Say What? Owensboro, Kentucky Left Off America’s Most BBQ Obsessed Cities List

In a recent study from Bid-on-Equipment.com, Louisville made the top 50 most barbeque-obsessed cities in America, but Owensboro did not. A lot of methodology was put into the research, but the results are unexpected. What do you think?

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Memphis has its regional style rub, many say Texas is the best state for BBQ, and Kansas City offers its sweet and thick sauces. In Owensboro, we have a taste and style all our own. We offer mutton slow-smoked to perfection, and our signature stew, burgoo. This is why we have restaurants ranked among the nation's best. So, how could we be left off the most barbeque-obsessed cities in America?

MOST BBQ-OBSESSED CITIES IN AMERICA

Who has the best mouth-watering barbecue in the country? Bid-on-Equipment.com did its research to answer this question. Although Atlanta took the number one spot for BBQ, Kansas City ranked second. Tampa, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively. In Tennessee, Memphis made it into the top 10, and Nashville ranked 11th. Who made the cut in Kentucky? Louisville ranked 34th in the study, and somehow Owensboro didn't make the Top 50 at all, which is a big surprise. Do you agree with the results?

BBQ STUDY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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.

The 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.).

OWENSBORO HAS MANY GREAT BBQ RESTAURANTS TO ENJOY

MOONLITE BAR-B-Q INN

People in the region love Moonlite Bar-B-Q for many different reasons. Whether you order traditional ribs, pulled pork, chicken, mutton, or brisket, their talented BBQ experts know how to cook. They offer catering, and you can order carry-out off the menu. What is Moonlite best known for?

"What is it that distinguishes our barbecue from the barbecue in the rest of the world? It's the local popularity of barbecued mutton. Since 1963, we cook in the old-fashioned Kentucky tradition."

Their large buffet draws people from all over the country, with all-you-can-eat ribs, chopped pork, mouthwatering beef, mutton smoked to perfection, all the homemade sides, and an extensive dessert bar with their famous banana pudding!

BUFFET HOURS

Monday - Saturday (Lunch) 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday - Thursday (Evening) 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday (Evening) 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 2:30 pm

MOONLITE BAR-B-Q INN LOCATION

2840 W Parrish Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301

OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE

Old Hickory Bar-B-Que is locally and family-owned since 1918. It's well-known that their pitmasters know how to serve award-winning bar-b-que. That's why it's a local favorite for out-of-town visitors and a bbq staple. They make it easy to order out or to have them cater your next event. You can even bring meat such as ham, deer, or turkey and they'll cook it for you. Because they offer this service, it makes holiday cooking easier!

"Old Hickory Bar-B-Que is a locally owned and family-operated restaurant that has been proudly serving families in Owensboro, KY since 1918. Our bar-b-que is legendary and has been featured in many magazines and TV shows."

Their signature dip is just one of the reasons Old Hickory Bar-B-Que is one of the best BBQ restaurants in the area! But, are they your favorite in town?

OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE HOURS

Monday through Thursday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday
9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm

OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE LOCATION

338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301

OLE SOUTH BARBEQUE

Ole South Barbeque is known as Western Kentucky's best-kept BBQ secret. You feel like family with their laid-back mom-and-pop feel. Their mutton, bbq chicken, burgoo, and brisket, all cooked hot and fresh, keeps customers coming back for more. If you're looking for a delicious breakfast buffet, they offer that too.

"Ole South Barbeque offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet 7 days a week. Open daily at 6 am."

Is your barbeque go-to, Ole South Barbeque?

OLE SOUTH BARBEQUE LOCATION

3523 KY-54, Owensboro, KY 42303