Southern BBQ foods rely on
three pillars: smoke, premium meat cuts, and steadfast patience. The art of low
and slow cooking, combined with carefully selected woods like hickory, oak, and
pecan, creates tender, flavorful dishes that people love.
Traditional southern BBQ dishes showcase
perfectly smoked pork shoulder, ribs, and beef brisket. Expert pitmasters bring these classics to life with their
dedication. Many respected BBQ figures spend decades perfecting their craft.
Pioneers like Tootsie Tomanetz still cook over direct heat well into her
eighties.
Philadelphia puts its unique spin on these time-honored southern BBQ traditions. The city's BBQ scene has evolved from its earliest joints to modern spots that serve authentic flavors. Local restaurants offer the best smoke-kissed meats and classic sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread that complete the southern barbecue experience.
Philadelphia's connection to southern BBQ
started small. The city didn't have many authentic barbecue spots that could
match what you'd find down South in the past. However, the food scene changed
dramatically as people moved in and cultures mixed.
African American cooking expertise gave
birth to Philadelphia's first barbecue spots. These early pitmasters brought
authentic ways to cook meat over trenches with burning hardwood coals. People
called this "Virginia barbecue,"
"pit barbecue," or "Southern barbecue". We rooted
these cooking methods in techniques from the 1600s. European colonists and
African Americans in Virginia developed their own special way of preparing meat
back then.
The Great Migration from the 1916s to the 1930s dramatically transformed Philadelphia's barbecue landscape. African American business owners, bringing their South culinary traditions, established street-side stands and proper restaurants in their new communities. These food pioneers carried entire food cultures and traditions with them, creating unique neighborhood spots where Southern food traditions thrived.
In these communities:
● Church gatherings featured slow-cooked collards and cornbread
● Local spots served authentic Southern BBQ dishes with traditional sides
● Families passed down their recipes through generations to keep authentic flavors alive
Special practices and celebrations helped keep food heritage alive. For instance, New Year's Day celebrations always included black-eyed peas and collard greens, reinforcing Southern traditions.
Migration patterns continue to shape Philadelphia's modern barbecue scene. The city has evolved from what was once described as a "barren wasteland" of authentic barbecue into a vibrant culinary landscape. Today, you'll find various regional styles and passionate pitmasters creating amazing smoky dishes. This transformation demonstrates the preservation of traditional Southern BBQ and the rise of creative local interpretations of classic recipes.
Community Impact and Entrepreneurship
The story of barbecue in Philadelphia is
not just about food; it's also about community impact and entrepreneurship. A
prime example is Rev. Dr. James
H. Buck, Jr., who serves
as Senior Pastor at the Grace Baptist Church of Germantown.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Dr. Buck has made significant entrepreneurial
accomplishments that benefit the community:
1. Medical Clinic: Opened a clinic to address healthcare needs in the community.
2. Daycare Center: Established a daycare for underserved families.
3. Affordable Housing: Currently working on developing affordable housing in North Philadelphia.
4. The Taste of a Second Chance: Rev. Dr. James H. Buck, Jr. established a program called "The Taste of a Second Chance" through his restaurant, Southern Flames Barbecue, in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood. This initiative is designed to provide employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals, offering them a pathway to reintegrate into society. The program includes a 12-step training regimen that educates participants about the restaurant business, aiming to make them more employable and self-sufficient.
Philadelphia's smoking pits and kitchens have given authentic Southern BBQ its special twist. Local pitmasters stay true to traditional methods and add creative touches to the classics.
Traditional Southern BBQ in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's BBQ scene honors traditional Southern techniques while embracing local flavors and innovations. Pitmasters across the city demonstrate their commitment to authentic, slow-cooked barbecue, often infusing it with unique Philadelphia flair.
Key Players in Philadelphia's BBQ Scene
1. Southern Flames BBQ
○ Location: 8221 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 (inside the Market at Fareway)
○ Specialties: Smoked meats, including chicken, fish, pork ribs, and brisket
○ Atmosphere: Casual dining, good for groups
Hours:
■ Wed-Sun: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
■ Carryout available until 5:30 PM
○ Contact: (215) 621-7919
○ Offers online ordering for carryout and delivery
2. Fette Sau
○ Features cafeteria-style service
○ Focuses on meats from local farms
○ Prepares meats without hormones or antibiotics
3. Zachary's BBQ
○ Established in 2010
○ Known for family recipes and scratch cooking
○ Uses authentic preparation methods
4. Deke's Bar-B-Que
○ Known for fusion creations
5. Zig Zag BBQ
○ Specializes in creative flavor combinations
Philadelphia's BBQ scene is characterized by a blend of traditional techniques and innovative approaches:
1. Fusion Elements
○ Brisket cheesesteak (Deke's Bar-B-Que)
○ Smoked half-chicken with Middle Eastern spices (Zig Zag BBQ)
○ Brisket nachos
○ Smoked meatball parm sandwiches
○ Pulled pork grilled cheese
○ Wings with mango habanero sauce
2. Local Twists
○ Use of everything bagel spice on whole smoked chickens
○ Asian-inspired seasonings in BBQ dishes
3. German Influences
○ Fette Sau ("fat pig" in German) incorporates German elements
○ Unique dry-rub techniques
○ Pairing of smoked meats with craft beers and ciders
Several BBQ spots have earned places in Philadelphia magazine's "Best of Philly" awards. The scene continues to evolve, with new pitmasters bringing fresh perspectives. Maintains a focus on the fundamental principles of low-and-slow cooking
Philadelphia's BBQ scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors, combining southern traditions with local innovations. From the classic offerings at Southern Flames BBQ to the fusion creations at places like Deke's and Zig Zag, the city provides a diverse and exciting BBQ experience for all tastes.
