Omaha’s BBQ scene is quietly excellent, with many great choices to try around downtown Omaha and throughout the entire city. Whether you’re in town for the College World Series—it’s an especially great time to try some great smoked meats that the city has to offer—or just love feasting on smoked meats, these top spots have delicious offerings year-round for visitors and locals alike. Check out our top picks for some of the best BBQ restaurants in Omaha!
- Porky Butts BBQ
- Smokin Barrel BBQ
- J’s Smokehouse
- Lazy Buffalo BBQ
- Pulled BBQ
- Rib Shack Smoke House
- Wayne’s New Skoo BBQ
- BBQ Brothers Cafe
- Up N Smoke BBQ
Porky Butts BBQ
At Porky Butts BBQ in West Omaha, you’ll find ribbons, trophies, and competition plaques stacked across the walls like a hall of fame. Pitmaster Blane Hunter has been winning BBQ competitions across the region, and anything on the menu will tell you exactly why the judges keep coming back. From classic BBQ sandwiches to platters filled with your choice of smoked meats, we recommend starting here if you want to understand what Omaha BBQ is actually capable of.
- Address: 15475 Ruggles St Ste 105 (Elkhorn/West Omaha)
- Type: Competition-style BBQ restaurant
- Google: 4.7/5 stars out of 2,380+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.5/5 stars out of 430+ reviews
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11 a.m.–Sold Out or 8 p.m. | Monday: Closed
What to Order: Ask the staff what’s fresh off the smoker and start there!
Smokin Barrel BBQ
Smokin Barrel BBQ in West O is known for their brisket, and you’ll find it cooked right every time. Bark that holds together, smoke rings deep enough to make a Texan nod, and the meat that pulls apart with the right amount of resistance. If brisket is your benchmark for a serious Omaha BBQ joint, come here. Other specialty meats include pulled pork and sausage links, with a stellar round-up of sides.
- Address: 2457 S 132nd St (West Omaha)
- Type: Brisket Specialist Counter-serve BBQ
- Google: 4.8/5 stars out of 780+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.8/5 stars out of 210+ reviews
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. | Monday & Sunday: Closed
What to Order: Don’t overthink it, go with the brisket.
J’s Smokehouse
J’s Smokehouse has become one of the best Omaha BBQ spots, and it’s easy to understand why: the ribs are excellent, the pulled pork is done right, and they do BBQ tacos, which is not something many BBQ restaurants in Omaha attempt. Not only that, but J’s smash burger is one of the best in the city. If you’re with a group that can’t agree on BBQ in Omaha, J’s will have something for everyone. Find them in southwest Omaha, a short drive from downtown if you’re visiting for the CWS!
- Address: 4725 S 96th St (Southwest Omaha)
- Type: Versatile BBQ restaurant
- Google: 4.6/5 stars out of 350+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.4/5 stars out of 40+ reviews
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m. | Sunday & Monday: Closed
What to Order: BBQ tacos plus the smash burger if you can manage both. The ribs if you want to go traditional.
Lazy Buffalo BBQ
Located in Midtown inside Scriptown Brewing, is Lazy Buffalo, one of the most creative Omaha BBQ restaurants on this list. Just a short drive from downtown, these BBQ chefs have fun. Every protein gets the bun treatment in some unexpected configuration, and the menu rotates enough that a second visit feels different from the first. There’s also a daily deviled egg special, which is a fun addition to their daily selection of smoked meats. Lazy Buffalo brings the personality and is definitely worth checking out!
- Address: 3924 1/2 Farnam St (Midtown)
- Type: BBQ Restaurant with Creative Sandwiches
- Google: 4.8/5 stars out of 70+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.5/5 stars out of 7+ reviews
- Hours: Sunday & Tuesday: Closed | Monday: 6–9 p.m. | Wednesday: 3–8 p.m. | Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
What to Order: Whatever the featured sandwich is that day. And yes, try the deviled eggs.
Pulled BBQ
Pulled BBQ is a BBQ food truck in Omaha built around doing one thing well: pulled proteins. Pulled pork, pulled beef, pulled chicken—all of it available as a sandwich or served over mac and cheese, or if you’re feeling adventurous, on a bed of Doritos. If you’re in town for the College World Series and looking for a quick bite in between games, this is your spot. Located in La Vista at Trucks & Taps, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Charles Schwab Field.
- Address: 5402 S 108th St (La Vista)
- Type: BBQ Food Truck
- Google: 4.7/5 stars out of 240+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.3/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- Hours: Sunday-Tuesday & Thursday: Closed | Wednesday & Friday: 4–8 p.m. | Saturday: 2–7 p.m.
