Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for BBQ Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for BBQ Lovers
1. Hometown Bar-B-Que
Red Hook’s wood-fired temple draws pilgrims for Central Texas–style brisket, meaty beef ribs, and globally inspired specials, all served at picnic tables in a laid-back waterfront neighborhood.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the NYC brisket benchmark—smoky bark, luscious fat cap, and a vibe that turns a meal into a pilgrimage.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late afternoon to beat dinner lines; warm months if you want to linger outdoors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Beef ribs and specialty items often sell out—order early and pair your tray with a local brew, then stroll to nearby Valentino Pier.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it destination-worthy and say the trek to Red Hook is more than repaid by the smoke and flavor.
2. Mighty Quinn's Barbeque
This East Village counter-service favorite doles out brisket, pork, and ribs by the tray with pickles and slaw, perfect for casual feasting at communal tables.
✓ Why Go:
Consistent smoke, generous portions, and a central location make it an easy add to any downtown itinerary.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch on weekdays to miss the dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share the hulking beef rib when available and don’t skip the pickled chiles to cut through the richness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for value and reliably tender meats; lines move fast and the food hits hard.
3. Fette Sau
Williamsburg’s weight-by-the-pound spot showcases dry-rubbed meats with peppery bark, carved to order and served on butcher paper with a deep whiskey list.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for sampling several cuts—share a spread and compare brisket, ribs, and sausages side by side.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or a rainy weekday when the patio and line are calmer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mix by the half-pound and ask for end cuts if you love extra bark; the German potato salad is a sleeper hit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for bold spice and atmosphere; expect crowds and a lingering smoky aroma—in the best way.
4. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
A Harlem stalwart with a roadhouse feel, generous platters, and sauces that range from tangy to fiery—all under the elevated tracks near the Hudson.
✓ Why Go:
Great for groups and families, with table service, big flavors, and a lively neighborhood setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays after the lunch hour; brunch offers a BBQ spin on classics.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead for peak hours and build a combo platter to taste across the menu.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a reliable crowd-pleaser with friendly service and craveable sides.
5. Hill Country Barbecue Market
Flatiron’s Central Texas–style market carves brisket and ribs to order, sells meat by the pound, and pairs it with skillet cornbread and live-music vibes downstairs.
✓ Why Go:
Authentic Texas feel in Manhattan—perfect for big appetites and bigger groups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights before the post-work rush; pre-show if you’re catching music.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request ‘moist’ brisket for extra-juicy slices and add pickled cucumbers to refresh the palate.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the slices and sausage, noting lines are worth the payoff.
6. Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue
Prospect Heights’ game-day favorite serves smoky brisket, wings, and hearty sides just steps from Barclays Center.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient location with solid smoke, a friendly bar, and seating for groups pre- or post-event.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Non-event nights or arrive early before arena crowds hit.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the arena schedule and plan to eat at least an hour before tipoff for the freshest cuts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a dependable neighborhood go-to with good value.
7. Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue
Gowanus goes full-on pit with all-wood smokers and shareable trays that spotlight pork shoulder, brisket, and occasional specials like pork or lamb belly.
✓ Why Go:
A purist’s spot where technique shines and the smoke profile is front and center.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch on weekends or weekday evenings to avoid sellouts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order by the half-pound to build your perfect mix; keep an eye on the specials board.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly regarded by BBQ diehards for depth of smoke and careful carving.
8. Hudson Smokehouse
Mott Haven’s rising star plates juicy brisket, sticky wings, and heaping sides, bringing serious smoke to the South Bronx.
✓ Why Go:
Hearty portions, welcoming staff, and a chance to explore a growing BBQ scene beyond Manhattan and Brooklyn.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner on game days or weeknights for quicker seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your platter with honeyed cornbread and plan a quick walk to the nearby waterfront afterward.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the value and hospitality, calling it a Bronx must-try.
9. Pig Beach BBQ
Astoria’s sprawling BBQ hall and beer garden turns out competition-style meats, saucy wings, and shareable platters in a festive, family-friendly space.
✓ Why Go:
Roomy seating and backyard energy make it perfect for groups and casual hangs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekends or weeknights for easier tables.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mixed meat sampler to try sauces side by side; look for seasonal frozen drinks on hot days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Known for a fun vibe and solid smoke—people linger for hours with friends.
10. Virgil's Real Barbecue
A Times Square mainstay serving Southern staples—brisket, pulled pork, and classic sides—ideal for pre- and post-theater appetites.
✓ Why Go:
Central, reliable, and roomy, it’s an easy BBQ fix in the heart of Midtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner or weekday evenings for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for upstairs seating for a calmer meal and share a rib-and-brisket combo to cover your bases.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the big portions and quick service, noting it exceeds expectations for a tourist zone staple.
