Image via Wikipedia

Where can the best BBQ be found?  If you travel across this country, you’ll find numerous restaurants in various states all claiming to have the best BBQ.  Texas is known for its smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs, while Memphis focuses on dry rubs for their ribs and pork dishes.  And of course, we couldn’t talk about the best BBQ in the United States without giving some love to the Kansas City style BBQ, which features slow cooked meats with sweet sauces.  Here’s a look at each regions best BBQ joint.

Texas BBQ  
Coopers BBQ is renowned across Texas for their old time pit BBQ.  They now have locations across the state, but the original (and best) is in Llano, Texas.  Nestled deep in the hill country, driving to Coopers is an experience in itself, and you’ll probably need to rent a car to get here if you’re from out of town (one hint, try using a promo code for Travelocity to save money on your rental).  As you head down old country back roads, you’ll see beautiful Blue Bonnets (the state flower of Texas) lining the rolling Central Texas hills.  In the spring, bald eagles nest along the side of the road that leads to Cooper’s, so make sure to bring a pair of binoculars with you as well.

As for the BBQ itself, you will not be disappointed.  Patrons line up in droves at Cooper’s, waiting their turn to select the meats they desire from the open cooking pit.  The pork chop is probably the best item they have, so it’s highly recommended you give it a try.  You’ll also enjoy their brisket (it actually melts in your mouth), and their ribs.  Items are fairly expensive, so it’s advised that you try one or two items to start, and then come back for more if you’re still hungry.

Memphis BBQ
In many ways, Central BBQ in Memphis is the antithesis of Cooper’s.  Located in the heart of the city, this wonderful restaurant is urban and easy to get to. Like Cooper’s, however, the line is likely to be out the door as it’s quite famous.  Central BBQ is consistently rated as the best BBQ in Tennessee, and for good reason.   The Pork Plate is especially good, and features dry rubbed meat that has been slow smoked for over fourteen hours.  While more pricey, the Ribs Slab is also a great bet.  The ribs are marinated overnight in their special “rib rub,” and you can buy either a full or half portion.

Kansas City

There are so many good BBQ places in Kansas City that picking the best one is very difficult.  That being said, meat fanatics certainly can’t go wrong with Arthur Bryan’s Barbeque.  This restaurant is billed as the place that “put Kansas City on the map,” and their sauce is absolutely legendary.  All of their meats are available either as a sandwich, or by the pound, which gives you some good variety.  Both the chicken and sliced pork sandwiches are favorites here.  No matter what you order though, go ahead and pay the $4 for extra sauce, because it’ll rock your world.

If you love BBQ, you owe it to yourself to try all three of these restaurants.  Each offers a unique style that’s sure to delight the taste buds.  And while these three restaurants are amazing, each of these regions have a lot of fantastic BBQ joints, so you might as well try as many as you can while you’re there.

Stefan Georgi eats more BBQ than pretty much any other person in the U.S.  He highly recommends a travelocity promo code for car rentals.