Top 18+ popular BBQ chains, ranked

6. Terry Black's BBQ

No, you are not seeing double! There are two "Black's" barbecue chains. After a family fallout and numerous threats of lawsuits from an attorney uncle, Terry Black opened his own location in Austin. Terry and his twin sons now operate three locations in Austin and Dallas — and have returned to Lockhart.

Terry Black has worked to continue cooking the same way his grandfather taught him; simple, delicious and always made from scratch. While basing their practice on his grandfather's high standards, Terry and his family also continually work to perfect their craft. Terry Black's was designated as one of Texas Monthly's 2017 Top 50 BBQ joints in Texas. This accolade is no small feat! While Black's Barbecue may be the original, they are not the best between the two. That designation belongs to Terry Black's BBQ.

Terry Black's knows how to tempt your taste buds. Customers order meat-market style, meaning you get to watch as your food is generously piled on parchment paper. Everyone lines up across the counter to choose desserts and sides then over to the butcher block. This is where the fun really begins! You watch your meat being cut and piled on your tray. 

Don't blame us if you "accidentally" order an extra sausage (or three) — and we won't tell if an extra half-pound of perfectly crusted brisket shows up on your parchment paper!

4. Mission BBQ

Launched on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack, Mission BBQ is serious about its support of the heroes who protect our country, having donated more than $20 million to various service organizations. Plus, at any one of its nearly 150 locations in the United States, active service members and veterans can pick up a free sandwich during Armed Forces Week. Hooah!

And, about that barbecue ... We tasted the menu at the Towson, Maryland location, and walked out the door fully ready to launch our own franchise. (Where do we sign?) Give us the Mission BBQ-branded armored truck with the billowing U.S. flag parked outside, and fill it with Texas-style oak smoked brisket, Maggie's mac-and-cheese, and all the cornbread you can find. Everything — including the 10 signature sauces (ranging from hot honey to vinegar, but definitely get the Smoky Mountain) — is well-seasoned without tipping into overly-salty or spicy hot territory.

There's even a smoked cheeseburger up for grabs, as well as a kids' menu with junior ribs, and catering options for up to 50,000 people (not even kidding). This is one BBQ joint that looks like it's just heating up. 

2. L&L Hawaiian BBQ

For beginning as a humble outpost in Honolulu, L&L Hawaiian BBQ features a booming worldwide presence with locations all over the globe, from California to Japan. Now, you can sink your teeth into the flavors of the classic Hawaiian barbecue plate lunch — aka, "the state food of Hawaii" — from just about anywhere.

Featuring a patchwork of East Asian influences, the lunch plate leaves no hungry belly behind, with two scoops of rice, creamy macaroni salad, fresh fish, chicken, and a bonus protein like fried shrimp. You could also go for the fried chicken katsu, or the kalua pork with cabbage, but we've got our eyes on the SPAM musubi.

A prized favorite of islanders and former locals, the dish features grilled SPAM as art; a savory pork slice positioned atop a serving of rice, and wrapped with dried seaweed. There is no more perfect food. (Covering our ears — la, la, la, la, la.) The chain even celebrates SPAM Musubi Day on August 8, where fans can cash in on a free handheld snack at any local store. (Uh, marking the calendar.)

1. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

Another stunner straight out of the Sunshine State, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has BBQ-loving Floridians covered from the Panhandle to the Keys. Kick it, key lime pie, we'll take the Messy Pig pulled pork sando with Six Shooter cheese grits any day of the week.

Having gotten its start as a garage-based "Barbecue Ministry" with just a single smoker and a dream of helping a local family in need, founder John Rivers went on to launch 4 Rivers Smokehouse in 2009. It was an immediate hit. (Hello, have you seen the angus brisket?)

From the St. Louis style pork ribs, to the smoked chicken, and pulled pork, you'll find the brand's signature 4R all purpose seasoning blend providing a well-rounded flavor, finished with 4R signature sauce. Don't live in Florida? You can get these salty treasures — including the meat — shipped straight to your door. 4 Rivers Smokehouse proudly stands by its mission, "4 The Greater Good," and by all accounts, that goodness tastes divine.