There’s something quite unassuming about barbecue joints in Idaho Falls. On a road trip through the high desert, I once pulled off I-15, intent on little more than a quick lunch. The tang of mesquite and the faint sound of country tunes led me into a local BBQ spot. By the time I left, nearby tables had offered up tips about other pitmasters in town. Each spot, I was told, had its own style—from saucy brisket platters to hickory-kissed ribs that made me wish I had a second stomach. Idaho Falls isn’t known for smokehouses on the national scene, but locals take their barbecue seriously.
Choosing the right place can get overwhelming if you’ve only got a weekend or a limited hunger quota. That’s why I tackled the work for you. The following guide takes you on a slow-cooked journey through the best BBQ spots in town. Whether you crave tender brisket, crispy chicken, or a bold Korean twist, rest assured: you’re about to meet your new favorite plate.
1. Pitmaster BarBQue Company
Stepping into Pitmaster BarBQue Company, you get an immediate sense that BBQ here is more than a menu listing. Rob Harding, the owner, brings a Midwest pedigree—honed from Indiana all the way to Idaho Falls—and it shows up in the layers of flavor.
I remember the first pulled pork sandwich I tried at their Fremont Avenue spot. The bark was crisp, the smoke hit right, and there was a gentle tang that lingered, making you want more than just one helping.
Don’t skip the ribs—they’re tender but hold their shape, and the house sauce feels like a handshake from the pitmaster himself. Brisket fans will appreciate the juicy slices, best enjoyed on a quiet afternoon with good company. Pitmaster BarBQue Company manages to balance tradition with big, comforting flavors.
2. Grandpa’s Southern BBQ
Grandpa’s Southern BBQ feels like visiting family you never knew you had. The warmth inside hits as soon as you walk in, with gentle Southern hospitality blending seamlessly with the smell of low-and-slow smoking meat.
I once sat down here after an exhausting day and the server insisted I try the brisket plate. The brisket had true Southern soul—tender with hints of smoke and a spice rub that’s pure comfort. Collard greens and cornbread on the side made the meal complete.
If you like a little heat, go for their house-made BBQ sauce. But the real star, in my opinion, is the plate piled with chicken. The meat is juicy, the skin is flavorful, and the flavor lingers just enough to remind you to visit again.
3. The Frosty Gator
The Frosty Gator is where BBQ fans and sports lovers find common ground. Sports memorabilia and friendly chatter fill the space, giving it the feeling of a neighborhood hangout where everyone eventually knows your name.
I once tried their smoked wings while waiting for a game to start, and those wings stole the show. They come out smoky with just the right snap in each bite, and the house sauces let you dial up the sweet or the heat, depending on your mood.
BBQ fans shouldn’t skip their pork sandwich or brisket tacos. Both options hit the mark for tenderness and smoky depth. This isn’t fine dining—it’s a spot that just gets BBQ right and makes it fun to watch the world go by.
4. Cupbop – Korean Bbq In A Cup
Cupbop – Korean BBQ In A Cup brings a zippy twist to the BBQ scene in Idaho Falls. The moment you walk in, lively music and bold aromas set this place apart from the quieter smokehouses around town. It’s all about flavor and speed here.
I grabbed a B Bop bowl on a whim, and the flavors had none of the usual routine you might expect. Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, glass noodles, and a gentle kick from their gochujang-based sauce make for a refreshing, filling meal that hits every note—spicy, sweet, and savory.
If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ, this is a low-pressure way in. Mix the bowl your way, and crank up the spice if you can handle it. The variety makes it easy to find something crave-worthy, any day of the week.
5. Pit Master Barbeque Co
Pit Master Barbeque Co goes big on tradition, but never feels stuck in the past. The smoky scent that greets you at the door signals serious BBQ chops—Rob Harding’s Midwest roots put real depth into every dish.
The ribs here are a local legend. A friend swore by them, so I ordered a half rack and immediately saw why. The meat has just the right tug from the bone, with a glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
The brisket gets plenty of love too, always juicy and never weighed down with sauce. For something different, try the pulled chicken plate. Even sides like the coleslaw shine here. Pit Master Barbeque Co makes digging in feel easy, friendly, and just a little nostalgic.
6. Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s might have national name recognition, but the Idaho Falls location has a charm of its own. The place hums with enthusiastic staff and walls decked out in barbecue nostalgia, making it a popular spot for families and groups.
On my last visit, curiosity led me straight to their St. Louis-style ribs. The smoke ring and spicy-sweet rub offer a depth you don’t often find at chain spots. Pair them with their house-baked cornbread and barbecue beans for the full experience.
