Pennsylvania's BBQ Trail: 10 Top Smokehouses Across the State

This Guide Highlights 10 Top Destinations For Bbq 

Ready your napkins – Pennsylvania's barbecue scene is fired up and delivering serious flavor! While the state might be famous for cheesesteaks and pretzels, a passionate BBQ culture is smoking across its diverse regions. From family-run joints steeped in generations of tradition to modern hotspots putting unique twists on regional styles, Pennsylvania offers unforgettable experiences for smoked meat lovers.

Pennsylvania's Top 10 Destinations for BBQ:

1. Red Rock BBQ and Ice Cream (Susquehanna, PA)

   • Vibe: A beloved local staple since 2016 with a quintessential Southern atmosphere. Expect friendly service and a casual setting.
   • Must-Try: Slow-smoked classics like brisket and pulled pork. Don't forget a scoop of their homemade ice cream for dessert.
   • Address: 33288 PA-171, Susquehanna, PA 18847

2. DB's Smokin' BBQ (Near Cook Forest State Park)

   • Vibe: A pilgrimage-worthy roadside sanctuary for smoked meat lovers traveling Route 66 near Cook Forest. Simple, focused, and delicious.
   • Must-Try: Tender ribs dripping with smoky flavor are the star here.
   • Address: Located on SR 66 (Specific address not provided, look for the roadside stand).

3. Holy Que Smokehouse (Lahaska, PA / Bucks County)

   
   
   
   • Vibe: Bringing authentic Texas-style BBQ to the charming New Hope/Lahaska area. Dedicated to wood-fired meats and classic Texas oak smoke.
   • Must-Try: Experience their commitment to brisket and other meats smoked with minimal sauce, letting the quality shine.
   • Address: 5788 Lower York Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931

4. Hood's BBQ (Kennett Square, PA)

   • Vibe: Over 30 years of homestyle comfort from the Hood family. A legendary spot in Chester County.
   • Must-Try: Juicy pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, succulent chicken, sausage, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Their sides are equally important and delicious.
   • Address: 1664 W Doe Run Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348

5. Harvey's Main Street BBQ (Mount Joy, PA)

   
   
   
   • Vibe: A modern BBQ hotspot in Lancaster County known for its award-winning offerings and stylish setting. Features an outdoor patio.
   • Must-Try: Their award-winning chicken and ribs. Expect generous portions and crave-worthy sides.
   • Address: 304 E Main St, Mount Joy, PA 17552

6. Route 66 BBQ and Wood-Fired Pizza (Apollo, PA)

   • Vibe: A unique eatery offering the best of both worlds: hickory-smoked BBQ and wood-fired pizzas. Serious about their "low and slow" philosophy.
   • Must-Try: Sample their signature smoked meats or grab a crispy pizza. Order early, as they often sell out.
   • Address: 4903 PA-66, Apollo, PA 15613

7. Rocky's BBQ (Columbia, PA / Lancaster County)

   • Vibe: Blending traditional Southern BBQ techniques with a distinctive Lancaster County flair for a unique flavor profile.
   • Must-Try: Their perfectly smoked meats enhanced by hand-crafted rubs and sauces.
   • Address: 28 N 3rd St, Columbia, PA 17512

8. Poulich Pit BBQ (New Stanton, PA)

   • Vibe: Focused on flavor, with housemade sauces and rubs taking center stage in Western Pennsylvania.
   • Must-Try: Tender pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken, complemented by their sweet and savory baked beans.
   • Address: 604 S Center Ave, New Stanton, PA 15672

9. Big Daddy'z BBQ and Grill (Folsom, PA / Delco)

   • Vibe: A welcoming, down-home spot in Delaware County with a convenient counter-service setup.
   • Must-Try: The pulled pork is a highlight, alongside their popular mac and cheese. Expect friendly service.
   • Address: 606 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033

10. Zig Zag BBQ (Kensington, Philadelphia, PA)

    • Vibe: Bringing authentic Texas-style BBQ, particularly brisket, to Philly's Kensington neighborhood.
    • Must-Try: Chef Mat Lang's mastery of brisket (offering different varieties), plus smoked sausage, pork, wings, and even a vegan BBQ sandwich.
    • Address: 2111 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Pennsylvania's barbecue scene is smokin' hot and ready to be explored. From the authentic Texas traditions found at Holy Que and Zig Zag to the unique regional twists at Rocky's and the classic comfort of Hood's and Big Daddy'z, the Keystone State offers a diverse and delicious BBQ trail. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these top 10 spots provide a fantastic starting point for your Pennsylvania barbecue adventure. Let the smoky journey beg

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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff

Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places in Philly for great food, entertainment, and more.

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