When you think of BBQ, your mind typically jumps to Texas brisket or Tennessee pulled pork. For those who know their BBQ, will know that Owensboro, Kentucky, holds a special place on the BBQ map! That is thanks to our unique pick in meat, barbecued mutton!
Owensboro’s BBQ roots run deep. What sets us apart from others isn’t just the technique but our tradition! Slow-smoking older sheep (mutton) over hickory wood, often accompanied by a vinegar-based sauce. It’s bold, flavorful, and it’s traditional. Mutton tradition is thought to have grown out of practical farming. Older sheep that had passed their wool-producing prime were cooked low and slow to create something special.
No story about Owensboro BBQ is complete without mentioning BBQ & Barrels weekend. Every May, thousands gather downtown to smell the smoke, taste the history, and cheer on church cooking teams that have been competing for decades. It’s more than a food event; it’s a cultural celebration of everything that makes Owensboro BBQ unique.
A few places that you can taste the true tradition and a bit of something new:
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
2840 W Parrish Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q
338 Washington Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301
Ole South Barbeque
3523 KY-54, Owensboro, KY 42303
The Miller House (for a bit of a twist)
301 E 5th St, Owensboro, KY 42303
Shiloh’s Lounge & Grill
1846 Triplett St, Owensboro, KY 42303
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of barbecue or a curious traveler seeking something unique, Owensboro’s barbecue scene offers a flavorful slice of Kentucky’s culinary heritage.