The States Most Passionate About BBQ in 2026
Montana tops the list as the state most passionate about BBQ, ranking 16th for BBQ restaurants per capita with a search volume of 100.
On the other end, Rhode Island ranks 45th for BBQ restaurants per capita and has a search volume of 65.
Oklahoma leads the nation with the highest number of BBQ restaurants per capita.
Massachusetts has the fewest BBQ restaurants per capita.
BBQ is arguably one of America’s quintessential culinary delights. From succulent ribs to perfectly smoked brisket, this beloved food transcends state lines, igniting a passion among many. However, some states take their BBQ love to another level.
We analyzed the number of BBQ restaurants available per capita alongside search volumes for popular BBQ items like brisket, ribs, and BBQ sauce to determine where BBQ reigns supreme.
Continue reading to discover the rankings of all states based on their BBQ enthusiasm!
Methodology: How We Identified States That Love BBQ
Each summer brings BBQ celebrations across the nation. To uncover which states indulge in the most BBQ during the summer season and beyond, we evaluated each state based on two criteria:
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Number of BBQ restaurants per capita
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Search volume for BBQ-related terms, including brisket, ribs, BBQ, and BBQ sauce
Our search volume data is sourced from Google Trends, while the restaurant per capita rankings are derived from data compiled by Estately using YellowPages.
1. Montana
Search Volume: 100
BBQ Restaurants: 16
Montana is the top state for BBQ lovers. With a search volume of 100, it’s clear BBQ is on the minds of many residents, despite ranking only 16th for BBQ restaurants per capita. Montana has the highest search volume for ribs and BBQ sauce in the country, indicating a fervent love for BBQ.
2. Kansas
Search Volume: 81
BBQ Restaurants: 14
Kansas is renowned for its mouthwatering BBQ and boasts a passionate BBQ-loving populace. Ranking 14th in BBQ restaurants per capita, Kansans have a notably high search volume for brisket and BBQ, outperforming many other states.
3. Missouri
Search Volume: 75
BBQ Restaurants: 4
Missouri may not be the first state that comes to mind for BBQ, but its residents have a strong affinity for it. With a search volume of 75 and a commendable rank for BBQ restaurants per capita, it’s evident that BBQ is a staple in Missouri households.
4. Wyoming
Search Volume: 98
BBQ Restaurants: 18
Wyoming ranks fourth, showing a strong love for BBQ. It is particularly notable for its high search volumes for brisket and ribs, making it a haven for BBQ enthusiasts.
5. Oklahoma
Search Volume: 79
BBQ Restaurants: 1
Oklahoma stands out with the highest number of BBQ restaurants per capita, ensuring residents can enjoy their favorite dishes any day of the week.
6. Tennessee
Search Volume: 73
BBQ Restaurants: 6
Tennessee’s BBQ pride is evident with a search volume of 73 and a respectable number of BBQ restaurants per capita. It also ranks second in search volume specifically for “BBQ.”
7. South Carolina
Search Volume: 74
BBQ Restaurants: 5
South Carolina ranks seventh for BBQ enthusiasm, with a notable number of restaurants per capita and a high search volume for BBQ sauce, showcasing the state’s culinary preferences.
8. Arkansas
Search Volume: 76
BBQ Restaurants: 8
Arkansas is known for its delicious BBQ offerings and ranks eighth in the country for BBQ restaurants per capita. Its residents also exhibit a strong interest in BBQ through search volumes.
9. Louisiana
Search Volume: 82
BBQ Restaurants: 15
With a search volume of 82, Louisiana demonstrates a deep appreciation for BBQ, complemented by a healthy number of BBQ restaurants throughout the state.
10. Alabama
Search Volume: 73
BBQ Restaurants: 3
Alabama rounds out our top ten list. Although its search volume may seem modest, it ranks first for the frequency of BBQ-related searches, indicating the state’s passion for BBQ.
Conclusion: The BBQ Heartland
BBQ is not just a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings communities together. While many states boast a love for BBQ, these ten stand out as the true heartlands of BBQ appreciation in America.
As the BBQ season continues throughout the year, these states exemplify the passion and culinary creativity that this beloved tradition inspires.
For more insights on food culture, check out our article on National Food Holidays (Including National BBQ Day).
| Rank | State | Ribs Search Volume | Restaurant Per Capita Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 100 | 16 |
| 2 | Kansas | 81 | 14 |
| 3 | Missouri | 75 | 4 |
| 4 | Wyoming | 98 | 18 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 79 | 1 |
| 6 | Tennessee | 73 | 6 |
| 7 | South Carolina | 74 | 5 |
| 8 | Arkansas | 76 | 8 |
| 9 | Louisiana | 82 | 15 |
| 10 | Alabama | 73 | 3 |
| 11 | Idaho | 83 | 29 |
| 12 | Nebraska | 88 | 25 |
| 13 | Texas | 72 | 9 |
| 14 | Alaska | 93 | 41 |
| 15 | South Dakota | 90 | 20 |
| 16 | Colorado | 81 | 26 |
| 17 | Iowa | 84 | 30 |
| 18 | Minnesota | 84 | 23 |
| 19 | North Carolina | 71 | 17 |
| 20 | Hawaii | 84 | 10 |
| 21 | Georgia | 70 | 2 |
| 22 | Illinois | 84 | 21 |
| 23 | Indiana | 91 | 33 |
| 24 | North Dakota | 96 | 42 |
| 25 | Oregon | 79 | 40 |
| 26 | Washington | 81 | 43 |
| 27 | Kentucky | 75 | 19 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | 85 | 28 |
| 29 | West Virginia | 76 | 22 |
| 30 | Nevada | 76 | 7 |
| 31 | New Mexico | 83 | 34 |
| 32 | Vermont | 75 | 44 |
| 33 | Delaware | 76 | 27 |
| 34 | Mississippi | 72 | 13 |
| 35 | Ohio | 77 | 31 |
| 36 | Virginia | 68 | 32 |
| 37 | Michigan | 83 | 47 |
| 38 | Utah | 75 | 38 |
| 39 | Arizona | 75 | 39 |
| 40 | New Hampshire | 80 | 49 |
| 41 | Maryland | 73 | 24 |
| 42 | Maine | 79 | 46 |
| 43 | Florida | 69 | 11 |
| 44 | Pennsylvania | 71 | 37 |
| 45 | California | 66 | 36 |
| 46 | New Jersey | 64 | 35 |
| 47 | Connecticut | 72 | 50 |
| 48 | New York | 58 | 48 |
| 49 | Massachusetts | 64 | 51 |
| 50 | Rhode Island | 65 | 45 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
