Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Louisville area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Louisville area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Louisville based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Louisville were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#29. Smokey Bones Jeffersontown
- Rating: 2.8/5 (219 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2525 Hurstbourne Gem Lane Jeffersontown, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Guy Fieri's Smokehouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (866 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 434 South 4th St. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
#27. Holy Smokes Bar-B-Que & Catering
- Rating: 3.0/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7508 Preston Hwy Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#26. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (119 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2535 Hurstbourne Gem Lane Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.3/5 (122 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8605 Citadel Way Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp
#24. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (80 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9700 Von Allmen Courtt Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Baxter's 942 Bar & Grill
- Rating: 3.6/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 942 Baxter Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: American, Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#22. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (130 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4813 Outer Lp Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.7/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5005 Shelbyville Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot
- Rating: 3.8/5 (332 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3204 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Mark's Feed Store
- Rating: 3.8/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6501 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Delivery Services
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Rubbies Barbeque & Brew
- Rating: 3.8/5 (166 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6905 Southside Drive Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Gastropubs
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
- Rating: 3.9/5 (403 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3408 Indian Lk Drive Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Noche Mexican BBQ
- Rating: 3.9/5 (575 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1838 Bardstown Road Ste 100 Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Mexican, Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Bootleg Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.9/5 (204 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9704 Old Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, American
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Mark's Feed Store
- Rating: 4.0/5 (463 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1514 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Lucretia's Kitchen
- Rating: 4.1/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 617 West Oak St. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Soul Food, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. River Road BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (191 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3017 River Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (511 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 119 South Hurstbourne Pkwy Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Mark's Feed Store
- Rating: 4.1/5 (341 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11422 Shelbyville Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. City Barbeque
- Rating: 4.1/5 (407 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9429 Viking Center Drive Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: American, Caterers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Hilltop Tavern
- Rating: 4.2/5 (192 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1800 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Arcades, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Feast BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 909 East Market St. Ste 100 Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Momma's Mustard, Pickles & BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (952 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 102 Bauer Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Back Deck BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 801 West Kenwood Drive Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Louie's Hot Chicken & Barbecue
- Rating: 4.4/5 (319 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4222 Poplar Level Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Shack in the Back BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (374 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10706 West Manslick Road Fairdale, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#2. GOGi 1055 Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1055 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (265 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4607 Shelbyville Road Saint Matthews, Kentucky
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