What to Order: Pulled pork over mac. Or the Doritos option if you’re willing to commit.
Rib Shack Smoke House
If you’re wondering where to take a pack of hungry kids post-game, Rib Shack Smoke House in Southwest Omaha might just be the place for you. Transplanted from St. Louis, this family-run Omaha BBQ restaurant covers all the BBQ bases with authentic Southern flavor. From slow-cooked ribs and smoked wings to collard greens and mac n cheese, Rib Shack is a great way to scratch the ultimate BBQ itch. They even have fish, shrimp, chicken, and turkey options if you’re looking for lighter fare!
- Address: 10841 Q St, Suite 105 (Southwest Omaha)
- Type: Classic Family-Run BBQ restaurant
- Google: 4.7/5 stars out of 1,220+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.6/5 stars out of 160+ reviews
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Sunday: Noon–8 p.m.
What to Order: Whatever comes to mind when you think “classic BBQ”—they have it all.
Wayne’s New Skoo BBQ
For a budget-friendly Omaha BBQ spot on gameday, find an authentic local experience at Wayne’s New Skoo BBQ in Midtown! Wayne’s specializes in traditional BBQ favorites, with the addition of the Hot Boy, a hot link sausage topped with pulled pork, hot pickles, and hot BBQ sauce. If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, other menu options include a wide range of loaded BBQ nachos, and classic BBQ sides are sure to draw you into this great local spot.
- Address: 4865 Center St (Midtown)
- Type: Soul Food BBQ
- Google: 4.6/5 stars out of 420+ reviews
- Yelp: 4.5/5 stars out of 60+ reviews
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. | Saturday: Noon–7 p.m. | Sunday: Closed
What to Order: The signature Hot Boy sandwich! Or a serving of loaded nachos.
BBQ Brothers Cafe
If you want a great BBQ restaurant near Omaha that’s just a quick jaunt across the river from Charles Schwab Field, Council Bluffs’ BBQ Brothers is a stellar choice! Menu highlights include traditional BBQ entrees and sides, and classic sandwiches topped with a massive onion ring, with a lineup of four signature sauces that’ll have you coming back for more in no time!
- Address: 321 Comanche St (Council Bluffs)
- Type: Veteran-Owned BBQ Cafe
- Google: 4.7/5 stars out of 290+ reviews
- Yelp: 5/5 stars out of 4+ reviews
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. | Monday & Sunday: Closed
What to Order: A brisket, pulled pork, or smoked turkey sandwich with loaded fries.
Up N Smoke BBQ
After a long day of CWS games, if you’re looking for the best late-night eats to fuel up for another day of sports, then Up N Smoke BBQ might just be your ideal place for some of the best BBQ in Omaha. With weekend hours that range into the early hours, Up N Smoke is Jake Hann’s brainchild for welcoming community engagement as well as great food. Head to this Omaha BBQ food truck for a friendly hello from Jake and satisfying late-night bites like Smoked Brisket, Wings, and classic BBQ sides.
- Address: 5508 Fontenelle Blvd (North Omaha)
- Type: Late Night BBQ Food Truck
- Google: 4.7/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- Yelp: 3/5 stars out of 1+ reviews
- Hours: Sunday: 8 p.m.–1 a.m. | Monday: 11 a.m.–Midnight| Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Thursday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday: 2 p.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday: Noon–1 a.m.
Order: A sandwich or “straight up” order of The Best Butt…or any of Da Meats!
Not Sure Where to Start?
- For the purists: Porky Butts or Smokin Barrel: serious, competition-informed BBQ with nothing to prove except everything.
- For the indecisive group: J’s Smokehouse has enough range to keep everyone happy, including people who didn’t want BBQ.
- For something different: Lazy Buffalo, especially if creative sandwiches and rotating specials are your speed.
- Between games: Pulled BBQ food truck: mobile, fast, and genuinely good.
- After the game: Up N Smoke BBQ for late-night cravings.
BBQ isn’t the only thing Omaha does well—check out these other must-try spots:
- Best Breakfast Spots in Omaha
- Best Brunch Spots in Omaha
- Best Places to Get Pizza in Omaha
- Best Sports Bars in Omaha
- Best Steakhouses in Omaha
- Best Wings in Omaha
- Best Ice Cream Shops in Omaha
Still building out your CWS week? We’ve got more Omaha food guides to make sure you eat well every night you’re in town.
