Big B's Backyard

Regional BBQ Profiles

Explore the traditions, techniques, and flavors that define American BBQ.

Alabama

Famous for the world's most unique BBQ sauce: a tangy, peppery White Sauce based on mayonnaise.

Staple Meat: Chicken & Pork
Wood: Hickory

Chicago, Illinois

Born on the South Side, Chicago BBQ is famous for its aquarium smokers, rib tips, and the classic 'Tip-and-Link' combo.

Staple Meat: Rib Tips & Hot Links
Wood: Hickory

East Texas

A blend of Deep South pork traditions and Texas beef, known for chopped beef sandwiches and sweeter sauces.

Staple Meat: Chopped Beef & Pork Ribs
Wood: Hickory

Eastern North Carolina

The oldest BBQ tradition in America, focusing on the whole hog and a sharp, simple vinegar sauce.

Staple Meat: Whole Hog
Wood: Hickory & Oak

Kansas City

The 'Melting Pot' of BBQ, where every meat is welcome and the sauce is thick, sweet, and legendary.

Staple Meat: Burnt Ends & Ribs
Wood: Hickory & Oak

Memphis

Home of the Blues and the 'Dry Rub' revolution, where pork reigns supreme.

Staple Meat: Pork Ribs & Shoulder
Wood: Hickory

Santa Maria Style

California's contribution to the BBQ world: Tri-tip cooked over high-heat Red Oak coals.

Staple Meat: Tri-Tip
Wood: Red Oak

South Carolina

The home of the legendary 'Carolina Gold' mustard sauce, a tradition influenced by German heritage.

Staple Meat: Pork Shoulder & Whole Hog
Wood: Hickory & Oak

South Texas (Brush Country)

The 'Wild West' of BBQ, where intense Mesquite fires rule and direct-heat cooking is common.

Staple Meat: Beef Brisket & Cabrito
Wood: Mesquite

St. Louis, Missouri

A major BBQ hub known for its highly trimmed ribs, thick sweet sauce, and the unique local delicacy of crispy pig snouts.

Staple Meat: Pork Ribs (St. Louis Cut) & Snoots
Wood: Hickory & Apple

Texas Hill Country

Central Texas BBQ focuses on the meat and the smoke, usually seasoned only with salt and pepper.

Staple Meat: Beef Brisket
Wood: Post Oak

Western North Carolina (Lexington Style)

Also known as Piedmont style, this tradition focuses on the pork shoulder and a 'red' vinegar sauce.

Staple Meat: Pork Shoulder
Wood: Hickory