Springfield nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, is known for its love of all things food, in particular its deeply rooted BBQ culture. With both Southern and Midwestern influences, the love for BBQ runs deep. Many family-owned BBQ restaurants are passed on from generation to generation and are popular spots for both locals and tourists alike.
In this article, we’ll give you a full rundown of the BBQ scene in Springfield. We’ll discuss where you’ll find the best, mouth-watering hot BBQ restaurants, what to expect, and their signature dishes.
Let's get into it!
Image Source: City Butcher and Barbecue
The City Butcher and Barbeque has been rated one of the top BBQ restaurants in Missouri. The casual, laid-back BBQ joint is often hustling and bustling away from lunch til late, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors to Springfield.
The butchers here know their stuff, and you’ll notice that. The unique blend of being both a butchers, and a BBQ restaurant means that the meat is both of the highest quality and guaranteed to be fresh. This is reflected by their excellent reviews, earning them the reputation of one of the best BBQ joints in the country.
This restaurant is best known for their slowly smoked brisket, which melts away at your mouth. The chefs here use this brisket to make popular sandwiches which are the perfect lunchtime meal. As for dinner, the juicy ribs are a must-have.
If you love the restaurant just as much as all the locals do, you’ll be pleased to know they offer catering services, which are the perfect choice for your next event.
The restaurant is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from X-Golf Springfield, an indoor golf course with a full bar that is designed to entertain. If you’re looking for the perfect lads weekend, or fun with the family, give the golf course a try, before indulging in some well earned BBQ food.
Image Source: Smokin' Bob's BBQ
Smokin’ Bob’s BBQ restaurant had humble beginnings. What is now a successful BBQ joint, started off as an extremely popular food truck. With sell out days common, Bob has opened his very own restaurant, which has become a local for many.
Bob’s menu has a range of sandwiches, nodding to his humble beginnings. These sandwiches, including the popular Burnt Ends, use USDA prime beef, along with tender pulled pork, chicken, and sausage links. Apart from the sandwiches, the ribs are also to die for, and have most people coming back for round 2.
The BBQ joint is popular among families. It offers lighter meal options, such as smoked mac' n cheese, which are perfect for younger family members.
Smokin’ Bobs also has catering available for parties both large and small.
If you’re planning a day out around Smokin’ Bob’s BBQ, the Getaway Golf course is conveniently located right next door.
Image Source: Whole Hog Café
The Whole Hog café has built its reputation over decades for being a stand-out BBQ restaurant in Springfield. As their name suggests, they are best known for their pork. Their whole hog has won prestigious BBQ awards and is a popular choice for people visiting the restaurant. The pulled pork is dry rubbed with secret spices, and pecan wood is smoked for 15 hours, making it one of the most tender and mouth-watering meals that BBQ cuisine has to offer.
The casual atmosphere makes it a great place to stop by for a casual feed or to bring the kids out for a treat. The rustic decor truly makes it feel like a Southern BBQ joint.
The Whole Hog Cafe is also a great choice if you’re looking for BBQ-style catering. They offer buffet-style catering, bulk portions of sides and sauces, bulk meats, and boxed lunch options. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking of bringing a large party to the restaurant, the party room can be rented out for free and can accommodate up to 50 people.
The successful joint has two restaurants, one in the North of Springfield and one more central. The restaurant on Glenstone Ave is close to the Valley Water Mill Park, a great place to stop by for a walk and catch some fresh air.
Image Source: Buckingham Smokehouse Bar BQ
The Buckingham Smokehouse will greet you before you walk through the door. The outdoor smoker gives you a mouth watering feel for the food you are about to experience. Whilst the indoor decor is minimal, you’ll find that the restaurant focuses much more on the quality of the BBQ, than on the thrills. You’re encouraged to gnaw on bones, lick your fingers and just enjoy what a good BBQ feed has to offer.
On the menu you'll find BBQ classics such as tender beef brisket, juicy ribs, pulled pork, hot links and smoked turkey. However, their menu also offers BBQ treats such as smoked wings, BBQ nachos and their popular specialty sandwiches. Their Smoked Cordon Bleu sandwich is a crowd pleasure. Made with smoked chicken breast, pit ham, smoked bacon and provolone cheese, it'll have you begging for more.
They also offer specials during the entire week, including kids eating free, 7 days a week.
The BBQ joint is conveniently located just across the street from the Bass Pro shop, as well as the wildlife museum. This makes it the perfect stop over after grabbing some fishing supplies, or taking the kids out for a day animal watching.
Image Source: Bawi Korean BBQ
We all love a classic, Texas-Style BBQ. But why not try something a little bit different? The Bawi Korean BBQ is a fun and exciting restaurant that injects life back to BBQ culture. You’ll still find the meats you love, such as brisket and pork, but with new additions you may have never tried. You’ll be seated at a table with an inbuilt hot grill, that allows you to grill the ingredients just as you like them.
The BBQ is a great place for a fun first date, or a treat for the kids. The lively atmosphere makes for a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The food itself is mouth watering, and allows you to experience a slightly different take on BBQ meats. For those of us with healthy appetites, the all-you-can-eat option is great bang for buck.
Some of the most popular meals are the beef bulgogi, a thinly sliced ribeye marinated in a sweet soy sauce base that melts in your mouth. You'll also find options such as vegetable platters and shrimp, that you are unlikely to find at other BBQ restaurants.
The BBQ is just around the corner from Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store, a popular spot for late-night desserts.
Image Source: Crosstown BBQ food truck
The third generation family owned BBQ restaurant has a strong reputation for its traditional and more modern approach to BBQ. Here you'll find classics such as burnt ends, smoked beef, and pork chops. But you'll also find some modern adaptations, such as catfish strips, smoked pork chops with melted cheddar cheese, and huge costume-made meal deals.
The restaurant is a popular spot for families, thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and family friendly meals. The Crosstown’s legacy family pack is a go-to choice for many families that come here. It includes 1.5 lbs. your choice of sliced, smoked meat; 1 slab of ribs; 2 pints of Sides; BBQ Sauce; Bread or Buns, enough to feed 6 mouths.
The restaurant also offers catering, along with custom smoked meats, great for holidays and other special occasions.
The family owned restaurant is conveniently located close to attractions such as Silver Springs Park, Smiths Park and the Pythian Castle, making it great for locals and visitors alike.
From smoky, Texas style BBQ flavors, to fun and interactive Korean BBQs, Springfield offers a wide range of BBQ restaurants for those BBQ fanatics.
With influences from not only the South, and Midwest, but also international cuisines, these restaurants offer unique culinary experiences and mouth watering meals for you to try.
If you're on the search for a new smoking hot BBQ restaurant, bring your friends and family along, and enjoy a meal at any one of these restaurants.. Afterall, any BBQ enjoyer will know that BBQs are best enjoyed together.
