12 Minnesota BBQ Joints Locals Quietly Swear By (And Would Rather Keep Hidden)
Minnesota isn’t the first place most people think of for barbecue, but locals know there’s plenty worth bragging about.
Across the state, you’ll find small-town joints and neighborhood spots turning out smoky ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork that tastes like it’s been perfected over years.
These places don’t need flash or hype to stay busy. Weekends already bring long lines of regulars who know what’s waiting at the counter. Minnesota’s barbecue might not shout for attention, but it definitely earns it.
1. Animales Barbeque Co., Minneapolis
Walking into this place feels like stumbling onto something you were never supposed to find. The brisket here gets smoked low and slow until it practically falls apart when you look at it.
Owner Mike Joyner brings Texas-style techniques to the Twin Cities without any of the usual fuss or fanfare. The meat speaks for itself, which is exactly how it should be.
Regulars come back for the ribs that have just enough char on the edges. No fancy sides needed when the main event is this good.
2. OMC Smokehouse, Duluth
Up in Duluth, this spot has been quietly perfecting smoked meats while everyone else was looking elsewhere. The pulled pork here gets piled high on soft buns with just the right amount of sauce.
Chef Jaime Hammel runs a tight ship, focusing on quality over quantity every single day. The smoker runs all morning, filling the neighborhood with that unmistakable smell.
People drive from neighboring towns just to grab a rack of ribs before they sell out. Get there early or risk disappointment.
3. Q Fanatic BBQ & Grill, Champlin
This family-run spot in Champlin has been feeding locals for years without much noise or attention. The burnt ends here are sticky, smoky, and absolutely worth the drive from anywhere in the metro.
Everything gets made fresh daily, and when they run out, that’s it until tomorrow. The sauce selection lets you choose your own adventure, from tangy to sweet to straight-up spicy.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Grab extra napkins.
4. Ted Cook’s 19th Hole BBQ, Minneapolis
Tucked near a golf course, this place has been a local secret for longer than most people realize. The ribs come out tender with a beautiful smoke ring that proves they know what they’re doing.
Ted Cook himself still oversees the operation, making sure every plate meets his standards before it leaves the kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed, the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and nobody bats an eye.
Try the combo platter if you can’t decide. You won’t regret it.
5. Smoke in the Pit, Minneapolis
This Minneapolis joint has built a loyal following by doing the basics exceptionally well. The brisket gets seasoned with a simple rub and then left alone to work its magic in the smoker for hours.
No gimmicks, no fusion experiments, just honest barbecue done right. The mac and cheese on the side is creamy enough to make you forget it’s supposed to be a supporting player.
Weekends get busy, so plan accordingly. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM first.
6. FireBox Deli, St. Paul
Sitting in a St. Paul neighborhood, this deli-style spot serves up barbecue that punches way above its weight. The smoked turkey here is moist and flavorful, a rarity in the BBQ world where it often gets overlooked.
They also nail the sausage links, which come out with a perfect snap when you bite into them. The casual setup means you order at the counter and find a seat wherever you can.
Lunch rushes can get hectic. Go a bit earlier or later to avoid the crowd.
7. Rooster’s BBQ Deli, St. Paul
Another St. Paul gem that locals guard like a state secret. The pulled chicken here gets tossed in a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Rooster’s keeps things simple with a small menu that changes based on what’s smoking that day. The cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Parking can be tricky, but the food makes the hunt worthwhile. Carry-out is popular here for good reason.
8. Hickory Hut, St. Paul
This St. Paul institution has been around long enough to have fed multiple generations of the same families. The hickory-smoked flavor here is unmistakable, the kind that sticks with you long after you leave.
Their rib tips are a menu highlight that regulars order by the pound. The staff knows most customers by name, which tells you everything you need to know about the place.
Don’t skip the baked beans. They’re slow-cooked with bits of brisket mixed in for extra flavor.
9. Big Bore Barbecue, Hanover
Out in Hanover, this spot serves up competition-quality barbecue without any of the pretension. The pork ribs here have won awards at actual BBQ contests, and one bite tells you why.
Everything gets cooked over real wood, giving the meat that authentic smoky flavor you can’t fake. The outdoor seating area fills up fast during summer months when everyone wants to eat outside.
Their homemade sauces range from mild to mouth-burning. Start cautious if you’re not used to heat.
10. John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q, Rochester
Rochester locals have been coming to John Hardy’s for decades, and the recipe hasn’t changed much in all that time. The beef ribs here are massive, the kind that require both hands and zero shame.
The sauce has a tomato base with a hint of sweetness that complements rather than overwhelms the meat. It’s a no-frills operation where the focus stays squarely on the food.
Expect a wait during dinner hours. The place is small, and word has spread despite everyone’s best efforts.
11. Smoak BBQ, Rochester
This newer addition to Rochester’s BBQ lineup has quickly earned respect from the old guard. The smoked wings here are criminally underrated, with crispy skin and meat that slides right off the bone.
They also do a mean smoked meatloaf that sounds weird but works surprisingly well. The owners are usually around, checking in with tables and making sure everything meets their standards.
Weekend specials often feature experimental items worth trying. The regular menu is solid, but the specials show real creativity.
12. Mr. Pig Stuff, Shakopee
The name alone should tell you this place doesn’t take itself too seriously. Located in Shakopee, Mr. Pig Stuff specializes in all things pork, and they’ve mastered every cut.
The pork shoulder gets smoked until it’s so tender you could eat it with a spoon. Their coleslaw has just enough tang to balance out the richness of the meat.
Families love this spot because the prices stay reasonable and the portions could feed a small army. Save room for their peach cobbler if they have it.