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Best Barbecue In Pittsburgh

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May brings Pittsburgh many things to look forward to: warmer temperatures, flower-filled gardens, baseball season, and, for BBQ lovers throughout the region, National Barbecue Month. Pittsburgh is known for having some of the best barbecue in the region, thanks to a slew of local restaurants and bars that boast impressive menus of juicy, dripping BBQ goodness. From classic southern style to flavors all their own, these five barbecue hotspots are worth the calories and finger-licking good mess that drips off their tender and delicious entrées. Celebrate National Barbecue Month Pittsburgh-style at these places considered the best in the 'Burgh for barbecue.

Pittsburgh Barbecue Company
1000 Banksville Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 563-1005
www.pghbbq.com

Thoughtfully slow-cooked and generously smoked describes the taste of the pork at Pittsburgh Barbecue Company. The company prides itself on authentic Carolina-style BBQ flavor, slathered and dripping in a 17-spiced dry rub and vinegar-infused sauce that have helped earn it a top spot on lists by publications and websites, including "Pittsburgh Magazine," Trip Advisor, Yelp and "Table Magazine." Its award-winning and expansive menu also features some of the area's best brisket, chicken, sausage, hot dogs, spare ribs and a selection of incredible sides to accompany them. Pittsburgh Barbecue Company is located within minutes of the heart of downtown Pittsburgh next to the Days Inn on Banksville Road. A second restaurant can be found in Murrysville on William Penn Highway.

South Side BBQ Company
75 S. 17th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-4566
www.southsidebbqcompany.com

If you like your BBQ chicken with a kick of southern flavor, you'll love the taste of South Side BBQ Company. Saucy and smokey poultry is the highlight of its menu, which features favorites like wings, chicken nachos and its signature chicken sammie. Pair you meat choice with must-eats like mac n' cheese, cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw or brisket chili. Find South Side BBQ Company in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood and keep your eyes peeled for its food truck making its rounds throughout the city.

PJ's Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse
3612 Brodhead Rd.
Aliquippa, PA 15001
(724) 378-8603
www.pjsbbqrestaurant.com

Indulge in only the freshest and sumptuous barbecued meats at PJ's Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse, the Aliquippa area's answer to slow-cooked, southern-style, savory BBQ. Daily happy hour specials make this restaurant the perfect pitstop for to fill-up on great drinks and eats in its sports bar. While you're there, have a blast playing pool, darts and video games while catching your favorite sporting events and music events on the bar's big screen TVs. Full up at PJ's Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse tucked away on Brodhead Road, just minutes from I-376.

Related: Best Specialty Food Shops In Pittsburgh

Rowdy BBQ
3900 Saw Mill Run Blvd.
Brentwood, PA 15227
(412) 882-6788
www.rowdybbq.com

Whether prefer pork, crave chicken or love a juicy piece of beef, you'll find it at Rowdy BBQ. With a full catering and take-out menu, you can now enjoy its rich and flavorful BBQ entrées anywhere at any time. During the warmer months, arrive early and snag an outdoor table to eat right at the restaurant. Pick from best-selling BBQ items, like St. Louis style ribs, a BBQ sampler, pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ chicken. Fish specials as well as cheesesteaks, hot dogs, burgers, appetizers and sides are also available.

Hog Fathers
1301 Jefferson Ave.
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 229-1227
www.hogfathersbbq.com

Husband and wife Frank and Katheen Puskarich love sharing their passion for BBQ with Pittsburgh at their old-fashioned BBQ restaurant, Hog Fathers. Since Hog Fathers first opened in 2007, it has become widely known for having some of the best BBQ in the 'Burgh along with the number-one mac & cheese in the region. As the award-winner of Pittsburgh's best pulled pork and best ribs, this BBQ joint boasts countless must-try items, including its BBQ pork nachos, BBQ beef brisket sandwich, BBQ fish and chips, and a slew of home-cooked sides.

Related: Best Creative Burgers In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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