Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Philadelphia area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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!
#22. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.5/5 (205 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2120 South Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.8/5 (145 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9769 Roosevelt Blvd. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Tradesman's
- Rating: 3.0/5 (261 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1322 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, Whiskey Bars, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
#19. El Camino Real
- Rating: 3.3/5 (1133 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1040 North 2nd St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Jack's Firehouse
- Rating: 3.3/5 (690 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2130 Fairmount Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Bars, New American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Independence Beer Garden
- Rating: 3.6/5 (571 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 100 South Independence Mall West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Beer Gardens, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (745 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1901 Callowhill St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Nick's Charcoal Pit
- Rating: 3.7/5 (150 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1242 Snyder Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Fette Sau
- Rating: 3.8/5 (719 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1208 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1119 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 238 North 9th St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Chinese, Noodles, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Nine Ting
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1342 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 926 Race St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Franky Bradley's
- Rating: 4.0/5 (244 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1320 Chancellor St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, Cocktail Bars, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Rib Rack
- Rating: 4.0/5 (165 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2100 Tyson Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Siu Kee Duck House
- Rating: 4.1/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 111 North 10th St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Seorabol Center City
- Rating: 4.2/5 (290 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1326 Spruce St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Kim's Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (248 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5955 North 5th St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 4.2/5 (217 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 330 Oregon Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.2/5 (974 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7500 State Road Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Chuan Kee Skewer
- Rating: 4.3/5 (152 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 927 Race St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp
#3. DuBu
- Rating: 4.5/5 (705 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1333 West Cheltenham Ave. Ste 102 Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Vegetarian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. So Korean Grill
- Rating: 4.6/5 (117 reviews)
- Address: 6201 North Front St. Ste 120 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Mike's BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (283 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1703 South 11th St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Barbecue, 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.
