Food Network picks 3 regional favorites as their state's best barbecue joint

Hungry western Kentuckians are just a few hours from three of America's top barbecue restaurants, according to the Food Network.

On their website, the network posted the "50 States of Barbecue," proclaiming the best barbecue joint in each state.

The closest on the list to Paducah is actually in southern Illinois. 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro and Marion is the home of the team that scored four world barbecue championships in Memphis. Founder Mike Mills passed away in 2020, but daughter Amy is a prize winner in her own rite, as well as an accomplished author and Food Network celebrity.

Owensboro has long been known as a barbecue haven. The best of the bunch for the commonwealth is deemed to be The Moonlite BBQ Inn, where the specialty for the past 50 years is mutton smoked for 12 hours.

Tennessee's top barbecue joint is not in Memphis, as many would expect. Instead, the Food Network found their favorite all over Nashville -- even at Titans football games. Martin's Barbecue Joint is based in the southeastern suburb of Nolensville. Martin's specialty is the whole hog platter. Martin's is also found in Kentucky on Louisville's east side, and as far away as Alabama and South Carolina.

Check out the picks for all 50 states here.