The Smoke Sheet

The Smoke Sheet A weekly newsletter featuring the latest in barbecue news, recipes, events, and more.

Our own Ryan Cooper checked a big one off the BBQ bucket list and went back to school at Barbecue University with the le...
09/23/2026

Our own Ryan Cooper checked a big one off the BBQ bucket list and went back to school at Barbecue University with the legend himself: Steven Raichlen 🔥 There is nothing quite like learning from the man who taught America how to grill.

The class covers everything from the history of barbecue to essential live fire cooking techniques and of course a lot of great food and amazing recipes. The beautiful Alisal Ranch was the perfect backdrop to connect with fellow barbecue enthusiasts as well.

Check out the article on Substack (link in bio) and if you love fire and food, put Barbecue University on your list!

08/16/2026

Check out this video from BBQ WITH RIK RIK showing our recent visit to Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que to get photos with Wai Chan for our upcoming book!

Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Bar recently toured for his new book and it brought him back to Hill Country Barbe...
07/29/2026

Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Bar recently toured for his new book and it brought him back to Hill Country Barbecue Market, where he worked his first pitmaster job.

We caught up with him at Hill Country, where he was signing copies of New School Barbecue, his fantastic cookbook with Paula Forbes.

On what makes a joint new school: “It has to have a point of view.”

His top three recipes in the book: the famed L&L burger, the beef cheeks, and the Frito pie. “It’s the best Frito pie in Texas, therefore the world.”

Full Q&A and more in our newest issue. Link in bio.

We recently traveled through the South Carolina Midlands on a research trip for our upcoming barbecue travel book, and t...
06/24/2026

We recently traveled through the South Carolina Midlands on a research trip for our upcoming barbecue travel book, and the food was fantastic.

From Carolina Bar B Que, a delicious buffet priced at a remarkable $14.50, to City Limits Q, named as the No. 1 BBQ joint in the South by Robert Moss, this trip reminded us just how deep the barbecue tradition runs in the Palmetto State. We also had great meals at Henry's Smokehouse, Maurice's Piggie Park, and McCabe’s BBQ. (We didn't make it to Charleston this time, but trust us, we know there are many great spots there and they will be in the book!)

Read our latest on these five spots in today's issue of The Smoke Sheet, and let us know your favorite!

Big news: after nearly a decade of crossing the country trying the best BBQ in America, we’re thrilled to announce we’re...
06/17/2026

Big news: after nearly a decade of crossing the country trying the best BBQ in America, we’re thrilled to announce we’re writing a barbecue travel guide. It’s set for release in 2027 from Harvard Common Press and Quarto Books.�

This book will take readers on the ultimate road trip through barbecue country: iconic joints, legendary pitmasters, regional traditions, and more. We’re talking Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, Kansas City, plus plenty of spots off the beaten path that deserve love too.

Recently, we traveled through parts of Georgia and South Carolina for book research, and we are still full. It’s been an exciting journey and one we won’t forget. See a few stops from the trip in the pics above.�

We’re honored to be joining the Quarto Books US family alongside some of our favorite barbecue authors, including Hurtado Barbecue, Curry Boys BBQ, Winnie Yee, & Tony Ramirez. More updates to come as we dig into this monumental project. Thank you to our friends and family for riding along with us.�

Father's Day is coming up fast, and if your dad lives for the grill, a generic gift won't cut it.We put together 5 gift ...
06/03/2026

Father's Day is coming up fast, and if your dad lives for the grill, a generic gift won't cut it.

We put together 5 gift ideas for every budget, from a Weber Grills chimney and premium charcoal to a Lodge Cast Iron skillet built for the grill. Our top pick? A ThermoWorks instant-read thermometer for any dad still cutting into his meat to check doneness.

And if you really want to impress, Porter Road's curated meat boxes are a standout option. They're even offering 15% off your first order exclusively for Smoke Sheet readers using code THESMOKESHEET15.

Full gift guide live in the link below. Drop your go-to Father's Day grilling and BBQ gift in the comments to help fellow gift givers!

The World Series of Barbecue is moving to a new home this fall, and since the announcement, a lot of questions have been...
05/20/2026

The World Series of Barbecue is moving to a new home this fall, and since the announcement, a lot of questions have been swirling.

We sat down with American Royal Association CEO Pat Macy to answer them. What will the new KCK campus look like for competitors and fans? How many Kansas City Barbeque Society teams are expected? What does owning the date mean for the future of the event? And what does he think of the new BBQ World Cup?

Pat gets into all of it. The World Series of Barbecue is slated for September 30 through October 4 at the new campus, and this is your best look yet at what people should expect from one of the largest BBQ events of the year.

Link in the comments below.

05/06/2026

For this week’s issue, Sean sat down with legendary comedian and actor to talk about his new BBQ cookbook w/ . The book, out this week, explores barbecue stories, restaurants, and recipes from all over the country. Thanks Cedric for the great conversation on all things BBQ, and be sure to check out the full Q&A. Link in bio.

The Carolina BBQ Festival just wrapped its fifth year in Charlotte, and by every measure, it's become one of the South's...
04/29/2026

The Carolina BBQ Festival just wrapped its fifth year in Charlotte, and by every measure, it's become one of the South's essential spring barbecue events.

This week in The Smoke Sheet, guest writer Michael "Chigger" Willard (host of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show) takes us inside the weekend. From party wings via Lawrence Barbecue to perfect ribs from Bryan Furman to a beef and cheddar sandwich from Swig & Swine that one attendee called "a warm taste of heaven," the 2026 edition had no shortage of standout bites.

The fest also raised over $60,000 for Operation BBQ Relief and other charities, proof that great BBQ and good causes go hand in hand.

Read the full recap in this week's issue in the link below!

Have you been to Mama Jean's Barbecue in Roanoke, Virginia?In this week's Smoke Sheet, guest writer John Tanner shares h...
04/22/2026

Have you been to Mama Jean's Barbecue in Roanoke, Virginia?

In this week's Smoke Sheet, guest writer John Tanner shares his long-awaited visit to one of the South's 50 best barbecue restaurants, according to Robert Moss. John tried the pork, brisket, ribs, and more. He was most impressed by the ribs, which he calls the best he's had anywhere in Virginia.

He also notes that Mama Jean's holds the Campaign for Real Barbecue certification, meaning they cook exclusively with wood.

Read John's full review at the link below. And if you've been to Mama Jean's, let us know what you ordered in the comments.

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