These Are The 9 Best BBQ Bites In NYC
The burnt ends at John Brown Smokehouse in Long Island City, Queens are mouth watering.
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Last week, I was interviewed on the Man Meat BBQ podcast to discuss The Smoke Sheet, the national BBQ newsletter I co-founded, and my work documenting the best barbecue in NYC. I was joined by my Smoke Sheet co-founder Ryan Cooper, and we were happy to take part in the lengthy conversation with host Mikey Kay.
During the interview, I outlined some of my favorite BBQ bites in the country, from Kansas City to Austin to, of course, New York. We also discussed the future of barbecue and broad trends we’re seeing across the U.S. and the world.
While we talked about a lot of great food around the country, I didn’t get to mention some of my favorite barbecue items at the many excellent barbecue restaurants we have here in New York. So I’m taking this moment to spotlight a few of my top items to eat at some of NYC’s best BBQ joints, in no specific order.
Beef ribs / brisket from Hometown Bar-B-Que
Burgers from Pig Beach / Pig Bleecker
This list is far from comprehensive, and it’s hard to pick from so many standouts at each restaurant. But I can tell you with near certainty that if you order any of these items, you’ll be happy with it.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT
Mighty Quinn’s is working to expand its presence around the country with new franchise deals.
New York-based barbecue chain Mighty Quinn’s has big expansion plans for 2019. A deal has already been struck to open three locations in Long Island, with the first location expected to open in late 2019. The company is also openly talking with possible franchisees in other U.S. cities.
Lincoln Barbecue, a joint in Mount Vernon (just north of NYC), has reopened less than a year after a devastating fire gutted the restaurant, according to the New Rochelle Daily Voice.
Red Hook Tavern, Hometown Deli, and Au Cheval were all listed in Eater New York's 15 most anticipated openings this winter. The first two are projects from Hometown Bar-B-Que's Billy Durney, while the third will be the NY outpost of the Chicago restaurant that serves one of the best burgers in the country.
IRL BBQ
January 26: The eighth annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival takes place on the west side of Manhattan. It will feature two sessions, with the first (The Bacon and The Beast) happening from 12 to 4 p.m. and the second (The Whole Hog Pickin’ Session) happening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. More than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and several BBQ vendors will be available. Buy tickets here.
January 26: The third annual Best of Brooklyn Food & Beer Festivalwill take place in Industry City, Brooklyn. It will feature a collection of Brooklyn's best craft brews, food tastings from more than 20 top chefs, music from curated DJs, and more. Buy tickets here.
January 26: The 11th Annual Cassoulet Cookoff will take place at Biba in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from 1 to 4 p.m. Cassoulet is the ultimate winter dish. Typically it is a slow-cooked casserole containing meat, pork skin, and white beans, but here it will be made in many different ways. The event will include 10+ cassoulets and a wide selection of cider, craft beer, wine, and whiskey. Buy tickets here.
January 27: Kimchi Smoke’s Robert Austin Cho will be hosting a ”Chomakase Tasting Session” at his New Jersey restaurant, which will feature five courses and dessert. Buy tickets here.
February 1: Enjoy a wide selection of whiskeys and spirits at the Jersey City Whiskey and Spirits Festival, held at the Harborside Atrium. It will include beautiful skyline views, live music, games, and food for purchase. Buy tickets here.
February 2: Get warmed up in Brooklyn with unlimited seasonal craft beers, spiked drinks, and delicious food at the NYC Winter Warmer, held at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Food vendors include Memphis Seoul, Empanada Papa, Brooklyn Baked & Fried, Angry Archie’s, and more. Buy tickets here.
SAY HELLO
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