Louisiana's Top-Notch Barbecue

Our passion for food extends to the grill.

By ExploreLouisiana.com Staff

A table filled with Louisiana barbecue, including ribs, sliced sausage, beans, coleslaw and a stuffed baked potato at Cou-Yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q.

Enjoy tender smoked meats, stuffed potatoes and more at Cou-Yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q.

A sign reading “Hot Boudin To-Day” in red paint at Johnson's Boucanière in Lafayette.

Johnson’s Boucanière offers not only barbecue but also signature smoked Louisiana sausages and meats.

Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole cuisine is world-renowned — and given our position in the Deep South, so is our barbecue. Down here, you’ll find culinary masterpieces both in the gumbo pot and on the grill.

North Louisiana Barbecue Restaurants

Up in North Louisiana, hot spots include Shreveport’s Hickory Stick and Magnolia Pit.

Locals love Ruston’s Hot Rod’s Bar-B-Que and Bad Wolf BBQ food truck, while West Monroe's JAC's Craft Smokehouse is a fan favorite. All serve delicious ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and sausage, sandwiches and all the classic sides, like coleslaw and potato salad.

Central Louisiana Barbecue Spots

In Central Louisiana, Clarence’s Grayson’s Barbeque has been operating since 1967, so you know it’s good. This barbecue stand is famous for its homemade rolls and whole smoked hams.

In Alexandria, visit Outlaw’s BBQ for their specialty baked potatoes, loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives and bacon topped with brisket, pork, chicken, sausage or shrimp.

Where to Get Barbecue in South Louisiana

In South Louisiana, check out The Joint and Pig Out NOLA in New Orleans. While the barbecue is great at Blue Oak BBQ, don’t miss out on the popular spicy fried chicken sandwich.

In Baton Rouge, locals love Hannah Q Smokehouse and City Pork, the latter of which offers barbecue with an upscale twist. At Johnson’s Boucanière in Lafayette, enjoy traditional barbecue plus local Cajun fare like tasso and boudin. Covington’s Sweet Daddy’s serves up mac and cheese as divine as the barbecue itself.

Other Louisiana Barbecue Restaurants

Plenty of barbecue joints boast local or national awards and accolades, including Central City BBQ in New Orleans, Cou-Yon's in Port Allen, and BRQ Seafood and Barbeque in Baton Rouge.

Looking to wash down your barbecue meal with a libation? New Orleans’ Cochon Butcher and Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse’s locations in Houma and Thibodaux offer extensive beer menus.

Learn more about Louisiana’s storied cuisine and fascinating libations history.