The Best Mail-Order Barbecue

When you're craving barbecue, you usually have two choices: break out the smoker and spend hours preparing an at-home feast, or head to your favorite barbecue joint and have someone else do all of the hard work for you. But what if we told you there's a way to devour fall-off-the-bone ribs or smoked brisket in the comfort of your home without really having to do much work? Yep—we're talking about mail-order barbecue, shipped directly to your doorstep.

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There are many companies across the United States that provide this service, so all you have to do is heat it up and prep your sides. Sounds like a pretty smokin' deal to us. Here are five of the top mail-order barbecue businesses across the country.

Whoever said you can't get real Texas barbecue outside of the Lone Star State clearly hasn't heard of Black's Barbecue. Fans can get the same baby back ribs and beef brisket they'd order at either of the dine-in locations delivered directly to them. The tender smoked ribs feed between four to six people while the Certified Angus brisket, slow-cooked on local post oak over a 60-year-old pit, feeds up to 12 depending on the quantity ordered.

This renowned Texas outpost ships finger-licking favorites like smoked brisket, pork ribs and sausage, as well as nontraditional options such as smoked and spicy turkey breast. If you're planning for a crowd, you'll want to take advantage of the family style dinner package, which includes a few different meats. Really want to go all out? Splurge on The Ranch, which comes with beef ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, pork ribs, sausage and four bottles of sauce, and feeds 18 people.

No matter which type of barbecue you're craving, this Kansas City-based restaurant can hook you up with everything you need. Shop for your favorite cuts of meat or choose selections based on occasions like birthdays or graduations. The online guide allows you to filter your search by style and serving size, although everyone knows there's no such thing as wrong or right when it comes to good barbecue. 

Thanks to Corky's, you can get your hands on Memphis-style barbecue anywhere around the country. Voted the number one BBQ joint in Memphis an astounding 22 times, you won't be able to resist stuffing your face with Corky's meaty ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork and juicy chicken.

North Carolina native and founding executive chef of Hill Country Barbecue Market in NYC Elizabeth Karmel's online service offers pulled pork by the pound. Shoppers can choose to order the delicious meat à la carte or purchase a package that adds buns, a bottle of Karmel's signature Carolina Cue Vinegar Sauce (perfect for making slaw) and a package of Carolina-Style Barbecue Potato Chips to the mix.