Best BBQ in Owensboro, KY: 3 Smokehouses, Ranked

Owensboro is the Western Kentucky mutton BBQ capital. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn at 2840 W Parrish Ave has smoked over hickory on an indirect-heat pit since 1963. Old Hickory Bar-B-Q at 338 Washington Ave cooks mutton and burgoo since 1974.

The ranking

1. 01

   Moonlite Bar B Q Inn

   Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is at 2840 W Parrish Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301. It smoked its first mutton over hickory on an indirect-heat pit in 1963 and is open Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, and Sun 10am-9pm. The mutton sandwich is $12.95 and sides include burgoo, baked beans, slaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

2. 02

   Old Hickory Bar B Q

   Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is at 338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301. It has smoked over hickory on an indirect-heat pit since 1974 and is open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 10am-7pm. The mutton sandwich is $11.50 and sides include burgoo, slaw, potato salad, and baked beans. The signature items are mutton sandwich and burgoo with the house black dip and white sauce. The menu is Western Kentucky mutton and pork shoulder. Old Hickory has been at 338 Washington Ave since 1974 and is open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm.

3. 03

   Smokehaus Bbq

   Smokehaus BBQ is at 1330 W 9th St, Owensboro, KY 42301. It has smoked over hickory on an offset stick burner and is open Tue-Sat 11am-8pm and Sun 11am-3pm, closed Monday. The signature items are mutton shoulder and pork ribs with the house black dip and white sauce. A mutton shoulder plate is $13.95 and sides include burgoo, slaw, baked beans, and potato salad. Smokehaus is a newer addition to the Owensboro BBQ scene and has been serving Western Kentucky mutton and ribs from its 1330 W 9th St location.

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