At some point, however, the preparation evolved into a pit dug in the earth.

Unfortunately, not a lot of records exist of the cooking style at the time.

As barbecue evolved, different regional styles emerged.

bbq barbecue & catering food

Heim Barbecue & Catering / Facebook

Alabama was marked by its unique white sauces and Kansas City for its sweet, tomato-based sauces.

Read on for their meaty favorites.

Blood Bros BBQin Bellaire, Texas, is Bissonnette’s pick for the tops.

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Blood Bros. BBQ / Facebook

“They are super creative!

I love the influences they combine to make a truly unique BBQ spot.

Everyone working there is committed to the food and excellent service.

rodney scott’s whole hog bbq

Rodney Scott’s BBQ / Facebook

It’s a fun party every time I go!”

Scott’s also has locations in Alabama and Georgia.

“His whole hog is awesomepicked by hand and never chopped.

peg leg porker exterior

Peg Leg Porker / Facebook

Mopped and finished with vinegar BBQ and his secret rub.

The barbecue served at Rodney Scott’s takes time, slowly tended to over glowing embers of hot hardwood.

The chain specialized in cooking whole hog but it carries amazing sides too like creamy mac and cheese.

smoke john’s bar-b-que & home cooking exterior

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking / Facebook

“Another one isPeg Leg Porker in Nashville.

I still dream about it sometimes.”

This is the spot for a real taste of Tennessee barbecue.

hard eight pit bbq sign

Hard Eight BBQ- Roanoke / Facebook

You won’t get gloppy sauce on your pork ribs, they’ll be dry-rubbed and flavorful.

Also, don’t miss out on theMemphis Sushiwhich is sliced kielbasa sausage served with cheddar cheese and saltines.

According to St. Peter, Hard Eight is cafeteria-style and you just point at what you want to eat.

goldee’s bbq wall

Goldee’s Barbecue / Facebook

“I love going toGoldee’s in Fort Worth,” says Staniford.

The line up starts at 6 am and the food is worth it!

Probably the best I have had.”

cooper’s old time pit bar-b-que sign

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que / Facebook

This spot is great and it knows it.

“The part I love the most though is howTexanit feels,” he says.

You just feel like you are very much inTexaswhen you walk in.

heim barbecue exterior

Heim Barbecue & Catering / Facebook

Tasty food and the real deal."

A few sides and dessert round everything out.

“My favorite place for finger-licking BBQ isHeim BBQ.

the join sign

Courtesy of The Joint

“you might sit outside, enjoy amazing food and watch the airplanes go by!”

The barbecue is simple and made with time and care.”

You just can’t beat that flavor."

kreuz market exterior

Kreuz Market / Facebook

central bbq sign

Central BBQ (Summer) / Facebook

big bob gibson bar-b-q-sign

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q / Facebook

snow’s bbq exterior

Snow’s BBQ / Facebook

q39 exterior

Q39 / Facebook