Barbecue is a mainstay of American cuisine, with the typical person consuming an astonishing 67 pounds of beef each year. During the warmer months, a considerable portion of this meaty indulgence happens at backyard cookouts and smoky BBQ joints across the nation. However, navigating a BBQ menu can be tricky, as not all dishes were created equal. From fall-off-the-bone ribs to questionable sides, the choices can be overwhelming.
Let’s be honest – BBQ isn’t simply about the food, it’s an all-encompassing experience. It’s the anticipation of that first mouthwatering bite, the jovial conversations shared around the table, and the lingering scent of wood smoke that fills the air. To fully enjoy this culinary adventure, it’s helpful to make informed choices when ordering. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ll reveal 14 of the best foods to order at a BBQ restaurant, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the menu like a seasoned pitmaster. We’ll explore the must-try classics and the hidden gems.
1. Brisket
Often revered as the pinnacle of BBQ, brisket is a testament to patience and skill, requiring hours of slow smoking to achieve its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Look for a brisket adorned with a beautiful smoke ring and a bark that’s bursting with flavor.
A well-executed brisket should showcase a perfect balance of succulent fat and tender lean meat, resulting in an explosion of flavor with every bite. The bark, the flavorful outer crust, should be well-seasoned and offer a delightful crunch, adding another layer of texture to this BBQ masterpiece.
2. Pulled Pork
A mainstay of Southern BBQ, pulled pork is a versatile delight that can be savored in countless ways. Whether enjoyed on its own, piled high on a bun, or incorporated into creative dishes, seek out pulled pork that’s juicy, smoky, and practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.
The perfect pulled pork should be so tender that it effortlessly shreds, yet still retains a satisfying texture. The smoky essence of the wood used during the cooking process should permeate the meat, creating a symphony of flavors for your palate.
3. Ribs
Whether you’re a fan of spare ribs or baby backs, there’s no denying the primal pleasure of sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked rib. The ideal rib strikes a balance between tenderness and a satisfying chew, with meat that effortlessly releases from the bone.
The magic of exceptional ribs lies in the slow-smoking process. They should be cooked low and slow until the meat is incredibly tender and the fat has rendered, resulting in a succulent and flavorful experience that leaves you wanting more.
4. Burnt Ends
These delectable morsels of crispy, caramelized bark are a testament to the pitmaster’s artistry. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these intensely smoky and gratifying bites, often considered a hidden gem on the BBQ menu.
Burnt ends are essentially the prized trimmings from the pointed end of a brisket. They’re often sought after due to their limited availability and concentrated, smoky flavor, offering a unique and satisfying experience for the adventurous BBQ enthusiast.
5. Smoked Sausage
Though sometimes overshadowed by other BBQ stars, smoked sausage is a flavorful addition to any BBQ feast. Look for sausages with a satisfying snap to the casing and a well-seasoned interior that pops with flavor.
Smoked sausage delivers a delightful combination of smoky undertones and savory spices. It can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying appetizer or as a plate with all the fixins.
6. Smoked Chicken
While chicken might seem ordinary, the transformative power of smoke elevates it to a whole new level. Choose smoked chicken that’s moist and tender, with a subtle smoky essence that permeates the meat, showcasing the true artistry of BBQ.
Smoked chicken is a testament to the versatility of BBQ, offering a lean protein option that’s full of flavor. Its subtle smokiness pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and sides, making it a crowd-pleasing choice at any BBQ spot.
7. Collard Greens
These leafy greens, simmered with smoked meat and a medley of spices, are a Southern tradition for a reason. They offer a delightful balance of earthy flavors and a satisfying texture that complements the richness of BBQ meats.
Collard greens are not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Their slightly bitter notes are beautifully complemented by the smoky essence of the meat and the warmth of the spices, creating a harmonious and satisfying side dish.
8. Mac and Cheese
A BBQ staple, mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the main course. Seek out a version with a luxuriously creamy sauce and a golden, crispy topping for the ultimate indulgence.
Mac and cheese provides a creamy, cheesy counterpoint to the boldness of BBQ meats. It’s a universally loved dish that adds a touch of comfort and richness to any BBQ feast.
9. Baked Beans
Another classic side, baked beans introduce a touch of sweetness and heartiness to the BBQ spread. Choose beans that are slow-cooked with smoky meat and a flavorful sauce for a truly satisfying experience.
Baked beans are a medley of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, offering a hearty and fulfilling addition to any BBQ meal. The slow-cooked beans, infused with a touch of smoked meat, create a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
10. Cornbread
This unassuming bread, often made with a hint of sweetness and a touch of cornmeal, is the ideal companion to any BBQ dish. Look for a cornbread with a moist, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy crust for the perfect balance of textures.
Cornbread is a versatile side that readily soaks up sauces and complements the richness of BBQ meats. Its subtle sweetness and corn flavor add another layer of enjoyment to the BBQ experience.
11. Sweet Tea
A quintessential Southern beverage, sweet tea is the perfect thirst quencher for a BBQ feast. Its refreshing blend of tea, sugar, and lemon perfectly complements the smoky and savory flavors of the barbecue.
Sweet tea is a must-have at any BBQ joint. It’s a classic beverage that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal.
12. Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and satisfying, potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish that never goes out of style. Look for a version with a good balance of flavors and textures, featuring tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
Potato salad adds a refreshing and satisfying element to any BBQ plate. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to your favorite meats and sides.
13. Coleslaw
Crunchy and refreshing, coleslaw offers a welcome contrast to the richness of BBQ meats. Choose a coleslaw with a creamy dressing and a hint of sweetness for a classic BBQ side dish.
Coleslaw adds a light and refreshing element to any BBQ meal. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor provide a perfect balance to the smoky and savory notes of the barbecue. Better yet, pile it on top of your pulled pork sandwich for a unique twist.
14. Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy, corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that’s perfect for picking up at a barbecue restaurant. Look for ears of corn that are plump and tender, with bright yellow kernels bursting with flavor.
Grilled or roasted to perfection, corn on the cob is a simple yet satisfying addition to any BBQ feast. It’s a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with butter, salt, and pepper, or with a variety of creative toppings.
17 Foods Banned in Europe That Are Still in American Stores
Have you ever thought about what’s in your favorite snack? It’s easy to ignore the ingredients and origins of our food, but at what cost? Many American kitchens and supermarkets are packed with highly processed packaged foods, junk food, sweets, sugary drinks, etc. But did you know a lot of these items are banned in Europe?
17 Foods Banned in Europe That Are Still in American Stores
16 Foods That Can Supercharge Heart Health
Superfoods are foods that boast an exceptionally high nutritional density and are packed with many of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. They have continually gained popularity for their ability to improve overall health and prevent diseases.
16 Foods That Can Supercharge Heart Health
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
