New York
Food

Here Are The 16 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In New York, According To Our Readers

Discover 16 top BBQ restaurants in New York, each offering unique and delicious BBQ experiences.

Published Mar 22, 2023

Written by 

Christy Articola

Do you like BBQ? People don't generally think of New York when thinking of this genre of food, but there are actually quite a few truly fantastic BBQ joints in our great state. We asked our readers for their very favorites, and the nominations were broad and diverse. Here are 16 of the very best BBQ restaurants in New York. No matter where in New York you live, one of the spots on this list is probably within a reasonable distance from your house. You'd better grab the keys and get ready to go, because after scrolling through this list of spectacular BBQ images, you're going to need some BBQ - stat!

1. Hill Country Barbecue Market; NYC

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Luca Lozzi/Google Local

Yes, NYC has BBQ joints! Although New York City doesn't seem like the best setting for this style of food, there are actually quite a few very, very good ones. Hill Country Barbecue is the best of the best! Try it all!

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2. Hometown Bar-B-Que; Brooklyn

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Asher Einhorn/Google Local

Hometown Bar-B-Que isn't a bad choice either! It opened in 2013 and is famous for its slow smoked meats and live music on weekends.

3. John Brown BBQ; Queens

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Corrado Negri/Google Local

John Brown BBQ used to be in Astoria, but it moved to a larger spot in Long Island City. This is Kansas City-style BBQ at its finest.

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4. Fette Sau; Brooklyn

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Diamond/Google Local

Fette Sau in Brooklyn is hip! This spot makes dry-rub BBQ, and also serves great bourbon.

5. SMOK-HAUS; Garden City

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Terrell Lopez/Google Local

SMOK-HAUS cooks its meats "slow and low" and serves up its tasty offerings in a casual atmosphere. This spot is a great hang out on summer nights or anytime.

6. Smokin' Al's; Massapequa Park

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Teresa Torres/Google Local

There used to be a Smokin' Al's in Bay Shore, too, but it closed a decade ago. Now, the only one is in Massapequa Park. If you like both Southern and Kansas City-style BBQ, then you'll love this place - Al's does both very well.

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7. Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue; Syracuse & Various Locations

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ckayne1/Google Local

A lot of people will try to tell you that Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue is the best BBQ in New York, or even in America. They may be right. This now famous place started in Syracuse in 1988 and grew into multiple locations in several states. Right now, there are six locations and they're all in New York.

8. Ray Brothers BBQ; Bouckville

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Brian Carroll/Google Local

Ray Brothers BBQ is kind of out there in rural central New York, but it's worth the trip! Enjoy BBQ, beer, and live music outdoors at this welcoming spot.

9. Heintzelman's BBQ Pit; Ontario

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Nicole Niles/Google Local

Heinzelman's BBQ Pit in Ontario makes great BBQ and smoked meats that your whole family will love.

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10. Andre's Blue Ribbon BBQ; Oneonta

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Anna Kuzmina/Google Local

You'll love the flavors at Andre's Blue Ribbon BBQ in Oneonta.

11. Brooks' House of Bar-B-Cue; Oneonta

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kim lud/Google Local

When you're done over at Andre's Blue Ribbon BBQ, head on over to Brooks' House of Bar-B-Cue. They're only 2.4 miles apart, and they're BOTH excellent!

12. The Memphis King BBQ; Schenectady

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Leslie Beauregard/Google Local

The Memphis King BBQ cooks everything a low temperature for a long time, which makes it tender and perfect. However, these long cooking times in such a small place means this spot often sells out! Go early so you can be sure to enjoy the tasty goodness.

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13. Wagon Train BBQ; Schenectady

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Sharlene Baker/Google Local

Like Andre's and Brooks in Oneonta, Schenectady has two great spots for BBQ: The Memphis King, and Wagon Train. Why not try both?

14. PJ's BAR-B-QSA; Saratoga Springs

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Christopher Michael G/Google Local

Looking for incredible Memphis-style or Texas-style BBQ? You'll love PJ's BAR-B-QSA! This spot is legendary.

15. One-Eyed Jacks; Lockport

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Sean Grohman/Google Local

One-Eyed Jack's in Lockport is western New York's best BBQ. Try the brisket.

16. Round Up Texas BBQ; Cold Spring

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Diane Kelly/Google Local

Round Up Texas BBQ looks unassuming, and you might not even notice it when you drive by - but once you taste the food, you'll never drive by without stopping again.

Wow! ALL of these places are fantastic and you should make an effort to try them all. Have you been to any of these spots before? Which one is your favorite? Thank goodness for NEW YORK BBQ! If you have any places you want us to know about, make sure to let us know on our nominations page.

