Best Barbecue In The Twin Cities
Rudolph's
1933 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 871-8969
Directory | Website
Rudolph's have been one of my family's favorites since they opened in 1975. Often overlooked, their spareribs with a crunchy exterior are unique in Twin Cities' BBQ. The pulled pork sandwich is also a winner. You can't have BBQ without slaw and Rudolph's has one of the best!
Q Fanatic BBQ and Grill
180 Miller Road
Champlin, MN 55316
(763) 323-6550
Directory | Website
Unless you live in Champlin, don't be surprised you haven't heard of Q Fanatic. But if you're in the northern suburbs, make it a stop. With inspiration taken from the Carolinas, the Appalachians and Missouri and Mississippi valleys, you're sure to find something you'll like at Q Fanatic.
Ted Cook's 19th Hole BBQ
2814 E 38th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 721-2023
Directory | Website
This is the closet the Twin Cities probably comes to traditional Kansas City wet BBQ (wet meaning cooked with a sauce). It's takeout only, low on fuss, big on flavor. If you are looking for a little heat with your cue, this is the place for you.
Famous Dave's
Various Twin Cities locations
Directory | Website
You can't talk Twin Cities BBQ without Famous Dave's. While a chain wouldn't normally do well against traditional BBQ, they take their food seriously at Famous Dave's. A personal favorite is their Texas Pit sauce and the spareribs are as good as any.
Market Bar-B-Que
1414 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 872-1111
Directory | Website
They've always been famous in the Twin Cities for their ribs. But they might have the best Texas Beef Brisket in town. Try the BBQ Chicken as well. Of course the ribs are famous for a reason. Good luck deciding what to order!
Brasa Premium Rotisserie
600 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-3030
777 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 224-1302
Directory | Website
A bit of a step outside of traditional BBQ, Brasa specializes in slow roasted, rotisserie cooking. But the result is still BBQ deliciousness! The rotisserie chicken and slow cooked pork are terrific. And try the smoked sausage. They might also have the best southern style side dishes in town.
Big Daddy's BBQ
625 University Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 222-2516
Website
Three southerners fire up the smokehouse at Big Daddy's and they know what they're doing. Try their BBQ Beef Ribs and channel your inner Fred Flinstone! When you head through Frogtown, do not pass by Big Daddy's. Some of the best BBQ you'll find north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Caps Grille
5000 Hiawatha Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 722-2277
Directory | Website
There really is a "Cap" and they know their BBQ. One thing they do differently is finish their BBQ on the grill which gives it a really nice crunchy char. The ribs are especially good and are some of the best in town. The sauce is also unique and worth checking out.
-Lindsey Peterson is the Assistant Program Director at WCCO Radio.
