Six Places in Beijing for Authentic American BBQ

      As an American, one of the things I take pride in – amidst the many things not to be proud of right now – is that we have the finest barbecue in the world. From the massive “dinosaur” beef ribs and brisket of Texas to the whole smoked hog from the Carolinas, there’s something meaty for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that you can enjoy quality American BBQ right here in Beijing, so you won't need to spend an extra USD 250 plus various fees for a visa just to taste it in the US.

      Here are a few of our top picks.

      **Homeplate BBQ**

      The original spot for American barbecue in Beijing, Homeplate has been serving pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and homemade sausages since 2013. In addition to the usual BBQ favorites, they’ve expanded to pizza, offering Detroit-style square pizzas topped with BBQ meats and sauce through their Pitmaster Pizza brand. With so many options available, it would be a shame to order just one item. We suggest going with friends and trying one of their mixed meat and side platters to discover your favorites.

      **Location:** 106, 1/F, Bldg 10, Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4, Gongrentiyuchang Beilu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区工人体育场北路4号院10号楼一层106号

      **Hours:** 11am-11pm

      **Phone:** 40 0096 7670

      **Sanyuanqiao Branch**

      **Location:** Backstreet 21, 35 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区霄云路35号后街21号

      **Hours:** 11am-10pm

      **Phone:** 131 6162 2182

      **PIGNUT BARBECUE**

      Despite its name, we couldn't find anything resembling the pork equivalent of Rocky Mountain oysters (look it up if you're unsure) on the menu at Beijing's latest BBQ spot. PIGNUT, located near WAB, keeps it classic with pulled pork, brisket, spareribs, and more. We recommend the Texas Platter (RMB 168), which features brisket, spareribs, sausage, and coleslaw.

      **Location:** 9 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区来广营东路9号

      **Hours:** 11am-10pm

      **Phone:** 188 1149 1865

      **Malty Tiger**

      Having moved from its previous location near Andingmen last year, Malty Tiger is another BBQ option in Sanlitun. The standout here is the brisket, which is a bit fattier and tasty enough to enjoy without any sauce. Malty Tiger also brews its own beer, which pairs well with the brisket and other menu items.

      **Location:** 39-9 Xingfu Ercun, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区新东路幸福二村39-9号

      **Hours:** Mon, 11am-10pm; Tue-Sun, 11am-11pm

      **Phone:** 138 1006 9173; 180 3186 7215

      **Burning Wood BBQ**

      Located in Tongzhou, Burning Wood focuses more on the Texas style of BBQ, with their brisket being a highlight. They also offer some variety in their platters, including Chinese pickled garlic and crackling. The One-Person Platter (RMB 158) includes these snacks, coleslaw, brisket, spareribs, and a nice slice of bread.

      **Location:** 2/F, Beitou City Central Green Vita Block, Tongzhou District, 通州区北投城市绿心活力汇运动馆二层

      **Hours:** Tue-Sun, 11am-9.30pm

      **Phone:** 156 0023 0273

      **Black Mountain BBQ**

      Located up north in the mountains of Changping District and only open on weekends, Black Mountain has developed a devoted following among barbecue enthusiasts, with some Texan expats claiming it's the best Texas BBQ outside of Austin. They smoke their meats using fruited wood, which gives the dishes a unique flavor. If you decide to make the journey to Changping, arrive early, as there can be lines.

      **Location:** 52 Beizhuang, Changping District, 昌平区北庄52号

      **Hours:** Fri-Sun, 9am-7pm

      **Phone:** 176 1036 0953

      **Quanye BBQ**

      Situated in the mountains near Changliushui Village in Fangshan District, Quanye requires a hike to reach its great barbecue. The effort is worth it,