10 Divine Southern BBQ Joints

Memphis-style barbecue doesn't get any better than Central BBQ. Boasting three locations throughout the city, this Southern institution will win you over with classics like ribs and beef brisket as well as slow smoked hot wings.

Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous is another Memphis staple churning out delicious barbecue on a regular basis. The signature dry rub ribs are a must and pair perfectly with traditional sides like beans, slaw, potato salad and pickles.

Home Team BBQ has been "makin' bacon" in Charleston, South Carolina for over a decade now and the word's gotten out that its one of the region's best stops for barbecue.

In addition to a phenomenal atmosphere, the Downtown Charleston location boasts a 35-seat bar, a pet-friendly courtyard and live music.

Dreamland is the brainchild of John "Big Daddy" Bishop and has expanded throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida in the six decades since Big Daddy introduced his ribs and secret barbecue sauce to the world.

You can't go wrong with any of the smoked meats at Texas' Pecan Lodge but the "Hot Mess" is a great place to start. After all, this bold creation brings together a jumbo sea salt-crusted sweet potato, shredded brisket, chipotle cream, cheese, butter and green onions. What's not to love?

The award-winning Skylight Inn is quintessential eastern North Carolina barbecue.

Just like it did in 1947, Skylight Inn pays homage to the region's preferred style by cooking whole hogs over wood, making for a simple menu done absolutely right.

The Salt Lick BBQ celebrated 50 years of flavor in 2017 so it's clearly doing something right.

Located in Driftwood, Texas just outside of Austin, the restaurant chain offers barbecue by the plate, meat by the pound and all you can eat beef brisket, sausage and ribs for under $25.

Visitors to Atlanta can thank Texas brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox for one of the region's most satisfying barbecue joints.

The self-taught, identical twins have been slow roasting for nearly two decades and their experience shows in menu items like chicken fried ribs, smoked wings and a bevy of sandwiches, including "The Texacutioner," which combines chopped brisket with Fox Bros' housemade and hickory smoked jalapeno cheddar sausage.

4 Rivers Smokehouse is a relative newcomer to the barbecue scene but has quickly established itself as a premier purveyor of Southern comfort food.

With locations in Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, 4 Rivers has conquered the Southeast with its mouth-watering pulled pork, brisket, ribs, smoked turkey and sausage.

Arguably the best barbecue on the planet can be found in Austin, Texas. You'll have to get to Franklin Barbecue early though because the line grows quickly and it typically sells out in just a few hours.

The brisket here has received high praise from renowned chef Anthony Bourdain, who called it the "finest" he's ever had. And despite a recent fire, Franklin is open for business. Excellent news for barbecue lovers.