The BBQ Map
Best BBQ in Mississippi
Mississippi 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 Mississippi has to offer, hand-picked and mapped for easy planning.
Mississippi 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 Mississippi'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 MapOpened in 2024 and immediately earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand. Smoked chicken wings, brisket, pork butt, pineapple sausage, and a gaming area make this Jackson's most exciting BBQ spot.
A genuinely unique hidden gem nestled inside a bait and tackle shop — proof that some of Mississippi's best barbecue comes from the most unexpected places. Owner Clay Coleman built a cult following by accident, and it stuck.
Founded in 1975 by Leatha Jackson, 'The Queen of Mississippi Barbecue,' and now a family-owned institution visited by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. One of the most decorated and beloved barbecue restaurants in the entire state.
A Fondren neighborhood favorite that combines barbecued meats, tacos, and craft beer into one of Jackson's most beloved menus. Creative, well-executed, and proof that Mississippi BBQ doesn't have to stick to tradition to be great.
Smoked ribs, rib tips, and sausage dogs cooked low and slow over real wood just outside Jackson. Limited hours only add to the demand — the sweet and tangy sauce on the side lets every guest find their own perfect balance.
Steady, no-gimmicks real-wood smoking just outside Tupelo, with generous portions and laid-back service that regulars swear by. The pulled pork sandwich and rib plates are the clear standouts on a menu built on consistency, not trends.
A Jackson soul food and BBQ institution known across the city for its smoked oxtails — a Mississippi specialty rarely found elsewhere. A true neighborhood gathering spot since long before 'farm to table' was a phrase anyone used.
A Tupelo institution and consistent Yelp top-10 favorite, with multiple locations across the city. Honest, reliable Mississippi BBQ that locals have trusted for generations, no gimmicks required.
Started in 1924 at the legendary crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil for mastery of the guitar. Abe's award-winning BBQ and famous sauce — shipped all over the country — have made this Delta blues-and-barbecue landmark a pilgrimage site.
Smoking meats since 1989 over hickory and oak in a glass-front smoker visible right from the counter. Rib tips and classic Jackson-style barbecue have built a steady following for over three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BBQ restaurant in Mississippi?
Based on Google ratings, Sacred Ground Barbecue in Jackson is the top-rated BBQ restaurant we've mapped in Mississippi, currently holding a 4.8-star average. That said, "best" is personal — check the full list above and look at what each spot specializes in before deciding.
Does Mississippi have its own barbecue style?
Not a single defined one — Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
We currently have 10 BBQ restaurants mapped in Mississippi, 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.