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Barbecue Bound to Blow You Away: Northeastern PA’s Delicious BBQ Restaurants

Although many consider pizza to be the crown jewel of NEPA’s food scene, that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of other gems in the area. One of those gems is NEPA’s barbecue restaurants. Whether you’re a lifelong barbecue lover, or entirely new to the barbecue scene, Northeastern PA will not disappoint.

From tender pulled pork and smoky ribs to slow-cooked brisket and buttery cornbread, there’s something deeply satisfying about a plate of barbecue. Smoked low and slow—just the way it should be—barbecue is the kind of food that brings people together, and don’t think that you have to go down South to experience barbecue at its best. From local staples that have been in the region for decades to emerging businesses bringing new flavors to the area, NEPA’s barbecue scene is as alive as ever.

Don’t miss out on NEPA’s top BBQ joints—grab a few extra napkins and try some of the area’s signature barbecue for yourself. From roadside barbecue joints to full-service barbecue restaurants, the region’s thriving barbecue scene is bound to impress. Browse through the list below and explore some of the delicious barbecue near you.

Give These Local NEPA Barbecue Restaurants a Try
American Grill

Exeter, PA

With their delicious barbecue, juicy steak burgers, homemade sauces, and dry rubs, American Grill in Exeter will keep you coming back for more. This barbecue restaurant brings authentic southern flavor to NEPA, turning out creations that won’t disappoint. Sit, back, relax and enjoy life the way it should be—slow and low—at American Grill.

Must try: The Pit Master

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B3Q Smokehouse

West Pittson, PA

Whether you prefer pork, brisket, or fall-off-the-bone ribs, B3Q Smokehouse in West Pittston has it all. Their house-made sauces and sides will have your mouth watering, so don’t miss out—stop by and satiate your taste buds at one of NEPA’s signature smokehouses.

Must try: B3Q Signature Brisket

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The exterior of the Big Creek BBQ food truck in Lehighton, PA.
Big Creek BBQ

Lehighton, PA

A slice of roadside heaven, Big Creek BBQ in Lehighton serves delicious barbecue classics, like beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs, sliders, and loaded potatoes. If you’re craving authentic barbecue and Big Creek BBQ is nearby, there’s simply no better place to be. With fall-off-the-bone ribs and generous portions, Big Creek BBQ’s quality is unquestionable. So don’t leave any questions unanswered: stop by and see for yourself.

Must try: Chicken Drums

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Big Dan's BBQ & Catering image
Big Dan's BBQ & Catering

Catawissa, PA

Big Dan’s BBQ & Catering in Catawissa offers savory, smoky barbecue in a rustic and welcoming setting. Choose from their mouth-watering menu featuring brisket, ribs, chicken, pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, and more. Bring your family and friends, and enjoy some slow-cooked barbecue that’s bursting with flavor.

Must try: Pulled Pork Nachos

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A plated piled with ribs, mac and cheese, and baked beans from Bulldog BBQ in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Bulldog BBQ

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Bulldog BBQ in Wilkes-Barre specializes in Southern-style barbecue, serving pulled pork, beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, and smoked chicken, as well as homemade sides. This family-run barbecue joint is known for its smoky aroma, which keeps customers coming back time and time again. Bulldog BBQ doesn’t believe in taking shortcuts (after all, every item is made from scratch), and it shows.

Must try: Smoked Brisket

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Buttons Real Barbecue

Mountain Top, PA

Buttons Real Barbecue in Mountain Top boasts time-tested barbecue staples. Take advantage of one of the most beloved barbecue restaurants in the area, and enjoy brisket, melt sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, and more. Known for their friendly service and delicious food, a trip to Buttons Real Barbeque is a trip worth taking.

Must try: BBQ Chicken Tender Melt

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Caribbean Smokehouse

Mountain Top, PA

At Caribbean Smokehouse in Mountain Top, the pulled pork alone is enough to reel you in. But even so, don’t limit yourself to just one dish—make sure to try their St. Louis baby back ribs, brisket, and smoked mac and cheese. Stop by their Mountain Top location or catch their food truck at a local festival or event, and try some of this smoked, tender goodness for yourself.

Must try: Brisket Sandwich

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Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ image
Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ

Stroudsburg, PA

Enjoy authentic Portuguese barbecue with a Latin flair at Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ in Stroudsburg. Serving up combinations that are truly one of a kind, Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ is so much more than just another barbecue joint. After all, BBQ and tacos—what more could you want?

