It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s nine must-visit BBQ restaurants to visit in the Southern United States.
Originating in Winter Park, Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has become a beloved barbecue brand across Florida. Today, the restaurant has locations in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. In addition to classic barbecue dishes, the brand also features unique twists on barbecue favorites, like a pulled pork BBQ burrito or BBQ street tacos. © David Tonelson | Dreamstime.com
Considered by many the best BBQ restaurant in Texas, Louie Mueller Barbecue lies in Taylor, Texas, on the outskirts of Austin. Founded in 1949, the family-run restaurant was honored by the James Beard Foundation and offers world-famous brisket and ribs. © Jai Mo | Dreamstime.com
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Cousin’s Barbecue has served authentic, slow-smoked BBQ for more than 30 years. The brand spans six locations total and uses hand-selected hardwoods to give meat a perfect flavor. © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com
Demetri’s is a long-standing barbecue institution in Homewood, Alabama. Serving a wide array of wings, ribs and rich sides, this restaurant has served the community since 1961. © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com
In Clarksdale, Mississippi, you’ll find Abe’s Bar-B-Q, a long-standing barbecue joint dating back to 1960. The founder, Abraham Davis, gained a reputation for creating delicious BBQ since 1924 and, today, business continues to thrive. Tangy BBQ dishes await! © Alan Gignoux | Dreamstime.com
Head over to Memphis, Tennessee, to indulge in some slow-smoked, Memphis-style BBQ at Central BBQ. This award-winning barbecue brand uses hickory and pecan woods to smoke the meat, utilizing a combination of dry-rub spices to create the ultimate BBQ lover’s dream. © Jdpphoto12 | Dreamstime.com
Smoked Southern BBQ can be found in the oldest city in the United States. In St. Augustine, Florida, this BBQ restaurant sits outside Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and offers a wide variety of BBQ dishes. © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com
A favorite of Elvis himself, Johnnie’s Drive-In Barbecue in Tupelo, Mississippi, may not be a hot spot for BBQ afficionados, but it definitely remains a staple in the city. Within the restaurant, you’ll find vintage Elvis memorabilia accompanied by classic American dishes and simple barbecue food done right. © Sooth Sayre | Dreamstime.com
With locations across Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and other Alabama cities and towns, Dreamland Bar-B-Que has established itself as the place to enjoy delicious and authentic BBQ dishes. The restaurant, founded by John Bishop in 1958 in Tuscaloosa, is best known for its hickory-smoked ribs. © Darryl Brooks | Dreamstime.com
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