Hosting a barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends while enjoying the warm weather this summer. But sometimes you don’t want to be responsible for manning the grill. So set down the charcoal and lighter fluid. Here’s where you can get the best barbecue in Philly.
Deke’s Bar-B-Que
137 Berkley St., Suite B
Located near Wayne Junction station, Deke’s serves locally sourced and slow-cooked meats. Go for baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, or even a rice bowl, pairing your choice of meat with rice and collard greens. If you need something to nibble on while you wait for your main order, munch on some brisket chili nachos. Do not leave here without trying the cornbread.
Sophie’s BBQ
4323 Main St.
After finding success in Havertown, Sophie’s has made Philly its second home with its new location in Love City Brewing. Pair your craft beer with a brisket cheesesteak, dry rub chicken, or the BBQ platter, which includes a choice of any meat, two sides, and cornbread with cinnamon maple blueberry butter.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
7500 State Rd.
This establishment has been dedicated to “serving happiness” since 2003, and its menu will definitely make you happy. Sweet Lucy’s prides itself on its wood-burning pit, cooking meats low and slow, adding its distinct aroma, flavor, and color. Help yourself to a rack of St. Louis ribs or hickory-smoked hot wings. If you’re eating with company, order the Pig-Out, which offers a combo of ribs, boneless meats, and sides in sizes that serve parties of four or six.
Zig Zag
2111 E. York St.
Zig Zag’s got you covered with pork spare ribs, brisket, and berbere spiced chicken with black lime ranch. But if you stop by on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can treat yourself to a “Slappy Meal” with your choice of a turkey teaser, brisket sandwich, chopped and smoked or pulled pork sandwich, paired with a choice of queso mac, potato salad, or coleslaw, and a drink. If you’re 21 and over, that drink could be a beer. Sober? There are N/A options too.
Mike’s BBQ
1703 S. 11th St.
This restaurant is so dedicated to providing a quality Southern barbecue experience that its namesake, Mike, drove all the way down to Georgia to bring back an old school “stick smoker.” Some menu highlights include prime brisket that’s smoked for 14 hours with oak wood and Mike’s Special Rub, and pulled pork smoked for the same amount of time with sweet-and-spicy rub.
Dwight’s Southern Barbecue
3734 Germantown Ave.
If you’re in search of comfort food, this spot is a short walk from the Broad and Erie subway stops. Dwight’s proclaims to be “the best soul food spot in town,” where you can get a helping of baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, yams, and potato salad. For meat, help yourself to the ribs or BBQ turkey wings.
Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ
117 South St.
Get a taste of the islands right in Queen Village. Mahlo Hawaiian BBQ serves up authentic lunch-plate style meals. Definitely opt for a combo platter, which comes with large portions that you can save for later if you run out of room. Some options include BBQ beef and chicken katsu, Kalua pork and BBQ chicken, or seafood with chicken, all served with white rice and macaroni salad.
Kim’s Restaurant
5955 N. 5th St.
Over in Olney, this Korean restaurant has been serving up traditional cuisine for over 40 years. The charcoal tabletop grill gives the meats a nice, smoky taste. Barbecue options include galbi (short beef rib marinated in mild sauce), sohyeo (thinly sliced cow tongue), and sam-gyeop-sal (sliced pork belly). The staff will help grill, cut, and split the meat between diners. Check this spot out if you’re looking to host a group dinner.