Must try: Half Chicken/Half Pork Ribs BBQ Combo

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Food & Fire BBQ and Taphouse

Moosic, PA

Food & Fire BBQ and Taphouse in Moosic offers the best of both worlds. Choose from their menu of slow and low barbecue that’s smoked over a cherry-hickory blend and coated in house-made sauces. Then, select from 48 draft beers, including craft brews. With an extensive list of food and drink options, Food & Fire BBQ and Taphouse is the perfect stop for barbecue lovers and beer lovers alike.

Must try: The Mountain Burger

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Greenley's BBQ image
Greenley's BBQ

Tunkhannock, PA

Greenley’s BBQ in Tunkhannock knows their stuff when it comes to barbecue. This family-run business smokes their meat with the finest cherry wood to make for tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs. But you can’t truly get the Greenley’s experience without trying their homemade sauces, a 50-year-old family tradition. So, head out to Greenley’s to treat yourself to some of NEPA’s finest barbecue (and don’t forget the sauce!).

Must try: Cowboy Beans

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J’s Big Belly BBQ

Pocono Lake, PA

J’s Big Belly BBQ in Pocono Lake is a family-owned food truck that brings delicious, authentic barbecue to its primary location in Pocono Lake, while also traveling to various towns throughout NEPA. J’s features bold and inventive meals with a homestyle twist. Although their rotating menu changes frequently, one thing you can count on staying the same at J’s is the superior quality of their meats.

Must try: Baby Back Ribs

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Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ

Delaware Water Gap, PA

Smoking its meats in a custom Texas smoker and crafting all its sides from scratch, Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ in Delaware Water Gap doesn’t mess around when it comes to making quality barbecue. But this barbecue joint doesn’t mess around when it comes to getting a post-meal treat either. This smokehouse is home to an ice cream window, making it the perfect spot to stop by for the ultimate summer combination.

Must try: The Hot Mess

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Meat Hook BBQ

Laceyville, PA

Check out Meat Hook BBQ in Laceyville for fresh, savory barbecue, and flavorful, homemade sides. Enjoy Texas style ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or chicken paired with mac and cheese, brisket baked beans, or another side of your choice. Regardless of what you choose to get, Meat Hook BBQ in Laceyville is guaranteed to fulfill your comfort-food cravings.

Must try: The Old Crow Sandwich

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Mr. Yock's BBQ image
Mr. Yock's BBQ

Lake Ariel, PA

Mr. Yock’s BBQ in Lake Ariel fires up their pits every day to serve smoky ribs, tender brisket sandwiches, and more. A true local gem, Mr. Yock’s BBQ has a quaint, yet authentic feel. If you’re near Lake Ariel and in search of quality barbecue coupled with great service, look no further than Mr. Yock’s.

Must try: Pork BBQ Fries

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Pork U BBQ

Dallas, PA

Serving up Texas-style barbecue cooked in their custom barbecue trailer, Pork U BBQ in Dallas offers authentic, traditional barbecue made from scratch. This veteran-owned and family-operated barbecue joint brings a taste of Texas to NEPA. So don’t miss out—enjoy tangy, tender meats and homemade sides at Pork U BBQ.

Must try: Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos

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Red Rock BBQ & Catering

Susquehanna, PA

Red Rock BBQ & Catering in Susquehanna is known for its fresh, Texas-style barbecue. With brisket, pulled pork, and chicken that is perfectly seasoned and cooked slow and low, Red Rock has built a loyal following of barbecue lovers. But the tastiness doesn’t end with barbecue. In addition to their mouth-watering meats, they also serve ice cream, host live music, and have an on-site brewery.

Must try: Smoked Wings

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Stookey's Famous Bar-B-Que

Nanticoke, PA

Stookey’s Famous Bar-B-Que in Nanticoke has been serving applewood smoked meats and the Stookey family’s secret sauce since 1926. After nearly 100 years of business, the time may have flown by, but the tasty barbecue is here to stay. Stop by Stookey’s to get your fill of authentic barbecue made from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Must try: Stookey’s BBQ Sandwich

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The Fire Pit

Pittston, PA

Stop by The Fire Pit in Pittston for melt-in-your-mouth barbecue. Known for their smokey, tangy meats and their perfectly cooked tater tots, The Fire Pit is a local favorite. And if you’re looking for creative and authentic barbecue spin-offs, make sure to check out their weekly specials!

Must try: The Beast Burger

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Uncle Buck's BBQ

Plymouth, PA

Uncle Buck’s BBQ in Plymouth has it all. From ribs and pork to pizza, wings, salads, subs, and wraps, Uncle Buck’s has options to satiate any palate. Even so, the real star of the show at Uncle Buck’s is undeniable. Nothing beats Uncle Buck’s slow-cooked barbecue. Head out to Uncle Buck’s and treat yourself to fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy pork, and other barbecue favorites—you won’t regret it.

Must try: Feed Bag Burger

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