BBQ isn’t simply another strand of cuisine in the States; it’s one of the most hotly contested foods, provoking pride, hunger, and finger-licking happiness. From North Carolina to New Orleans, BBQ can mean anything from sweet, sticky ribs and cracklin’ to burnt ends, crispy chicken and Korean-style pork belly. Here, we take a look at five of the best places to try authentic American BBQ across the United States, and what makes their meats, sauces, local flavors and melt-in-the-mouth cooking styles stand out from the crowd.