The Bluegrass Capital of the World can now add “BBQ Capital of Kentucky” to its growing list of titles.

BBQ Styles Across the United States

BBQ is one of the cuisines that changes slightly based on the region you're in, but overall, it's short for food that is cooked on a grill over wood or charcoal.  When I think of BBQ, I think of slow-cooked ribs slathered in BBQ sauce.   According to Web Restaurants Store, there are four main styles of BBQ  across the U.S. They break it down to the following as the "big four:"

• Kansas City Style
• Memphis Style
• Carolina Style
• Texas Style

They add that there are a few other regional variations on BBQ as well, and specifically highlight Kentucky BBQ.

What Sets Kentucky BBQ Apart from the Big Four?

Web Restaurants Store says that what sets Kentucky-style BBQ apart is the way pit masters in the Bluegrass State have mastered the art of cooking mutton.

Kentucky Style Barbecue - For hearty barbecue, serve Kentucky’s famous barbecued mutton (aka mature sheep). The pitmasters of Kentucky perfected the art of slow-smoking mutton and developed a signature, Worcestershire-based sauce to complement its rich, gamey flavor. Another Kentucky barbeque staple is Burgoo, a stew loaded with mutton and other roasted meats.

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And no one specializes in mutton more than one BBQ joint in Owensboro!

Owensboro Restaurant Named the Best BBQ in Kentucky

In March of this year, Cheapism combed through BBQ restaurants all across the U.S. and named the best in BBQ for each state, and it's only fitting that they chose Moonlite Bar-B-Cue Inn in Owensboro as the best in Kentucky.  Considering Kentucky-style BBQ is known for mutton, and Moonlite specializes in mutton, it makes sense!

Here is what Cheapism had to say about Moonlite Bar-B-Cue:

In a small part of western Kentucky, there's a long tradition of barbecuing mutton, and you can try this unusual classic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. You can get the shredded, rich meat on a platter with cornbread muffins and pickles, but if the buffet is in effect you should buy it and sample all kinds of Southern sides. The burgoo, a kind of regional stew, is also made with mutton, so don't pass it up.

According to Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn's website, they've been a part of the Western Kentucky BBQ scene for more than 60 years.

A Kentucky Tradition since 1963, we cook in the old fashioned Kentucky tradition. We place meats personally selected for quality in our custom built hickory fired pits and cook them slow and long, giving them that distinctive hickory flavor.

You can see the full list of the best BBQ joints across the United States here.