From smoke‑ring brisket to tangy burnt ends, America’s barbecue map begs to be explored with a flexible itinerary and a hungry crew. This road trip stitches together signature styles you can taste in a single journey, using big airports and short driving legs so the focus stays on flavor. Keep daily miles modest and give yourself time to queue, taste, and wander local neighborhoods between bites.
Texas Hill Country: brisket & bluegrass
Fly into AUS and start with an Austin car rental for easy hops between pits. Drift from South Congress classics to Lockhart and Driftwood, timing lines around lunch. Pair a half‑pound of fatty brisket with simple sides and a post‑meal stroll along Lady Bird Lake. If you’re sharing, ask for a mix of moist and lean slices to compare textures.
Kansas City: the saucy crossroads
Next, aim for MCI to sample a spectrum—burnt ends, ribs, and savory turkey. A Kansas City car hire keeps you mobile for neighborhood legends and newer smokehouses on both sides of the state line. Order sauce on the side to taste the bark first; then try the city’s signature sweet‑smoky glaze.
Dallas–Fort Worth: big menus, bigger roads
In North Texas, get around DFW smoke stops and add a honky‑tonk evening to digest. Order sliced brisket by the half‑pound and don’t sleep on jalapeño sausage. Morning kolaches make great road snacks. Many notable spots sell out early—arrive before opening for the best selection.
Music City: ribs with a chorus
Barbecue meets live sets in Tennessee. Use Nashville as your music‑and‑meat base and walk Broadway between tastings. Add hot chicken for a spicy bonus and cool down with a scoop of banana pudding. If you’re traveling with kids, plan one museum or park stop between meals.
St. Louis: a gateway to pork perfection
Wrap things up under the Arch. Sample St. Louis‑cut ribs and toasted ravioli before riverfront sunsets. Families can split platters to try more styles without overdoing it. Consider a quick detour to neighborhood bakeries for gooey butter cake—another local classic.
Sample 5‑day tasting plan
- Day 1: Land in Austin, two tastings, sunset walk.
- Day 2: Lockhart/Driftwood → evening drive or short flight to Kansas City.
- Day 3: KC tastings + jazz district stroll.
- Day 4: Morning hop to Dallas–Fort Worth; afternoon smoke stop + dance hall.
- Day 5: Nashville or St. Louis finale, live music or riverfront.
Drive smart, eat well
- Share plates and rotate drivers; plan an early dinner and a leisurely evening walk.
- Bring a small cooler with freezer packs for take‑home slices; reheat low and slow later.
- Expect lines at iconic spots—use weekday lunches for the shortest waits.
- Hydrate and pace sodium; add a salad stop when needed.
Book with Hola Car Rentals for straightforward pricing and protection while you chase the smoke:
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours pre‑pickup.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on selected itineraries.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% versus walk‑up counters.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000.
- Cashback on tolls where applicable.
Prefer a specific provider? Compare rates from Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National, and Budget in a few taps. Then turn up the playlist and follow the smoke plume to your next plate.
FAQs
How many cities fit in a week? Two to three. Aim for one or two big tastings per day and short drives so the trip remains fun.
Is BBQ kid‑friendly? Yes—most places are casual, with picnic tables and flexible portions. Bring wipes and water, and let kids choose a side or dessert at each stop.
What about dietary needs? Many smokehouses offer turkey, salads, and veggie sides; check menus in advance and plan a non‑BBQ meal mid‑trip to keep things balanced.
When you’re ready to taste your way across the map, lock in your ride with Hola Car Rentals and follow your nose.
