# The 14 Best American Barbecue Dishes

> Smoky low-and-slow meats square off against the creamy, tangy sides that complete the tray. Which one rules the pit?

*By YPB Team · Published July 5, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-14-best-american-barbecue-dishes*

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## Current results (3 votes)

1. **Beef Brisket** — 66.67% (2 votes · score 1000/1000)
   Low-and-slow smoked beef brisket, the crown jewel of Central Texas barbecue.
2. **Pulled Chicken** — 0% (0 votes · score 700/1000)
   Smoked and shredded chicken tossed in tangy sauce.
3. **Pulled Pork** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 666/1000)
   Slow-smoked pork shoulder shredded into tender strands, a Carolina staple.
4. **Baby Back Ribs** — 0% (0 votes · score 500/1000)
   Tender, meaty pork ribs from the loin, glazed and smoked to fall-off-the-bone.
5. **Baked Beans** — 0% (0 votes · score 500/1000)
   Sweet and smoky slow-cooked barbecue beans studded with pork.
6. **Smoked Sausage** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   Coarse-ground, snappy smoked links, a hallmark of Texas meat markets.
7. **Whole Hog** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   An entire pig pit-smoked for hours, the centerpiece of Eastern Carolina barbecue.
8. **Cornbread** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   Golden, crumbly cornbread served alongside classic barbecue plates.
9. **Beef Short Ribs** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   Massive, richly marbled smoked beef ribs known as 'dino ribs'.
10. **Burnt Ends** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   Caramelized, twice-smoked cubes cut from the point of a brisket, a Kansas City delicacy.
11. **Coleslaw** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   Crisp, creamy shredded cabbage slaw that cuts through rich smoked meat.
12. **Mac and Cheese** — 0% (0 votes · score 300/1000)
   Creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the essential barbecue side.
13. **Smoked Turkey** — 0% (0 votes · score 300/1000)
   Juicy whole turkey slow-smoked over wood, popular at barbecue joints.
14. **St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs** — 0% (0 votes · score 167/1000)
   Trimmed, rectangular pork spare ribs prized for their rich marbling.

Tags: food, usa, barbecue