5 best places for barbecue in NY's Capital Region (2024)

In order to make your mealtime decision a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the five best places for barbecue in our region of upstate NY.

1. PJ’s BAR-B-QSA in Saratoga Springs

A frequent presence–and winner–in regional barbecue awards, PJ’s BAR-B-QSA offers a wide-ranging menu of BBQ standards, spanning the entire range of American styles. From New York State Fair chicken and North Carolina pulled pork to Kansas City ribs and Texas beef brisket, it’s all there–and it’s delicious. They even offer Pacific Northwest smoked salmon and a variety of gluten-free and vegan fare, making it a true “something for everyone” environment. If you’re ordering ahead, PJ’s recommends you give them ample lead time due to high demand.

Address: 1 Kaydeross Ave W, Saratoga Springs

Website: pjsbarbqsa.com

2. Rollin' Smoke BBQ in Clifton Park

Their brisket is a favorite among Gazette staff, but there aren’t any weak spots on the menu of this family-owned restaurant in Halfmoon. What started out as a food truck has become an increasingly in-demand supplier of all things BBQ–particularly chicken wings and ribs–and a popular catering resource for anyone looking to take their event to another level, food-wise. Rollin’ Smoke prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and menu items (including local beers) whenever possible, adding yet another reason to treat yourself to a mouth-watering meal.

"Their smoked brisket. That’s all I need," wrote Gazette's Caroline Lee of Rollin' Smoke in her 2022 recap of the year's best-reviewed local food. "Go and have brisket, or whatever they’re pushing. It’s all great stuff."

Address: 1613 US-9, Clifton Park, NY

Website: Rollin' Smoke on Facebook

3. Kaleidoscope Cafe in Saratoga Springs

Barbecue and ice cream might not seem like an obvious pairing, but cafe owner Bruce Wadsworth makes it work to tasty perfection, offering both homemade barbecue and homemade ice cream in his Saratoga Springs cafe. Although he’s a relatively late arrival on the BBQ scene, Wadsworth has wasted no time establishing his unique combination of sweet and savory fare as a local favorite, and sticks to a small-batch approach to barbecue–leaving some popular items to sell out on a regular basis. The meat also comes first at Kaleidoscope, with Wadsworth encouraging customers to taste the meat before adding any of the four (also delicious) sauces available.

"The sauce with my barbecue should be the enhancement at the end,” Wadsworth told The Daily Gazette.

Address: 588 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY

Website: kaleidoscopecafe.com

4. Memphis King in Schenectady

This southern-style smokehouse in the heart of Schenectady packs some big flavors into a small storefront, and consistently delivers the sort of food that turns first-time customers into lifelong BBQ lovers. Although it’s best known for its ribs and brisket, Memphis King offers a surprisingly comprehensive menu with some adventurous spins on classic BBQ, including forays into combinations of fries, meats, and other elements, all inspired by Memphis-style seasoning.

"There are a lot of BBQ options, we like to stay traditional," owner Brandon Canton told the Gazette. "We are a traditional smokehouse, it’s really all about the meat. Some people are worried about their restaurant, some people are worried about their catering, we’re really focused on our meat, we make sure it’s everything it can be."

Address: 1902 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, NY

Website: thememphisking.com

5. Miller’s Backyard BBQ in Cohoes

The barbecue joint formerly known as The Pig Pit changed its name, but didn’t change any of the flavors and fare that have made it a popular destination for BBQ fans around Albany for years . Specializing in dry-rub chicken and all of the usual barbecue staples, Miller’s has a habit of selling out of certain menu items, so you’ll want to order in advance to experience their deliciousness for yourself.

Address: 1 Niver St, Cohoes, NY

Website: millersbackyardbbqllc.com

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