Delicious BBQ Joints to Try in Minnesota
Many enterprising folks throughout Minnesota have experimented with the best smoking and grilling styles for all kinds of meats. You may call it “St. Louis,” “Carolina,” “Memphis,” “Texas,” or “Carribbean,” but in Minnesota, we do barbecue our own way—and it’s delicious. Here are the best barbecue joints in the state.
OMC Smokehouse, Duluth, MN
It’s been a while since there was a locally-owned, non-chain barbecue joint in Duluth. Thankfully the wait is over. Pulled pork, brisket, chicken, ribs? OMC has all the classics, served up in fresh, house-made, classic styles. Throw in some jalapeño grits to take your meal up a notch and keep your belly full for the rest of the evening.
Piggy Blues BBQ, Austin, MN
Austin is the home of Hormel, famous for making Spam, bacon, and other delicious pig-based products. But if you really want to explore the deliciousness of pork in Austin, you’ve got to saunter into Piggy Blues BBQ. Order the Smoky Smorgasboard to try a little bit of everything.
Market Bar-B-Que, Minneapolis, MN
Market has been one of the best for a long, long time. It’s a dry barbecue with a deep, smoky flavor that is designed NOT to fall off the bone. Bring your teeth and tastebuds—Market will supply the sauce, coleslaw, and toast. Grab a side of their greens to complete the flavor experience.
Q Fanatic BBQ and Grill, Champlin, MN
Don’t let this joint’s humble setting fool you: Q Fanatic’s barbecue is seriously and studiously prepared by its Culinary Institute of America-trained chef/owner. And it’s seriously good. Q Fanatic has steadily racked up awards and recognition as one of the best barbecue joints around. Better yet, its popularity allowed for a second location in South Minneapolis, so some of us won’t have to travel so far for our Q fix.
Smoke in the Pit, Minneapolis, MN
Smoke in the Pit has been a South Minneapolis favorite for years. It’s flavorful barbecue is cooked with Southern flair, coming out tender and smokey. In addition to their popular ribs and brisket, Smoke in the Pit also offers up turkey legs and catfish for those with a different kind of hankering.
John Hardy’s BBQ, Rochester, MN
Since the 1970s, John Hardy’s has been treating Southern Minnesota to the flavors of Southern barbecue. Although its namesake passed away in the 1980s, the restaurant and its two satellite locations continue to serve up consistently flavorful ‘que. The quality and flavor of the barbecue comes from locally-sourced meats smoked over apple and cherry wood.
C&G's Smoking Barbecue, Minneapolis, MN
For some seriously good barbecue in Minneapolis, look no further than C&G's. This incredible spot serves up all of its barbecue dinners with a choice of any two sides: fries, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans or mac and cheese. Don't miss out on their killer sandwiches like the Motor City corn beef, smoked BBQ beef brisket or their BBQ pulled pork sandwich.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Minnesota has a variety of barbecue styles influenced by different regions.
- OMC Smokehouse in Duluth offers classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
- Piggy Blues BBQ in Austin is known for its Smoky Smorgasboard featuring a variety of pork dishes.
- Market Bar-B-Que in Minneapolis serves dry barbecue with a deep, smoky flavor.
- Q Fanatic BBQ and Grill in Champlin is known for its award-winning barbecue prepared by a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef.
- Smoke in the Pit in Minneapolis offers flavorful barbecue cooked with Southern flair.
- John Hardy's BBQ in Rochester has been serving Southern barbecue in Southern Minnesota since the 1970s.
- C&G's Smoking Barbecue in Minneapolis serves up barbecue dinners with a choice of two sides and delicious sandwiches.
