Best Barbecue In Minnesota
You don't have to be from the South to love good barbecue. As a matter of fact, you don't even need to be Southern to cook good barbecue. In Minnesota, there are many places that serve barbecue that can be a contender for the best in the country. When warmer weather rolls around, Minnesotans crave smokey flavors and slow-roasted barbecue cooked outside. Enjoy a meal at any of these places and judge for yourself which is the best.
Credit: Rooster's BBQ Deli
Rooster's BBQ Deli
979 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 222-0969
www.roosterq.com
A Minnesota staple for barbecue, Rooster's specializes in take-out and catering. Because seating is limited in the "shack" where the barbecue is made, many patrons opt for ordering to go. Rooster's specializes in pulled pork, ribs and buckets of barbecued or fried chicken. It is also known to serve some of the best burgers and fries in St. Paul. Eat at this family-owned venue with homemade sauces and rubs to fulfill your need for barbecue. Don't forget to top off your meal with a slice of pie.
C&G's Smoking Barbecue
4743 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 825-3400
A small, family-owned joint in southwest Minneapolis, C&G's has some of the best barbecue in the state. The owner is always around to discuss his menu and tricks to getting the meat so tender and delicious. The ribs and rib tips are among the favorites on the menu, with a lot of meat on the bone. All of the rubs and sauces are made from scratch and the brisket is another melt-in-your-mouth favorite. Try a side of fried okra or baked beans to accompany your feast. The 'water bread' is another house specialty that you've got to try.
Credit: Rudolphs Bar-B-Que
Rudolphs Bar-B-Que
1933 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 871-8969
www.rudolphsribs.com
More of a restaurant than a take-out joint, Rudolphs has been delivering quality barbecue to locals for over 25 years. Its recipes are based on American classic barbecue sauces and rubs with traditional spices and flavorings. Enjoy the full bar for happy hour specials or have a local brew with your meal. Rudolphs is named for the silent film actor Rudolph Valentino and serves to create its own legacy in Minnesota by continuing to provide traditional and delicious barbecue.
Related: Best Barbecue In The Twin Cities
Roscoe's Root Beer & Ribs
603 4th St. S.E.
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-0501
www.roscoesbbq.com
Built from an old A&W Root Beer stand, Roscoe's is the place to go for award-winning barbecue. With a large selection of meats (beef, pork, chicken, ham and fish), Roscoe's has something for every carnivore. Meats are served on buns or platters with a large variety of side dishes and other homemade delicacies. Get beer-battered cheese curds, jojo potatoes and green beans with the house special. Roscoe's is family owned and serves award-winning ribs made from a family secret recipe. Enjoy this neighborhood gem with two locations in Rochester, Minnesota.
Credit: Mr. Pig Stuff
Mr. Pig Stuff
1561 1st Ave. E.
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 233-7306
www.mrpigstuff.com
A family-owned take-out and catering joint, Mr. Pig Stuff is a Shakopee legend and the place to go for great barbecue. Its no-frills approach to delicious meats has appeal to anyone who enjoys real barbecue. This spot offers pig roasts and catering for large parties, up to 90 people and more. The brisket, barbecue turkey, ribs and "pig" wings are fantastic treats alone or coated in the secret recipe barbecue sauce. Try a barbecue chicken or pork sausage pizza for a starter or something different to satisfy your carnivore cravings.
Related: Best Cajun Food In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
