There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of good barbecue to spark your appetite and your curiosity. The Tri-Cities is home to a surprising mix of classic smokehouses, family-run gems, and food trucks that rival the best of the South.
Let’s get to it.
Baby J’s
At Baby J’s in Richland, WA, barbecue fans discover a genuine taste of the South in the Tri-Cities. This family-owned spot pays tribute to its namesake Josiah (aka “Baby J”) by slow-smoking meats over local cherry and apple wood. Pulled pork and ribs come out tender and smoky, just the way aficionados demand.
There’s no barbecue purism drama here. The menu offers ribs, pulled pork, burgers, and even a few Mexican-inspired dishes. Comfort sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and mac and cheese round out each plate. Every order arrives with a generous drizzle of handmade sauce.
Portions are hearty and prices remain moderate so you can satisfy your appetite without breaking the bank. The dining room has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and takeout runs smoothly. Tables fill up fast on weekend evenings, so arriving early helps you avoid the longest waits. Servers stay friendly even when the kitchen hums under the scent of smoke. If you value straightforward flavors and real wood fire, Baby J’s delivers every time. See what’s smoking at Baby J’s.
CG Public House and Catering
Steeped in local tradition, CG Public House and Catering first opened its doors in 1979. Now in its second generation of family ownership, this Tri-Cities favorite blends down-home comfort with a dash of Southern sass. The menu reads like a greatest-hits album: Carolina pulled pork sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes earn nods from BBQ aficionados and comfort-food lovers alike.
Patio seating invites you to linger over a homemade pot pie or a loaded sandwich while watching life go by. Sides like creamy mac and cheese or collard greens add familiar warmth to every meal. Meanwhile, beer taps rotate frequently, showcasing local breweries throughout the year.
Their catering arm lives up to the restaurant’s reputation—voted Best Catering in the Tri-Cities. From backyard barbecues to office luncheons, they handle events big and small. Whether you’re craving classic Southern staples or planning your next gathering, CG Public House and Catering serves it all with genuine hospitality. Explore their Southern-inspired menu.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
When it comes to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, you know meat takes center stage. Started by Travis Dickey in 1941, this family-run operation has grown into America’s largest barbecue franchise—all while keeping its roots in Texan hospitality and hickory smoke. The focus remains on slow-smoked meats done right.
Brisket, ribs, Polish and spicy cheddar sausages—the menu reads like a carnivore’s dream. Sides aim for the same cozy vibe: fried okra, cheesy mac, and hearty barbecue beans fill out your plate. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Service here is counter-style and efficient. Expect quick orders and friendly staff rather than table-side tea refills. Dickey’s also caters events of any size. They’ve been known to treat first responders to free meals and even tempt regulars back with collectible “Dickey Ducks.” With dine-in, takeout, and occasional beer offerings, Dickey’s keeps barbecue straightforward, smoky, and satisfying. Scope the menu for your next barbecue fix.
KC’s Biscuits and BBQ
In Kennewick, KC’s Biscuits and BBQ shows that not all food trucks are created equal, and some are true biscuit magicians. Since rolling out in 2019, owners Charlotte and Kelly Williams have built a loyal following with Southern-style cathead biscuits that are irresistibly fluffy. Flour comes straight from North Carolina to guarantee that old-school flavor.
Meats include brisket (proudly boasting a third-place finish at Benton City Daze), pulled pork, smoked sausage, and BBQ chicken. Each protein pairs perfectly with sides like smoked mac and cheese or cowboy beans. Seating is outdoors only, so you can enjoy your meal in the open air and casual setting.
Prices stay friendly enough for weekday splurges, and portions feel generous. If you’re after genuine Southern flavor on the go—and biscuits that could double as pillows—KC’s Biscuits and BBQ delivers comfort by the big, doughy handful. Get your BBQ fix right here.
Neighbor’s BBQ
Over in Kennewick, Neighbor’s BBQ keeps Central Texas traditions alive under the direction of Michael Hicks. He brought his oak-fueled smoker and Texas sensibilities from Prosser in early 2025, focusing on salt-and-pepper brisket, pulled pork, and sausage. Simple seasonings let the smoke do the talking.
