Finding the best BBQ in New York City is a task for the truly hungry. If you’ve ever tried eating brisket in the middle of Manhattan or discovered a table crowded with sizzling short ribs at midnight in Koreatown, you know this city is full of surprises. When I first set out to track down the top BBQ spots, I thought it would be a simple matter of ribs and sauce. Instead, I found everything from smoky Texas classics to tableside Korean feasts and even the kind of slow-cooked beef that lingers in your memory.
New York’s BBQ scene is like a passport through fire, smoke, and seriously good flavor. There’s no reason you should waste time or appetite on the wrong plate of ‘cue, so everything here is designed to steer you straight to tender brisket, juicy ribs, and unforgettable sides. Whether you want Southern style, Brazilian churrasco, or Korean BBQ where you cook the meat yourself, you’re about to unlock the city’s top picks—some famous, others waiting to be discovered. Let’s get into it.
Where to find the best bbq in New York City, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in New York City, NY:
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
- Jongro BBQ
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Virgil’s Real BBQ – NYC
- Hill Country Barbecue Market
- Baekjeong NYC
- Churrascaria Plataforma
- COTE Korean Steakhouse
- Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem packs the kind of smoky charm that turns casual BBQ fans into loyal fans. The first time I ducked under the Riverside Drive Viaduct and walked into this bustling spot, blues music and the aroma of slow-cooked meat made it clear that I’d found something special. The energy here feels like a laid-back southern cookout, complete with rustic décor and a crowd that always seems to be having a great time.
What really sets Dinosaur apart is their devotion to proper smoking techniques and house-made sauces. Each bite feels deliberate, from the tender brisket to the perfectly glazed chicken. The pulled pork sandwich balances smokiness and tang, and the St. Louis ribs are a standout—rich, meaty, and finished with just the right amount of char.
For a side, you can’t miss the mac and cheese, which lands somewhere between comfort food and obsession. Order a combo plate if you’re unsure; it’s the easiest way to taste the best of their BBQ lineup. This spot keeps things simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—just what good BBQ should be.
2. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque has nailed that sweet spot between New York attitude and serious, slow-smoked tradition. The first time I walked in, the rich aroma hit before I’d even eyed the menu, and the line moved fast—everyone there knows what they want. This place keeps it classic with a focus on pure technique and quality cuts.
The brisket is the star—tender, perfectly trimmed, with just enough bark to keep every bite interesting. Spare ribs also shine, with spice rub that adds depth instead of overpowering. The sides here deserve mention too: fluffy sweet potato casserole and tangy slaw round out the meal without upstaging the meats.
Try a combo platter if you’re torn; it gives you brisket, ribs, and pulled chicken, each with its own character. Drinks range from sweet tea to crisp local beers, and everything comes out quick, hot, and satisfying. For BBQ with no frills but plenty of flavor, Mighty Quinn’s is a local secret that deserves to be shared.
3. Jongro BBQ
Jongro BBQ is the kind of spot that makes group dinners something to look forward to. Stepping into its lively Koreatown dining room, you’re greeted by a buzz that’s as inviting as the aroma of sizzling, marinated beef. My first visit felt more like a celebration than a meal—a result of both the attentive staff and the interactive, tableside grilling.
What sets Jongro apart is their commitment to quality cuts, prepared the traditional Korean way. Their famous beef short ribs come richly marbled and ready to sear, while the thinly sliced brisket develops a smoky char right on your grill. Each platter arrives with a colorful lineup of banchan, making the meal a discovery in every bite.
If you’re new, go for the Jongro Combo—it’s a curated mix of their finest beef, enough to make any dinner feel like a special occasion. Jongro proves that in a city packed with BBQ options, authentic Korean flavors and a bit of DIY grilling go a long way.
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Times Square turns any average night into a social, sizzle-filled event. My time there started with a table full of friends and ended with that smoky, savory satisfaction you chase all week. The experience here is hands-on, with each guest grilling premium cuts right at the table—which keeps conversation flowing and plates refreshed.
Gyu-Kaku shines because of quality and range. The Harami Skirt Steak in miso marinade is their runaway favorite—juicy, flavorful, and quick to cook. If you want a classic, the Certified Angus Kalbi Short Rib in Tare Soy marinade is rich and tender every time. Add a plate of garlic shrimp or vegetables for balance.
Don’t miss the set menus, which bundle all the best sellers for stress-free sharing. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a lively meal, Gyu-Kaku combines New York buzz with Japanese culinary style better than anywhere else in the city.
5. Virgil’s Real BBQ – NYC
Virgil’s Real BBQ is a rare find in Times Square—unpretentious, soulful, and lined with the kind of regulars every great barbecue spot attracts. On a winter afternoon, I ducked inside and was met by the smell of slow-smoked brisket that felt straight out of the South. Virgil’s captures that old-school, all-are-welcome barbecue hall energy, but manages to keep things focused on the food.
The Carolina Pulled Pork stands out for its tenderness and tangy sauce, while the brisket arrives with a gorgeous smoke ring and plenty of flavor. Their burnt ends are a must if you want something with serious depth. For sides, creamy slaw and baked beans pair perfectly and round out the meal.
