We're Writing a Book!

For the past several years, both in The Smoke Sheet and on social media, we have been sharing stories of our travels across the country seeking out the best barbecue America has to offer. It is our extreme pleasure to announce that we are writing a barbecue travel guide for Harvard Common Press, set for release in 2027.

This new book will take readers on a road trip through barbecue country to experience the regional traditions, iconic joints, legendary pitmasters, and unforgettable flavors of American barbecue. In it, we will be highlighting some of our favorite restaurants and dishes.

We will share information not only about the most iconic regional traditions, such as the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City, but also off the beaten path. We want this book to provide helpful information, insider tips, and inspiration for barbecue lovers, food travelers, and everyone in between.

So far, the writing process has been fun, exciting, and a lot of hard work. We are thrilled to be working with Harvard Common Press, which, along with its parent company, Quarto, publishes some fantastic barbecue books. We are thrilled to be in the company of some of our favorite pitmasters and authors, including Brandon Hurtado, Winnie Yee, Curry Boys, Tony Ramirez, and many more.

As we tackle this monumental project, we will be sharing updates on our journey throughout the process. We also hope we can continue to count on the support of the barbecue community and, in particular, readers of The Smoke Sheet. Together, we can show the world why barbecue and the many devoted enthusiasts who love this cuisine are so special.

Ryan Cooper and Sean Ludwig
Co-Founders, The Smoke Sheet