The Best Barbecue in the US Is Completely Meat-Free

Despite the skeptics, plant-based pitmasters around the country have transformed meat-heavy barbecue culture into one of inclusivity. Whether you’re in California, Idaho, or Colorado, you can find satisfying plant-based meat to take you back to your hometown roots. To get in the spirit of summer, we’re ordering from these vegan-friendly eateries across the country.

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What is vegan barbecue?

Usually, in the US, barbecue refers to different meats that have been cooked with wood smoke, although methods, as well as seasonings and sauces, vary from state to state. In South Carolina, for example, you’re more likely to find whole hog barbecue served with a mustard-based sauce, notes Eater, while Kentucky is renowned for its mutton barbecue, which is often served with Worcestershire-based sauce.

The Jackfruit Company

Clearly, neither of these options is vegan. But more than ever, restaurants and eateries are applying signature barbecue cooking techniques, seasonings, and sauces to vegan food instead. Plant-based meats, like vegan chicken, burgers, and sausages, are popular barbecue alternatives, but you can also find more whole food options, like jackfruit or tofu, for example.

RELATED: The Juiciest, Meatiest Meat-Free Ribs You Can Buy

Is vegan barbecue healthy?

Because it’s heavy on smoked meat, traditional barbecue isn’t often considered a health food. This is because this method of cooking, which involves preparing food at high temperatures and producing a lot of smoke, is linked with a higher cancer risk. “Both smoke and high-temperature cooking of certain meats are known to be carcinogenic,” reports Healthline. The ingredients themselves are also associated with a higher risk of cancer. Processed meat, for example, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, while red meat is Group 2.

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When it comes to vegan barbecue, it’s important to recognize that it is still not a health food as such, but research does suggest it is healthier than the alternative. In 2021, for example, one study focused on barbecues in the UK and suggested that vegan barbecue food was 43 percent healthier than meat. 

This is largely due to the types of ingredients commonly used in plant-based barbecue dishes. Foods like jackfruit, falafel, mushrooms, tofu, and legumes tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories compared to processed meats like sausages and burgers. Additionally, many plant-based options are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are often lacking in conventional barbecue fare.

The best vegan-friendly barbecue joints across America

Let’s be honest: if you’re craving barbecue, you’re probably not thinking about nutrition—and that’s perfectly okay. Some meals are all about gathering with friends, enjoying bold flavors, and indulging in great-tasting food. So if you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering vegan barbecue feast but don’t feel like firing up the grill yourself, here are some of the best spots across the US to satisfy your craving.

Southern Fried Vegan

1 Southern Fried Vegan

Nationwide

This California-based pop-up travels the country, bringing mouthwatering, plant-based barbecue eats to hungry vegans and omnivores alike. From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, Southern Fried Vegan serves classic fan favorites, including slow-smoked barbecue pork, barbecue beans and brisket, fried chicken, and savory mac-and-cheese. Keep up with this traveling eatery’s event page to find out when they’re coming to your city.
FIND IT HERE

Homegrown Smoker

2 Homegrown Smoker

Arizona

From smoky barbecue burgers to chewy wings drenched in sauce, Homegrown Smoker has been slinging its vegan barbecue classics for over a decade. Its popular Portland location is now closed, but you can grab its delicious food in and around Arizona, so keep your eyes peeled on social media for updates.
FIND IT HERE

Brother’s BBQ

3Brother’s BBQ

Denver, CO

This longstanding barbecue joint isn’t all vegan, but it makes a concerted effort to appease its plant-based patrons. Since opening the first of its seven Denver locations in 1998, the menu has expanded to include vegan eats from tofu to the Impossible Burger. Order a plate or two, crack open a cold one, and enjoy.
FIND IT HERE

Compton Vegan

4 Compton Vegan

Carson, CA

Get your fix of vegan ribs and barbecue pulled jackfruit pork at this LA-area eatery and food truck, served alongside dishes like baked beans, collard greens, and mac and cheese. While not exactly a raw kale salad, the food at Compton Vegan is designed to provide the community with healthier alternatives to familiar food. So dig into those barbecue jackfruit ribs and save the smoothie for another day. Make sure to order ahead; they’re known for selling out fast.
FIND IT HERE

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5 Sandwiches by BBQ4LIFE

Boise, ID

Idaho may not be the first place to look for vegan eats, but this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar has given us a reason to consider this state for its vegan-friendly options. Dig your teeth into a smoked tempeh sandwich slathered in barbecue sauce, complete with vegan potato salad. Whatever your pick, you can’t go wrong.
FIND IT HERE

Baby Blues BBQ

6 Baby Blues BBQ

Los Angeles, CA

Baby Blues BBQ has been a hotspot for barbecue lovers for some time, but recently, it decided to expand its menu to more diners by adding plant-based options. Look out for mouthwatering dishes like the Country Fried Tofu Sandwich, the Beety Not Meaty Burger, Stewed Tomatoes, and plenty more.
Find it here

Imagine Vegan Cafe

7 Imagine Vegan Cafe

Memphis, Tennessee 

This popular vegan spot in Memphis doesn’t just serve barbecue, but as you’d expect from any restaurant in the city, it does offer a few smoky choices. Check out The Vegan Memphis Sandwich Platter, for example, which comes with the cafe’s own vegan meat and bbq beans.
Find it here