From smoky classics to soul-food surprises, Lincoln’s barbecue scene delivers big on flavor and personality. Whether you crave brisket that melts in your mouth or creative fusions you won’t find anywhere else, this city has something for every barbecue lover.
Let’s get to it.
Buzzard Billy’s
Stepping into Buzzard Billy’s in Lincoln feels like a little Louisiana celebration on a plate. Located in the Historic Haymarket and just a few blocks from Memorial Stadium, this restaurant wears its Cajun and Creole roots proudly. Gumbo and jambalaya headline the menu, with blackened seafood and chicken following close behind. Po’boys demand attention too—options like the Gator or Jerk Chicken Philly keep regulars coming back for more.
Then there’s the so-called Billy food—burgers and wings that span sauces from Buffalo to Thai peanut. If you need something stronger than a beer, head upstairs to the Starlite Lounge. Their Hurricane cocktail might actually live up to its name.
Portions here are generous and prices are welcoming. Whether you’re in for brunch, lunch, dinner after the game, or simply carryout, everything from party platters to daily specials is on offer. Catering services mean you can share those big flavors with a group, too. Buzzard Billy’s covers almost every mealtime and mood—just bring your appetite. peek at Buzzard Billy’s menu yourself.
Mary Ellen’s
At Mary Ellen’s in Lincoln, Nebraska, Southern barbecue and soul-food traditions come together in mouthwatering fashion. Founder Charles Phillips named the restaurant after his late mother, whose family recipes guide every dish. The pulled pork practically melts, and the fried chicken has a crispness that sets a high bar for any other bird.
Sides are true comfort staples. Creamy mac and cheese, collard greens simmered in smoky goodness, and classic potato salad all bring a taste of home. Even green beans get a flavor boost, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out if you “eat the right color” on the plate.
The atmosphere is laid-back and family-style, with dine-in tables, takeout options, and a roaming food truck at local events. If your weeknight feels too busy for kitchen work, their catering service steps right in. Prices stay grounded and portions arrive generous, making Mary Ellen’s a reliable spot for anyone chasing real Southern soul food. See what’s cooking at Mary Ellen’s.
Muchachos
Muchachos in Lincoln offers a lively mash-up of New Mexican chile and classic barbecue. What began as Nick Maestas’ food truck has grown into a fast-casual spot where Hatch chiles meet smoked brisket, pulled pork, and chicken. Every bite carries that signature New Mexican heat alongside familiar smoke-ring flavors.
The Pipeline Burrito is a highlight—it’s built for people who want a big, bold meal. Sides play a supporting role too, with Hatch mac and cheese and smoky refried beans joining the menu’s chips and queso. Portion sizes lean toward “share if you can,” but carryout makes it easy to finish off in multiple sittings.
Service is quick, and the atmosphere is friendly without fuss. Awards like top food-truck honors and a shout-out from ESPN’s “Taste of the Town” reflect the community’s love for this place. Whether you swing by for lunch or grab dinner on the go, Muchachos delivers a fresh angle on both barbecue and New Mexican cuisine. See what Muchachos is up to here.
Mulberry BBQ
At Mulberry BBQ in Lincoln, Nebraska, it feels like the team read the barbecue rulebook and scribbled their own notes in the margins. Open since July 2018, this local spot smokes every cut over Nebraska’s mulberry wood. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and house-made andouille sausage take on a subtle sweetness and depth you can’t quite put your finger on… but you’ll want seconds anyway.
Nothing arrives drenched in sauce. Instead, the slow-smoked meats star center stage while house-made sauces and secret seasonings play supporting roles. The sides lineup reads like a greatest-hits collection: mac and cheese that doesn’t skimp on the cheese, brisket-studded baked beans, cornbread stuffing, jalapeño creamed corn, plus a pair of potato salads for the indecisive.
