Keto at a BBQ Joint

Yes, it is one of the easier cuisines. Low and slow smoked meat is keto-friendly by nature. The sugar arrives in the sauce, the glaze and nearly every side dish, so order by the pound, sauce on the side, and pick the green sides.

Brisket, smoked turkey, smoked chicken, sausage and dry-rubbed ribs, with pickles, collard greens or a green salad.

Sauce-heavy meats, baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad and white bread. Hidden carbs to watch for: sugar in most BBQ sauces and in glazes brushed on ribs; brown sugar in some dry rubs (a small amount); sugar in coleslaw dressing and baked beans; sweet pickles and bread-and-butter pickles (dill are fine).

Try: “Can I get the sauce on the side?” Keep requests short and friendly; kitchens handle substitutions all the time.

A light beer, bourbon on the rocks or unsweetened iced tea. Sweet tea is a dessert.