Kentucky is known for barbecue, but it varies depending on the part of the state you visit or live in. Some people prefer a more ketchup based sauce, while others like a thicker, heartier type. There are so many different varities around the state you might have trouble finding a favorite.
There is no way to know without giving some a try, so here are 12 mouthwatering BBQ joint worth trying in Kentucky:
12A. Woodshed Barbecue and Restaurant.
12. Woodshed Barbecue and Restaurant food.
People flock to the Woodshed at 1821 W. 7th Street in Hopkinsville. Why? Well, because it is renowned in town for its delicious special sauce and fixings. The food is so good here you won’t get any complaints other then "we ate too much".
11A. Wildfire BBQ and Grill.
11. Wildfire BBQ and Grill.
This is a fantastic bbq joint that has people driving from all around just to eat there. Wildfire is at 105 State Street in Franklin, and has the sweetest, sauciest bbq you can ask for. Everything is cooked just right and you know as soon as you taste it, the meat literally fell off the bone.
10A. Thomason's Barbecue.
10. Thomason's Barbecue food.
This old fashioned barbecue joint is located at 701 Atkinson Street in Henderson. What sets them apart from a lot of restaurants is the fact here, you can get the whole pig or the whole chicken. You can get it sliced, shredded, or just whole. The food is mouthwatering and service always comes with a smile.
9A. Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q.
9. Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q food.
This renowned diner at 2520 Louisville Road in Bowling Green has been around a while and is a local favorite. The friendly service and out of this world sauces keep people coming back as often as budgets allow. They offer several sauce styles, mutton, pork, burgoo and fixin’s that are out of this world.
8A. Roy's Bar-B-Que.
8. Roy's Bar-B-Que food.
This top notch barbecue restaurant is located at 101 Sarah Lane in Russellville. It is known for its fast, friendly service, delicious barbecue, and… the pie. If you ask locals about Roy’s, they will say you have to try the homemade pie and melt in your mouth barbecue. There is nowhere quite like it.
7A. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.
7. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn food.
Located at 2480 W. Parrish in Owensboro, this place offers delicious bbq on a variety of meats, including mutton. As you can see from the image, the food here draws quite the crowd, and with good reason. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced.
6A. Mama Lou's Bar-B-Que.
6. Mama Lou's Bar-B-Que food.
Mama Lou’s is a town favorite at 5112 S. Jackson Hwy in Horse Cave, and the reasons are simple. Here you will find delicious food, friendly service and extremely generous portions. If you get hungry around Horse Cave, stop in Mama’s for some savory barbecue and fixin’s.
5A. Knoth's Bar-B-Que.
5. Knoth's Bar-B-Que food.
This family owned and operated restaurant has been doing bbq right for a long time. Those who doubt their powers of the sauce can come into 728 US Highway 62 E in Grand Rivers and confirm their deliciousness for themselves. The barbecue here is tangy, sweet, savory and homemade with lots of love.
4A. Hog Wild Pig Crazy BBQ.
4. Hog Wild Pig Crazy BBQ food.
If you get hog wild over barbecue, this legendary stop at 401 Loves Drive in Sparta is a must visit. They are experts at making their special sauces and sides so good people will literally go crazy over their barbecue, and keep coming back. Everything is made with a little extra love and cooked to the perfect consistency. No complaints, other then they don’t deliver.
3A. Down Home Barbecue.
3. Down Home Barbecue food.
This Bardstown bbq speciality place is located at 999 Bloomfield Road in Bardstown and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each and every thing on the menu is homemade and melts in your mouth.
2A. Bubby's BBQ.
2. Bubby's BBQ food.
Cumberland Falls is almost as well known for bbq as it is for moonbows, thanks to Bubby’s BBQ at 2700 Cumberland Falls Hwy in Corbin. If you have never been impressed with barbecue before, it is time to try Bubby’s. Their savory sauce and homemade sides will literally send your taste buds over the edge. This is a must try place.
1A. Big R's and Shannon's BBQ.
1. Big R's and Shannon's BBQ food.
This was voted the best barbecue in Oldham County and it lives up to its name. Meats are almost constantly being smoked and the flavor is unbelievable. It stays moist and melts in your mouth despite the fact the flavor is so cooked in. They are located at 213 S. First Street in Lagrange, and are well worth the visit.
Barbecue seems to be a stable in Kentucky, and those that do it, cook it just right. Each one of these restaurants has some mouth watering dishes that will literally cause cravings. Which one of the above is your favorite, or do you have a different barbecue venue for us to try?
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