The 5 BBQ Stops You Need to Make Across The U.S. in 2021

Texas + Kansas + Tennessee BBQ

Terry Blacks - Austin, TX

Texas is the land of Brisket, I am a Brisket girl, and Austin cranks out some of the best Brisket in Texas. Facts.

This joint is run by twin brothers, Mark and Michael, who are 4th generation pit masters, and now have 2 locations (Austin, Dallas). The method is the same though; Post Oak to ensure loww and sloww cooking. Just the way it should be!

The intense flavor coming from these thick cut strips of meaty heaven is absolutely overwhelming, the first time you take a bite no other brisket will ever live up. The bark…oh the bark.

Q39 - Kansas City, Kansas

Every other bbq place on this list lives up to the idea of a bbq shack, the old school pits, smoke billowing in the air, the old school charm, low and slow, simple and rustic.

Q39 is NOT that.

This is high end bbq, plated beautifully, sauced precisely and tastes like nothing you’ve eaten before. The hype is real at this one. If you are in Kansas City, make sure you stop by 1 of their 2 locations (Overland Park or W 39th).

While KC is known for its award wining BBQ spots that have existed for generations, this new school spot is becoming a fast favorite among locals, and the darling of the critic world.

Pictured: Smoked and Grilled Pork Belly w/ bacon-onion marmalade • apple slaw

The Rendezvous - Memphis, TN

If you are a fan of dry rub Ribs, then Rendezvous is your spot! Aside from having the coolest cobble stoned back alley entrance, you then descend into the undergrounds of Memphis BBQ history, and feel like you’re stepping back in time!

Let it be said, these are NOT slow smoked fall off the bone ribs slathered with a great homemade sauce (Ill let you know where you can find those). These ARE covered in the most delicious dry bbq rub I have ever tasted, then cooked over charcoal that gives a wonderful taste and tenderness. They are deeply savory with a luscious texture that equal parts tender and substantial. Definitely not what I expected or am used to, but I would drive hours to eat these again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend.

Central BBQ - Memphis, TN

If you are one of those who is only looking for that true fall of the bone fatty porky ribby deliciousness, than Central is it! These guys have opened up a few locations around town, we went to the one closest to the Loraine Motel, where MLK was shot, and now the location of the Civil Rights Museum. We made a day of it all and had a really special time, I would highly recommend getting intouch with this important history and enjoying the fabulous food that embodies that history.

The two items to order here are their pork ribs and the pulled pork sandwich. Both were absolutely delicious, and are better versions of these classics than you’ll find anywhere.

Pro Tip: Head 1 block down to Makaedas Cookies for dessert. Unreal good butter cookies. (Female Minority owned!)

Franklins BBQ - Austin, TX

Eating at Franklins is a religious affair, something you dream about, because it just might be one of the best bites of food you will ever eat. There are meals out there that change it all, and then there are singular entities, a single bite that stand alone as a beacon of flavor blasted light. Yes, brisket from Franklins may be the best BBQ in America.

Aaron Franklin and the hype are real at this Austin showstopper. Be prepared for a wait, but trust me it is always worth it!