Eat Dan's Best of the Best Barbecue in the Hamptons

For many, barbecue is something reserved for our hot and sticky summers, but true fans of this classic Southern fare enjoy it year round. While it may not be grilling season, the Hamptons has plenty of tasty barbecue to sate even the most authentic Texas or Carolina palate.

But before you head out to dine on just any local barbecue, check out Dan’s Best of the Best voters’ favorite Hamptons BBQ. The 2015 winners were just announced and they definitely won’t disappoint, whether it’s ribs, pulled pork, fried catfish, brisket or wings.

This year’s Platinum winner, Smokin’ Wolf BBQ & More in East Hampton (199 Pantigo Road, 631-604-6470, smokinwolfbbq.com) is the latest venture by Turtle Crossing’s famous chef Arthur Wolf, a man known for serving fabulous Southwest barbecue on the South Fork. With a unique ambiance and food made from fine, fresh ingredients, Smokin’ Wolf has excellent standard menu items and an ever-changing array of weekly specials, such as Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Chicken Tortilla Soup and Quesadilla options, to name just a few of their many delights. And for those who prefer to eat at home, this place is probably just as loved for its catering offerings. Whether eating in or out, Smokin’s Wolf’s Best of the Best title is well deserved.

RELATED: Smokin’ Wolf BBQ Chef Dishes on Eating Local

Though Backbar Grille in Hampton Bays (78 Foster Avenue, 631-728-2208, backbargrille.com)  isn’t strictly a barbecue joint, this waterfront eatery has earned the attention of our Best of the Best voters and the Gold award for BBQ in 2015 for a reason. There’s a good chance this has everything to do with the restaurant’s weekly Tex Mex Country Night. Every Thursday, Backbar Grille serves up an enticing menu of quesadillas, tacos, burritos, nachos and all the best meats—chicken, steak, fish, pork and shrimp—with salsa and chips, all for just $10! What barbecue fan doesn’t love great food at a great price?

Another local favorite, Townline BBQ in Sagaponack (3593 Montauk Highway, townlinebbq.com) won the Silver award this year because people love the fun, casual atmosphere and their full menu of authentic barbecue selections. Enjoy smoked meats and poultry, such as babyback ribs, half-chicken, brisket, pulled pork and chicken, burgers and dogs and so much more. And don’t forget the sides, whether its collard greens or hushpuppies, and the classic Southern desserts, such as ice box cake, fried pie or banana pudding. Townline is also home to Dan’s Papers favorite trivia night in the offseason!

Finally, our Bronze winner, New Moon Café in East Quogue (524 Montauk Highway, 631-653-4042, nmcafe.com) is well loved as “Shana’s and Ron’s, home of Ol’ Tex’s Famous Barbecue and Lone Star Mexican Cookin’.” The menu has all your favorite barbecue staples, including half-chicken, ribs, brisket, shrimp and more, plus some non-barbecue offerings and ice cream sodas or milk shakes to wash it all down. And no diner should leave New Moon Café without trying at least one of Shana’s fabulous and famous handmade desserts, like Amaretto Cheesecake, Banana Cream Pie, Texas Pecan Pie, among others. They also deliver ($30 minimum).

Visit DansBOTB.com for more of the best food and drink, and to find all the East End’s best businesses.