Getting Saucy: Great Barbecue in Nevada
The origin of barbecue in America has been oft debated, with the South claiming dominion over the tasty style of cooking meat and even how it’s seasoned, but one thing is for sure: Barbecue is as close to being our national food as apple pie.
Every state—heck, every restaurant—puts its own spin on grilling, smoking, and slow cooking tasty cuts of meat, and Nevada’s barbecue restaurants are no different. You’d be hard pressed to travel to any city and not find barbecue on the menu, but we’ve got a sample of the delicious delights that await your visit.
Barbecue joints across the state are serving up all the meats.
Smokin’ J’s Barbecue
Beatty
Smokin’ J’s slow-smoked barbecue staples include tender pulled pork, brisket smoked to perfection, flavor-loaded rib tips, and juicy jalapeño cheddar sausage. You’ll also find a selection of sandwiches (The Brisket Bomb is a can’t-miss) and burgers, but don’t neglect such sides as potato salad, coleslaw, and jalapeño mac ‘n cheese, which are all made fresh daily.
There’s plenty of room to sit in the dining room, plus lots of outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Take a break from the road or grab your food to go. Either way, you’ll be glad you did.
Susie’s BBQ
Fallon
Picture this: You’re driving the Loneliest Road in America and the need for some quick, delicious, saucy food hits. Pull over to Susie’s BBQ and prepare to be sated. Grab a pulled pork or brisket sandwich on a hoagie roll or go big with a combo plate—you’ll be happy you stopped no matter which you choose. A full selection of beverages (including beer) is available, and the casual dining area is perfect for a road trip pit stop. Just don’t forget the napkins!
The Pig BBQ & Pub
Winnemucca
The main event at The Pig is the long list of BBQ specialties, each served “Winnemucca Style” with Buckaroo Beans, Texas toast, and your choice of famous Pigtail Fries, coleslaw, potato salad, Cajun rice, or potato chips. There are so many items to choose from, including hickory-smoked BBQ pork ribs, ribs n’ shrimp, and grilled Cajun hot link sausages. If you can’t decide, try The Smokehouse, which includes 1/4 rack of ribs and your choice of shredded chicken, Louisiana hot link sausage, tri-tip, or pulled pork. For anyone not craving saucy goodness, The Pig offers specialty sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Whatever your choice, this large, fun, family friendly restaurant is sure to be a hit.
Fox Smokehouse BBQ
Boulder City
Since 2013, Fox Smokehouse BBQ has served up competition-grade smoked meats and amazing house specials to a rabid fanbase. All the usual suspects here are cooked to perfection, but this is the place to take your barbecue obsession to the next level. Try the BBQ sundae, a layered lovefest of beans, slaw, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, and your choice of meat. Seriously yummy sides you won’t find on every barbecue joint’s menu include cowboy corn bites, pickle fries, okra, and collard greens—all homemade, of course. Round out your meal with offerings from the full bar and choose outdoor patio seating or indoor ambience.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Can’t get enough barbecue? Head to Boulder City for the annual Best Dam Barbecue Challenge. This competition serves up delicious fare and fabulous fun during Memorial Day Weekend. If you’re visiting northern Nevada during Labor Day Weekend, check out the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks. Dozens of the country’s best chefs compete for tasty bragging rights.
