Owensboro, Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
The apotheosis of Owensboro’s micro-regional mutton ’cue. Order it sliced and chopped—always with “dip”—and in a meaty burgoo (a rustic Kentucky stew). Dinner for two $38.
Courtesy of Roper's Ribs
St. Louis: Roper’s Ribs
The top spot for the Gateway City’s barbecue specialties, such as St. Louis–cut pork ribs, snoots, and rib tips. Lunch for two $25.
Goldsboro, North Carolina: Scott’s Famous Barbecue
Local legend Martel Scott Jr. serves lunch in a 1960’s dining room Thursdays and Fridays. Lunch for two $12.
Marcus Nilsson
Memphis: A&R Bar-B-Que
The rib-tip sandwich here is moist, with lingering smoke, and all too easy to eat. Lunch for two $20.
Courtesy of Jack's Bar-B-Que
Nashville: Jack’s Bar-B-Que
Located in the thick of honky-tonk bars on Music City’s tourist strip, Jack’s Bar-B-Que nevertheless draws local rockabilly kids and alt-country scenesters for remarkable beef brisket, pork ribs, and smoked chicken. Dinner for two $25.
Nashville: Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que
Locals line up for a superb rendition of chopped pork on a bun, as well as excellent grilled short ribs. Dinner for two $18.
Lexington, Tennessee: Scott’s Bar-B-Que
Smoke rings are evident in these perfect pulled-pork sandwiches, which are topped with carrot-flecked slaw and suffused with a medium-hot sauce. Dinner for two $20.
Henderson, Tennessee: Siler’s Old-Time Bar-B-Que
The most recent in a succession of barbecue establishments cooking whole hogs on this site. Ask for rib meat, pit meat, or tenderloin if you prefer. Lunch for two $15.
Courtesy of Oklahoma Joe's
Marcus Nilsson