Whether you swing through the south drive-through for a quick bite or head inside for counter service, you’re guaranteed fresh-smoked meats made daily. Burnt ends and that andouille sausage have earned dedicated fans, and seasonal offerings keep things interesting. When neighbors talk local brisket, Mulberry BBQ always comes up. Get your fix of Nebraska-smoked goodness here.
Parker’s Smokehouse
In Lincoln, Nebraska, Parker’s Smokehouse has cemented its reputation for honest barbecue done right. Family-owned and operated by Jeff and Emily Parker, this spot blends Texas influence with Midwestern flair. Every cut is slow-smoked from scratch and served without pre-soaking in sauce… that way each bite highlights the natural smoke ring.
The menu reads like a carnivore’s dream: St. Louis-style ribs, Texas brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and hot link sausage all command attention. Sides are serious contenders too. Cornbread muffins arrive warm, creamy mashed potatoes comfort every bite, and baked beans have been winning hearts across Nebraska for years. A spread of house-made sauces—from tangy vinegar to sweet molasses—rounds out the meal.
Parker’s racks up neighborhood awards like some folks collect souvenirs. If you value barbecue where jokes and ribs both come extra dry, this is the place to be. Explore the smokehouse menu right here.
Southwest Pit BBQ
Stepping into Southwest Pit BBQ in Lincoln, you’ll spot hickory smoke hanging in the air and portions built for a small marching band. No tablecloths or fancy fusion here—just a counter-serve setup where you order up brisket, ribs, or their legendary “Big Hog” sandwich. It comes piled high with pulled pork, bacon, and cheese in a way that makes breakfast feel optional.
What really stands out is the commitment to slow-smoking every cut daily over hickory wood. Their rib game is consistently strong, and the pulled pork sandwich might actually demand two hands. Sides pull their weight too. Mac & cheese, cornbread, and classic baked beans are all ready to join in on the flavor parade.
Whether you dine in at the cozy, casual counter or grab a feast to go, the staff nails it with big servings, solid value, and friendly vibes that keep folks coming back. See what’s smokin’ at Southwest Pit BBQ here.
Texas Roadhouse
When a steakhouse craving leans toward hearty and lively, Texas Roadhouse delivers. This isn’t the place for hushed whispers—hand-cut steaks and ribs that practically fall off the bone pair perfectly with made-from-scratch sides designed to fill you up. And yes, those famous dinner rolls alone could start a local legend.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy. Servers drop off plates and might even kick up some line dancing. It feels built for folks who crave Texas-style seasoning, generous portions, and a side of communal cheer.
You won’t find family-owned nostalgia, but you do get reliable dinners at moderate prices in a full-service, family-friendly setting. Takeout and family meal packs are on offer for nights when you’d rather dine at home. If steak, ribs, and good times sound like your thing, this place has you covered. book a table and bring your appetite.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
Across the country, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que takes fire and smoke very seriously… and they’re not shy about piling on the meat. From brisket and St. Louis-style ribs to pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, everything slow-cooks over real hickory in live-wood smokers. Proprietary rubs and sauces nod to Kansas City’s sweet swagger, Memphis’s dry-rubbed style, and beyond.
Sides bring true Southern hospitality to the table. Creamy mac and cheese, hearty beans, and golden cornbread muffins team up with the meats. Portions lean toward “bring a second stomach” territory so you can save leftovers for round two.
The casual dining room offers full table service, plus takeout and curbside pickup for the days when the barbecue craving is urgent. After racking up hundreds of awards and catering events nationwide, they know how to feed a crowd. Whether you’re here for awards or just fire-kissed flavor, Famous Dave’s shows up with smoke and style. Browse the menu right here.
Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
When it comes to slow-smoked barbecue, Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q on Cornhusker Hwy delivers laid-back vibes that feel like a Sunday nap. You’ll discover smoky meats from tender brisket and pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs, hot links and even turkey breast treated right at the pit. A variety of house-made sauces ranges from mild to fiery, and the notorious “Squealin’” sauce has a reputation for humbling even the most adventurous diners.
