News Summary
Las Vegas ranks No. 7 while Phoenix secures No. 18 in LawnStarter’s 2025 Best BBQ Cities in America report. The ranking assesses 476 cities based on consumer satisfaction, accessibility, and BBQ diversity. Both cities are recognized for their vibrant BBQ culture, with Las Vegas’ Rollin Smoke BBQ standing out for its extensive menu and accolades.
Las Vegas and Phoenix Shine in Top BBQ Cities Ranking
Las Vegas has been ranked No. 7 in LawnStarter’s 2025 Best BBQ Cities in America report, while Phoenix holds the No. 18 spot on the same list. This ranking evaluates 476 of the largest cities in the United States, using 13 metrics categorized into four key areas: consumer satisfaction, access, competition awards, and elite barbecue memberships.
Both cities earned commendable scores for their consumer satisfaction and access to BBQ options, highlighting their growing reputations in the culinary scene. In Las Vegas, high marks were particularly attributed to the accessibility of various barbecue establishments, which cater to a diverse clientele. Similarly, Phoenix’s strong performance reflects a vibrant BBQ culture that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Las Vegas BBQ Scene
Among the numerous BBQ spots in Las Vegas, Rollin Smoke BBQ stands out. Originally launched as a food truck in 2012, it has since expanded to five brick-and-mortar locations, with four situated in Las Vegas and one in Avondale, Arizona. The establishment prides itself on serving Arkansas-style pit barbecue.
The menu at Rollin Smoke BBQ features a variety of barbecue sandwiches, platters, and Southern specialties, including fried catfish and fried okra. Their signature offering, the “Pit Special,” is designed to serve two people, featuring a selection of five meats and three sides for a price of $44.
Rollin Smoke BBQ also offers a range of notable dishes that have contributed to its popularity. Patrons rave about the St. Louis-cut spareribs, acclaimed for their tenderness and chewiness, as well as the juicy hot link, moist brisket, pulled pork, and thick-sliced turkey, all infused with smoky black pepper undertones.
Another highlight on their menu is the tomato-based “Arkansauces,” available in sweet, spicy, and vinegary options. Side dishes include sweet cornbread, gooey mac and cheese, a unique bacon-studded potato salad, and collard greens paired with brisket. The restaurant also serves a burnt ends sandwich priced at $16, considered a must-try for BBQ lovers, and a brisket dog at $17, which is topped with melted cheese, brisket, green onions, and crispy red onion strings. Their smoked meatloaf has even gained attention after being featured on the Travel Channel, priced at $23.
Rollin Smoke BBQ can be found at 10120 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale, with a contact number of 623-936-8737.
Phoenix’s Barbecue Offerings
Phoenix, ranked No. 18, is not to be overlooked when it comes to BBQ. The city’s culinary landscape boasts a variety of barbecue joints offering mouthwatering dishes. Similar to Las Vegas, the focus is on consumer satisfaction and diversity in barbecue techniques and flavors.
The BBQ scene in Phoenix has been enriched by numerous establishments that emphasize the cultural importance of barbecue in Southern cuisine. The ranking demonstrates that Phoenix is home to a thriving community of barbecue enthusiasts who appreciate and take pride in their local offerings.
Conclusion
The rankings from LawnStarter underline the significance of BBQ culture in both Las Vegas and Phoenix. As cities that continue to innovate and expand their culinary portfolios, both locations stand out not just for their rankings, but also for the rich variety of options available to residents and visitors. With barbecue joints like Rollin Smoke BBQ leading the way, these cities are cementing their places in America’s barbecue landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Havasu News
- Phoenix Magazine
- Texas Monthly
- Taste of Home
- Phoenix Magazine
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: best barbecue restaurants in Las Vegas
- Google Scholar: BBQ culture in America
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: Las Vegas Phoenix BBQ ranking
