A smoky barbecue joint isn’t just about meat slathered in tomato-based sauces. Instead, true great barbecue is about cooking low and slow for hours to make the meat tender and the smoke-ringed brisket flavor-rich. It takes a lot of time, but it’s well worth the wait—especially when there are plenty of BBQ locations near you.
The best barbeque is based on regional styles and traditions, so you’ll find a wide variety of options in NYC. Some are more famous than others, but it’s not uncommon to find a gem in an unexpected location. For example, the acclaimed kosher diner Izzy’s is a ten-minute walk from the Utica Ave subway station. Whether you keep kosher or not, you’ll want to order the peppery beef ribs and the lean but juicy brisket sandwich, as well as the fried chicken sandwich. Plus, don’t miss the Izzy’s salad and the salty Syracuse potatoes, which are unique to the restaurant.
Another great barbeque in New York City is the nationally acclaimed Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has locations in Park Slope and upstate NY. Rather than settling on one specific style, the menu evokes various regions of the country with dishes like the St Louis-style ribs and Memphis-style pulled pork, as well as the fried green tomatoes and Creole deviled eggs at this upstate-meets-Midwest spot.
The food at this Brooklyn and Queens eatery is just as good as the atmosphere, which mixes a New Orleans-style bar with a backyard picnic. This is a great spot for a laid-back afternoon of good neighbor vibes and comfort foods, local craft beers, and front-row sports viewing.