9 Underrated BBQ Chains In America You Should Try Next

Barbecue culture in America is often dominated by famous pitmasters and legendary single-location joints. But beyond the spotlight are regional and national chains that quietly serve excellent smoked meats, hearty sides, and authentic flavors. These chains may not always appear on top foodie lists, yet they offer dependable quality and a taste of local traditions. Whether you crave brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or creative sides, these nine underrated BBQ chains prove that great barbecue is not limited to the most famous names.

1. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, based in California, Arizona, and Nevada, blends Southern-style BBQ with a touch of Cajun inspiration. Their menu covers brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken alongside southern staples like jambalaya and greens. With a lively atmosphere and emphasis on hospitality, Lucille’s has carved a niche outside traditional BBQ states. Because it is not located in Texas, Kansas City, or Carolinas regions, many barbecue enthusiasts overlook it. Still, Lucille’s consistently delivers smoky meats and comforting southern flavors, making it a chain that deserves more national attention.

2. Shane’s Rib Shack

Shane’s Rib Shack started as a single shack in Georgia and has grown into a Southeastern chain with dozens of locations. Its menu highlights slow-cooked baby back ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork, and signature sides like fried okra and baked beans. What makes Shane’s underrated is its ability to deliver genuine smokehouse taste in a fast-casual format. Travelers often dismiss regional chains, but Shane’s offers quality meats with real pit flavor. For those in Georgia or nearby states, Shane’s provides barbecue that balances convenience with authenticity.

3. Sonny’s BBQ

Founded in Florida in 1968, Sonny’s BBQ has expanded across the Southeast while keeping its small-town smokehouse feel. Known for its pulled pork, sliced brisket, ribs, and chicken, Sonny’s also serves classic sauces that range from sweet to spicy. The chain emphasizes friendly service and a family-style atmosphere, making it approachable for everyday dining. Because it is concentrated in a handful of states, it often flies under the national radar. Yet for travelers in the region, Sonny’s remains a reliable stop for authentic Southern barbecue traditions.

4. Full Moon Bar-B-Que

Full Moon Bar-B-Que is a Birmingham-based chain often described as “the Best Little Pork House.” Its menu features pork by the pound, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, all prepared low and slow. Their chow-chow, baked beans, and crispy onion rings add classic Southern flair, while their signature half-moon cookies bring a unique sweet touch. With locations mostly in Alabama, Full Moon is underappreciated by those outside the state. But for anyone visiting, it provides both hearty smokehouse plates and local hospitality that reflect Alabama’s barbecue culture.

5. Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave’s is one of America’s largest barbecue chains, with over 100 locations, yet it is often overlooked by purists. Its award-winning ribs, burnt ends, chopped pork, brisket, and smoked chicken have earned recognition in competitions nationwide. Cornbread muffins and rich baked beans round out the menu, giving it a homestyle edge. Because of its size, some assume it lacks authenticity, but many locations still deliver smoky, tender meats that rival smaller joints. Famous Dave’s deserves more credit for bringing real barbecue flavor to a national stage.

6. Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ is a patriotic-themed chain founded in 2011 that has spread across the Eastern United States. The brand is known for serving smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and ribs, along with hearty sides such as mac and cheese and green beans. Each location pays tribute to military and first responders, creating a distinctive dining atmosphere. Despite its rapid growth and community-driven focus, Mission BBQ is sometimes overlooked in discussions of top barbecue chains. Its consistent quality and service make it a hidden gem worth seeking out.

7. Black’s Barbecue

Black’s Barbecue, established in 1932 in Lockhart, Texas, is one of the oldest family-run barbecue operations in the country and now operates multiple locations. Their oak-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey have been staples of Central Texas BBQ for decades. While barbecue fans know Franklin or Salt Lick, many outside Texas miss Black’s, even though it has chain-style accessibility. With its deep history and traditional smoking techniques, Black’s remains underrated nationally but beloved regionally. Travelers in Texas should not miss the chance to experience this historic smokehouse.

8. Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill

Smokey Bones, with locations mainly in the Eastern U.S., offers a mix of barbecue and grill dishes. While it includes burgers and wings, its barbecue options like ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken stand out. Many people dismiss it as just another casual-dining chain, but its smokehouse dishes are flavorful and satisfying. Because it straddles the line between grill and barbecue, it often slips past food critics. For diners in areas without a strong barbecue presence, Smokey Bones provides a dependable and underrated barbecue experience.

9. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, founded in Birmingham, Alabama, has grown into a regional chain across the Southeast while maintaining a reputation for quality. Their menu features slow-smoked pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken, paired with classic sides like collard greens and cheese biscuits. What sets them apart is their commitment to scratch-made dishes, from the sauces to the sides, nearly everything is prepared fresh daily. Despite having multiple locations, Jim ‘N Nick’s often gets overlooked compared to bigger names. For travelers, it’s a chance to enjoy authentic Southern barbecue that feels closer to a local smokehouse than a national chain.