Montana’s Best BBQ: Local Favorites And Backyard Legends

We’ve been talking a lot about BBQ this week—because let’s be honest, it’s one of America’s most beloved food groups. And starting today, the smoky, savory spotlight is right here in Bozeman at the Montana Pitmaster Classic. This isn’t just a cookout—it’s a showdown where pitmasters from across the country roll into town to put their skills (and their smokers) to the test.

This family-friendly community event is open to everyone, and the best part? All food and drink proceeds go directly to our local Gallatin Valley YMCA, supporting youth and scholarship programs. So you can eat good BBQ and feel good about it. Double win.

Where can you find the best BBQ in Montana?

But we wanted to keep the BBQ theme rolling this week and asked Montanans: where’s your favorite BBQ joint in the state? You didn’t hold back! Some local favorites rose to the top, including:

- Follow Yer’ Nose BBQ / Emigrant
- Bourbon / Bozeman
- Sheridan’s BBQ / Belgrade
- Bar 3 BBQ / Belgrade
- The Riverhouse / Big Sky
- Yellow House / Bozeman
- Smoked / Great Falls

And the overall answer? Montanans couldn’t stop bragging about their friends and family who are absolute masters of the grill. Whether it’s your uncles famous ribs that fall off the bone or your neighbor’s brisket that should honestly win medals, a lot of you said the best BBQ in Montana isn’t always found in a restaurant. It’s found in backyards, garages, and small-town cookouts.

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So, whether you’ve got a favorite go-to spot to grab a plate of brisket or you know a local grill legend, one thing is clear: Montanans love their BBQ.