— Best Barbecue
- And the winner is...
- Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ
The Basics
Opened: 2012
Neighborhood: St. Matthews and Hurstbourne locations
Self-description: “Kansas City-style barbecue. Homemade mustard and pickles using Momma’s recipe.”
Website: mommasbbq.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 4
Total wins: 1
First nomination: 2016, Best BarbecueThe Voting Academy Says
“Go-to order: beef ribs, wings and a mix of sliders.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Feast BBQ
The Basics
Opened: 2012
Neighborhood: NuLu
Self-description: “Barbecue takes time, dedication and the constant pursuit of perfection. It takes us a long time to cook our food, and we hope you can taste our patience.”
Website: feastbbq.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
Total wins: 2 (2017 and 2018, Best Barbecue)The Voting Academy Says
“If there’s a line, always worth the wait.”
- Four Pegs Smokehouse & Bar
The Basics
Opened: 2018
Neighborhood: Germantown
Self-description: “One of Louisville’s premiere gastropubs, specializing in smoked foods and inventive dishes sure to please carnivores and vegetarians alike. In a building that has been home to various restaurants, watering holes and mercantile establishments for some 150 years.”
Website: fourpegs.netBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“The chef/owner, Chris Williams, even competed on the Food Network show BBQ Brawl.”
- Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot
The Basics
Opened: “For more than a half-century.”
Neighborhood: Crescent Hill
Self-description: “With barrel smokers out front, it’s hard to miss the smell of smoky goodness. And we rub the best butts!”
Website: fabdsmokehouse.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 2
First nomination: 2009, Best BarbecueThe Voting Academy Says
“One of my favorite hidden gems. Cheap drinks, great Southern-style food — and you get a ton of it for the price. The large smoker out front is constantly cooking meats. I usually get the half-chicken dinner and three sides, including the best green beans around. And the added bonus of a teeny outdoor mini-golf sitch.”
- River Road BBQ
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Neighborhood: River Road off Zorn
Self-description: “We keep it simple. We keep it good.”
Website: riverroadbbq.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Still feels like a hidden gem.”
- Shack in the Back
The Basics
Opened: 2006 (new location in 2022)
Neighborhood: Fairdale
Self-description: “We have the food that will satisfy the soul.”
Website: shackinthebackbbq.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“ALWAYS worth the drive to Fairdale. Locals know this.”