10 BBQ Spots Along Route 66 To Visit On Your Next Road Trip

Nothing says ‘American road trip’ quite like cruising down Route 66 with the windows down and the smell of barbecue in the air. This historic highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states and countless pit stops where smoke signals beckon hungry travelers.

I’ve rounded up the most mouth-watering BBQ joints that deserve a place on your Route 66 itinerary.

1. Pig Out Pit (St. Louis, Missouri)

You’ll smell this place before you see it! Tucked under the shadow of the Gateway Arch, Pig Out Pit has been smoking meat low and slow since 1957.

Their St. Louis-style ribs are legendary – slathered in a sticky-sweet molasses sauce that locals swear is addictive. I always order the sampler platter to get a taste of everything. The outdoor seating area offers views of the Mississippi River, making it the perfect spot to refuel before continuing your journey west.

2. Crossroads Smoke Shack (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

Family recipes and Oklahoma hospitality make this roadside gem worth the detour. The brisket here changed my understanding of what barbecue could be – smoked for 16 hours until it practically dissolves on your tongue.

The walls are lined with photos of famous visitors who’ve stopped by over the decades. Their homemade sauce comes in four heat levels, from mild to what they call “highway hazard.” The cornbread is baked fresh hourly, and you can watch pit masters work their magic through the open kitchen window.

3. Mesa Smoke House (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Southwestern flavors meet traditional BBQ techniques at this high-desert treasure. The green chile pulled pork sandwich will make you rethink everything you know about barbecue!

Situated on a mesa overlooking the city, the sunset views here are almost as spectacular as the food. The meat is smoked using local mesquite and piñon woods, giving it a distinctly New Mexican flavor profile. Their homemade corn tortillas make the perfect wrapper for their smoky brisket tacos.

4. Canyon Pit Stop (Flagstaff, Arizona)

Just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon, this rustic BBQ joint is worth the stop. Housed in a converted 1950s gas station, they’ve kept the vintage pumps out front as decoration.

The prickly pear BBQ sauce gives their ribs a sweet-tangy kick you won’t find anywhere else. After a day of hiking nearby trails, nothing satisfies like their smoked turkey legs. The dining room features panoramic windows facing the San Francisco Peaks, letting you enjoy Arizona’s natural beauty while you feast.

5. Smokehouse on 66 (Chicago, Illinois)

My taste buds still remember the first bite of their apple-wood smoked ribs! This Chicago landmark sits right at the starting point of Route 66, welcoming road trippers with a carnivore’s dream menu.

The owners have kept the same secret dry rub recipe for three generations. Don’t miss their burnt ends – crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. The walls are covered with vintage Route 66 memorabilia that’ll transport you back to the highway’s golden era.

6. The Rib Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)

When in Texas, eat like a Texan! This ranch-style BBQ haven sits on the outskirts of Amarillo, where the beef brisket is as big as the Texas sky.

The owner, a former rodeo champion, greets every guest personally. Their signature “Cadillac Ranch Platter” features enough meat to feed a small family – beef ribs longer than my forearm! Save room for their famous peach cobbler, made from a recipe that’s outlived three generations of pitmasters.

7. Desert Smoke BBQ (Barstow, California)

An oasis of flavor in the California desert! This family-run spot has turned a former train depot into BBQ heaven, complete with dining inside refurbished train cars.

Their tri-tip sandwich is legendary among Route 66 travelers – tender beef sliced thin and piled high on sourdough bread. The homemade BBQ sauce incorporates local dates for a subtle sweetness. Cool down with their signature prickly pear lemonade while watching trains rumble past on nearby tracks.

8. Mother Road Smokehouse (Kingman, Arizona)

Named after Route 66’s famous nickname, this Kingman institution serves up history alongside perfectly smoked meats. The pulled pork here has converted even the most dedicated beef lovers I know!

The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 1930s service station with the original neon signs still glowing. Their house specialty is the “Roadkill Platter” – don’t worry, it’s just a massive sampler of all their best meats! The walls are covered with license plates donated by satisfied customers from all 50 states.

9. Pier End BBQ (Santa Monica, California)

Your Route 66 journey ends deliciously at this beachfront BBQ spot near the Santa Monica Pier. Ocean breezes mix with smoky aromas as you celebrate completing the historic highway.

Their California-style BBQ incorporates fresh seafood – try the smoked fish tacos or their famous BBQ shrimp skewers. The outdoor patio sits just steps from where Route 66 officially ends. I recommend timing your visit for sunset, when you can toast your road trip accomplishment with their signature smoked old fashioned cocktail while watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

10. Lem’s Bar-B-Que

In the heart of Chicago, Lem’s Bar-B-Que stands as a beacon for BBQ lovers. Known for its rich, smoky aroma that envelops the bustling street, this spot offers a diverse menu that caters to every BBQ craving.

From tender ribs to spicy hot links, each dish is crafted with care and precision, ensuring a delightful experience. The atmosphere is lively, with patrons from all walks of life gathering to indulge in the delicious offerings.

Whether you’re passing through or a local, Lem’s promises a memorable taste of Chicago’s BBQ scene. A must-visit for any true BBQ enthusiast.