By Pitmaster Anthony DiBernardo
Where are the best barbecue joints? Pitmaser Anthony DiBernardo gives his five favorite places and what he loves to order.
Photograph courtesy of Swig & Swine
About Anthony DiBernardo
Pitmaster and owner of Swig & Swing BBQ in Charleston and Summerville, SC. Anthony moved to the Lowcountry when the USS Batfish submarine he was working on as a cook landed in Charleston. He left the US Navy and began working in the kitchen at Blossom. He later served as executive chef at Kiawah Island Resort, Mustard Seed, and Rita’s. From there he joined chef Sal Parco and together they opened five restaurants. In 2012, he became a partner in Swig & Swine.
SWIG & SWINE BBQ
1990 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485
1217 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
T: 843.225.3805
www.swigandswinebbq.com
Pitmaster Anthony DiBernardo's
BBQ Picks
Photograph courtesy of Southern Soul BBQ
Southern Soul BBQ
Harrison Sapp and Griff Bufkin transformed an old seaside gas station into a barbecue treasure. These guys are serious about their BBQ and do so much more than that. I make a point to sit at the counter and get their Brunswick stew -- it's legendary. Then I'll pretty much try anything else that Griff throws my way.
2020 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, GA
T: 912.638.7685
www.southernsoulbbq.com
Photographs courtesy of Blue Oak BBQ
Blue Oak BBQ
Blue Oak is a must whenever I find myself in the Big Easy because Ronnie Evans and Phillip Moseley are great guys who are truly dedicated to the craft. My favorite is one of their off-the-menu specials. The Spicy Fried Chicken sandwich is a big beautiful chicken thigh brined, fried, and tossed in their spicy Szechuan hot sauce, topped with Alabama white sauce and house-made pickles. I swear it's like an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
2828 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
T: 504.822.2583
www.blueoakbbq.com
Photographs courtesy of Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
This is a BBQ staple and a true neighborhood BBQ spot. Before opening their shop, owners Justin and Jonathan first started cooking in their backyards for family and friends. They are so passionate about their food and you can taste it in their menu. I always have the Beef Short Ribs with Fried Okra and the Frito-Lay Pie. Their beef short ribs are big beautiful bone-in beef ribs with their salt and pepper rub. Simple and to the point, the meat just melts off the bone. I also love their Frito-Lay Pie, it's a must-get whenever dining here. In true Texas and Fox Brothers fashion, they serve it still in the bag with a hefty serving of their homemade chili and Fritos topped with jalapeños and cheddar cheese.
1238 Dekalb Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
T: 404.577.4030
www.foxbrosbbq.com
Photographs courtesy of B's Craklin' Barbecue
B's Cracklin' Barbecue
They have some of the best ribs ever. Period. Bryan is a welder-turned-pitmaster who looks at BBQ as an art form and strives to deliver a delicious piece of meat every time. Personally, I love their story. Their restaurant was an overnight sensation that burned to the ground a few months after opening, but the entire community rallied behind them in support and now they have two locations in Savannah and Atlanta. I always get a plate of ribs with the hash and rice. It's classic southern BBQ.
ATLANTA | 2061 Main St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | T: 678.949.9912
SAVANNAH | 2409 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31419 | T: 912.330.6921
www.bscracklinbbq.com
Photograph courtesy of Blue Smoke | Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
Blue Smoke
This Big Apple BBQ is incredible. Chef John-Paul is from Louisiana and a little of that Louisiana flair comes through in his food. He's worked all over the world, inFrance, NYC, and Louisiana. He draws upon those experiences to create unbeatable flavors. I always like to see what they're doing next and grab a spot at the bar and order the dry rubbed wings drenched in their homemade Alabama White sauce. The wings are perfectly seasoned in a smoky and spicy dry-rub and coupled with their Alabama white sauce - the perfect complement to the smoky flavors. It's a great snack or lunch.
116 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016 | T: 212.447.7733
255 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10282 | T: 212-889-2005
www.bluesmoke.com
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