It’s officially summer, the fourth of July is quickly approaching, and we’re craving BBQ. Which is why we’re so excited to visit these 5 hidden BBQ gems around Pittsburgh! The only question now is…what should we order??

Duke’s Rib House

pittsburgh hidden gems bbq duke's rib house
Image via Duke’s Rib House

Duke’s is almost world famous for their ribs, but their entire menu is amazing. Besides ribs, they have everything from salads to sandwiches, burgers to steaks…basically, something for everyone. Their bar is stocked with plenty of cold beer and spirits. And, when sports are a thing again, you’ll be able to hang out with your friends to watch the big game. Or if you have kids, feel free to bring them along, too!

Duke’s is conveniently located off Cochran Road, which makes it the perfect place to get together. Add in their private party room, and you can host any office or family event. We know you’ll love their food – and their almost world famous hospitality…Pittsburgh style!

Blue Sky BBQ

pittsburgh hidden gems bbq blue sky bbq
Image via Blue Sky BBQ

If you’re cooking out this summer, you need to check out Blue Sky BBQ. Instead of selling smoked foods, they’re selling BBQ sauces and rubs. Andrew Cordell grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains eating his grandmother’s secret-recipe barbecue sauce. It has a sweet and smokey taste with a thin, smooth texture, and we know you’re going to love it. Andrew’s grandmother handed down her secret recipe to him, and he began selling it in Pittsburgh a few years after she lost her battle with cancer.

Blue Sky BBQ sauces are full of memories of backyard cookouts, ready to help you make your own new memories. You can get the Original Sauce, Hot and Spicy Sauce, or their All Purpose Seasoning for your next cookout at over 150 stores, on their website, or on Amazon.

Mitch’s Bar-B-Que

Image via Mitch’s Bar-B-Que

Mitch’s BBQ is a chef-driven restaurant featuring plenty of smoked meats – including Texas style brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs, chicken, and sausages made in-house. They also make Asian specialties, like pork belly buns and ramen noodle bowls using their smoked meats. And did we mention their homemade ice creams and sorbets?

Whether you eat on their outdoor patio, inside, or even have them cater your next event, we know you’ll end the meal with a full belly. It’s everything you could want in a summer BBQ menu, and then some.

Smokin’ Ghost BBQ

pittsburgh hidden bbq gems smokin' ghost bbq
Image via Smokin’ Ghost BBQ

*Disclaimer* you shouldn’t read the Smokin’ Ghost BBQ menu unless you’re ready for sudden BBQ cravings that can only be fixed with a trip to Smokin’ Ghost. It’s especially true because their food is made from scratch with passion and fresh ingredients. We’re talking smoked meats like Texas-style brisket, North Carolina-style pork, and chicken, plus mac and cheese, pork belly burnt ends, even peppered pinto beans. Are you drooling yet?

Smokin’ Ghost BBQ is served out of a trailer, but you won’t have to hunt around the city to find them. They have a permanent home at 1825 Liverpool Street on the North Shore.

Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse

pittsburgh hidden gems bbq off the rails barbeque
Image via Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse

Off the Rails is the sister concept of the Oakmont Barbeque Company food truck. They’re serving up things like St. Louis ribs (their best seller!), smoked wings, and fourteen hour smoked brisket and pork. Everything is made fresh daily, and it’s never reheated – so you know it’s going to be delicious! Plus they have a 12 tap draft system pouring local craft beers from Hitchhiker, Grist House, and Dancing Gnome. Basically everything you need for the perfect summer BBQ meal.

Off the Rails has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, so bring a few friends and head to Verona for your next barbecue!

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Lauren Roberts

Lauren loves all things Pittsburgh and all things food! When she's not checking out a new restaurant, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, working on her photography, or out on a bike ride exploring the city.

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