The sides hold their own too. Curly fries arrive golden and crisp, mac and cheese offers creamy comfort, and coleslaw adds a cool, tangy bite. Meals come in sizes from just-you to feed-the-family, and prices stay friendly enough that you won’t have to choose between a heaped tray of brisket and paying rent. Everything pairs perfectly whether you’re hungry for a solo feast or feeding a small crew.
If you’d rather keep the sweatpants on, no one will judge. Takeout, drive-thru and curbside pickup options make it effortless to grab your favorites on the go. Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q is all about simple, honest barbecue whenever you need it. Get your smoke on here.
Howzit Hawaiian BBQ
When craving island-inspired comfort, Howzit Hawaiian BBQ in Lincoln serves up a genuine taste of aloha right in the heart of Nebraska. The menu features Beach BBQ Chicken, North Shore Garlic Shrimp and crispy Chicken Katsu alongside tender Kalua Pig & Cabbage. Each plate arrives with fluffy white rice, classic macaroni salad and a green salad drizzled in sesame dressing that ties everything together. The fast-casual setup helps you get in and out without missing a beat.
Portions won’t leave you wanting. Plates land in the fifteen to twenty-dollar range, which usually means you’re getting enough for an encore meal at home. Whether you swing by for a quick lunch break or load up on takeout for dinner, you’ll walk away satisfied and still under budget.
Need to host a luau of your own? Catering for 25 to 30 hungry guests couldn’t be simpler. Howzit handles weekday lunches and weekend dinners from Tuesday through Sunday, only taking a break on Monday. So whenever the island breeze calls your name, Howzit Hawaiian BBQ has you covered. View their menu and order online here.
Canyon Joe’s Barbecue
At Canyon Joe’s Barbecue in Lincoln, a passion for Texas-style smoke meets Nebraska’s appetite. Founder Joe Hager took his food truck recipes to a brick-and-mortar spot in 2023, outfitting it with a much bigger smoker. Nowadays the aroma of slow-cooked brisket almost always lures you in, like a meaty pied piper.
Brisket takes center stage and is sliced or chopped right in front of you, a display of pure confidence. Ribs, turkey, pulled pork, sausage and pork belly burnt ends round out a lineup that feels like a love letter to Texas barbecue. On the side you’ll find hatch-chile mac, borracho beans and deviled egg potato salad, each willing to compete with the meat for attention.
The atmosphere stays relaxed, with picnic-table seating and occasional live acoustic music on the patio. Just note, they often sell out early, so showing up fashionably late might mean missing your chance. Whether you’re here for a solo plate or gathering with friends, Canyon Joe’s delivers authentic, down-home barbecue with genuine hometown pride. Browse their smoky menu here.
Cberrys Barbecue
Downtown Lincoln’s Cberrys Barbecue puts smoked meats and inventive combos front and center. They’ve become famous for their Legendary Late Night Breakfast, served Fridays and Saturdays until 3 AM. Picture pulled pork piled onto waffle fries for a sweet-and-savory mashup that keeps the crowds coming long after dark.
The core lineup reads like a barbecue anthology: brisket, burnt ends, spare ribs, turkey and jalapeno cheddar hot links stand side by side. Sides include creamy mac and cheese that you can spice up with jalapenos, plus all the usual suspects. Prices are clearly posted, so you always know what you’re ordering before it hits the tray.
Whether you need to cater a wedding, grab takeout or settle in for counter-service dinner, Cberrys makes it easy. Free Dessert Fridays add a sweet bonus to any meal. Open daily until late, this spot ensures your barbecue cravings are covered whenever hunger strikes, even well past midnight. Whether you’re fueling a late study session, winding down the night or just hungry for quality smoke, Cberrys Barbecue delivers the goods whenever you call. Browse their menu and let your cravings take it from here.
