The Most Delicious South Dakota Road Trip Takes You To 6 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants

When you think of lip-smacking good BBQ, which towns and states come to mind? Kansas City? Memphis? Texas? While all of the above are iconic and delicious, the Mount Rushmore State happens to have some pretty impressive joints of our own, some of which we will visit during this delicious road trip to the best BBQ restaurants in South Dakota:

Here is an interactive map to South Dakota's best BBQ.

1. Bunky's BBQ (Spearfish)

There is no better place to begin this road trip than in the heart of the Black Hills via Bunky's BBQ! Billed as being a "small takeout restaurant with limited catering service," Bunky's BBQ features a rotating menu that includes pulled pork (daily), brisket and chicken (Fridays), and ribs and pork loin (Saturdays).

2. J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit (Summerset)

Who says you have to go to Texas to get Texas-style BBQ? Not J.R.'s! Inspired by Justin Rhodes' time in the Lonestar State, J.R.'s offers "Good food. Cold Brews. Good Service. Nothing fancy. Just Good Eats..." a la its tantalizing assortment of classic brisket, links, turkey breast, sandwiches, and "other stuff." Yum!

3. Richie Z's Brickhouse BBQ and Grill (Pierre)

No road trip through South Dakota is complete without stopping at our capital and the mouthwatering Richie Z's Brickhouse. In addition to all of your BBQ favorites, Richie Z's also offers a unique selection of burgers complete with a fresh beef patty and - if you want - piled high with a raspberry glaze, bacon, cheese, and onion rings. Learn the history of Richie Z's and find out how this delicious barbecue is made:

4. Squealer's Smoke Shack (Tea)

Who says small towns can't have memorable BBQ? Not Tea! Featuring 100% smoked meats and homemade sides, Squealer's is the town's go-to for bar food, baskets, burgers, and - of course - prime rib, baby back ribs, loaded mac and cheese, and pulled pork.

5. Cody's Smokehouse BBQ (Sioux Falls)

Can you see why Cody's slogan was "Darn good BBQ"? Whether you opt for the sampler, 1 or 2-meat platter, or a gigantic family bundle, you would have found your new favorite restaurant in Sioux Falls. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Cody's Smokehouse has closed its doors for good.)

6. Backyard BBQ (Brookings)

Last but certainly not least on our road trip is Brookings and its hometown Backyard BBQ, an authentic BBQ smokehouse that serves its fare via both a standalone location and food trucks.

Have you been to any of the best BBQ restaurants in South Dakota? For even more deliciousness, check out these bucket list-worthy restaurants in South Dakota.