Sides stick with timeless crowd-pleasers: mac and cheese, baked beans, and crisp coleslaw. No elaborate sauces or flashy garnishes—just honest barbecue served in solid portions. A full rack of ribs rings in at $29, which locals agree is a fair price for top-52-in-the-nation talent.
Rumor has it new menu experiments are on the horizon, but for now, this truck stays true to its roots. If you’d rather soak up the sun than book a flight to Austin, Neighbor’s BBQ offers authentic Texas pit flavor right on Kennewick streets. See why they’re winning national attention.
Porter’s Real Barbecue
Porter’s Real Barbecue has built its reputation on family roots and genuine South Carolina flavor. Porter Kinney started out with a food truck in 2014, and word of his tender brisket and pulled pork spread fast. Today, several full-service locations stand where that truck once rolled.
Every slab of St. Louis ribs, house-made turkey, and sausage spends up to fourteen hours slow-smoking over apple wood. Prime-grade brisket arrives with a tangy mustard sauce on the side or with the signature house rub coating each bite. Southern barbecue sensibility is front and center—no frills, just honest smoke and seasoning.
The sides strike a balance between classic and creative. Gouda mac and cheese brings a smoky twist to a comfort-food staple. Bacon jalapeño poppers add a kick. And those baked beans? They might just steal the show.
Portions are generous, prices stay easygoing, and the counter-service style feels personal. Whether you linger over a plate in the dining room or grab takeout on the fly, this family-run spot wears its Tri-Cities barbecue crown proudly. Meet the saucy crew and their menu here.
Summer’s Hub of Kennewick
At Summer’s Hub of Kennewick you’ll find a lively outdoor venue where local food trucks gather under one roof. KC’s Biscuit & BBQ serves as the resident pitmaster, bringing a time-honored smokehouse vibe to the mix.
Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage all make regular appearances, each carrying that familiar aroma of tradition. Sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread round out the menu. No secrets are shared about KC’s exact techniques, but the soul of true barbecue shines through.
Seating feels communal. Picnic tables encourage friendly conversation with neighbors and fellow barbecue fans. Counter service keeps the pace brisk, whether you’re grabbing lunch or settling in for an early dinner.
Open from mid-morning through dinner most days, Summer’s Hub doubles as a social hub. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your stretchiest pants—you won’t want to stop at one plate. See what all the fuss is about here.
Swampy’s BBQ Sauce & Eatery
At Swampy’s BBQ Sauce & Eatery the flavors of the Pacific Northwest meet Missouri bayou tradition in every smoky bite. Founders Ron and Christina Swanby began by catering local events, then launched a food truck, and now greet customers at a bright brick-and-mortar walk-up window in Kennewick.
They fire up fruitwoods like peach, apricot, and cherry for subtle, orchard-fresh notes in their pulled pork, brisket, tri-tip, and pork belly. The smoked turkey stays juicy—no cardboard holiday memories here. A lineup of house-made sauces and dry rubs adds a quirky sweetness you won’t find at a big chain.
Sides keep pace. Smoked mac and cheese delivers extra creaminess. Potato casserole, slaw, and barbecue baked beans complete the spread. Generous portions mean nobody leaves hungry.
With a focus on takeout and outdoor seating, Swampy’s serves from breakfast through dinner on Thursday and Friday. The Swanbys also direct a portion of their profits to charities and orphanages, so every meal lends a helping hand. Taste what Pacific Northwest BBQ is all about.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse stands out for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and a menu that refuses to hold back on meat. From marinated grilled chicken to slow-cooked pork ribs, the emphasis stays squarely on hearty, satisfying dishes.
Sides refuse to play second fiddle. Steak fries beckon for a standing ovation and silky mashed potatoes rival any holiday spread. Big, American-sized portions mean you’ll want to bring an appetite—and maybe a friend to help with leftovers.
The atmosphere leans country-casual. Wooden tables and neon beer signs set the tone for good times. Counter service is quick, but dining in feels like gathering around a friendly neighborhood steakhouse table.
A solid beer selection complements Texas Red Chili and that signature cinnamon-butter roll arriving hot to the table. Texas Roadhouse may not be a mom-and-pop joint, yet it delivers the kind of crowd-pleasing, meat-centric feast that keeps guests coming back. Peep the Kennewick menu right here.
