If you’re someone who believes that life tastes better with a little smoke and a lot of sauce, then May in Draper, Utah, is your new favorite time of year. It’s National Barbecue Month, a whole month dedicated to celebrating the art of grilling, smoking, and savoring some of the best barbecue around. And if you’re considering making Draper your home, there’s no better way to get a taste of the local flavor-literally and figuratively.
Top Local BBQ Joints Worth the Visit
Draper’s barbecue scene is no joke. Two standout spots have earned the love of locals and visitors alike, each bringing their unique spin on smoky goodness.
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Goodwood Barbecue Company is a must-visit for anyone serious about barbecue. Known for their burnt ends brisket and smoked turkey sandwich, this place serves up tender, juicy meat with a side of Southern hospitality. The vibe is casual, the portions generous, and the flavors bold enough to satisfy any barbecue craving.
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Les BBQ brings true Texas-style barbecue to Draper, thanks to pitmaster Les Rhodes Jr. If you haven’t tried their legendary oxtails or the pulled pork, you’re missing out on some seriously tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Their brisket sandwich and meat plates are crowd favorites, and the atmosphere is all about celebrating authentic smoked meats with a bit of Utah spirit thrown in.
Grilling Like a Pro: Tips From the Local Pitmasters
Want to impress at your next backyard barbecue? Draper’s barbecue experts have some advice that will take you from amateur to grill master.
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Marinades Matter: A good marinade isn’t just about flavor; it’s about tenderizing the meat. Local chefs recommend using a balance of acid (like vinegar or citrus), oil, and spices. Let your meat soak in the marinade for several hours or overnight for the best results.
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Choosing the Right Wood: The type of wood you use can make or break your barbecue. Draper’s pitmasters swear by hickory for a strong, smoky flavor or fruitwoods like apple or cherry for a sweeter, milder smoke. Avoid resinous woods like pine, which can give your meat a bitter taste.
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Safe Grilling Practices: Always start with a clean grill and keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches a safe internal temperature; nothing ruins a barbecue faster than undercooked meat.
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Patience is Key: Low and slow wins the race. Whether you’re smoking brisket or ribs, giving the meat time to absorb smoke and cook evenly is what creates that tender, juicy bite everyone craves.
Why Draper Is the Place to Fire Up Your Life
Beyond the smoky aromas and delicious plates, Draper offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. With a growing food scene anchored by spots like Goodwood Barbecue Company and Les BBQ, you’re never far from a great meal or a chance to learn from some of the best in the business. Plus, the community’s love for outdoor cooking means plenty of opportunities to practice your grilling skills, whether it’s at a local park, your backyard, or a neighborhood gathering.
Living in Draper means enjoying the perfect balance of suburban comfort and outdoor adventure. When you’re not indulging in barbecue, you can explore nearby trails, parks, and family-friendly events. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, and weekend barbecues often turn into lifelong friendships.
So, if you’ve been thinking about a place that offers great food, a welcoming community, and plenty of sunshine for grilling, Draper should be at the top of your list.
Celebrate National Barbecue Month by Making Draper Your Home
National Barbecue Month is more than just a time to eat; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of cooking outdoors. Draper, Utah, captures all of that with its top-notch barbecue joints and a community that knows how to grill like pros. Whether you’re biting into a smoky brisket at Goodwood Barbecue Company or savoring the legendary oxtails at Les BBQ, you’ll quickly see why this city is the perfect place to call home.
Ready to fire up your life? Draper’s barbecue scene is waiting, and so is a community that’s just as warm as the coals on your grill.
Sources: goodwoodbbq.com, yelp.com
Header Image Source: Emerson Vieira on Unsplash
