The Quest for the Best Barbecue in Pittsburgh

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Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on September 10, 2024.

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If you would've asked us about Pittsburgh's barbecue scene when we started this site, we probably would've replied with a sarcastic “what barbecue scene?”

To put it bluntly: while there were a few gems scattered around, the offerings around the city were quite sad.

This is all changing, however, and many barbecue joints have opened up around Pittsburgh that are starting to put our ‘que scene on the map. (Or perhaps our map, at least.)

As with most articles of this nature on our site, we do not publish definitive best-of lists as we do not want to hand out the top spots until we've truly tried them all. Instead, we go on quests to find the city's best meals, like our quest to find the best pizza in Pittsburgh or the best reubens in Pittsburgh to name a few, and update our guides with the best spots as we visit them.

In this one we're looking for the best barbecue in Pittsburgh, and we've been to a number of amazing spots so far!

Note: In the past, our quest style articles organized barbecue in various categories from below average to excellent. Since then, we have decided to remove any category style tier. That said, barbecue joints in this article loosely ordered by increasing preference in this article. So if you want to see our very favorites, scroll to the end!

Smokin' Toad's BBQ

Smokin' Toad's BBQ in Sarver

Smokin' Toad's BBQ is located in Sarver, PA, and is connected to Cellar Works Brewing.

This spot serves up what we think is a fairly limited menu for a barbecue restaurant but does include full entree options like smoked-and-fried wings, smoked meat sandwiches, and full entrees of pork belly, brisket, and more (two or three meat set combo plates are available, but not a la carte for traditional mix-and-match ordering).

During our first visit we were able to sample the wings as well as the Plain Jane (a massive pulled pork sandwich) and thought that the meats were prepared fine, but do not have that extra oomph from an exceptional rub, smoke, or tenderness that we often seek out from barbecue. Great when drinking at the brewery next door, we have to say, but a bit lacking on its own right.

Smokin' Toad's BBQ is located at 110 S Pike Road in Sarver, PA.

Rowdy BBQ

Rowdy BBQ South of Pittsburgh

Rowdy BBQ is a walk-up barbecue stand off of Route 51 just south of the city and offers an array of meats, burgers, and other sandwiches (like Philly cheese) to name a few.

This one wins many points for being among the cheapest barbecue in the city and offers fairly tender ribs with a sauce that is on the spicy side (something we can appreciate). However, we were a bit turned off by the pulled pork sandwich as it was served with a sauce that was conventional to the point that we equated it to a popular sloppy meat sandwich that we had in our childhood years.

That being said, Rowdy offers up some exceptional other non-barbecue products so if you do make it out to their spot just be a bit selective in what you order and you'll still have a great meal!

Rowdy BBQ is located at 3900 Saw Mill Run Blvd just south of the city.

The Dream BBQ

The Dream BBQ

The Dream BBQ is a smaller barbecue joint that only offers ribs, chicken, and a small array of sides that are reasonably priced (five wings, five ribs, and two sides cost me just about $18).

The flavor of the ribs here is quite good, both with a nice, spice-forward bark as well as a strong smoke flavor that I loved. The two sticking points I had with this one are that the wings, on the other hand, had little meat on them at all and the meat was not tender in the slightest. Perhaps not the chewiest meat out of all of those on this list, but it definitely had a bite to it.

So while I would be tempted on calling the ribs above average for the flavor, as it was quite good, I couldn't get over the tenderness overall.

The Dream BBQ is located at 7600 Braddock Avenue in Homewood.

Pittsburgh Barbecue Company

If there is an all around reliable barbecue company that we have enjoyed, it would be Pittsburgh Barbecue Company.

This popular Pittsburgh barbecue joint checks a lot of boxes for is including offering large portions at great prices, a small amount of bark and smoke ring, and a really delicious flavor from the dry rub that all comes together for nice final product. Even better? They have two locations around the region (one in Banksville and one in Murrysville east of the city)!

Going further, one of the things we absolutely love about Pittsburgh Barbecue Company is their sauce. They have a really flavorful and tangy barbecue sauce that is well rounded, not too spicy, and is the kind of sauce you want to (and can) buy by the gallon.

