Most Obsessed BBQ Cities (according to Google Search volume)

[WillTravelForFood]

Yes, it's another BBQ survey. This one analyzed various BBQ-related Google search terms for one year and where those searches originated from to come up with their list of "most BBQ obsessed cities"

This is NOT that these cities had the "best BBQ". Just cities where BBQ had the most online search action.

1. Atlanta
2. KC
3. Tampa
4. Minneapolis
5. Vegas

Not surprising: LA and NYC were last on the list.

The survey people then went ahead and identified the top BBQ restaurants for each of the top cities. Based on other threads here on the Pit, we think they've named names that others have mentioned here. So that's good.

Source: https://www.bid-on-equipment.com/pos...-bbq-in-the-US

[Donw]

And I would have thought Barbecue, North Carolina would be number one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue,_North_Carolina

[jfmorris]

In NC they know what good BBQ is, and don't have to Google it!

[Spinaker]

I could see Minneapolis people looking for BBQ that doesn't exist.

Only a few spots that are worth it.

[Huskee]

Same here, couple hidden gems that get my two thumbs up, far more that don't.

[Spinaker]

This article is ridiculous. I hate to be the guy that says, "You Minnesotans don't know BBQ." But in general, they have no idea. LOL. (And I have pretty much lived here all my life) Huskee

[Willy]

I'ma thinkin' that Google searches for BBQ places mean that locale doesn't have any/many good BBQ joints.

[Potkettleblack]

To determine America’s best BBQ cities we analyzed Google search volume of 2,121 search terms including “bbq near me,” “bbq recipes,” and “best barbecue near me” over the period of February 2022 to February 2023.

To determine the top 15 best cities for Korean BBQ we analyzed Google search volume of 1,142 search terms including “Korean bbq,” and “best Korean BBQ near me” over the period of February 2022 to February 2023.

Total search volume during this period was then calculated per capita and visualized per 100,000. This method of analysis allows us to even the playing field between smaller cities with lower populations or a lower search volume (such as New Orleans, Tampa, and Arlington, etc.) and cities with a large population with higher search volume (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.).

To determine the Best BBQ restaurants, we gathered data on the top 10 rated BBQ restaurants on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Google for each individual city (Atlanta, Kansas City, and Tampa). We then analyzed Google search volume of the 30 best-rated restaurants to determine the most popular ones by city.

NY, LA, and Chicago also have the most alternate options of cuisines, thereby diluting the BBQ in searches. New York (speaking as a native) and Chicago (speaking as a resident), have tougher standards that Minneapolis (family ties) where people tend to be generous with stars.

I have no idea why they thought this was a good way to rank anything. Frankly, it's dumb.

For instance, LA and Chicago both have Korea Towns of size, with widely known Korean cuisine scenes, and great Korean BBQ. I mean, Chicago has BILL FREAKING KIM.

https://www.chicagomag.com/dining-drinking/chef-bill-kim-reflects-on-urbanbellys-15-years-in-business/

[luvthemstillers]

Looks like my BBQ search activities are registering down here in Tampa. FWIW Tampa does have a halfway decent BBQ scene. There are some good local food trucks as well as a family run joint called Jazzy's that was featured on Good Morning America last year:

https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2022/05/13/good-morning-america-says-these-are-some-of-tampas-best-barbecue-spots/?outputType=amp