Puttin’ it simply, regional BBQ styles vary. From the tangy vinegar traditions of the Carolinas to the brisket-lovin’ heart of Texas, each pocket of the country has its own pit-perfect flavor. So grab a plate, (and plenty of napkins), and let’s take a BBQ road trip across America.
The Tasty Table of Contents
The Carolinas: Tangy Tradition
If pulled pork is your love language, (and for us at Sonny’s, it always is), then the Carolinas are where we’ll start. Both states love this style of protein, but they approach it in some very different ways.
- North Carolina swears by vinegar-based sauce. Sharp, tangy, and a little spicy, it cuts right through rich smoked pork. (Sonny’s Example: Our Tennessee Vinegar Pork Sandwich was a great example of this tangy flavor.)
- South Carolina is all about “Carolina Gold,” a mustard-based sauce that’s sweet, zesty, and unforgettable. (Sonny’s Example: Our Mustard BBQ Sauce is very similar to the state’s favorite seasoning.)
Best Pairing: A pulled pork sandwich piled high and topped with coleslaw. That’s actually on our menu, dubbed the Sweet Carolina, and we named it after that traditional BBQ style.
Memphis: Dry Rub Royalty
Memphis BBQ is rib country, and the debate here is always “wet” vs. “dry.” Now, no need to pull out your umbrella, we’re talkin’ about the ribs themselves here.
- Dry ribs are dusted in a savory spice rub and smoked to perfection.
- (Sonny’s Example: Our Dry Rub Ribs are bold, flavorful and don’t need any sauce, but you’re welcome to add some.)
- Wet ribs are slathered in a sweet, tangy sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the pit.
- (Sonny’s Example: Our Sweet & Smokey Ribs are slathered in Sweet BBQ Sauce, and then when they’re almost finished on the smoker, they’re glazed with another layer of sauce. You’ll need napkins for this one.)
The city is also known for BBQ pork shoulder and even BBQ spaghetti, (You won’t find this on our menu, but we do have a spaghetti recipe if you’re lookin’ to try something similar.)
Best Pairings: Dry-rub ribs with a side of baked beans.
Kansas City: Sauce Capital of the World
If someone asks us, what region describes a lot of what we do at Sonny’s, it’s Kansas City. From pork and beef to chicken and even burnt ends, KC does it all.
What ties it together? The sauce. Thick, sweet, tomato-based, and molasses-rich, Kansas City sauce is what many people picture when they think of classic BBQ. (Sonny’s Example: We base our best-selling Sweet BBQ Sauce on that Kansas City staple, and it’s become a fan favorite over the years.)
Best Pairings: Burnt ends dripping with sauce, served with fries or cornbread.
Texas: Brisket is King
As the saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the BBQ traditions. Each part of the state has its own spin:
- Central Texas keeps it simple: salt, pepper, and post oak smoke. No sauce needed.
- (Sonny’s Example: This is very similar to how you would get it at Sonny’s. The rub does all the talking on our Certified Angus Beef® brisket.)
- East Texas leans saucy: with chopped beef often served on a bun.
- West Texas (a.k.a “Cowboy style”): cooks over direct mesquite fire for bold, smoky flavor.
Best Pairings: Sliced brisket with pickles, onions, and thick Texas toast.
Sonny’s Take on Regional BBQ Styles
At Sonny’s, we’ve spent more than 50 years learning from pitmasters across the Southeast. From Carolina-style pulled pork to Memphis dry rubs and Texas-inspired brisket, we honor these regional BBQ styles with our own Sonny’s twist.
We also bring our own traditions to the table, and that includes Sliced Pork, which our Founder Sonny Tillman made famous when he opened the very first Sonny’s in Gainesville, Florida back in 1968.
Taste it all: Pick 3 Combo with Sliced Brisket, Pulled Pork and Dry Rub Ribs, with sides of BBQ Beans, Coleslaw and Garlic Bread. (And don’t forget the Sweet Tea.)
Wrap-Up: BBQ Unites Us All
BBQ may look and taste different depending on where you are, but the heart of it is always the same. You’re gathered around for good times, sharin’ memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why no matter what regional BBQ style you crave, there’s always a seat at the table for another plate of slow-smoked perfection.
Ready to experience the best of regional BBQ styles? Explore Sonny’s Menu. Or if you’re plannin’ a party, let us bring the BBQ to you and explore our Catering options.
