Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Albuquerque area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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!
#23. Takumi Restaurant
- Rating: 3.1/5 (304 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2100 Louisiana Blvd. Northeast Ste 800 Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Barbecue, Teppanyaki
- Read more on Yelp
#22. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9975 Coors Byp Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. The County Line
- Rating: 3.3/5 (345 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9600 Tramway Blvd. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Golden Pride Bbq Chicken & Ribs
- Rating: 3.4/5 (228 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1830 Lomas Blvd. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Whole Hog Cafe
- Rating: 3.4/5 (235 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9880 Montgomery Blvd. Northeast Ste 1 Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Golden Pride
- Rating: 3.5/5 (202 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 10101 Central Ave. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, New Mexican Cuisine
- Read more on Yelp
#17. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (228 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6600 Menaul Blvd. Northeast Ste 700 Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Golden Pride
- Rating: 3.6/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5231 Central Ave. Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, New Mexican Cuisine, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Greg's BBQ
- Rating: 3.7/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 629 South Main St. Belen, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, American
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Golden Pride Bbq Chicken & Ribs
- Rating: 3.7/5 (201 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3720 Juan Tabo Blvd. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.7/5 (418 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5900 Pan American Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.8/5 (223 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10136 Coors Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Kimo's Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.8/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3239 Girard Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#10. J's Var-B-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (61 reviews)
- Address: 7200 Montgomery Blvd. Northeast Ste F1 Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#9. SA BBQ Tin Can Alley
- Rating: 4.0/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6110 Alameda Blvd. Ne Space 4 Space 4 Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Hot Mess BBQ And Soul Food
- Rating: 4.1/5 (140 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1301 Eubank Blvd. Northeast Albuquerque , New Mexico
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#7. SA BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (41 reviews)
- Address: 3600 Cutler Ave. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.1/5 (656 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2321 Carlisle Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Nexus Blue Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.2/5 (219 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1511 Broadway Blvd. Southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Smokehouse, Barbecue, Brewpubs
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Vick's Vittles Country Kitchen
- Rating: 4.3/5 (385 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8810 Central Ave. Southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: American, Breakfast & Brunch, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Mighty Mike's Meats
- Rating: 4.4/5 (43 reviews)
- Address: 7521 Carmel Ave. Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Duke City BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (135 reviews)
- Address: 5500 San Mateo Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Barbecue, Beverage Store, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Nomad's BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Categories: Food Trucks, 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.
