BBQ lovers don’t have to travel far to find great smoked meats in Albany. From slow-cooked brisket to saucy ribs, local spots are serving up barbecue that hits the spot. 

Some keep it classic with house-smoked meats and homemade rubs, while others add a creative twist. So, if you're in the mood for a piled-high pulled pork sandwich or a platter loaded with all the favorites, these BBQ joints are worth checking out.

The Memphis King BBQ

If you’re after real-deal Southern BBQ, The Memphis King BBQ is the spot. They keep it simple—slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and no shortcuts on flavor.

What to Try

• Smoked Ribs – Tender, smoky, and packed with flavor.
• Brisket – Smoked low and slow for that perfect bite.
• BBQ Chicken – Charred just right with a deep, smoky taste.
• Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and straight-up comfort food.

One of the highlights of Memphis King BBQ is its diverse array of dry rubs, which add a distinctive touch of flavor to their dishes. Among the popular options are Sweet Heat, Lemon Pepper, and Cajun dry rubs.

Location & Details

📍 1902 Van Vranken Ave, Schenectady, NY 12308
📞 518-372-5464
🕒   Tuesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 6:30 PM | Monday & Sunday: Closed

Miller's Backyard BBQ LLC

Miller’s Backyard BBQ brings award-winning barbecue to the Capital Region. Known for its competition-style smoked meats, this spot serves up bold flavors with homemade rubs, sauces, and sides.

What to Try

• Brisket Cheese Steak – Smoked brisket with peppers, onions, provolone, and garlic aioli.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich – Tender pulled pork topped with slaw and house BBQ sauce.
• Smoke-Fried Chicken Wings – Crispy wings with BBQ, Buffalo, or Garlic Parm flavors.

Location & Details

📍 1 Niver Street, Cohoes, NY 12047
📞 518-238-3613
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Monday & Sunday: Closed 

Mission BBQ

With walls lined with memorabilia and tributes to military members, first responders, and local heroes, this spot delivers smoky flavors with a side of patriotism. 

What to Try

• Baby Back Ribs – Fall off-the-bone ribs with a variety of sauces.
• Maggie's Mac-N-Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and a customer favorite.
• Baked Beans with Brisket – Sweet and savory, mixed with brisket pieces.

Location & Details

📍 1440 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
📞 518-478-2077
🕒 Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern brings a cozy, rustic feel to Albany’s dining scene. Known for its comfort food and craft beer selection, this spot blends smoky BBQ flavors with creative twists on classic dishes.

What to Try

• Pulled Pork Nachos – Loaded with smoked pulled pork, cheddar ale sauce, and BBQ drizzle.
• BBQ Tacos – Filled with your choice of meat, slaw, and moonshine BBQ sauce.
• Smoked Brisket French Onion Soup – A bold take on the classic soup with rich, smoky brisket.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese – Creamy mac with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce on a country roll.

Location & Details

📍 261 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
📞 518- 631-4448
🕒 Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

BBQ Spots near Albany

If you're willing to take a short drive, there are even more great BBQ spots just outside Albany. From family-run smokehouses to award-winning pitmasters, these places bring serious flavor to the table. 

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a must-visit for BBQ lovers.  This well-known chain started in Syracuse and has earned a reputation for its smoky, flavorful meats and lively atmosphere.

What to Try

• St. Louis Ribs – Slow-smoked and coated in signature sauce.
• Pulled Pork – Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
• BBQ Brisket – Perfectly smoked and sliced.
• Smoked Chicken – Juicy with just the right char.

Dinosaur's seafood offerings like the catfish Po-Boys and Cajun fried or crispy fried catfish are worth exploring.

Location & Details

📍 377 River St, Troy, NY 12180

📞 518- 308-0400

🕒  Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

K-Plate Korean BBQ

K-Plate Korean BBQ brings bold Korean flavors with a casual, street-food twist. Their menu features classic Korean barbecue dishes, flavorful sides, and house-made sauces that add the perfect touch.

What to Try

• Spicy Grilled Chicken – Tender chicken with a spicy kick.
• Kimchi Fries – Crispy fries topped with kimchi and special sauce.
• Mandoo – Golden-fried Korean dumplings.

Location & Details

📍 78 4th St, Troy, NY 12180
📞 518- 720-7514
🕒 Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: Closed

Conclusion

Good barbecue is all about patience, technique, and quality ingredients—and Albany’s BBQ scene delivers. The next time you're in the mood for a satisfying, smoky meal, check out one of these local favorites. Got a go-to BBQ spot in Albany that we missed? Let us know!

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