Here are this years favorites.

For starters, theres a blend of old and new.

Only one opened during the fallow years of the 1980s and ’90s.

Arkansas Wright’s Barbecue

Credit:Robbie Caponetto

Texas-style brisket continues to spread across the South, winning over fans fromCharlestontoLittle Rock.

The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents.

Its proven so popular that owner Jordan Wright has added locations in Bentonville, Rogers, and Little Rock.

Big Bob Gibson

Credit:Robbie Caponetto

Among them was the Rev.

Dont skip over the burgoo: its a splendidly peppery version of Kentuckys classic barbecue stew.

Theyre joined by rotating specials like pastrami sandwiches and barbecue tacos on housemade flour tortillas.

Arkansas Wright’s Barbecue

Credit:Robbie Caponetto

The whiskey list spans hundreds of labels.

Metal platters brim with thick slices of coffee-rubbed brisket and slabs of bourbon-glazed ribs.

Our readers, however, are sticking a local icon: Arthur Bryants.

Big John’s Alabama Barbecue

Credit: Robert Moss

The building has been expanded several times over the decades, and they do take credit cards now.

The offering blends competition stylesthin-sliced brisket, neatly-trimmed ribswith a few Oklahoma specialties like smoked bologna and hot links.

facebook.com/rollinsmokewv; 4008 Crede Dr, Charleston, WV 25302; 304-965-0808

Southern Soul Barbeque in Georgia

Credit:Wynn Myers

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

The Joint New Orleans

Credit:Cedric Angeles

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar

Credit:Courtesy Of Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar

Pork sandwich

Credit:The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

Lexington Barbecue

Credit:Robbie Caponetto

Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ

Credit:Elizabeth Lavin

Lewis Barbecue in South Carolina

Credit:Andrew Cebulka

Charlie Vergos Rendezvous in Memphis, TN

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas

Credit:Drew Anthony Smith

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que williamsburg virginia

Credit: Corey Miller Photo

Rollin' Smoke BBQ in Charleston, West Virginia

Credit:Cheryl Zibisky