Memorial Day weekend is here, which means summer cookout season is officially underway. Family gatherings, group picnics, Fourth of July dinners, and backyard get-togethers all have one thing in common: barbecue.
An American classic, barbecue has continued to evolve, taking on different flavors and specialties from regions across the country. Whether you’re craving Carolina-style tang, Southern heat, or Eastern Shore classics, there are plenty of barbecue spots in Anne Arundel county ready to tempt your taste buds (and maybe become a new family favorite).
Adam’s Grille
With locations in Annapolis, Edgewater, and Severna Park, Adam’s Grille is known for an expansive menu that grew from its famous ribs. The menu includes American classics like wings, burgers, fries, seafood and more, but its barbecue selection is also strong.
Barbecue options include BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, a chicken and rib combo, BBQ shrimp, BBQ shrimp and ribs, and BBQ shrimp, and chicken. All barbecue dinners are served with dinner rolls and a choice of two sides.
On the handheld side, diners can choose from a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, smoked beef brisket sandwich, or BBQ grilled chicken sandwich. Each is served on a brioche roll with french fries and coleslaw.
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern
Tucked away just off Forest Drive in Annapolis, Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern offers 13 flavors of wings and a wide range of smokehouse staples.
Appetizers include barbecue classics like fried green tomatoes, frickles (fried pickles), and smokehouse mac, along with options such as fried mushrooms, Natty Boh rings, and chipotle hummus. Looking for something lighter? The menu also includes seven salad options.
The sandwich menu features 18 options, including sloppy Joe, pork belly BLT, meatloaf grilled cheese, BBQ salmon, Memphis pulled pork, and Texas brisket. Guests can also order from nine smoked meat options, each served with a choice of two sides.
Bark Barbecue Cafe
Just a short trip over the Bay Bridge, Bark Barbecue Cafe has earned a reputation as one of the top barbecue spots in the DMV. Serving smoked, Central Texas-style barbecue, Bark aims to bring the flavors of Austin, Texas, to Maryland.
The laser potatoes have become one of its most notable dishes, while the menu also offers familiar favorites like brisket, pork, pork belly, and turkey sandwiches. For barbecue lovers looking for something different, Bark’s bowls start with a rice base and add classic barbecue meats and toppings for a fresh take on the traditional plate.
For dessert, guests can choose from soft serve ice cream and milkshakes, with standard flavors and rotating seasonal options.
Bayside Bull
Known for its deep Southern flavors, Bayside Bull opened in 1982 and now has locations in Edgewater and Lothian.
The open-pit barbecue spot offers a variety of sandwiches, including pit beef, pork, pulled ham, Texas beef, Carolina pork, sliced pork loin, sliced turkey, and grilled Italian sausage. Guests can also order pit beef by the half-pound, pound or 5-pound serving.
Classic sides include baked pork and beans, mac and cheese, beef chili soup, fries, coleslaw, and more. Bayside Bull also offers catering for group events, corporate gatherings and brunch.
Chad’s BBQ
This Edgewater spot prides itself on the full dining experience, including covered outdoor patio seating available year-round.
The menu features barbecue staples such as Carolina pulled pork sandwiches, wings, ribs, and Alabama chicken, along with more unique offerings like smoked kielbasa and pastrami sandwiches. Side dishes include cornbread, pickle fries, onion rings, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and more. For dessert, guests can choose from banana pudding, brownies, and frozen key lime pie.
The Hideaway
A sister restaurant to Annapolis Moms Community Supporter, Julep, The Hideaway in Odenton is open seven days a week.
The menu starts strong with wings, crabby fries, pork belly bites, cornbread, jalapeno brisket rolls, a rib appetizer, and more. From there, guests can choose from 12 main entrees, ranging from ribs, chicken, and pulled pork to pot pie, catfish, and other comfort food favorites.
The Hideaway also offers 10 handhelds and six soups and salads. For dessert, diners can enjoy homemade ice cream and desserts made in-house at Julep.
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