Not feeling like BBQ? How about fish? Check out this list of the best fish fry joints in New York: These 8 Classic Fish Fry Joints Are So Perfectly New York

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Food

The Unique Restaurant In New York Where Every Order Comes With A Free Plate Of Fried Dough

Published Aug 31, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Going to a restaurant and looking at the menu prices can be a stressful affair these days - everything seems to be going up and up! That's why I'm always on the lookout for a restaurant that provides a little something extra to really make it worth a splurge - and I found exactly that at Da Nico Ristorante. Founded in 1993 but feeling every bit like a century-old Little Italy red sauce joint, this classic Italian restaurant serves up a full menu of pasta, pizza, and Italian signatures in a swanky but casual environment where you'll feel perfectly at home. But there's one big surprise that isn't on the menu - a delicious dessert that comes with every meal completely free of charge! That's enough to make this maybe the most unique Italian restaurant in NYC, and the perfect antidote to a budget pinch. Read on to discover why Da Nico Ristorante belongs on your New York dining bucket list!

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Da Nico Ristorante has been a Little Italy institution for over thirty years, and it's going strong with a few surprises up its sleeve.

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Douglas Tate/Google Local

This is the kind of neighborhood joint that caters to both locals and tourists, serving Italian classics but not afraid to experiment a little.

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Kiariladyboss/Google Local

The pizzas here are top-notch, as you'd expect - about fifteen varieties are available, ranging from a classic Margherita to the spicy Pizza Picante.

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Christian Franco/Google Local

As important as the pizza at any Italian restaurant, the pastas are delicious. We're partial to the pillowy gnocchi with fresh Mozzarella in a marinara sauce.

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John Almaraz/Google Local

For those who have a heartier appetite, a selection of meat and fish entrees are offered - including some impressive specials.

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Cesar Pereyra/Google Local

But don't fill up too much, and don't be too quick to order dessert - there's a plate of fried dough coming your way!

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Crystal Wu/Google Local

This take on the classic carnival treat, topped with powdered sugar, is a beloved New York tradition included with every meal - and it's completely free and delicious.

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Yi Gu/Google Local

But okay, now it's time to look at the dessert menu - because the tiramisu here is delicious as well!

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Jose Kattenberg/Google Local

Have you dined at Da Nico Ristorante in Little Italy? Did you enjoy the free fried dough at this unique Italian restaurant in NYC? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu on the Da Nico website, and follow the Da Nico Facebook page for announcements of the latest specials. While you're in the area, make sure to shop at Di Palo's Fine Foods for some of the most authentic Italian goods in the city. If you need a place to stay in the area, PUBLIC is located only a few blocks away and gets high marks as a luxury hotel with two on-site restaurants and some stunning decor.

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Food

Word On The Street Is That Hill Country Serves The Best Barbecue In New York

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The race for the best barbecue in New York City gets hotter and hotter every year. Sure, those from the south may grouse that the Big Apple could never compete with the originals - but the reason New York barbecue is so great is because pitmasters from Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and other mainstays are making their way here to open restaurants. There's no need for barbecue lovers to fight - we're all united by our love of delicious low-and-slow meat. My personal favorite barbecue spot in NYC has got to be Hill Country Barbecue Market, and the people seem to agree - it has over 3,300 reviews on Google with a 4.4 average. This massive market is themed to a classic Texas barbecue market, which means the atmosphere is anything but formal - but it makes up for it with some of the best barbecue I've tasted, plus some big surprises.

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Hill Country Barbecue Market is one of the largest restaurants in Chelsea - one might say everything is bigger in Texas, and this place lives up to that.

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Hill Country Barbecue Market/Google Local

With locations in NYC and Washington DC, Hill Country is an attempt to recreate the classic Texas barbecue market format of restaurant. Rather than ordering at a table, you go up to the counter, order meats by the pound, and are given a meal ticket that you use to pay later.

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Ben Ho/Google Local

The style here is authentic Texas barbecue - everything is cooked low and slow, and the dominant flavor is meat, smoke, and spice rather than sweet sauces.

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Lingsheng Wen/Google Local

The meats available are pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast, barbecue chicken, wings, sausage, dry-aged beef shoulder, and brisket cut your choice of lean or moist.

But the sides deserve just as much attention as the meats - the cheddar mac and cheese, the baked beans with burnt ends, and the sweet potato bourbon mash are among the highlights. There's even a chili packed with spice and meat.

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Masaya Ishihara/Google Local

At lunch, hearty sandwiches are available as an alternative to the larger meat platters - that'll give you the energy for the rest of the workday!

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Martin Galasso/Google Local

But save room for dessert - there are two delicious sweets here. House-made chocolate chip cookies and banana pudding are the perfect finish to a massive barbecue meal.

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Cristine Davis/Google Local

There's a full bar on site here, a rarity for a barbecue joint. Most drinks are served in mason jars - a nice little southern twist.

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Ramon/Google Local

Downstairs, you'll find a bar and live music venue where country music acts usually come to thrill the crowds. It all comes together into one of the most exciting and delicious restaurants in Chelsea.

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Monica Varela/Google Local

Have you enjoyed the smoked meats at Hill Country Barbecue Market? Do you think it's the best barbecue in New York City? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu on the Hill Country website, and check out the Hill Country Facebook page to see all the announcements for limited-time meats and sides, plus live entertainment. While you're in the area, you can check out New York's most haunted hotel for yourself - and if you're not scared off by those legends, book a room at the beautiful and historic Hotel Chelsea!

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