The BBQ Map
Best BBQ in Louisiana
Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind for barbecue, but its smokehouses hold their own — from family-run institutions to ambitious newcomers putting a local spin on smoked meat. Here are 10 of the best BBQ restaurants Louisiana has to offer, hand-picked and mapped for easy planning.
Louisiana doesn't have one single barbecue tradition tied to its name the way Texas or the Carolinas do. Instead, the state's smokehouses tend to draw on the country's major regional styles — Texas brisket, Kansas City's sweet tomato sauce, Carolina-style pulled pork, Memphis ribs — filtered through whatever the local pitmaster grew up eating or trained on. That makes Louisiana's BBQ scene more of a patchwork than a single style, but the best spots still smoke low and slow over real wood, the same as anywhere else.
10 restaurants mapped & rated 🔥 View on Interactive MapA Cajun Country institution nearly a century in the making, with recipes — including the boudin — dating back generations. The sunshine-yellow building is a Lafayette landmark, and the philosophy here is simple: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
In a city of amazing restaurants, The Joint stands out with smoked brisket subs, outstanding burnt ends, and fan-favorite mac and cheese served in a breathtaking New Orleans setting.
Smoking since 2012 and a perennial Yelp #1 in New Orleans, with sides that earn just as much praise as the meat itself. Happy hour brings the locals out in force, and the pulled pork is regularly called the best in the city.
A lively New Orleans favorite since 2016, with an outdoor patio that frequently hosts live music alongside some of the city's best smoked ribs. Many New Orleanians swear this is the best rib game in town — the celebratory atmosphere only adds to the draw.
Part butcher shop, part sandwich counter, part smokehouse — a Warehouse District favorite that turns house-cured and smoked meats into some of the best sandwiches in New Orleans. A Yelp top-10 mainstay for serious reason.
A St. Claude Avenue favorite that's become a fixture on New Orleans's best-BBQ lists. Hearty smoked plates and sandwiches served in a neighborhood spot that locals treat like their own backyard pit.
A Baton Rouge favorite blending Texas, Memphis, and Carolina smoking styles with Louisiana seafood — brisket and shrimp share the menu with crab cakes. Multiple 'best BBQ in town' awards and a bright, open space with a full bar make this a standout stop.
A Greater Baton Rouge Area staple that locals swing by without a second thought. Straightforward, satisfying Louisiana barbecue that's earned its loyal following one plate at a time.
A North Louisiana favorite that locals point to first when out-of-towners ask about Ruston barbecue. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and sausage, all backed by classic Southern sides like coleslaw and potato salad.
A name that promises bold flavor and delivers — mouth-watering pulled pork, ribs, and brisket cooked with a secret family sauce recipe. One of southeast Louisiana's most talked-about small-town BBQ shacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BBQ restaurant in Louisiana?
Based on Google ratings, Johnson's Boucanière in Lafayette is the top-rated BBQ restaurant we've mapped in Louisiana, currently holding a 4.7-star average. That said, "best" is personal — check the full list above and look at what each spot specializes in before deciding.
Does Louisiana have its own barbecue style?
Not a single defined one — Louisiana isn't typically grouped with the major regional BBQ traditions (Texas, Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City). Its smokehouses tend to blend those established styles rather than follow one regional standard.
How many BBQ restaurants are on The BBQ Map in Louisiana?
We currently have 10 BBQ restaurants mapped in Louisiana, each with a real Google rating, address, and description. We add and verify new spots regularly.
How do you choose which restaurants make the list?
We look at real Google ratings, review volume, and reputation — prioritizing restaurants with strong, consistent feedback over a large number of reviews rather than a handful of five-star outliers. We also remove restaurants that have permanently closed or relocated as soon as we confirm it.