The burnt ends are another standout, with tender bites that melt into a rich, slightly caramelized finish. There’s plenty of variety, so you can bring picky eaters or BBQ obsessives—everyone leaves happy and satisfied at Famous Dave’s.
7. Bubba’s Bar B Que
(208) 523-2822Call
Bubba’s Bar B Que is the kind of place where time slows with each bite. The walls are lined with memorabilia and the aroma of slow-cooked meats drifts through every corner, making it as cozy as a neighbor’s backyard BBQ.
My first meal here was the smoked turkey platter. The turkey is gently smoked, moist, and flavorful without overpowering the plate. If you’re after ribs, Bubba’s are meaty and tender, carrying just enough balanced smoke to satisfy classic BBQ cravings.
Don’t overlook the sides—baked beans and slaw are almost as talked-about as the main dishes. From the steady crowd of regulars, it’s clear Bubba’s Bar B Que is a staple for those who care as much about the experience as the food itself.
8. Dad’s Barbeque
(208) 523-1039Call
Dad’s Barbeque is the type of place that sneaks up on you—one bite, and you’re hooked. The laid-back setting matches the old-school approach to BBQ, making this spot feel instantly familiar, even on your first visit.
One afternoon, I couldn’t resist the brisket sandwich. The brisket is sliced thick, smoky, and perfectly tender, making each bite the kind that demands you roll up your sleeves. The BBQ sauce is an ideal companion, tangy with a touch of warmth.
If you’re into classic sides, the potato salad is creamy and pairs nicely with the deeper flavors of the smoked meat. Dad’s Barbeque knows how to keep things simple—just hearty portions and genuine flavors.
9. Pitmaster BBQ 25th
(208) 535-2271Call
Pitmaster BBQ 25th takes the robust flavors of a classic smokehouse and makes them easy to crave. This location feels like a hidden gem, despite being a part of the well-loved Pitmaster family.
My memory here centers on their brisket plate. The brisket is carved to order, glistening with smoke and just the right ratio of lean to fat. Each piece falls apart gently, loaded with slow-cooked flavor that stays on your mind.
For a true taste of the place, order up the ribs as well. They offer a satisfying tug and come slathered in a signature sauce. Pitmaster BBQ 25th has the kind of consistent quality that earns devoted regulars.
10. Grandpas Southern BBQ
Grandpas Southern BBQ taps into the timeless charm of Southern cooking. The atmosphere is as inviting as the wafting aroma from the smoker out back, creating a setting that’s both lively and welcoming.
My standout visit involved a plate of smoked chicken that hit every comfort note—juicy, full of flavor, and balanced by sides like creamy macaroni and bright, vinegared greens. The brisket is another local favorite, sliced thick with a smoke ring that would make a pitmaster proud.
If you like to sample, try their combo platters. A pile of slow-cooked barbecue lets you taste the best of the South, no matter how far you are from Memphis or Atlanta. Grandpas Southern BBQ keeps true Southern hospitality alive in Idaho Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top BBQ spots in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls is home to favorites like Pitmaster BarBQue Company, Grandpa’s Southern BBQ, Bubba’s Bar B Que, and The Frosty Gator. Each offers its own style, so you’ll find plenty of variety, whether you crave classic brisket or something a little more adventurous.
Is there Texas-style BBQ in Idaho Falls?
Yes. Several local spots, including Pitmaster BarBQue Company and Pitmaster BBQ 25th, serve Texas-style smoked meats like brisket and ribs, slow-cooked with a deep smoke flavor and just enough bark to keep purists happy.
Are there good BBQ options for families?
Absolutely. Most BBQ restaurants in Idaho Falls, such as Famous Dave’s and Bubba’s, have family-friendly menus and casual settings. Some even offer highchairs and kids’ meals, making them easy options for groups with children.
Can I find halal or vegetarian BBQ in Idaho Falls?
You’ll find vegetarian sides—like mac and cheese, fries, and salads—at most BBQ restaurants. For halal options, it’s best to call ahead, as strict halal BBQ isn’t widely available in town.
Which BBQ places offer takeout or delivery?
Many BBQ spots, such as The Frosty Gator, Cupbop, Pitmaster BarBQue Company, and Famous Dave’s, offer both takeout and delivery. Check each restaurant’s website or call for specific hours and menu options.
Do Idaho Falls BBQ restaurants offer gluten-free choices?
Yes. Pitmaster BarBQue Company, for example, features gluten-free options. Most spots can also adjust sides or main dishes—just ask your server for details.
How’s the BBQ scene in Idaho Falls compared to bigger cities?
Idaho Falls may not have the barbecue buzz of Kansas City or Austin, but local pitmasters bring serious skill and regional pride. Expect welcoming service and an emphasis on smoky, hearty flavors.