3 of THE BEST Barbecue Restaurants in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s barbecue scene sizzles with three standout spots: 

Tastefully Blessed Smokehouse in Pittsburgh delivers fall-off-the-bone brisket and smoked Gouda mac, while Hood’s BBQ in Kennett Square serves caramelized burnt ends drenched in secret sauce. Philly’s Sweet Lucy’s charms with hickory-smoked salmon Po’Boys and a lively DIY condiment bar.

Let’s get messy!

♨️ Tastefully Blessed Smokehouse & Catering

Pittsburgh’s BBQ scene just got spicier!

This family-owned smokehouse slings fall-off-the-bone meats and sides so good, they’ll make you wanna two-step. 🎶

Tastefully Blessed

From melt-in-your-mouth brisket to legendary mac ’n’ cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion. Don’t sleep on the sauces—they’re the secret weapon.

Food Highlights

  • Texas Smoked Prime Brisket: Juicy, smoky, and crowned “#1 most liked” by regulars. Perfectly charred edges meet buttery tenderness. 🥩💨
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich: Toasted bun + Carolina-style pork = a tangy, messy masterpiece. Reviewers call it “better than the South.” 🐖🥪
  • Smoked Gouda Mac: Creamy, cheesy, and stupidly addictive. Fans beg for the recipe (they won’t share it). 🧀😍
  • Brisket Quesadilla: Loaded with tender meat and gooey cheese. One Yelper said it’s “grilled to perfection” with a side of ranch raves. 🌯🔥
  • Black and Gold Smasher: A double cheeseburger upgraded with brisket. “Ungodly amount of meat,” raved a globetrotter. 🍔💛🖤
  • Banana Pudding: Sweet, creamy, and almost stolen from the menu by eager dessert thieves. 🍌🥄

Atmosphere

Think backyard cookout with a side of nostalgia. 🪑🌳

The vibe is chill, the staff treats you like family, and the smell of hickory smoke slaps you at the door. Self-serve sauce bar? Oh yeah.

Wheelchair-friendly parking? Check. Just don’t wear white—this BBQ plays dirty. 😉

Why It’s One of the Best in Pennsylvania

Portions? Generous. Flavors? Bold. Service? Faster than a hungry pitmaster.

They’ve mastered smoked meats since 2018, earning shoutouts for “best BBQ in Pittsburgh” and a dessert spread that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Come hungry, leave blessed. 🙌

Address: 950 Pittsburgh Street, Springdale, PA 🔥

♨️ Hood’s BBQ

Craving smoky perfection?

Hood’s BBQ in Kennett Square, PA, slings homemade comfort food that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance 🕺.

Family-owned for 30+ years, this joint masters the art of low-and-slow meats drenched in their legendary “Awesome Sauce” 🍖💥.

Jenn

Think crispy burnt ends, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and sandwiches so stacked, you’ll need two hands (and extra napkins).

Food Highlights

  • The “Hoodie” Sandwich: Pulled pork drenched in tangy BBQ sauce, melted sharp provolone, and crunchy coleslaw piled on a Kaiser roll. A messy masterpiece!
  • Burnt Ends: Tender, caramelized beef chunks with a smoky bark—perfect for sauce-dipping enthusiasts.
  • Baby Back Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed with Hood’s signature sauce. Finger-licking mandatory.
  • Smoked Brisket: Juicy, Texas-style slices with a peppery crust. Pair it with their “best-ever” baked beans 🥘.
  • Portobello Mushroom Cheesesteak: A veggie twist with meaty mushrooms and melty cheese—even carnivores approve.

Atmosphere

Retro-meets-rustic with TVs for game days, quirky bathroom decor, and walls plastered in local memorabilia 🎪.

Staff greet regulars by name, and the vibe is “jeans-and-a-T-shirt cozy.”

Why It’s One of the Best in Pennsylvania

Hood’s nails the trifecta: bold flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe.

Their 30-year legacy and PhillyBite Magazine’s top-10 ranking prove they’re not just hype.

Bonus: Grab bottles of their famous sauce to take home!

Address: 1664 W Doe Run Rd, Unionville, PA 19375 🗺️

Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse

Craving barbecue that’s smoky, saucy, and seriously satisfying?

Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse in Philadelphia delivers finger-licking flavors with a side of down-home charm. 🍖🎉

This joint smokes meats low and slow over hickory wood, filling the air with a scent that’ll make your stomach growl.

From melt-in-your-mouth brisket to tangy collard greens, every bite feels like a backyard cookout with your coolest friend.

Food Highlights

  • Sliced Beef Brisket: Tender, smoky, and sliced thin—perfect for piling onto rolls with pickled onions from the DIY condiment bar. Reviewers call it “juicy” and “unforgettable.” 🥩
  • Hickory Smoked Salmon Po’Boy: A Friday special featuring flaky salmon, cheddar, and creole mayo on a toasted roll. “Mouthwatering” says the crowd. 🐟
  • Spicy Collard Greens: Braised with a kick, these greens steal the show. One diner raved, “Like nothing I’ve ever had before!” 🌶️
  • Bourbon Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Rich, boozy, and topped with caramel sauce. A sweet finale that’s “worth every calorie.” 🍮
  • St. Louis Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender with a sticky glaze. Pair ’em with baked beans or garlic mashed potatoes. 🦴

Atmosphere

Step into a rustic, barn-style space with exposed beams and bluesy tunes. 🎸 The condiment bar—stocked with pickles, peppers, and cinnamon honey butter—lets you customize every plate.

Grab a seat at the bar, snag a family-style table, or order takeout for a picnic. Staff like Sue (shoutout!) keep the vibe friendly and fast.

Why It’s One of the Best in Pennsylvania

Sweet Lucy’s nails the trifecta: authentic wood-smoked meats, generous portions, and a laid-back, welcoming vibe.

Their smoked kielbasa and cornbread (moist, not dry!) keep locals and road-trippers coming back.

Plus, the all-you-can-eat Monday buffet (pre-pandemic) proves they’re here to feed crowds, not fussy foodies.

Address: 7500 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19136