It’s grilling season, folks, and you know what that means: it’s time to indulge in some quality BBQ. While there’s great satisfaction in grilling your own goods, that tiny apartment you’re subletting might not be the easiest place to make good BBQ. In that case, here’s a list of where to get it.
Even as a relative newcomer to the Philly restaurant scene, South Philly Smökhaus serves up great smoked meats plainly and in the form of sandwiches, as well as various sides. There are enough options that you won’t feel limited, but not so many that you’ll feel overwhelmed. The smoked meats offered include brisket, chicken wings, chicken quarters, pulled pork, short ribs, spare ribs, and sausages. Some of these meats, like the chicken and the pulled pork, are made into sandwiches as well, but they also offer the pit beef, BLT, and a breakfast sandwich. The sides are equally as good (and no meal is complete without them), but the best (and most necessary) is the mac and cheese by far. Check out the Smökhaus at the Bok building for good times, nice decor, and really good meats.
821 Dudley Street
Located in Fishtown, Fette Sau has been known for some of the best BBQ in Philly since its opening in 2013. Not only do they have a great assortment of meats and sides, they also possess an extensive bourbon menu to complement the food. Fette Sau has all the basic smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, Italian sausage, chicken, and pork belly. They also have a large assortment of classic sides with a twist: burnt end baked beans, spicy slaw, and sweet potato mash, among others. If you have a sweet tooth, you can finish your meal with a caramel cream pecan pie, cookie, walnut brownie, or key lime tart.
1208 Frankford Avenue
Once a pop–up and now a brick–and–mortar in South Philly, Mike's BBQ serves up all the classics alongside some Philly favorites. Classics include wings, pulled pork, sausage, spare ribs, and brisket, as well as sides such as beans, slaw, potato salad, and collard greens. The Philly favorites are in the form of sandwiches, with the pulled pork Italiano made with provolone, spinach, and spicy pickles, and the brisket cheesesteak.
1703 S. 11th Street
If you’re looking for some on–campus BBQ, Baby Blues is conveniently located on the corner of 34th and Sansom and has a huge menu that’s sure to please anyone. With sandwiches, smoked meats, platters, sides, combos, burgers, and even salads, the options are endless. While it’s certainly not the best barbecue in all of Philly, it’s a convenient and cost effective option to satisfy your BBQ craving.
3402 Sansom Street
Whether you go near or far to unleash your inner carnivore, all of these spots are great options depending on what mood you're in. From holes in the wall to a more refined, Starr–owned joint, there’s enough variation in good Philly barbecue to find where you’ll be having your next plate of ribs.
