The Best Black-Owned Barbecue Joints in the Country

July 4 is supposed to be a celebration of our nation’s independence. But who are we kidding? Everyone knows that it’s really all about grillin’ and chillin’. But if you aren’t so great on the grill, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to get great food in every corner of the country.

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Whether you call it barbecue, BBQ, bar-b-que or something totally different, we’ve rounded up some of the best Black-owned places to get finger-licking good food this Fourth of July and beyond.

Cozy Corner BBQ – Memphis, TN

Cozy Corner BBQ has been serving authentic barbecue in Memphis since 1977. With a simple menu that includes, ribs, chicken, Cornish hen and a few sides, they clearly know what works – one of the reasons why owner Desiree Robinson made history as the first woman to be inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame.

LC’s Bar-B-Q – Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is known for it’s barbecue, and LC’s Bar-B-Q is one of the best places to get ribs in town. But just as famous as their meat is their award-winning sauce, which is available for sale on the restaurant’s website.

Jones Bar-B-Q – Kansas City, MO

Barbecue is a family affair at Jones Bar-B-Q in Kansas City. The restaurant is owned and operated by sisters Mary “Shorty” and Deborah “Little” Jones, who grew up watching their dad, Leavy B. Jones Sr., on the grill. Now, the two are carrying on the legacy he started back in 1970.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Charleston, SC

With locations throughout the South, including Charleston, Atlanta and Birmingham, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is all about celebrating his love for great barbecue. Scott has been working the grill since he was 11-years-old, and he hasn’t stopped cooking good food since.

Lem’s Bar-B-Q – Chicago, IL

If you’re looking for the best rib tips in Chicago, look no further than Lem’s Bar-B-Q. Brothers and chefs Bruce and Myles Lemons opened their first store on the city’s south side in 1954 and folks haven’t stopped coming back since. The secret to their success has to be the sauce, which is available to purchase by the gallon. Trust us, you’re going to want some for yourself.

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner – Marianna, AR

If you’re anywhere near Marianna, Arkansas, do yourself a favor and stop by Jones Bar-B-Q Diner. Arkansas’ first restaurant to win the coveted James Beard Award in 2012, people come from all across the world to try their pulled pork. Current owner, James H. Jones is the third generation of his family to run the restaurant, one of the oldest Black-owned restaurants in the country.

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que – Dallas, TX

Dallas, Texas’ Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que advertises Good Meat, Good Sides, Good Vibes. And that’s exactly what this family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up since 1976.

Everett & Jones Barbecue – Oakland, CA

Dorothy Everett, her eight daughters, one son and one son-in-law (which is where the Jones comes in) started Everett & Jones Barbecue in Oakland, California in 1973. Without money for advertising, the family relied on word of mouth for their first customers, and it paid off. The business has since grown to six locations in the Bay Area.

DCity Smokehouse – Washington D.C

Named one of Thrillist’s 15 Best New BBQ Joints in America in 2014, DCity Smokehouse is one of the best places for barbecue in the nation’s capital. While their wings, brisket and pulled pork are out of this world, you won’t want to miss out on their sides, including fried Brussels sprouts, jalapeño cheddar grits and spiced fries.

Miss Essie’s BBQ – Murray, UT

You might not think of Utah as the best place to get barbecue, but Miss Essie’s BBQ is worth the trip. Their 100-year-old family sauce recipe can’t be beat.

Kenny’s Q Bar-B-Q – Inglewood, CA

When in Southern California, Kenny’s Q Bar-B-Q is the place to be.

Bobbee O’s BBQ – Charlotte. NC

Since 2008, Bobbee O’s BBQ has been a Charlotte, NC institution and the place to go for great barbecue.

Burns Original BBQ – Houston, TX

Since 1973, Burns Original BBQ has been making hungry customers happy. Known as one of the best places for barbecue in the Houston area, their signature rib sandwich is not to be missed.