We are quite serious in making the statement that it is one of the best barbecue sauces in the city, and when you put it on their meats you get an overall wonderful package that we really enjoy.

Pittsburgh Barbecue Company is located at 1000 Banksville Road in Pittsburgh and 6625 William Penn Highway in Murraysville.

Jim's Smokin' Que

Jim's Smokin' Que

Jim's Smokin' Que is a mobile cart that you are likely to find at one of the region's many breweries. During our first visit, they offered a spread of smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and meat-topped mac and cheese to name a few.

On our first visit, we were only able to sample a half-rack of ribs and found the meat to be incredibly tender and with a modest smoke flavor. It would fall off the bone with the slightest tug and almost melted in our mouth.

While we quite enjoyed the meat, we thought the sauce on this one was lacking a bit as it was a fair bit sweet and was not balanced out with as much notable spice as we'd otherwise prefer. Still, we look forward to trying more from this one if their other meat is just as tender as the ribs!

Jim's Smokin' Que is a mobile cart that can be found around the city. Recent locations have been shared on their Facebook page.

Dee Jay's BBQ

Dee Jay's BBQ

Weirton, WV, based barbecue shop, Dee Jay's BBQ has been famous for their ribs since 1980. But it was only recently that this one expanded into Pennsylvania and now operates several locations in the greater Pittsburgh region.

The name of the game here is fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, and those who like this style will not be let down here by texture (but for those who want bark and other characteristics, you may be wanting a bit more). Throw on a sweet-yet-flavorful barbecue sauce, and we can see why this one has stood the test of time for over four decades in West Virginia. So if you've been wanting to try these out but don't want to make the drive to West Virginia, the new locations close to Pittsburgh will make trying Dee Jay's a breeze!

Dee Jay's BBQ has several locations around Pittsburgh including in Wexford, Bridgeville, and Washington.

Sokah Caribbean BBQ

Sokah BBQ

Sokah Caribbean BBQ is a restaurant concept at Federal Galley in the North Side. As its name implies, it is a combination of all things craft barbecue backed up with Caribbean inspired flavors.

Think combinations like jerk chicken with pineapple and fried plantains, smoked brisket with jalapeno and carrot slaw, curry chicken with marinated tomato and mango, and more.

Barbecue here can be served as loaded bowls or in sandwich form, with the likes of the Texas to Trini including brisket, peppers and onions, habanero mango aioli, and ghostpepper cheese on thick slices of Texas toast.

So whether you go for the bowls (our favorites) or sandwiches, you really have a lot of unique flavor options to consider here- all with some incredibly texture to go along with the flavor!

Sokah Caribbean BBQ is located at Federal Galley at 200 Children's Way in the North Side.

Mitch's BBQ

Mitch's Barbecue

Mitch's BBQ is an interesting barbecue restaurant in Warrendale as aside from the standard spread of barbecue they also make ramen and kimchi (with their meat being an optional add-on for the ramen)!

But as far as the barbecue itself is concerned, the meat at Mitch's gets an above average from us primarily for the price point (a massive tray of meat plus a monster tray of pork rinds and cornbread is just over $20) and an array of flavorful sauces.

The meat itself is fairly tender and has a modest bark and smoke ring we'd expect from solid barbecue, but when you add in several pretty stellar sauces and a modest price point you certainly get our attention. Definitely check them out next time you are in the North Hills!

Mitch's BBQ is located at 16070 Perry Highway in Warrendale.

Hog Father's BBQ

Hog Fathers BBQ

Hogfathers BBQ offers up a somewhat straightforward barbecue menu that is simply cooked to perfection. If you want tender meats in an array of options straight up or in sandwich form, this one certainly will not let you down as the meats here are among some of the most tender we've had in the region (but admittedly not the largest of portions we've ever seen).

Throw in a reasonable price point, an array of sides, and more and we can see why this one has expanded to have several locations south of the city!

Hogfathers BBQ has several locations south of Pittsburgh in Canonsburg and Washington.

