New Orleans Barbecue
Best known for its varied Creole and Cajun fare like Cracklin, Andouille, and Tasso, Louisiana attracts tourists from all over the globe here to sample the flavors and spices of local meats. But whether you’ve been searching social media posts, dining guides, or online reviews, you’ll likely find a host of resources pointing you toward what has become a local obsession: barbecue. New Orleans residents can’t get enough of this tangy, savory fare, and they begin to fire up their grills for the year almost as soon as the area’s mild winters give way to springtime warmth.
Visitors to the city flock to various local diners and dives to savor barbecued dishes, including traditional Texas- and Carolina-style pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and other mouthwatering smoked meats. Of course, as with most foods, locals have their own twists on the classic barbecue. New Orleans restaurants add locally sourced sausages, regional sauces, and Cajun- and Creole-style slaws and sides for a distinct flavor and flair, and local seafood like shrimp and oysters often find their way onto the grill as well. In addition, with the growing popularity of cook-offs and competitions like the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival held in the fall, visitors can even sample a smorgasbord of delicious smoked meats all at once.
Whether you have your taste buds set on dishes with a local twist or you seek the comforting flavors of traditional barbecue, New Orleans can provide. Browse our list of favorite local haunts to find the best of the NOLA smokehouse scene! |