3 Must-Watch BBQ Shows on Netflix
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One of the best ways to introduce people to the world of barbecue is through television shows and movies. Through these barbecue programs, you not only learn about complex techniques but you also get to know the outsized personalities of pitmasters. The number of barbecue-focused programs that used to air on the Food Network and other cable channels has dwindled over the years, but thankfully streaming services like Netflix have begun to pick up the slack.
Here are three barbecue-related shows on Netflix you should watch if you want to get a taste of some of the most important names in American barbecue.
Tootsie Tomanetz of Snow’s BBQ is featured in Chef’s Table: BBQ.
Chef’s Table: BBQ
The new season of Chef’s Table just debuted on Wednesday, and this season highlights the mouth-watering world of barbecue in the U.S. and around the world. Two of the season’s episodes feature quintessential American pitmasters Tootsie Tomanetz of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Texas and Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both in person, and it’s awesome to see these two legends get profiled by this immersive program. Watch the show here.
Carey Bringle (right) of Peg Leg Porker is one of the many pitmasters featured in Ugly Delicious on Netflix.
Ugly Delicious
David Chang’s Ugly Delicious dedicated the fifth episode of its first season to American barbecue, spending time with pitmasters like Mike Mills of 17th St BBQ in IL, Elliott Moss of Buxton Hall Barbecue in NC, Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker in TN, and Adam Perry Lang of APL BBQ in Los Angeles. Additionally, Season 2 of Ugly Delicious features an episode dedicated to the topic of steak that features fascinating conversations with New Yorker food writer Helen Rosner and food historian Lolis Eric Elie that any die-hard meat lover will appreciate. Watch the show here.
The Queer Eye crew helps out the barbecue owners the Jones Sisters in Kansas City in an episode.
Queer Eye
The Jones sisters, Little and Shorty, of Jones Bar-B-Que in Kansas City got a big spotlight in a 2019 episode of the feel-good show Queer Eye. During the episode, the Queer Eye crew upgrades the sister’s old-school barbecue joint, including the kitchen, smoker, and patio. They also push the sisters to bottle and sell their popular barbecue sauce, which can now be found in their online store. Warning: this is the type of program that might make you shed a tear because it shows authentic, hard-working people receive long-deserved praise and respect. Watch the show here.
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On top of these three shows, I would also highly recommend watching the Netflix original drama Uncorked, which centers around a Memphis BBQ family at a crossroads. We also have The American Barbecue Showdown TV show to look forward to soon, which will debut on Netflix on Friday, September 18.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT
Red White & Que Smokehouse in NJ has just reopened after a fire and is sporting a new look to celebrate.
Here are the top BBQ and related food news stories you need to know about this week:
Red White & Que Smokehouse, one of New Jersey’s best barbecue joints, reopened its doors on Thursday. Back in June, one of the restaurant’s smokers caught fire and caused damage. But the joint is back and ready to rock with a new smoker and new look outside.
Newsday has released a list of the best BBQ joints to seek out good pork ribs. The list includes Backyard Barbeque, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Smōk-Hau̇s, and Green Hill Kitchen.
New York City still doesn’t have an indoor dining plan, despite temperatures beginning to drop in the city. Despite widespread restaurant layoffs, a 20% unemployment rate, and a $2 billion class-action lawsuit over an indefinite indoor dining ban, Mayor Bill de Blasio said a decision hasn’t been made yet. He said a plan would be revealed during “the month of September,” Eater NY reports.
Big Barlow's BBQ in Barnegat, NJ will soon move to a larger location across Route 9 in the plaza that previously featured Shore Fire Grille. The new Big Barlow's location will include 40 seats, a bigger kitchen, more parking, and additional room for events and live music (when those are allowed to resume).
After both storefronts closed, the owners of Oink and Moo BBQ and Brew in Hampton, NJ, and Main Street Gourmet Deli in Somerville, NJ decided to team up. Oink and Moo BBQ had actually closed its brick-and-mortar on Aug. 16, but it will reopen in Somerville, at the location of the now-closed Main Street Gourmet Deli. The new Oink and Moo will feature slow-smoked barbecue meats, and it is targeting an opening in mid-September or early October.
Finally, in a bit of fun news: the coronavirus pandemic may have canceled the New York State Fair, but the fair’s annual butter sculpture lives on with its latest creation revealed for 2020. It’s a very “2020” sculpture that includes virtual learning and mask-wearing.
IRL BBQ EVENTS
Pig Island NYC is returning next Saturday as a fun “socially distanced picnic” that will be more spaced out but still have awesome food. Don't miss this!
September 12, 2020: At Pig Island NYC 2020, this year’s event will be a socially distanced picnic at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island. Come enjoy food and drinks at this 84-acre outdoor space. Buy tickets here.
November 7, 2020: The Forest Hills Wings Fest, perfect for anyone who loves chicken wings and beer, is scheduled for November at Cobblestones Pub & Biergarten in Forest Hills, Queens. Lots of wings will be available to try and more. Buy tickets here.
January 30, 2021: The 11th Annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival will be back at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. The event focuses on bourbon and beer tastings, along with multiple barbecue joints serving up lots of excellent smoked meats. Buy tickets here.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, information concerning events in NYC is subject to change, and events may be rescheduled. Click the button below to see the latest up-to-date information. CHECK OUT THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR HERE
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