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Clem's Cafe

Clem's Cafe in Blairsville

Those who wish to visit Clem's Cafe are in for a bit of a drive as the restaurant is located about 60 minutes east of the city in Blairsville, PA.

If you make the trip you'll be rewarded with some of the most tender meats in the region that can be cut with a plastic fork (a rare feat here!). A monster combo plate of a quarter rack of ribs and half pound of pork runs just over $10, and is a steal by any standards.

Our only regrets is that the meat comes out doused in sauce (swimming, really) and visitors are best to ask for this one on the side in order to get a fine appreciation for the meat alone first. But even with this slight knock as the sauce is somewhat flavorful as well, we have to say, tender meat wins the day.

Clem's Cafe is located at 1985 US-22 in Blairsville, PA.

Two Brother's Barbecue

Two Brother's Barbecue in Presto

Located just south of Pittsburgh in Presto is Two Brother's Barbecue– a small trailer near Trader Jack's that is serving up barbecue that locals just can't get enough of.

Two Brother's is one of those places that comes together as a good, full package barbecue place and doesn't have one or two key components that we seek out. The ribs were tender, had a light bark, and a small smoke ring, but came together as a whole offering just a nice final product that we simply enjoy a bit more than others.

One thing that makes Two Brother's a bit more unique is they have an array of non-traditional barbecue items as well for those who want to kick it up a notch, like barbecue pork nachos. So if you are still in the mood for good barbecue but want them served differently, Two Brother's has you covered there as well.

Two Brother's Barbecue is located at 5228 Thompson Run Road in Presto. They are seasonal and close over the winter.

Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse

Off the Rails Barbeque

Off the Rails Barbeque is a popular restaurant in Verona for all things smoked meats, craft brews, and, depending on when you visit live music. On our late weeknight visit to this one, we got all three which made for a delightful combination.

During our first visit, we got to sample a half rack of ribs and a pulled pork sandwich (sadly, brisket had run out for the night) and appreciated the tender meats and their intense flavors with a lovely, albeit light, smoke flavor to balance. Coupled with their house made sauces, a monster plate of fries, and a can of a Grist House IPA, and our cravings were satisfied all around.

Just be quick when visiting this one- their popular meats can (and do) sell out regularly!

Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse is located at 549 Allegheny River Blvd in Verona.

Pittsburgh Smokehouse

Pittsburgh Smokehouse wings

Pittsburgh Smokehouse is a popular barbecue food truck that can be found at various events and breweries in any given week (although they often do not publish their schedule in advance). While this one serves up an array of delicious meats, we need to call out their smoked wings which are, by far, some of the best you'll find in the city.

Throw on some of their spicy Blast Furnace hot barbecue sauce and you have a must-order dish you'll be ordering time and time again.

Pittsburgh Smokehouse is a food truck with rotating locations throughout the month.

Gaucho Parrilla

Gaucho Parrilla

We wind down our list with a barbecue joint that isn't traditional American barbecue, but is instead Argentinian. Gaucho Parrilla has been serving up Argentinian style barbecue since 2013 and transcends what you know about meat and puts it on a whole new playing field.

The meat here is so perfectly cooked that it doesn't need a single drop of barbecue sauce as a compliment; however, the restaurant offers an assortment of sauces ranging from garlic to chimichurri as a supplement. Go for the pulled pork, the steak platter, or more or less anything on the menu- whatever you pick will be delicious.

Gaucho Parrilla is located at 146 6th Street in downtown Pittsburgh. They were formerly in the Strip District but relocated in 2020.

Big Rig's BBQ

Big Rig's BBQ Spread

Whenever we share this article, we often get a large influx of recommendations of where to check out next. While we are still working our way on getting to all of them, sometimes a spot receives a ton of recommendations and we get there right away. Big Rig's BBQ in Monroeville was one such spot.

This one opened in late 2019 and has been quickly growing a die-hard following. Within a few bites, we knew why that is. The meat here is tender. Not just the brisket. Not just the pork belly. Not just the ribs. All of it. In fact, the platter I ordered here would be in the running for the most tender meats we've had to date anywhere, and that is really saying something (and if you like fatty brisket, ask for slices of those too- only a few places in the area do this one well).