● Fette Sau uses meats only from local farms, ensuring all proteins are hormone—and antibiotic-free. This quality focus extends to its sides, with its German potato salad featuring a distinctive mustard dressing.
● Southern Flames BBQ: Located in the heart of Philadelphia at 8221 Germantown Ave, Southern Flames BBQ takes pride in perfectly smoking all its meats. Their menu showcases a variety of options, including chicken, fish, pork ribs, and brisket.
Philadelphia's BBQ scene is known for its creativity and willingness to experiment:
● Plant-Based Options: The rise of vegan BBQ options, like Vegan Burnt Ends made from brined and smoked sweet potatoes, demonstrates the scene's adaptability to changing dietary preferences.
● "West Philly Barbecue": This style embraces creative freedom, allowing chefs to change menus spontaneously based on local, seasonal ingredients. Unique combinations like rosemary-perfumed roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe showcase this innovative spirit.
● Global Fusion: Zig Zag BBQ exemplifies the trend of incorporating global flavors into southern BBQ dishes, building on a solid foundation of Texas-style barbecue.
Southern Flames BBQ stands out in Philadelphia's BBQ scene with its commitment to traditional smoking techniques and a diverse menu:
● Location: 8200 Germantown Avenue, inside the Market at Fareway (across from The Fresh Market)
● Menu Highlights: Chicken, Fish, Pork Ribs, Brisket, and more
● Atmosphere: Casual dining, perfect for groups
● Food Type: Comfort food, Family style
● Hours:
○ Wed - Sun: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
○ Carryout available until 5:30 PM
○ Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
● Contact: (215) 621-7919
● Services: Dine-in, carryout, and delivery options available
Southern Flames BBQ embodies the spirit of Philadelphia's BBQ scene by offering a range of smoked meats and sides that cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the core principles of great barbecue.
While Philadelphia's BBQ scene continues to evolve and incorporate new ideas, the fundamental elements remain constant:
● Proper smoking techniques
● High-quality meat preparation
● A balance between tradition and innovation
These principles ensure that Philadelphia's barbecue identity remains strong and distinctive, even as it welcomes new flavors and approaches.
Finding authentic southern BBQ foods in Philadelphia takes some local knowledge. The city's BBQ scene ranges from downtown hotspots to hidden neighborhood gems serving diverse smoking traditions and flavors.
Southern Flames BBQ is a delightful addition to Philadelphia's thriving BBQ scene. Located at 8221 Germantown Ave inside the Market at Fareway, this casual dining spot offers a variety of perfectly smoked meats, including chicken, fish, pork ribs, and brisket. Their menu caters to comfort food lovers and is ideal for family-style dining.
Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia's BBQ landscape. They've mastered multiple regional styles under one roof. This Northeast Philadelphia spot brings Memphis ribs, Texas brisket, and Carolina-pulled pork with impressive consistency.
Mike's BBQ on East Passyunk has earned its reputation through incredible attention to detail. The brisket undergoes a precise 13-hour process - nine hours of smoking and four hours of resting. It's advisable to arrive early as their popular items, especially the brisket cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp Whiz, tend to sell out quickly.
Fette Sau in Fishtown offers a fresh take on southern BBQ. Open seven days a week with ample outdoor seating, their brisket's dark, flavorful crust keeps customers returning for more. The communal dining setup and extensive bourbon selection make this spot perfect for groups.
Southern Flames BBQ adds its flair to the city's BBQ offerings. With a focus on perfectly smoked meats and a variety of cuisines, including BBQ, ribs, chicken, fish, and sandwiches, it's a great option for those in the Chestnut Hill area. They're open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with carryout available until 5:30 PM. Southern Flames BBQ offers online ordering for carryout and delivery for those who prefer to dine at home.
Whether in Northeast Philadelphia, East Passyunk, Fishtown, or Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia's BBQ scene offers something for every barbecue enthusiast. The city's barbecue options are diverse and delicious, from Sweet Lucy's regional varieties to Mike's meticulous brisket, Fette Sau's fresh spin, and Southern Flames BBQ's perfectly smoked meats.
