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Whether inspired by the Carolinas, the Texas Hill Country, or just a love of ‘cue, these barbecue joints serve up some of the best smoked pork, brisket, and ribs across the United States. By Sarah Cook

1 Saw’s BBQ Homewood, Alabama

The focus of Saw’s BBQ is simple—good ole Southern soul food. Pioneered by Mike Wilson, Saw’s has taken Birmingham by a smoky storm. First open-ing in a residential area of Homewood, the venue has expanded to three locations where they serve classic pulled pork, chicken smothered in a distinctive white sauce, and barbecue-topped baked potatoes. Dubbed an “upscale dive,” this barbecue joint is one both family and friends will enjoy. 1008 Oxmoor Road. sawsbbq.comwhat to order: Pork-Stuffed Tater

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2�����BB’S LAWNSIDe BLUES & BBQ����Kansas City, Missouri

If you like your barbecue with a side of blues, BB’s Lawnside is the perfect smoke pit for you. Owner Lindsay Shannon started barbecuing in 1990 when he left a job in sales to pursue his passion for slow-cooked pork. An avid supporter of blues music, Shannon natu-rally decided to make music a permanent menu item.

Thursday through Sunday, you’ll find BB’s overflowing with delicious blues music and smoked pork smothered in a sweet tomato-based sauce. 1205 East 85th Street. bbslawnsidebbq.comwhat to order: Big Walter’s Mixed Meat Sandwich

9 Peg Leg Porker Nashville, Tennessee

Coming from a long line of hog-cookin’ men, Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker, knows a thing or two about barbecue. Located in the Gulch section of Nashville, this modest venue offers slow-cooked pork smoked to perfection and covered in Memphis-style sauce. If the weather is nice, make sure to dine outside at the Porker, as the restaurant provides a great patio perfect for a night out in Music City. 903 Gleaves Street. peglegporker.comwhat to order: Pulled pork sandwich with a side of smoked green beans

7 Lexington,

TexasOnly open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until the meat runs out, Snow’s BBQ is a Lone Star State gem that often has lines longer than a Texas mile. Owner Kerry Bexley opened the restaurant in 2003 when he teamed up with pit boss Tootsie Tomanetz and started slow-smok-ing pork every Saturday morning. Today, you’ll find the duo serving up large portions of barbecue alongside family members who help run the business. 516 Main Street. snowsbbq.comwhat to order: Brisket and homemade coleslaw

3 live Oak Barbecue Austin, Texas

Each Saturday, this East Austin barbecue joint serves an item not featured on the regular menu—a Saturday Special. Past specials include ribs with red wine and rosemary, Hawaiian-style pork belly, and smoked barbacoa tacos. If you’re looking for down-home Texas barbecue though, you can’t go wrong with a plate of the dry-rubbed pork, prepared by the pound and cut to order. 2713 East 2nd Street. liveoakbbq.netwhat to order: Saturday Special

6 Skylight Inn Ayden, North Carolina

Plain and simple, this barbecue is good. Living by the motto that quality barbecue requires no sauce, the Skylight Inn has been named one of the tastiest bar-becue restaurants in eastern North Carolina. Seasoned with vinegar and hot sauce, all of Skylight’s pork is smoked over oak logs and cooked to a perfect tender-ness. Along with a barbecue sandwich topped with coleslaw and wrapped in wax paper, you’ll also receive a slice of unleavened cornbread with your order. 4618 South Lee Street. skylightinnbbq.comwhat to order: The only item on the menu—chopped pork barbecue sandwich

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8 Feast BBQ New Albany, Indiana

When the space now occupied by Feast BBQ first opened its doors in 1879, it was coined “The Finest Saloon in New Albany.” Selling fine wines and cigars for decades, the venue was eventually abandoned until Ryan Rogers had the bright idea to convert it into New Albany’s finest barbecue joint. Feast gives a strong nod to its faded elegance while offering some of the best smoked meat in Indiana and the state’s largest bourbon selection. 116 West Main Street. feastbbq.comwhat to order: Crispy Pork Cakes

4 Wexler’s San Francisco, California

Located in a handsome brick firehouse, Wexler’s puts an upscale twist on a Southern tradition. Known for their funky fusions and creative toppings, this farm-to-table interpretation of barbecue is an unexpected find in the City by the Bay. Using a special blend of house-made spices, all meat at Wexler’s is smoked until achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness and piled high on a freshly baked sweet deli roll. 568 Sacramento Street. wexlerssf.comwhat to order: BBQ Brisket Bánh Mi and Bourbon Banana Cream Pie for dessert

10 Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue New York, New York

Blending Carolina and Texas styles, Mighty Quinn’s created its own unique taste—“Texalina” barbe-cue. Highly regarded for its unique flavor and casual dining atmo-sphere, Mighty Quinn’s channels Southern charm in the midst of the busy city. Pitmaster Hugh Mangum achieves the perfect harmony of smoke and flavor by slow-cooking the meat for several hours on a wood-fired stove. 103 2nd Avenue. mightyquinnsbbq.comwhat to order: Pulled pork sandwich with a side of sweet potato casserole with maple and pecans

5 Pappy’s Smokehouse Saint Louis, Missouri

Serving up plates overflowing with Memphis-style barbecue, Pappy’s Smokehouse is a Gateway City treasure. Open since 2008, Pappy’s has gained rec-ognition for their three homemade barbecue sauces and pork smoked for up to 14 hours over an apple and cherry wood-fired oven. Be sure to try the deep-fried corn on the cob as a fun variation to a favorite barbe-cue side. 3106 Olive Street. pappyssmoke house.comwhat to order: Full slab of ribs with a side of fried corn on the cob

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