The Best BBQ in Omaha for Families

There's something about barbecue that just works for a family. It's messy, it's hands-on, nobody's fussing about manners, and there's a little of everything so even the picky kid finds something. Omaha's barbecue scene is better than a lot of folks realize. Here's where to dig in.

Porky Butts BBQ is the one to know. It's won awards and national recognition for its brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, and the room is genuinely family-friendly, country music playing low, nobody in a hurry. The Family Platter is built for exactly this: a half rack of ribs, two meats, two sides, cornbread, and the fixings. Order that, grab a stack of napkins, and let everybody go to town.

Swine Dining BBQ is another award-winner, and its ribs have taken top honors at competitions like Ribstock. The original spot is in Olde Towne Bellevue, and they opened a second location in west Omaha a while back, so it's an easy one to get to no matter which side of town you're on.

Beyond those two, Omaha's got a solid bench. Smokin' Barrel BBQ, Rib Shack Smoke House, and J's Smokehouse all show up on the best-of lists, so if you're near one, it's worth a stop.

Here's a tip for feeding a crowd. Barbecue is basically made for sharing, so get a big platter with a couple of meats and a few sides instead of everybody ordering their own. It's cheaper, there's less waste, and the kids get to taste a little of everything without committing to a whole plate they won't finish.

Hours can change, and popular spots sometimes sell out of the good cuts by evening, so it doesn't hurt to check or go a little earlier. Then roll up your sleeves and enjoy it.

Check out all their menus:

Porky Butts BBQ Menu→ Swine Dining BBQ Menu→ Smokin' Barrel BBQ Menu→ Rib Shack Smoke House Menu→ J's Smokehouse Menu→