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When you think of American BBQ, what comes to mind? You’re likely picturing sticky ribs and beef brisket, maybe even loaded fries, or onion rings, but did you know that BBQ tastes different depending on where you go in the US?
Across the country, regions have developed their own unique BBQ styles, each with distinct flavours, cooking techniques, and traditions. From sweet and sticky to spicy and bold, there’s something for every taste.
Over the years, these local styles have gained global attention, making American BBQ a favourite in countries far beyond its borders, like the UK.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the 4 main American BBQ styles that are now known and loved around the world. If you're a BBQ fan, learning about these regional BBQ styles will give you a deeper appreciation for what makes each one special.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of American BBQ.
Texas BBQ is all about bold flavours and big portions. Known for its love of beef, especially brisket and ribs, this American BBQ style is a favourite among meat lovers. The meat is usually cooked low and slow over oak or mesquite wood, giving it a rich, smoky flavour.
At Red Dog Saloon, our award-winning smokers are imported from the USA and are built to recreate the cooking process of fire pits. We smoke our meat for up to 16 hours, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
In many places across Texas, especially Central Texas, the focus is on the meat itself, meaning there’s little to no sauce. Instead, the seasoning is simple, letting the natural flavours take centre stage. In East Texas, though, you might find saucier, more tender meats that are cooked until they fall apart.
Either way, Texas BBQ is a delicious and varied experience. Whether dry-rubbed or dripping with sauce, it’s a must-try for anyone curious about classic American BBQ.
If you’d like to eat at an authentic Texan BBQ restaurant in the UK, you can visit us in London (Hoxton Square or Soho), Liverpool, Nottingham or Southampton.
Carolina BBQ is mostly pork and tangy vinegar-based sauces. This style comes from the southeastern US and is especially popular in North and South Carolina.
In North Carolina, you’ll often find pulled pork made from the whole hog or just the pork shoulder. The meat is slow-cooked over wood and then chopped or shredded. But, what really sets it apart is the sauce.
In Eastern North Carolina, the sauce is thin and made with vinegar, red pepper, and spices. In the western part of the state, they sometimes add ketchup to make it slightly sweeter.
South Carolina takes a different approach with its famous mustard-based “Carolina Gold” sauce, which has a tangy, slightly sweet flavour.
No matter which version you try, Carolina BBQ is known for its tender pork, bold sauces, and simple yet delicious flavours. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who loves tangy, zesty barbecue.
Kansas City BBQ is known for its rich, smoky meats and thick, sweet sauces. This style comes from Kansas City, Missouri, and stands out because it includes a wide variety of meats. It’s not just pork or beef, but also chicken, turkey, and even burnt ends (crispy pieces of brisket).
The meat is usually slow-cooked over hickory wood, giving it a deep, smoky taste. However, this is another of the American BBQ styles that’s famous for its sauce. It’s thick, tomato-based, and sweet, often made with molasses or brown sugar.
The meat is usually rubbed with spices before cooking and then slathered with this signature sauce just before serving. Plus, classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and fries are often served along with the meat.
Kansas City BBQ is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours and saucy bites. Its variety and sweetness have made it one of the most popular BBQ styles across the US and beyond.
Memphis BBQ is also all about pork, more specifically ribs and pulled pork, which are cooked low and slow for tender, flavourful results. As the name suggests, this style comes from Memphis, Tennessee, and is famous for its dry rubs and slow smoking over hickory wood.
Memphis-style ribs are usually served in two ways: dry or wet. Dry ribs are coated in a delicious spice rub before cooking, giving them a tasty crust without the need for sauce. Wet ribs, on the other hand, are brushed with a tangy, tomato-based sauce while cooking, making them juicy and sticky.
Pulled pork is another local favourite, often served in sandwiches with coleslaw and a dash of BBQ sauce. The sauces here are also usually thinner and less sweet than Kansas City’s, with a nice balance of tang and spice.
Overall, whether you prefer saucy or dry-seasoned meats, Memphis BBQ is a delicious example of Southern cooking at its best.
Now that you know what to expect from each of the most popular regional BBQ styles, are you ready to dig into some authentic BBQ food?
At Red Dog Saloon, we offer American BBQ and drinks, with menu items ranging from ribs and loaded burgers, to beef brisket and fiery wings. All our BBQ dishes are smoked to perfection and served with classic sides. We also serve classic cocktails, craft beer and a selection of spirits.
With locations across the UK, each saloon offers a laid-back, Southern vibe perfect for casual dining, or parties. Check out our live events, too!
Book your table today!