Barbecue lovers, your next food trip just got easier. Yelp has officially ranked the Top 3 Cities for BBQ in the United States, and the results are sizzling hot. Whether you’re into smoked brisket, saucy ribs, or tender pulled pork, these cities have proven themselves as barbecue powerhouses.
According to a recent report by Yelp, the rankings were based on factors such as user reviews, ratings, volume of searches, and overall popularity of BBQ spots across the U.S. The list highlights not just famous BBQ cities, but also a few surprises that are quickly gaining national recognition.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 BBQ cities in America, as ranked by Yelp in 2025.
1. Kansas City, Missouri – The Undisputed BBQ Capital
It’s no surprise that Kansas City claims the top spot on Yelp’s list. With over 100 BBQ joints spread across the metro area, this city takes its barbecue very seriously. Known for its thick, sweet, tomato-based sauces and emphasis on a wide variety of meats, Kansas City BBQ is a style of its own.
From burnt ends to beef brisket, the local favorites are well-loved by tourists and residents alike. One of the most reviewed places on Yelp is Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, located in a gas station but boasting national acclaim.
Yelp reviewers consistently praise:
- Smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs
- Flavor-packed pulled pork sandwiches
- Friendly service and generous portions
Why It’s Ranked #1:
Kansas City has a long-standing BBQ tradition, unique flavors, and a mix of classic and modern BBQ spots, making it a must-visit for foodies.
2. Austin, Texas – Where BBQ Meets Innovation
Texas is famous for barbecue, and Austin stands out as a cultural and culinary hotspot. Known for its Central Texas BBQ style, Austin focuses on slow-smoked meats, especially beef brisket, cooked with simple rubs and little to no sauce.
Places like Franklin Barbecue and Terry Black’s BBQ attract lines of people every single day. In fact, Franklin’s brisket is so famous, even celebrities and presidents have waited in line for a taste.
Popular Yelp mentions include:
- Perfect smoke rings on every cut of meat
- Bold flavor with a simple salt-and-pepper rub
- Consistent quality and authentic Texas atmosphere
Why It’s Ranked #2:
Austin’s BBQ scene is not just about tradition. It’s about pushing boundaries while maintaining authenticity, which appeals to a younger, experimental crowd of food lovers.
3. Nashville, Tennessee – A Rising BBQ Star
Nashville might be best known for its hot chicken and country music, but it’s also making waves in the BBQ world. According to Yelp, this southern city has seen a sharp rise in the popularity of its BBQ joints, thanks to a mix of southern hospitality, smoky flavors, and spicy kicks.
Nashville Smokehouse and Peg Leg Porker are two of the most recommended spots on Yelp, with thousands of positive reviews praising their ribs, dry rubs, and innovative sauces.
Top Yelp highlights:
- Unique blend of smoky and spicy flavors
- Outdoor patios and live music creating a full experience
- Pork shoulder and dry-rub ribs stealing the show
Why It’s Ranked #3:
Nashville offers a fresh twist on BBQ while still respecting southern roots, making it a strong contender in the national food scene.
How Yelp Determined the Rankings
Yelp’s data team used a mix of review ratings, total volume of reviews, and search interest to determine the top cities. They also analyzed what users were saying about BBQ joints in various cities, looking for keywords like “best brisket,” “smoked ribs,” and “BBQ sauce.”
The goal, according to Yelp’s official blog, was to highlight not just popular BBQ cities, but those actively growing and innovating in the barbecue space.
What This Means for BBQ Lovers
Whether you’re a longtime BBQ enthusiast or a curious traveler, Yelp’s list offers a helpful guide for planning your next culinary adventure. Each of these top cities offers a distinct style of BBQ, so visiting them provides a regional tour of American barbecue traditions.
If you’re planning a food trip in 2025, keep these cities on your radar:
- Kansas City for classic, sauce-heavy BBQ
- Austin for smoked meats and brisket perfection
- Nashville for a southern spin with bold flavor profiles
Honorable Mentions
While Yelp focused on a top-three list, several other cities are worth noting. These include:
- Memphis, Tennessee – Known for its dry rub ribs
- Raleigh, North Carolina – A hotspot for vinegar-based pulled pork
- Chicago, Illinois – A surprise BBQ destination gaining traction
You can explore these options and more by visiting Yelp’s Top BBQ Cities Guide.
Final Thoughts
The barbecue scene in the United States is as diverse as its regions, and Yelp’s rankings serve as a delicious reminder of how local traditions continue to thrive. Whether you prefer saucy ribs or smoked brisket, there’s something for every BBQ lover in these top-ranked cities.
So, if you’re hungry for flavor and ready to hit the road, grab your napkins and plan a BBQ tour starting with these top 3 cities. Just be sure to arrive early—the lines are long, but the food is worth every minute.
Also read – USA Today : Big Bear Lake Ranked Top 10
