MD's Best BBQ Joint Named In Southern Living's New Survey

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland's best barbecue joint is smoking hot with whiskey flavor, according to a new ranking.

The readers of Southern Living once again voted Blue Pit BBQ and Whiskey Bar in Baltimore as Maryland's 2026 Best Barbecue Joint, the magazine announced in March.

Southern Living hosted a survey that included at least 17,000 readers making their selections from July 9-Sept. 9 last year.

Third-party agency Proof Insights conducted the online ranking, according to the magazine.

"Barbecue inspires a special kind of loyalty in the South. When we asked 'Southern Living' readers to name the best barbecue joint in their state, they showed up with strong opinions and even stronger favorites. Readers chose plenty of old standbys, but a few impressive upstarts are also on the hot list," the magazine wrote.

Dishing out award-winning cuisine, Blue Pit was named among 16 of the South's best barbecue eateries.

The Union Avenue restaurant boasts a menu that features 18-hour pit-cooked pork, coffee-rubbed brisket, four-cheese macaroni, baked beans, collard greens, red chili mayo slaw, Chesapeake pickleball slaw and bratwurst on a pretzel roll.

See what Southern Living says about Blue Pit BBQ and Whiskey Bar:

"Blue Pit has perhaps the deepest whiskey selection of any barbecue place, and the premium pours pair well with pulled pork, coffee-rubbed brisket or bourbon-glazed St. Louis-style ribs. Creative sandwich options include the Pimento Piggie (pulled pork, pimiento cheese, pickles and fried onions on a soft bun) and the Big Dawg (layers of sliced bratwurst and chopped brisket with pickles and red chilemayonnaise slaw)."

Blue Pit BBQ and Whiskey Bar: 1601 Union Ave., (443) 948-5590