While I would say that this one is a bit lighter on the smoke flavor, and the bark on the meat is also less noticeable than other places, we really can't get over the tenderness, and for that we call this one excellent. Be sure to throw on a side of cornbread and pork burnt end baked beans as well to round out the meal!

Big Rig's BBQ is located at 226 Center Road in Monroeville, PA.

Walter's BBQ

Walter's BBQ

Walter's BBQ and Southern Kitchen opened in Lawrenceville in late 2018 and offers a large menu of barbecue options including meats straight from the smoker, tacos, sandwiches, and a rather robust brunch offering to name a few.

During our first visit we were able to sample their ribs, brisket, as well as the pork belly and were not disappointed. The ribs were surprisingly tender, with a good smoke ring, and a rather strong flavor from a pepper rub. The brisket was a clear winner after selecting a fatty option which it exceptionally tender with the same style rub as the ribs. The only one we hesitate on is the pork belly which was first smoked, sliced, and grilled, giving it a bit of an unusual texture you would not expect.

Overall, Walter's BBQ pulls off some rather delicious meats. Do yourself a favor and jump straight in on this one for your next visit (and be sure to try their candied bacon as well)!

Walter's BBQ is located at 4501 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

Blowfish Barbecue

Blowfish Barbecue

Blowfish Barbecue is a Pittsburgh food truck (cart, really) that makes some fairly exceptionally barbecue- be it pulled pork, ribs, or chicken and turkey drumsticks (depending on what is offered on any given day at least). The cart is a fairly simple smoker producing delectable products accompanied by their rather flavorful sauces, and proves you do not need an elaborate setup to do justice to meat.

We are a bit biased on this one because it is also mobile, meaning you never know which brewery or event you'll find them at. Exceptional meat, a moving location, and paired with great Pittsburgh beer? Sign us up.

Be sure to order a side of their famous smoked macaroni and cheese here, as they truly make some of the best in the city.

Blowfish Barbecue is a food truck that is often found at Brew Gentlemen, Roundabout's North Shore popup, and more. Check their Facebook page for locations.

Showcase Barbecue

Showcase Barbecue in Homewood West

Located on a quiet corner of Homewood West is Showcase Barbecue. This one is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of joint that only stands out due to two smokers being located on the side of the building and a rather obscure sign.

The menu at Showcase is fairly straight forward with chicken, ribs, and pulled pork being offered plus an array of sides. The meat is fairly tender, packed full of flavor (with a fair bit of bark too!), and their sauce is almost a barbecue / mustard hybrid that has a sufficient tang that we absolutely love- a rarity for the region.

The best part? This one is cheap, and you can have a feast for two for less than just about anywhere else on this list. As far as no frills barbecue is concerned, it is hard to do it better than here.

Just be sure to get there early as they are known to sell out fast!

Showcase Barbecue is located at 6800 Frankstown Road in Homewood West.

More Pittsburgh Barbecue Coming Soon!

As with all our quests, this guide is a work in progress and only features barbecue joints we've personally visited. We've got many more to go and will add them into this guide as we visit them.

Know of any good barbecue joints we haven't tried? Comment below to let us know about it!

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55 thoughts on “The Quest for the Best Barbecue in Pittsburgh”

  1. My two go-tos are:
    * Oakmont, currently a truck. Of recent, you can find then every Sunday evening at Hitchhiker in Sharpsburg, and often on Saturday at the Grist House in Millvale.
    * Southside ribs are sublime. Layered flavors; buck a bone on Friday. They have a truck, but usually no ribs their other offering are decent but certainly not their ribs.

    The thing I don’t like about the brick and mortar is that altho the digs are all that, not a huge crowd. I generally dine alone and if you aren’t in the small clique that includes the bartender, you are very much on your own. But, the ribs… go for them and then out to one of the many friendly bars nearby.

    Try the heinous hot sauce on the yummy beans.

    Reply
  2. You left out Rochester Smokehouse and the new kid on the block, Route 8 BBQ.

    Selma’s used to be a favorite, but I agree with them being left off the list.

    Reply
    • Please make an effort to come try Big Rigs BBQ in Monroeville on Center Road. Their ribs are delicious and probably the best brisket I’ve had outside of Texas. Their pork belly and pulled pork is also decent. Fantastic greens with wonderful spicy finish to them and delicious ham hock chunks. I think you’ll love it.

      Reply
    • I agree. The owner’s story is touching as well. The homemade barbecue sauce is superb as is the sweet potatoes, have chilpolte for a bit and sweet taste. ..and brisket chili!. everything made from scratch. Worth the drive.

      Reply
  3. Big Rigs on Monreoville is the best we’ve ever had. They are the only ones up north that we’ve found knows how to make greens.

    Reply
  4. Big Rigs BBQ on Center Road Monroeville PA is exceptional!
    Newly opened but everything is freshly made, very tasty and prices reasonably.

    Reply
  5. Rogue Barbecue in West Mifflin is the best! Ribs, brisket, pork belly
    & smoked wings are extraordinary.
    You can get all of this plus plenty of sides. Located at Westwood Bar and Grill – and the Rogue Barbecue truck. I’m surprised it’s not on the list already. The truck blows away all the food trucks when at many events they participate in.😎

    Reply
  6. One glaring omission is Naka End Zone BBQ, 1300 Crafton Blvd. (Rt. 60), 15205, one mile past the West End. They just do pork ribs and wings, plus 10 or so sides, but the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and the BBQ sauces are delicious (3 levels of heat – I’m afraid to try #3). Take out only.

    Reply
  7. Anne’s southern kitchen in ambridge is the best. Odbq is a close second. But Anne’s offers great fish,wings, cobbler and more sides as well. ODis currently closed as he is in NY takin care of a sick parent. Reopening is questionable at this point, go find me start eff d at this point.

    Reply
    • I love Z Best BBQ in midtown near the hockey arena. I’m curious to see where you think they stack up. I also loved Mabel’s BBQ in Cleveland. I’m wondering how Pittsburgh matches up to Mabel’s?

      Reply
  8. Bowsers Restaurant in Monaca …featuring everyday dishes to specials cooked each day…monday is rib day…its all smoked daily with brisket, turkey offered daily…tuesday is taco day..brisket tacos are delicious…thursday they iffer my favorite Smoked PRIME RIB!

    Reply
  9. Check out papa wood bbq in beaver, pa! One of the best bbq trailers around! You won’t be disappointed! Ribs are amazing! Homemade Mac n cheese! And so much more!

    Reply
  10. I used to think Clem’s was the best until I found Dominick’s in Greensburg. Clem’s pulled pork needs their sauce, which is by all accounts awesome.

    Dominick’s ribs aren’t served wet and sloppy. The pulled pork has such incredible flavor, it doesn’t need sauce. And it’s the only half chicken I’ve found that doesn’t taste like dried out sawdust. They make their own kielbasa too.

    The homemade “spicy” sauce isn’t hot, it’s just a little tang.

    This place is seasonal and has become our unbeatable benchmark. Treat yourself in the spring when they open.

    Reply
  11. You should visit dee jays in Weirton West Virginia 25 minutes from the north hills of Pittsburgh pa best ribs around the Pittsburgh area

    Reply
  12. This may have already been mentioned, but I’m a big fan of Off the Rails BBQ (formerly Oakmont BBQ food truck) in Verona! Thanks for this extensive list…spring has me craving BBQ.

    Reply
  13. Poulich Pit BBQ in New Stanton is awesome! Not in the city of Pittsburgh, but a short trip off the turnpike in New Stanton located at the Bruster’s Ice Cream. 604 S Center Ave

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  14. Check out Valley Rose Craft BBQ and Catering from Ligonier, they won’t disappoint! They frequent the local breweries and wineries with some of the best BBQ in the area! Follow them on Facebook/Instagram for their upcoming locations.

    Reply
  15. One of your primary factors of rating barbecue joints is one of the items a barbecue joint is not supposed to need (the sauce).

    Reply
    • Good barbecue may not need a sauce, but if a barbecue place serves sauce, we’re including it. You’re welcome to ignore the commentary about sauces if you prefer.

      Reply

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