Introduction to Barbecue Rankings
Three Texas cities have made it to the list of the 10 most popular barbecue cities in America, as published by Betway Insider. However, the list contains a surprising detail that may shock local barbecue fans: Las Vegas has taken the top spot. The ranking is based on a set of barbecue-related data, including the number of barbecue festivals, Google search volume, and barbecue vendor ratings on TripAdvisor.
Methodology and Rankings
The British-Maltese gambling news site used a combination of data points to determine the popularity rankings. While the methodology may not be entirely scientific, it provides an interesting perspective on the state of barbecue in different cities. Houston ranked fifth on the list, with Austin coming in second and San Antonio taking the tenth spot. The top-rated barbecue joints in each city were also identified, with Pinkerton’s BBQ securing the top spot in both San Antonio and Houston.
A Surprising Top Spot
The inclusion of Las Vegas at the top of the list is a surprising one, to say the least. While the city’s indigenous Nuwuvi people did develop open-fire cooking methods that influenced contemporary American barbecue, the survey did not take historical cuisine into account. Today, there are four distinct regional styles of barbecue: Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and the Carolinas. Las Vegas barbecue, on the other hand, is not typically considered one of the premier styles.
Regional Barbecue Styles
The four regional styles of barbecue are well-known for their unique flavors and cooking methods. Texas-style barbecue is famous for its slow-smoked brisket, while Memphis-style is known for its sweet and tangy sauce. Kansas City-style barbecue is characterized by its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, and the Carolinas are famous for their vinegar-based sauces. Las Vegas, on the other hand, does not have a distinct barbecue style of its own.
Top 10 Barbecue Cities
The top 10 most popular barbecue cities in America, according to Betway Insider, are:
- No. 1 — Las Vegas, Nevada
- No. 2 — Austin, Texas
- No. 3 — Birmingham, Alabama
- No. 4 — Memphis, Tennessee
- No. 5 — Houston, Texas
- No. 6 — Nashville, Tennessee
- No. 7 — Chicago, Illinois
- No. 8 — San Diego, California
- No. 9 — St. Louis, Missouri
- No. 10 — San Antonio, Texas
Conclusion
While the rankings may be surprising, they provide an interesting perspective on the state of barbecue in different cities. However, it’s hard to take Las Vegas seriously as a top barbecue destination. The city’s lack of a distinct barbecue style and its reputation as a gaming and entertainment hub make it an unlikely candidate for the top spot. Nonetheless, the rankings are sure to spark some interesting discussions among barbecue enthusiasts.
