Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the New Orleans area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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!
#24. Shane's Rib Shack
- Rating: 2.7/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1855 Barataria Boulevard Ste East Marrero, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Dickey's Barbecue Pit
- Rating: 2.7/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6005 Jefferson Hwy Harahan, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (284 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1631 Westbank Expy Harvey, Louisiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Gangnam Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.3/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3012 North Arnoult Road Metairie, Louisiana
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Frey Smoked Meat
- Rating: 3.4/5 (446 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4141 Bienville St. Ste 110 New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ
- Rating: 3.4/5 (482 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 401 Andrew Higgins Drive New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Buddy's Kitchen
- Rating: 3.4/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1645 Veterans Blvd. Ste C Metairie, Louisiana
- Categories: Seafood, Barbecue, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#17. K-Town Bbq & Tofu
- Rating: 3.5/5 (35 reviews)
- Address: 925 Behrman Hwy Ste 9 Gretna, Louisiana
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#16. The Backyard
- Rating: 3.8/5 (280 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 244 West Harrison Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Burgers, Chicken Wings, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Devil Moon Barbecue
- Rating: 3.9/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 1188 Girod St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Beverage Store
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Coco Korea BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (491 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2240 Magazine St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Central City BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (490 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1201 South Rampart St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Pig Out Nola Barbecue
- Rating: 4.1/5 (159 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 537 Toulouse St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Boucherie
- Rating: 4.3/5 (636 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8115 Jeannette St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (461 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 Lafayette St. Ste 101 New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Walker's Southern Style BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10828 Hayne Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Moe's Original Bar B Que
- Rating: 4.3/5 (107 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1101 North Causeway Blvd. Metairie, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Blue Oak BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1458 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 North Carrollton St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#6. The Joint
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1494 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 701 Mazant St. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Bon Temps Boulet's Seafood
- Rating: 4.4/5 (79 reviews)
- Address: 4701 Airline Drive Metairie, Louisiana
- Categories: Seafood, Barbecue, Seafood Markets
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Supersonic Wings
- Rating: 4.5/5 (20 reviews)
- Address: 1109 Gretna Blvd. Gretna, Louisiana
- Categories: Chicken Wings, Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Smoked
- Rating: 4.5/5 (113 reviews)
- Address: 6901 Jefferson Hwy Ste A Harahan, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. La23 Bbq
- Rating: 4.5/5 (178 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9661 Hwy 23 Belle Chasse, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Creole Bleu Cafe
- Rating: 4.6/5 (27 reviews)
- Address: 4404 Leo Kerner Pkwy Marrero, Louisiana
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Breakfast & Brunch, Barbecue
- 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.
