12 Pennsylvania BBQ Chains Locals Swear Are Worth Every Bite
Last summer, I drove three hours across Pennsylvania just to try a pulled pork sandwich my cousin wouldn’t stop raving about.
That smoky, tender bite changed everything I thought I knew about barbecue. Pennsylvania might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but locals know better.
From patriotic pit stops to Brazilian steakhouses that redefine the meat experience, these chains deliver flavors worth every mile and every penny.
1. Mission BBQ
Patriotism meets pulled pork at this military-themed chain that honors America’s heroes with every plate.
Walking in feels like stepping into a tribute hall, with flags hanging from the ceiling and photos of service members lining the walls.
Every day at noon, the entire restaurant pauses for the National Anthem, creating a moment that gives you goosebumps.
The brisket is tender enough to pull apart with a fork, and their cornbread comes out warm with honey butter that melts instantly.
Founded by two guys who wanted to serve those who served us, this spot delivers both heart and heat.
2. Smokey Bones
Fire-grilled flavors take center stage at this chain that knows how to handle smoke and spice.
Their menu reads like a carnivore’s dream journal, packed with ribs that fall off the bone and wings tossed in sauces ranging from sweet to face-melting.
What sets them apart is the variety of regional BBQ styles under one roof. You can sample Carolina mustard sauce one visit and switch to Kansas City sweet the next.
The loaded mac and cheese deserves its own fan club, and happy hour specials make it easy to become a regular without breaking the bank.
3. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Texas-style BBQ landed in Pennsylvania, and locals couldn’t be happier about it. This chain slow-smokes their meats overnight in hickory wood pits, creating that signature pink smoke ring that BBQ nerds get excited about.
Their brisket gets sliced to order, and you can watch them pile it high on your sandwich right at the counter. Free ice cream with every meal sweetens the deal, literally.
The jalapeño cheddar sausage packs a punch, and their potato salad has a tangy kick that balances the richness of the meat perfectly.
4. Old Carolina Barbecue Company
Carolina BBQ tradition gets serious respect at this chain that brings Eastern North Carolina flavors north.
Vinegar-based sauces might sound weird if you’re used to thick, sweet Kansas City style, but one bite of their tangy pulled pork converts skeptics instantly.
The meat arrives chopped, not shredded, with crispy burnt ends mixed throughout. Their hush puppies come out golden and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Family recipes passed down through generations guide every dish, and you can taste the authenticity in every smoky, peppery bite that hits your tongue.
5. Quaker Steak & Lube
Motorcycle memorabilia and monster wings create an atmosphere unlike any other BBQ joint around.
Born from an old gas station turned restaurant, this chain celebrates car culture while serving wings in over 25 sauce varieties.
Their Louisiana Lickers sauce will make you reach for your drink repeatedly, while the Triple Atomic option requires signing a waiver.
Beyond wings, the baby back ribs get glazed to perfection, and the burgers are thick enough to require two hands.
Classic cars hanging from the ceiling and vintage gas pumps scattered throughout make every meal feel like a pit stop at the coolest garage in town.
6. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Cook your own feast at this interactive chain where tabletop grills put you in charge of the sizzle. Thinly sliced bulgogi beef marinates in sweet soy sauce, ready for you to grill to your exact preference.
Half your table can feature a bubbling hot pot while the other half grills meats, making it perfect for groups who can’t decide.
The all-you-can-eat option encourages experimentation with kimchi, mushrooms, and spicy pork belly.
Watching your food cook right in front of you turns dinner into entertainment, and the endless banchan side dishes keep appearing like magic throughout your meal.
7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Japanese yakiniku tradition meets American convenience at this chain that elevates grilling to an art form.
Paper-thin slices of premium beef cook in seconds on your personal grill, developing a caramelized crust that locks in juices.
Their garlic fried rice arrives in a hot stone bowl with a crispy bottom layer that crackles when you dig in.
Tare sauce, a sweet soy-based marinade, complements the beef perfectly without overpowering the natural flavors.
Happy hour pricing makes trying high-quality cuts like short rib and harami skirt steak surprisingly affordable for adventurous eaters looking to expand their BBQ horizons.
8. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Endless parades of meat arrive at your table, carved tableside by gauchos wielding giant skewers.
This upscale Brazilian churrascaria uses a simple red and green card system: flip to green, and servers keep bringing different cuts until you surrender.
Picanha, the prized top sirloin cap, gets seasoned with just sea salt to let the beef shine. The salad bar stretches longer than some restaurants, loaded with imported cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.
Dining here feels like a special occasion, with attentive service and an atmosphere that transforms a regular Tuesday into a celebration worth remembering.
9. Texas de Brazil
Brazilian and Texan BBQ traditions collide in spectacular fashion at this carnivore paradise.
Fifteen different cuts rotate through your table, from bacon-wrapped chicken to lamb chops that practically melt off the bone.
The cheese bread alone is worth the visit, arriving warm and chewy with a slightly crispy exterior.
Unlike typical BBQ joints, the salad bar here rivals the meat selection, featuring lobster bisque, smoked salmon, and hearts of palm.
Pace yourself, because just when you think you’re full, they bring out the garlic-rubbed picanha that changes everything you thought you knew about steak.
10. NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse
Authentic Brazilian flavors shine at this family-owned chain that treats every guest like extended family.
Their rodizio service brings a steady stream of grilled meats, but the real magic happens in the seasoning and preparation.
Each cut gets special attention, from the cumin-rubbed lamb to the Parmesan-crusted pork loin that arrives golden and crispy.
The pão de queijo (cheese bread) recipe comes straight from Brazil, and one bite transports you straight to Rio.
Smaller than some competitors, this chain focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring every skewer that reaches your table meets exacting standards that honor churrasco tradition.
11. Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse
Named after Brazil’s most beloved cut of beef, this steakhouse specializes in the art of perfectly grilled picanha.
The signature cut features a thick fat cap that bastes the meat as it cooks, creating unmatched flavor and tenderness.
Servers arrive with theatrical flair, presenting each skewer before slicing portions directly onto your plate. Their feijoada, a traditional black bean stew with pork, offers a hearty alternative between meat courses.
The caipirinha cocktails, made with cachaça and fresh lime, provide the perfect tropical complement to the smoky, savory parade of proteins that never seems to end until you beg for mercy.
12. Sardi’s Pollo A La Brasa
Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken spins over open flames, basted in a secret marinade that locals guard fiercely. This isn’t your typical BBQ, but the smoky, char-grilled bird deserves every bit of hype it receives.
The chicken emerges crispy-skinned and juicy, served with addictive green aji sauce that balances heat with herbaceous freshness.
Fried yuca and sweet plantains round out plates that feel like a South American feast.
While technically roasted rather than smoked, the open-flame cooking method and bold flavors earn this spot on any Pennsylvania BBQ pilgrimage worth taking seriously.