BBQ An Edible Road Trip Through America’s Barbecue Country

by Cooper, Ryan; Ludwig, Sean

• ISBN13: 9798317903596
• ISBN10: 8317903591
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2027-05-04
• Publisher: Harvard Common Press
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Hit the road for a savory journey through America’s barbecue country—where legendary smokehouses, regional rivalries, iconic pitmasters, and unforgettable meals await.

Whether you’re planning the ultimate barbecue pilgrimage or simply dreaming of smoky roadside meals from home, BBQ: An Edible Road Trip Through America’s Barbecue Country chronicles the people, places, flavors, and traditions that define one of America’s most beloved food cultures.

Travel far beyond the backyard grill as you explore iconic smokehouses, destination-worthy barbecue towns, regional specialties, hidden gems, and the passionate cooks keeping America’s barbecue traditions alive. Equal parts travel companion, cultural guide, and culinary exploration, this immersive book celebrates the stories, techniques, and flavors that make barbecue a true American obsession.

With respected BBQ travel writers Sean Ludwig and Ryan Cooper, founders of The Smoke Sheet barbecue newsletter, as your guides, you’ll discover:

• America’s most iconic barbecue destinations, from legendary joints and celebrated pitmasters to hidden roadside treasures worth the detour
• Regional barbecue styles and characteristics, including the flavors, traditions, sauces, and techniques that make each destination distinctive
• Local food traditions and can’t-miss specialties, with recommendations for what to eat and where to stop along the way
• Travel inspiration and insider tips for planning memorable food-focused getaways and barbecue experiences in both prominent regions and uncharted territory
• The stories, culture, and history behind barbecue country, from longtime institutions to rising stars redefining the craft
• Beautiful photography and rich storytelling that capture the smoke and spirit of America’s barbecue landscape
• Plus, a Foreword by Steven Raichlen

Perfect for backyard pitmasters, curious travelers, devoted food lovers, and gift buyers alike, BBQ offers a delicious new way to experience one of America’s most iconic culinary traditions. Whether you’re chasing the perfect brisket, mapping your next road trip, or savoring the journey from home, this is your invitation to experience barbecue country—one smoky stop at a time.

Taste & Travel is a flavor-driven travel series that explores America’s most iconic food and drink traditions through immersive journeys, regional storytelling, and unforgettable destinations. Blending armchair adventure with bucket-list inspiration, each volume invites readers to experience the people, places, history, and flavors behind beloved culinary traditions—from bourbon and barbecue to oysters, diners, and beyond.

Also available from the series: Bourbon

Author Biography

Ryan Cooper is a BBQ writer and cultural geographer based in Omaha, Nebraska. Known as BBQ Tourist on social media, he is the co-founder of The Smoke Sheet BBQ newsletter. A native of Kansas City, he grew up with a deep appreciation of barbecue and has spent several years exploring the best barbecue restaurants across the country.

Sean Ludwig is the co-founder of The Smoke Sheet, a leading publication covering the world of barbecue and live-fire cooking. As a food journalist, he has spent years interviewing top pitmasters, restaurant owners, and some of the biggest names in the barbecue world, helping shine a spotlight on the country's most celebrated BBQ events and culture. Beyond barbecue, he has served as a senior content director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and covered the tech industry as a journalist for VentureBeat.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Tips for Your BBQ Road Trip
North Carolina BBQ
South Carolina BBQ
Memphis BBQ and Nearby Areas
Central Texas and Beyond
Kansas City BBQ and Surround Area
Best of the Rest in the South and Surrounds

Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Virginia

New School BBQ and Uncharted Territory: Great BBQ in Unexpected Places

Northeastern United States
Central United States
Western United States

Trail Notes
Best of Lists
Glossary
Further Reading
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Index