BBQ Road Trip
Routes
Suggested BBQ Atlas BBQ routes. Pick a route, hit the road, and explore the best across the metro.
The BBQ Atlas BBQ Trail
Tap a route to trace it on the map.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Joints
Skip the famous names and discover the neighborhood BBQ joints that locals love. This tour takes you through the residential corridors and side streets where KC BBQ lives and breathes every day, far from the tourist trail.
Rt1
The definitive one-day Charleston BBQ tour — hitting the city's most celebrated pitmasters in a logical geographic loop. Start at Lewis Barbecue for brisket and whole hog at lunch, cross to James Island for Melvin's legendary mustard-sauce pulled pork in the afternoon, then end the day on James Island at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint for whole hog smoked the slow old way.
Rt2
For the serious BBQ pilgrim: a two-day journey from Charleston into the Pee Dee heartland of South Carolina's whole-hog tradition. This is the route that shaped Rodney Scott, the Bessinger family, and the entire SC BBQ canon. Drive north through the Lowcountry, stopping at whole-hog pits along the way, culminating at Scott's Bar-B-Que in Hemingway — the most important BBQ restaurant in South Carolina.
Rt3
A leisurely day trip that combines the best of Lowcountry BBQ with the region's extraordinary natural and historical beauty. Start with breakfast on the Charleston waterfront, hit two BBQ stops, and end the day watching the sunset over the salt marshes of Folly Beach. This is the trip for visitors who want to understand why the Lowcountry is one of America's most distinctive food cultures.
The Austin BBQ Pilgrimage
The definitive Austin BBQ day trip. Start at Franklin Barbecue at dawn, then work your way through East Austin's BBQ corridor before finishing at La Barbecue. This is the route that BBQ pilgrims from around the world come to Austin to make.
The Austin Metro Explorer
A two-day itinerary that covers the full Austin BBQ landscape — from the legendary East Austin spots to the underrated suburban gems. This is the route for serious BBQ travelers who want to understand the full scope of Austin's scene.
The Classic KC BBQ Trail
Hit the five legendary, must-visit institutions that define Kansas City BBQ history and culture. This route takes you from the East Side pioneers to the KCK icons, covering the full spectrum of what makes KC the BBQ capital of the world.
The Classic Memphis Circuit
The essential Memphis BBQ pilgrimage — four legendary stops that cover the full spectrum of Memphis BBQ styles, from the Rendezvous's charcoal-grilled dry rub ribs to Cozy Corner's legendary BBQ Cornish hen. Start early, pace yourself.
The New Wave KC BBQ Tour
Explore the modern generation of KC pitmasters who are pushing the craft forward with chef-driven technique, creative menus, and Texas-influenced approaches. This half-day tour showcases where KC BBQ is headed.
The South Austin Circuit
South of the river, Austin's BBQ scene is defined by innovation and Tex-Mex influence. This route takes you from the Barton Springs corridor down to South Austin's most creative BBQ spots.
The South Memphis Soul Tour
A deep dive into South Memphis BBQ culture — the neighborhoods that gave the world soul music and some of the most authentic BBQ in the city. This tour pairs BBQ with a visit to Stax Museum and Graceland for the full Memphis experience.
The Suburban Gems Tour
Venture beyond the city center to discover the Germantown Commissary's historic general store setting and the neighborhood joints that Memphians rely on for everyday BBQ. A tour of the city's less-visited but equally essential BBQ landscape.