Some of the best barbecue in Maryland is not found downtown or in fancy dining rooms. It sits along two-lane highways and busy state routes, often in small buildings with smokers working out back and a short line at the counter.
This list covers seven roadside smokehouses, from Southern Maryland pit beef stands to an Eastern Shore porch spot near the beach, plus a Baltimore County grill that cooks right by the road. Each one earns its place with something specific, whether that is a loaded pulled pork sandwich, Carolina-style sauces, or decades of history.
Many keep limited hours, so a little planning goes a long way. Save this list for your next road trip, and maybe send it to the friend who always asks where to eat.
1. Smokehouse BBQ Shack, Mechanicsville, MD
Grab a fork on the way out. Pulled pork sandwiches at Smokehouse BBQ Shack come so loaded that a good amount ends up in the to-go carton, which is why self-service forks sit at the end of the counter…