When it comes to American food, nothing stirs up more passion than the different U.S. barbecue styles. From the mouth-watering smoke wafting off backyard grills to the lively
buzz of barbecue festivals, every region has its own way of doing things.
In this guide, we’re diving headfirst into the bold and diverse world of U.S. barbecue styles,
breaking down the signature techniques, sauces, and meats that set each style
apart. So, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting your feet wet, get
ready to fire up your appetite and explore the unique flavours that make each
regional barbecue a mouth-watering masterpiece.
Memphis Style
In Memphis, it’s all about the pork! Ribs, pork shoulders, and butts (a colloquial term
for pork shoulder) are coated with a dry rub before cooking, creating a smoky bark
that’s an explosion of flavour. Expect a rich mix of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes,
with a basting sauce occasionally brushed on during cooking for that extra hit of
flavour. The ribs here aren’t just tender—they’re a work of art, smoked to perfection
and packing a punch in every bite.
Carolina Style
In the Carolinas, it’s pig pickin’ paradise! Whole hog barbecue and pulled pork rule
here, often accompanied by a vinegar-based sauce that adds just the right level of
tang. This tangy twist complements the pork’s juicy, tender texture and gives
Carolina barbecue its distinct edge. At Craft & Cleaver, we’re big fans of Carolina-
style pulled pork—find our own version served up right here in the restaurant,
bringing a taste of the Carolinas to your plate.
Kansas City Style
In Kansas City, they like their barbecue bold and saucy. Here, ribs and brisket get a
hefty coat of sweet rubs and savoury spices before taking a long, flavour-packed
bath in a hickory-smoked pit.
What comes out is the stuff of barbecue dreams:
tender meats slathered with thick, sticky-sweet sauces that cling to every bite. This
style’s rich and tangy sauces are iconic, offering that perfect blend of sweet and
spice that makes KC barbecue a crowd-pleaser.
Texas Style
Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the barbecue! Beef is king here, and they
serve it “naked” – no sauce required. It’s all about the meat and the smoke. Texas
pitmasters let the quality of their beef (particularly brisket) shine, slow-cooking it over
low heat until the meat practically melts in your mouth. The brisket alone is enough
to make any barbecue lover swoon, with a bark that’s dark and crispy, sealing in a
smoky, beefy goodness that’s just pure Texas.
Craft & Cleaver Style
Now, we’re not ones to play by the rules – at Craft & Cleaver, we’re doing things our
way. Our barbecue is a bit of a bastardised fusion, cherry-picking everything we love
about real-deal U.S. barbecue styles and bringing it together. We let our meat speak for
itself, smoked to perfection and served up with your choice of house-made sauces.
You won’t find us drowning the plate in sauce—we believe in putting flavour first and
letting you take control at the table. Our House BBQ Sauce is sticky, sweet, and
brings the heat, while our hot sauce is a tangy, buffalo-style number with a bright
twist of lime. Go ahead, dig in and dress it up just the way you like.
But we’re not stopping there. We’re always pushing the envelope, experimenting in
the kitchen with new meats, techniques, rubs, and smoking methods. We live for
innovation—our team of chefs are constantly evolving to bring you next-level
barbecue, sides, and all the fixin’s.
Bringing the Best of U.S. Barbecue Styles Home
At Craft & Cleaver, we’re not just serving up barbecue; we’re bringing a slice of
America’s smokehouse culture right here. We’ve spent time in the heartlands,
soaking up the flavours and traditions of the best barbecue regions. From the low-
and-slow rituals of the Carolinas to the pitmaster secrets of Texas, we’ve drawn
inspiration from each, putting our own Craft & Cleaver spin on it all.
Whether you’re here for ribs that fall off the bone, brisket smoked to perfection, or a
plate piled high with pulled pork, we’ve got you covered. Every dish is made with the
same dedication to quality and authenticity that inspired the barbecue legends we’ve
come to admire. So, grab a napkin, bib, or whatever (you’ll need it), dig in, and get
ready to taste what makes Craft & Cleaver’s barbecue an experience you won’t
forget.