This is where you come for classic BBQ, cooked with patience, and served with genuine hospitality—no Times Square gimmicks required.
6. Hill Country Barbecue Market
Hill Country Barbecue Market takes you right to Texas without leaving Manhattan. My first visit was a lesson in patience as I waited in line, the scent of post oak smoke drifting across the room. Here, BBQ is served market-style—by weight, cut to order, loud and proud about its roots.
The moist brisket is the clear standout, sliced to reveal a smoke ring and a thick, peppery bark. Spare ribs and smoked turkey offer plenty for variety seekers, while sides like longhorn cheddar mac and collard greens keep things balanced. The informal setup means you can pile your tray as high as you like.
If you want big, bold flavors in a setting that feels straight out of Austin, Hill Country delivers every time. Live music only adds to the charm.
7. Baekjeong NYC
Baekjeong NYC has a reputation for energizing every night out, and after my first trip, I understood why. The room hums with the sound of laughter, grills sizzling at every table, and servers handling charcoal with a rhythm that keeps things moving. It’s the only spot where I’ve seen lines outside even on rainy Mondays—people know it’s worth the wait.
The premium cuts are the main event, especially the thinly sliced beef brisket and marinated short ribs that caramelize right before your eyes. Each grill comes with corn cheese and egg custard bubbling around the edges, adding another layer to the experience.
If you’re new, opt for a set menu to sample it all. Every element, from the house-made dipping sauces to the inventive banchan, shows why Baekjeong is a Koreatown favorite. Here, Korean BBQ becomes a feast meant for sharing—and remembering.
8. Churrascaria Plataforma
Churrascaria Plataforma is the kind of place where your plate—and your appetite—never have to settle. My first visit felt like a celebration, with a parade of servers offering skewers of expertly grilled meats right at the table. This is classic Rodizio: protein options that keep coming until you flip that chip to red.
The beef selections steal the spotlight, especially the juicy sirloin and rich brisket, each carved fresh and finished with a perfect sear. Go easy on the stunning salad bar; you’ll want room for all those meats. Even seasoned BBQ fans find something new among the array of flavors and textures rotating through the dining room.
If you’re in the mood for a feast with endless variety and lively energy, Plataforma turns dinner into an experience—no passport to Brazil required.
9. COTE Korean Steakhouse
+1 212-401-7986
See Menu
COTE Korean Steakhouse feels part theatrical, part culinary masterclass. My first dinner there was a mix of anticipation and spectacle, with servers expertly tending smokeless grills as platters of gleaming, dry-aged beef arrived at the table. It’s the rare spot combining the precision of a high-end steakhouse and the energy of classic Korean BBQ.
The “Butcher’s Feast” is the centerpiece—creative presentations of several USDA Prime cuts, flanked by vibrant banchan and a comforting egg soufflé. Watching the staff grill each slice to its sweet spot is half the fun. The thoughtful wine list stretches beyond expectation, perfect for that celebratory mood or just a Tuesday treat.
COTE stands out by elevating every element of the BBQ experience, from impeccable cuts to genuine hospitality. For anyone looking to taste how Korean technique meets New York ambition, this is the city’s blueprint.
10. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque in the West Village holds the same draw as their East Village outpost: a sidewalk aroma that stops you mid-stride and a menu built for BBQ purists. My last visit started with just a plan for a quick bite, but the brisket and warm atmosphere made me stay much longer than expected. The beauty here is in the details—smoke rings, tender cuts, and genuine, unfussy service.
Brisket is essential—it’s juicy and full of deep, peppery flavor, always balanced by a light touch of post oak smoke. Spare ribs are just as reliable, holding their own with the right blend of spice and tenderness. The chef-driven sides, like sweet potato casserole and slaw, make even a simple meal feel complete.
If you’re indecisive, order a combo to get the table talking and your taste buds working overtime. Mighty Quinn’s shows that great BBQ can be both simple and memorable, no matter how busy the city outside gets.
More Things to Try in New York City, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What BBQ styles can I find in New York City?
You’ll find everything from classic Texas brisket and Southern-style ribs to Korean BBQ and Brazilian rodizio. NYC’s BBQ scene covers a surprising range of traditions, each spot adding its own spin.
Which NYC BBQ restaurants are known for their brisket?
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Hill Country Barbecue Market, and Virgil’s Real BBQ each serve up brisket that’s flavorful, tender, and consistently praised by regulars.
Can I get halal or vegetarian-friendly BBQ in NYC?
Yes, several places provide halal options—always call ahead to confirm. Many spots offer grilled fish, tofu, or vegetable platters and clearly mark vegetarian selections.
Is BBQ in NYC more expensive than in other cities?
Prices in NYC can be higher, but you get what you pay for: quality meats, inventive sides, and vibrant atmospheres. You’ll also find deals at lunch or through combo platters.
Do NYC BBQ places offer takeout or delivery?
Most top BBQ restaurants offer both takeout and delivery. It’s a popular way to enjoy smoked favorites at home or at the park.
