Philadelphia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food scene. One of the most popular dishes in the city is brisket, a slow-cooked and tender cut of beef that is often smoked to perfection.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your craving for this mouth-watering dish.
The best brisket in Philadelphia can be found in a variety of settings, from upscale restaurants to casual diners and food trucks.
Some establishments specialize in traditional Texas-style brisket, while others put their own unique spin on the dish with creative rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques. No matter what your preferences are, you're sure to find a spot that suits your taste buds.
Some of the factors that make a great brisket include the quality of the meat, the seasoning and rub used, the cooking method, and the overall flavor and tenderness.
Some places opt for a simple salt-and-pepper rub, while others use complex blends of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the meat. Some restaurants use wood-fired smokers for that authentic smoky taste, while others rely on traditional slow-cooking methods to achieve the perfect texture.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best places for brisket in Philadelphia, taking into account all of these factors and more.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic brisket sandwich or something more adventurous, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the tastiest brisket in the city!
1. South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa is a no-frills Mexican restaurant that specializes in slow-cooked barbacoa-style tacos.
The meat is tender and flavorful, and the handmade corn tortillas are a standout feature. The fresh garnishes add a nice touch to the tacos. The consomme is perfect on a cold day.
The service is friendly and efficient. The restaurant has recently added new hours during the weekdays with a variety of antojitos.
The atmosphere is warm and authentic. South Philly Barbacoa is a great spot for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
2. Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse
Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse is a rustic BBQ joint that offers hickory-smoked brisket and other meats.
The food is authentic and delicious, with a mix of sweet, vinegar, and spicy sauces. The sides are also noteworthy, with standout dishes like pit beans and coleslaw.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
With a bar offering a variety of drinks, Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-notch barbecue.
3. Mike's BBQ
Mike's BBQ is a no-frills spot that serves up some of the best brisket in town. The meat is cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, and the house-made pickles and chips are a must-try.
The Gouda Mac and cheese is a crowd favorite, as well as the ribs and pulled pork.
The staff is warm and helpful, and the service is top-notch. Be sure to call ahead as they tend to run out of meat around 6 pm.
If you're looking for straightforward barbecue and sides, Mike's BBQ is the place to go.
4. Chubby Cattle
If you're looking for high-quality brisket, Chubby Cattle is the place to go. This hot pot and Chinese restaurant use premium ingredients to make their dishes, and it shows in the taste.
The meat is cooked to perfection and is presented beautifully on the plate.
While it may not be all-you-can-eat, the food quality is better than your typical hot pot place. The service could use some improvement, but the experience is worth it.
Be sure to make a reservation and try the wagyu combo with some of their premium A5 wagyu.
5. The Lucky Well – Spring Arts
The Lucky Well – Spring Arts is a top-notch barbecue restaurant that offers some of the best brisket in town.
The lean and flavorful brisket is a must-try dish that will leave you craving for more. The restaurant's loaded tots with brisket are simply amazing and crunchy.
The Lucky Well – Spring Arts offers a friendly and attentive service, and the staff is always ready to help you with anything you need.
The atmosphere is fantastic, making it a great place to unwind after work. If you are a fan of barbecue, you should definitely check out The Lucky Well – Spring Arts.
6. Long Shot BBQ
Long Shot BBQ is a must-visit for brisket lovers. The brisket is tender, juicy, and flavorful with a crusty peppery edge.
The pulled pork sandwich is also worth trying. Their French fries are flavored and delicious.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their meats. The no-frills setting adds to the authentic Texas-style smoked BBQ experience.
The value for the price is great. If you're looking for a new go-to BBQ spot, give Long Shot BBQ a try.
7. Dibbs BBQ
Dibbs BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves brisket. The meat is juicy and tender, with a flavorful dry rub that's sure to satisfy.
The sides are just as delicious, with fresh collard greens and tangy potato salad that pair perfectly with the brisket.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a great meal, Dibbs BBQ is definitely worth checking out.
8. Deke's Bar-B-Que
Deke's Bar-B-Que is a retro-style eatery that serves up some of the best barbecue in town.
Their brisket is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The pulled pork sandwich is also a must-try, as it practically melts in your mouth.
The restaurant's atmosphere is colorful and unpretentious, making it a great spot to grab a bite with friends or family. The friendly waitstaff and free valet parking are added bonuses.
If you're a fan of bourbon and BBQ, Deke's has got you covered. Don't miss out on this spot for some seriously good brisket.
9. Huff N Puff BBQ
Huff N Puff BBQ is a must-visit for anyone in the mood for delicious brisket.
This cozy spot offers both meat and vegan options and the staff is incredibly friendly. The meats are not overly smoked, allowing the flavors to shine through.
In addition to their standout brisket, they also offer creative vegetarian options and fantastic sides. Don't forget to ask about their dessert selection, which changes frequently.
With great prices and a variety of options, Huff N Puff BBQ is a welcome addition to the Philly BBQ scene.
10. Dae Bak
Dae Bak offers some of the best Korean brisket in town. Their menu offers a variety of authentic Korean dishes at a mid-range price.
The atmosphere is cozy and cute, perfect for a family-style meal.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the food they serve. The wait time for food can be a bit long, but it's worth it.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy delicious and authentic Korean food, Dae Bak is definitely worth a try.
11. Angry Deekin BBQ
Angry Deekin BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious brisket. The beef ribs are tender and sweet with a hint of black pepper.
The pulled pork sandwich is phenomenal and generously portioned. The hot BBQ sauce is surprisingly hot and very tasty.
The mac and cheese is delicious and the collard greens are a different taste, but worth trying. The staff is friendly and helpful.
This takeout experience is highly recommended for a quick rib fix. The food is great, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
12. Fette Sau
Fette Sau is a hip BBQ restaurant that serves delicious brisket. The meat is perfectly seasoned and tender, with a variety of BBQ sauces to choose from.
The sides are light and refreshing, with the slaw and broccoli salad being standouts.
The cocktails are professionally made and the service is quick and friendly.
The atmosphere is industrial-rustic, with picnic tables adding to the casual vibe. It's definitely worth a visit for a BBQ fix.
13. Good Dog Bar
Looking for a place with great brisket in town that also serves craft beer and delicious burgers with a canine theme all around it, then look no further than Good Dog Bar!
With its diverse and lively crowd, classic and clean ambiance, and friendly staff, this place is worth checking out.
The kitchen is open late, and the food is phenomenal, especially the short rib grilled cheese, the good dog burger, and the chicken liver mousse.
So, if you want to experience a Philly institution and one of the top bar-restaurants in town, then Good Dog Bar is definitely worth a visit.
14. Bru Craft & Wurst
Bru Craft & Wurst offers a diverse selection of American and European beer, making it a great spot for beer lovers. The brisket grilled cheese is a must-try and the pulled pork sandwich with fries is also a hit.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a perfect spot to hang out with friends.
While the music can be loud and the space crowded at times, the overall experience is enjoyable.
If you're in the mood for some delicious brisket and a great beer selection, Bru Craft & Wurst is definitely worth a visit.
