Minnesota’s barbecue scene simmers with bold flavors and smoky secrets, where pitmasters transform humble cuts into slow-crafted masterpieces.
Charred bark crackles, tangy sauces sing, and every bite whispers of fire-kissed tradition meeting Midwestern ingenuity—a feast for newcomers and locals alike.
♨️ Big Bore Barbecue
Hold onto your napkins, BBQ lovers! 🐖🔥
Big Bore Barbecue in Hanover, MN, is where smoke meets swagger and every bite feels like a flavor rodeo.
This wood-fired, Texas-inspired joint slings dry-rubbed meats so tender, they’ll make you question every other BBQ joint you’ve tried.
With heaping plates, lively vibes, and sauces that pack a punch, it’s a carnivore’s carnival. Pro tip: come hungry, leave blissfully messy! 🍖🎉
Food Highlights
- Brisket Melt: Piled high with melt-in-your-mouth brisket, onion rings, three cheeses, and tangy BBQ sauce on griddled sourdough. A handheld masterpiece that’s become a fan favorite for its juicy, smoky layers.
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Cubed, flash-fried, and drenched in sweet sauce atop crispy onions. A caramelized, meaty delight hailed as “heaven on a plate” by regulars.
- Fat Back Mac & Cheese: Loaded with chopped brisket, pulled pork, bacon, and a fried egg. Creamy, decadent, and borderline life-changing.
- Baby Back Ribs: Dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Consistently called “the best ribs in Minnesota” by locals and travelers alike.
- Smoked Chicken Wings: Dry-rubbed and smoked to perfection. Crispy skin, juicy meat—no sauce needed (but dip ’em anyway!).
- BBQ Sundae: Pulled pork, beans, mac and cheese, slaw, and a rib stacked in a mason jar. A playful, shareable feast that’s as fun as it is filling.
Atmosphere
Step into a rustic, woodsy haven with picnic tables, playful signage, and the scent of hickory smoke wafting through the air.
TVs buzz with sports, country tunes set the mood, and the bustling open kitchen adds energy.
Outdoor fire pits warm chilly nights, while the friendly staff keeps beers flowing. It’s casual, communal, and unapologetically loud—perfect for rib-fueled revelry.
Why It’s One of the Best in Minnesota
Big Bore doesn’t just serve BBQ—it delivers an experience. Meats are sourced from local farms, smoked low-and-slow, and sauced with house-made blends that balance sweet, tangy, and heat.
Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and the vibe is pure Minnesota hospitality.
Whether you’re a brisket buff or a mac-and-cheese maniac, this spot proves great BBQ isn’t just a Southern thing.
Address: 10940 4th St NE, Hanover, MN 55341
♨️ Smoke Session BBQ
Craving next-level barbecue that’ll make your taste buds throw a party? Smoke Session BBQ in St. Paul rolls up in a fiery-red food truck 🚚🔥, slinging Texas-style smoked meats so tender they’ll have you texting your friends immediately.
Think melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pork belly that’s basically meat candy, and sausages with a Hmong-inspired kick 🌶️.
This spot doesn’t just serve food—it delivers a smoky, savory spectacle that’ll turn first-timers into regulars.
Pro tip: Arrive early—this mobile gem sells out faster than a concert headline act 🎟️💨.
Food Highlights
- Brisket: Juicy, buttery, and smoked to perfection with a caramelized bark that crackles like a campfire. Reviewers call it “heaven on a plate” 🥩✨.
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Glazed chunks of fat-rendered bliss with a sticky-sweet crust that’ll have you licking the box 🤤.
- Hmong Sausage: A garlicky, herb-packed mystery meat that regulars obsess over—order extra to avoid regret 🌭.
- Beef Short Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone giants with a smoky depth that rivals Texas pitmasters 🦴🔥.
Atmosphere
This isn’t a fancy sit-down joint—it’s a no-frills, high-flavor experience served from a bustling food truck.
Chat with fellow meat enthusiasts in line, soak in the smoky aromas, and watch your order get freshly sliced. The vibe? Pure unpretentious BBQ joy with a side of Minnesota nice 🍖❤️.
Why It’s One of the Best in Minnesota
Smoke Session masters the art of low-and-slow smoking, earning shoutouts from locals and Texas transplants alike.
Their meats balance bold flavors with delicate textures, and their limited menu means every dish gets obsessive attention.
For a taste of authentic, soul-warming barbecue without the flight to Austin, this truck is a must-visit.
Address: 1590 White Bear Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55109