trips and barbecue go hand in hand across America, and these thirteen chains prove that great ‘cue doesn’t always have to come from a hidden local joint. From gas station gems to upscale experiences, each offers something unique for the traveling barbecue enthusiast. Whether you’re craving Texas brisket in Colorado or Kansas City burnt ends in Florida, these chains deliver authentic flavors far from their origins. Which one will make your next road trip unforgettable?

Author

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment