Our 7 Favorite BBQ Bites of 2022 (So Far)
This year has included some major life events, but that hasn’t stopped us from continuing to try barbecue all around the country. We’ve traveled to several cities throughout 2022, using our time to see what’s happening on the ground and tasting innovative dishes that pitmasters have been cooking up.
Although the year isn’t done yet, we’ve had enough bites that we felt strongly about sharing some of the best with you. Without further adieu, here are seven of our favorite dishes from BBQ restaurants we ate this year.
The Pad Thai Brisket from Buck Tui BBQ in Kansas City is a standout dish. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
Pad Thai Brisket — Buck Tui BBQ
This year, Ryan had the opportunity to experience Buck Tui BBQ, and declared it one of the most exciting and interesting new barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. Several dishes at this Thai-inspired barbecue restaurant were showstoppers, including the Brisket Rangoon appetizers, Thai Sausage Dumplings, Duroc Pork Ribs with Sweet Chili Glaze, Smoked Chicken served with Papaya Salad, Pineapple Rib Fried Rice, and Red Curry Brisket Burnt Ends. However, the Pad Thai Brisket is a wonderful entree for barbecue fans who want to explore Buck Tui’s unique Thai flavors.
The Korean Pork Ribs at Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn are a must-try. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Korean Pork Ribs — Hometown Bar-B-Que
While Sean has visited Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn many times, it’s been a few years since he has had the Korean Pork Ribs. While Hometown is best known for its brisket, beef ribs, pastrami, and innovative sandwiches like lamb banh mi, the Korean Pork Ribs stood out when he visited earlier this year. These ribs are made with Korean BBQ glaze, scallions, cashews, fried shallots, and garlic. If you visit, be sure to order some for the table.
Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ in Houston was one of the first pitmasters in Texas to regularly feature whole hog barbecue on the menu. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Whole Hog — Feges BBQ
This year we spent a significant amount of time exploring the barbecue scene in Houston. We were fortunate to visit the new Spring Branch location of Feges BBQ. Pitmaster Patrick Feges shared his secrets for cooking whole hog barbecue, and we were blown away. While Texas barbecue is certainly more well-known for smoked brisket, it was a wonderful change of pace to be able to experience the whole hog barbecue tradition that is more often associated with the Carolinas.
The smoked Corned Beef Brisket from Pig Beach put all other Corned Beef to shame. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage — Pig Beach NYC
While St. Patrick’s Day may not be a huge day for barbecue, Pig Beach NYC in Brooklyn made this past St. Pat’s memorable with Corned Beef Brisket special. Sean’s not a fan of traditional boiled corned beef, so he was happy to try this Corned Beef that is closer in profile to pastrami, served over cabbage and potatoes. Sean will be strongly encouraging all friends and family to retire their boiled meat in favor of smoking them for all future St. Pat’s gatherings.
Make sure you order the pork belly burnt ends (along with everything else) at Chef J BBQ in Kansas City’s West Bottoms. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Pork Belly Burnt Ends — Chef J BBQ
Burnt ends are a Kansas City barbecue specialty, with the delicious brisket morsels having allegedly been made famous by Arthur Bryant at his legendary restaurant. However, Chef J BBQ opts to reserve the brisket for thick, moist slices. The burnt ends pitmaster Justin Easterwood serves instead are pork belly burnt ends, which melt in your mouth and are often the first item to disappear off platters at this new school, craft barbecue joint in the West Bottoms.
The smoked chicken and waffles at Gatlin’s BBQ in Houston was one of the best BBQ breakfast items we ate in 2022. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Chicken Wings and Waffles — Gatlin’s BBQ
We love BBQ breakfast, and frankly, we wish it were more widely available. So when we were visiting Houston, we were thrilled to try out the breakfast at Gatlin’s BBQ. While everything we tried was great, the standout item was the chicken wings and Belgian waffles, with a side of maple syrup. The classic Southern wings were crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor, and they paired perfectly with the fluffy, tasty waffles.
The pork belly bao buns special at Blood Bros. BBQ was spectacular. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Char Siu Pork Belly Fried Bao Buns — Blood Bros. BBQ
One additional stunning item we tried while we were running around Houston was the Char Sui Pork Belly Fried Bao Buns at Blood Bros. BBQ. This Wednesday-only special is outrageously delicious, with smoked pork belly, Chinese hot mustard, and pickled spinach on a honey-glazed fried bun. If we could try every special on the board at Blood Bros. BBQ, we would in a heartbeat.
Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ) and Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist)
Co-Founders, The Smoke Sheet
—Scott's Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, SC, was named the No. 1 BBQ joint in the South, according to Robert Moss in Southern Living. (Photo by Tales From the Pits)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
BBQ writer and historian Robert Moss has released his new list of the South’s top 50 BBQ joints in Southern Living. His list includes heavy hitters from Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, and more. “Resilience and new beginnings are recurring themes on this year's list,” Moss writes. “Instead of widespread gloom, the past two years have brought a flourishing of barbecue entrepreneurship. Established restaurants have added new locations, and some have evolved into nascent multi-state chains. A parade of ambitious new players has entered the market, too, and they are transforming the long-running Southern barbecue tradition with their energy and creativity.” READ MORE.
Texas barbecue chain Black’s BBQ was recently ordered to pay $230,353 in back wages to employees. Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor found that the money was owed to 274 employees after employers took part of employees’ tips and shared them with managers. Owner Kent Black shared a video addressing the news. "We missed a rule change that affects how the way tips are distributed,” Black said. According to the video, all money owed to the employees was been paid back immediately. Rival family restaurant Terry Black’s BBQ, owned by Kent Black’s nephews, took the opportunity to throw shade at their uncle with a sign saying, “Another 230,353 reasons why you should eat at Terry Black’s BBQ.” The two chains have feuded over the use of the Black’s BBQ name since 2013. READ MORE.
Grill Girl Robyn Lindars has announced the full details of the GrillGrate Women’s Grilling Clinic Event on Oct. 22, which will also feature all-star pitmasters Sunny Moody, Brooke Lewis, and Erica Blaire Roby. READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
National Geographic has explored the two distinct barbecue styles while on the trail of true barbecue in North Carolina .
Tasting Table recently conducted an exclusive interview with acclaimed pitmaster Rodney Scott while Cali BBQ’s Shawn Walchef interviewed Scott about how cooking with soul is vital to success.
Time Out has highlighted the 19 best barbecue restaurants in Chicago, including Green Street Smoked Meats, Smoque BBQ, and Lem's Bar-B-Q.
Here are the best portable tailgating grills to make you a parking lot pitmaster, according to Men's Journal.
Animales Barbeque Co. and Boomin Barbecue, two of the best spots for barbecue in Minnesota, are both in a fight with the city of Minneapolis over their smokers.
—Adam and Kathryn explore North Carolina BBQ at two stops on the North Carolina BBQ Trail.—
WATCH
North Carolina BBQ Trail: Eastern vs. Western (Lexington) Style — Adventures of A+K
North Carolina has two major styles of BBQ: Eastern Style and Western/Lexington Style. In this vlog, Adam and Kathryn road-tripped 3 hours across the state to try one spot for each style along the North Carolina BBQ Trail. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
It’s Almost Time for the American Royal — Pit Life BBQ Podcast
Pit Life BBQ Podcast host Johnny is joined by Allyssa and Kayci from the American Royal Association. They chat about the history of the Royal, the Barbecue Hall of Fame, and what’s new this year. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Barbecue Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades — Bastes, Butters & Glazes, Too — Steven Raichlen
Barbecue Hall of Famer Steven Raichlen shows how to add the expert touch to every dish in your repertoire, from transforming a simple steak to electrifying an exotic kebab. Includes a step-by-step guide to building a signature barbecue sauce and recipes for more than 30 outrageous main dishes. ORDER HERE.
ill Girl Robyn Lindars makes crispy chicken wings and a grilled cocktail in this week’s Recipe of the Week. (Photo by Jose Luis)—
Grill Girl Robyn's Crispy Chicken Wings
By Fogo Charcoal
It's football season again, and that can only mean one thing … chicken wings! Fogo Charcoal’s Captain Ron was able to convince grilling superstar Grill Girl Robyn to take over the channel and share her recipe for crispy wings that are sweet with heat. She also made a Paloma cocktail with grilled grapefruit and tequila. These wings are crispy and delicious, and of course, you can’t go wrong with a grilled cocktail!
Learn more about Southside Market Barbeque.
—A lot of big barbecue events are happening this fall, including the American Royal. (Photo by Wai Chan)—
Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2022: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams from around the country, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a full lineup of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. Read our 2021 recap of the event to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.
October 14-15, 2022: The Jack — Lynchburg, Tennessee
It's rare that whiskey-making takes a backseat to much of anything in Lynchburg, Tennessee. But “The Jack,” one of the top KCBS competitions annually, is an exception. For one weekend in October, barbecue competitors from around the world converge to wield their grilling and smoking expertise. On top of the competition, other events are held to provide a lively and fun atmosphere for families and friends. MORE INFO HERE.
October 22, 2022: GrillGirl X GrillGrate Women’s Grilling Clinic — Fort Myers, Florida
Grill Girl Robyn Lindars is teaming up with GrillGrate to host a Women’s Grilling Clinic at the Robot Ranch in Fort Myers, Florida. The goal of the Women’s Grilling Clinic is to teach women the fundamentals of grilling in a relaxed “Girls Night Out” Atmosphere. This class is for any woman who wants to learn how to grill, learn different styles of grilling, and try new recipes to remake at home. In addition to Robyn, instructors include Erica Blaire Roby, Sunny Moody, Brooke Lewis, and Ron Dimpflmaier. MORE INFO HERE.
October 22, 2022: World Championship Hot Wing Contest and Festival — Memphis, Tennessee
The 2022 World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival (WCHWCF) will take place Saturday, October 22 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) at Tiger Lane, on the grounds of the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, TN. This will mark the 20th year of the festival, previously known as the Southern Hotwing Festival. Whether you like your wings grilled, smoked or fried, with seasonings that range from sweet to savory to exotic, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The event will benefit The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis and will also include fun, family friendly activities such as the Kids Korner, the popular Corn Hole Tournament, and the Wing Eating Contest. MORE INFO HERE.
November 11-12, 2022: Warriors BBQ Ribs Championship — Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii’s first ever KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition will take place on Veterans Day Weekend with the debut event “Warrior BBQ Ribs Championship.” This contest will include 3-rounds of pork ribs at the beautiful beachside Kapiolani Regional Park on the island of Oahu. The cake is $10,000 in prize monies, and the event theme (“Honors-to-Others”) will not only seek to celebrate Hawaii’s diverse backyard barbecue scene but also bring special honors to veterans, active military, and first responders. MORE INFO HERE.
November 11-13, 2022: KCBS World Invitational — Gadsden, Alabama
The Kansas City Barbeque Society’s biggest event for the rest of the year is the fourth annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition. The event will bring together top champion pitmasters to compete for the title of “KCBS World Champion.” This event will feature three full days of contests and events. There will be both an open contest and a Master Series contest. Plus, backyard teams will be eligible to compete in the open against Master Series teams without impacting their Backyard status. MORE INFO HERE.
November 18-20, 2022: Jacksonville BBQ Fest — Jacksonville, Florida
During the past few years, Florida has become an even bigger attraction for barbecue restaurants and events. The Jacksonville BBQ Fest, held at TIAA Bank Field (where the Jaguars play), is one event that brings barbecue fans together to get a taste of great local and national barbecue bites. On top of the top-notch food, there’s also live music and great drinks to enjoy. To get a taste of this event, be sure to read Ed Reilly’s recap of the Denver BBQ Festival, which is hosted by the same organizers. MORE INFO HERE.
November 19, 2022: Holy Smokes BBQ Festival — Charleston, South Carolina
Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan of Home Team BBQ, Anthony DiBernardo of Swig & Swine, and Robert Moss, the Contributing BBQ Editor for Southern Living, have invited the leaders of the barbecue community from around the country to come together in Charleston on November 19th, 2022 at Riverfront Park. With live music playing on stage against the backdrop of the Cooper River, guests will have a unique opportunity to sample a range of barbecue styles from the group of renowned pitmasters. Expect to taste slow-smoked whole hog, pork and beef ribs, Texas-style brisket, smoked sausage, BBQ tacos, and much, much more. MORE INFO HERE.
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