BEST BBQ DISHES IN OMAHA
My Personal Mount Rushmore
As recently as 7-8 years ago, Omaha’s BBQ scene was pretty barren. There were a few restaurants offering decent smoked meats, but nothing that really stood out.
Fortunately, our city has been revitalized by a BBQ revolution, as several standout spots have opened within the past several years. When your meat cravings hit, here are the best of the best Omaha BBQ dishes (and where to find them).
This list is obviously highly subjective. Different palates prefer different styles (Kansas City, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, etc.) and cuts of meat. But from my eating travels, these are the dishes I think will always fulfill your meat-seeking quest.
***Note: Just one dish per restaurant is included on this list. I wanted to showcase many restaurants rather than shower all praise on a few elite joints.***
Beef Rib (Porky Butts BBQ)
It only graces the menu a few times a year as a special, but the appearance of the Beef Rib is worth following Porky Butts BBQ‘s social media accounts like a hawk. There’s simply nothing else like this meaty monster in the city.
The sheer size is enough to make one laugh in amazement when it arrives at the table. Checking in at over a pound of meat (not including the massive bone), one beef rib is massive enough to double as a defensive club in a pinch. As awe-inspiring as the size is, your amazement quickly gives way to a utopian state of mind as soon as you dig in. These ribs have such brilliant marbling and unctuous, gelatinous fat that, during the smoking process, tenderizes and lends its juicy brilliance to every morsel. Add in a glorious, crusty bark that crowns the rib, and you have darn near BBQ perfection.
As much as your brain tells you that you shouldn’t consume this much meat in one sitting, your tastebuds tell it to shut up as you blissfully devour every last glorious bite.
Other standout Porky Butts dishes: Burnt Ends; Ribs; Blane Burger
Brisket Taco (J's Smokehouse)
The Brisket at J’s Smokehouse is delicious enough to enjoy on its own, as it carries a slight smokiness and has a great salt-and-pepper bark. But it reaches another level when copious amounts of it are heaped inside a flavorful, chewy tortilla with creamy guacamole, a vibrant red salsa, and a melty cheese blanket.
If you want a more unique version, the Brisket Jefe Taco balances the rich, savory beef with the sweetness of street corn and a tangy, slightly spicy chipotle lime ranch. Either way, you’ll look in tacos in a whole new light after you experience them with J’s smoked meats packed inside.
Other standout Mission Ave BBQ dishes: Ribs; Brisket
Ribs (Lazy Buffalo BBQ)
The ribs at J’s Smokehouse are everything you’re looking for in a baby back rib. Each order comes with four bones of juicy meat that comes cleanly off the bone. The meat still has some resilience and chew, a little more tender than a steak, but it’s not at all tough.
The pepper-forward level creates a crispy, caramelized bark adds to the rich, meaty flavor of the ribs. These definitely don’t need a sauce to stand out, but the creamy, tangy white BBQ sauce adds a touch of sweetness and spice that rounds everything together.
Mackribeo (Block 16)
The McRib is a shameful abomination to BBQ, as I shudder to even think of what McDonald’s qualifies as “rib” meat. But Block 16‘s rendition? That I can get behind 100%.
The patty, comprised of baby back ribs and beef, is tender and smoky, with just the right amount of grilled char. The agrodolce BBQ sauce adds sweetness, as pickles and white onions cut the sugar with acidity and bite. A creamy, cooling mayo and crispy onion rings round out a sandwich that takes Ronald McDonald’s lunch money.
Honorable Mention Omaha BBQ Dishes
Ribs
Another Texas-style joint, Smokin Barrel knocks every meat out of the park. It’s brisket is fatty and juicy, the pork succulent and tender, and the sausage has just the right balance of herbs and spices to balance the fatty flavor of the pork.
But the ribs stand alone. These spare ribs are adorned by a crusty, salty bark that has a decent spiciness from black pepper. The meat is smoked perfectly, pulling from the bone with a slight tug of the teeth, and the smoky flavor is present but not overpowering.
Bulgogi Torta
Korean BBQ is absolutely delicious, though it’s under-represented in Omaha. Thank goodness we have Corner Kitchen and it’s Mexian-Korean fusion to thank for this sandwich.
The bulgogi balances savory beef with a sweet sauce, accented by creamy coleslaw, crisp pickles, pepper-hoison sauce, and a warming Sriracha mayo. The telera roll, with a crisp crust and a fluffy inside, is the perfect delivery device for this wonderful flavor mash-up.
Moo Pulled Sandwich
As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in pulled meats, and the beef is its king. The meat is hearty and has a really nice bark, adding both flavor and texture.
For the sandwich, Pulled BBQ loads a hefty portion inside a bun along with pickles, provolone cheese, and sauteed onions. Take the flavor up a notch with a trip to the sauce bar, featuring 7 housemade sauces ranging from creamy Alabama White to the sweat-inducing, habanero-based RIP.
This list is not comprehensive. I’ve hit a lot of Omaha’s best BBQ spots, but I haven’t reached them all yet. So hit me with your favorites dishes! Tweet at me @danhoppen, or message me on Instagram @dan_hoppen.