Paducah Local

Paducah, Kentucky

Best BBQ in Paducah

Updated October 2026 · 9 places · Paducah

Quick answer

Our top picks are Backwoods BBQ, Big Ed’s and Harned’s Drive In.

Here are nine barbecue restaurants and smokehouses listed for Paducah, Kentucky, excluding the regional chain Bandana’s. Addresses and descriptions are confirmed on the West Kentucky BBQ Belt’s Paducah page; Happy’s description is also supported by the City of Paducah. The cited listings identify these businesses, but do not independently establish live operating status for each location.

Editorial illustration: Best BBQ in Paducah

The list

  1. 1

    Backwoods BBQ

    5172 Hinkleville Rd, Paducah, KY 42001

    Backwoods BBQ serves hickory-smoked pork, ribs, chicken, ham and pork tenderloin. Its listed sides are homemade, and it also offers desserts and pies.

    Best for: hickory-smoked barbecue

    Directions
  2. 2

    Big Ed’s

    701 North 8th St, Paducah, KY 42001

    Big Ed’s is a buffet eatery serving homestyle Southern food, including seafood and soul food. Its listing calls out barbecue ribs, chicken and fried catfish.

    Best for: barbecue and buffet

    Directions
  3. 3

    Harned’s Drive In

    4421 Clarks River Rd, Paducah, KY 42001

    Harned’s is a drive-in that has served barbecue in Paducah since the 1930s. Its menu includes Southern barbecue, hoagies and hot dogs, including the Paducah Dog.

    Best for: drive-in barbecue

    Directions
  4. 4

    Kountry Kastle Barbecue

    3415 Clarks River Rd, Paducah, KY 42001

    Kountry Kastle is a family restaurant and long-running Paducah business. Its listed menu includes barbecue, wings and fried bologna sandwiches.

    Best for: barbecue and family dining

    Directions
  5. 5

    Starnes Bar-B-Q

    1008 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, KY 42001

    Starnes Bar-B-Q is a family-owned barbecue restaurant in Paducah’s Midtown neighborhood. It is known for its sauce and pulled pork, and offers counter service.

    Best for: pulled pork

    Directions
  6. 6

    Xman’s BBQ

    1535 Broad St, Paducah, KY 42003

    Xman’s BBQ serves pork, chicken and ribs. Its listed offerings also include Southern sides and fried catfish.

    Best for: barbecue and Southern sides

    Directions
  7. 7

    Moosie’s Grub Shack

    1019 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001

    Moosie’s Grub Shack is a food truck with a permanent downtown Paducah spot. Its listing describes smoked meats and creative combinations.

    Best for: smoked meats

    Directions
  8. 8

    Happy’s Chili Parlor

    514 North 12th St, Paducah, KY 42001

    Happy’s Chili Parlor is a Paducah restaurant serving soul food. Its listed barbecue offerings include pork, beef brisket, chicken and ribs, along with Southern sides.

    Best for: barbecue and soul food

    Directions
  9. 9

    TLC Bar-B-Q

    1020 South 21st St, Paducah, KY 42001

    TLC Bar-B-Q is a casual dining restaurant in Paducah. Its listing notes a lunch buffet and a weekend breakfast buffet.

    Best for: buffet

    Directions
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