BBQ in Monroe, LA: The Best Smokehouses and Pits
Northeast Louisiana takes its barbecue seriously. From slow-smoked brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs at Shaw Nuff BBQ to the Texas-style craft smokehouse at JAC's on Trenton Street, Monroe's BBQ scene is small but worth knowing. This guide covers every real smokehouse and BBQ joint in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana.
"Fall-off-the-bone ribs and the $25 Big Boy plate on MLK Drive"
Shaw Nuff BBQ
Shaw Nuff BBQ on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is Monroe's most celebrated local smokehouse. The ribs have the kind of bark and smoke penetration that draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the area. The $25 Big Boy plate is a significant amount of food, and the seasoned potato salad and green beans are both worth ordering alongside the meat. Smoked turkeys are available for special orders.
"Texas-style brisket in sandwiches, quesadillas, and on loaded street corn"
JAC's Craft Smokehouse
JAC's Craft Smokehouse on Trenton Street in West Monroe runs Texas-style barbecue with slow-smoked brisket as the centerpiece. The brisket shows up on everything from sandwiches to quesadillas to loaded baked potatoes. The street corn topped with brisket is worth the detour. House-made sauces complement the meat without covering it.
"Smoked brisket and homemade sausage with generous portions on US-165"
BBQ Pit
BBQ Pit on US-165 north of Monroe serves generous portions of house-smoked brisket and homemade sausage with traditional sides. The outdoor seating area and pet-friendly policy make it a practical choice for families. The portions are large enough that most people leave with leftovers.
"Brisket and sausage with drive-through service on Sterlington Road"
Podnuh's Bar-B-Q
Podnuh's on Sterlington Road is Monroe's most-visited BBQ chain, with brisket and sausage as the main offerings. The drive-through makes it convenient for takeout on the north side of Monroe. The rating reflects a regional chain rather than a craft smokehouse, but it's a reliable option when you want BBQ without a wait.
"Sampler plate with pulled pork, ribs, and turkey with drive-through in West Monroe"
Podnuh's Bar-B-Q
The Splane Drive location in West Monroe offers the same Podnuh's menu with a sampler plate that includes pulled pork, ribs, and sliced ham. Drive-through service makes it a quick option for takeout on the west side of the river. Outdoor seating is available if you want to eat on site.
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