Your Guide to the Ultimate Barbecue Road Trip

New Orleans has been on a bit of a barbecue craze since Hogs for the Cause took root in the city and local chefs began trying their hands at barbecue. The Times-Picayune recently devoted a dining guide to the food genre, which is huge considering that barbecue was mostly nonexistent (or rarely worth talking about) in the memorable past.

Eater is here with your guide to exploring barbecue outside of our fair city. The cool thing is that tons of barbecue spots live just off highways, making them perfect road-trip food even if they aren’t your final destination. But, really, why not make them your final destination?

This guide starts off with an overview of American regional styles of barbecue. After that, it digs a little deeper into Texas, Charleston, Atlanta, and Louisville. Consider this guide the jumping off point to exploring the United States of barbecue.

So, pack your bag and grab your keys. Here now, Eater presents the ultimate guide to exploring U.S. barbecue regions.

---

The American Barbecue Regional Style Guide

First, a primer. People argue for one style of barbecue or another, but it is precisely because of the diversity of form that it can be considered a true American cuisine. Here’s a handy dandy guide to the types of barbecue across the United States.

The 23 Essential Barbecue Dishes Across the Country (And Where to Find the Best Versions)

Eater critic Bill Addison tastes Brunswick stew at Southern Soul, located on Saint Simons Island, a getaway destination about 85 miles south of Savannah. He talks up the short ribs at Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Texas. And more. It’s your bucket list of barbecue dishes across the country.

The Best Barbecue Spots in Texas Hill Country

The region is more than just areas for antiquing, swimming, hiking, and posing with bluebonnets.

The Essential Barbecue Restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth

Here’s your guide to all the smoked meat goodness in our the Dallas-Forth Worth area.

The Best Bets for Barbecue in Charleston

Charleston is all about beach, history, seafood, Gullah cuisine, and pork barbecue. Here are the top spots in Charleston for barbecue.

A Guide to Atlanta Barbecue

Whether you’re here for a layover or you’re just driving through, Atlanta has some great places for barbecue.

A Guide to Exploring All the Kinds of Barbecue in Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is pretty famous for its mutton barbecue, but Louisville is less connected to one style of barbecue. Instead, diners will find everything from Kansas City to Western Kentucky to "Texican" style.