There are quite a few mouthwatering BBQ joints in Kentucky, so how do we go about choosing the absolute best? Well, there are a few ways to do it. You can read reviews and find a place that has several hundred five-star reviews. You can search for a restaurant that's won countless awards for their BBQ. You can also look for a local business that has been open for an entire century. If you happened to take these these steps, then you'd wind up with the same answer we did: Old Hickory Bar-B-Q in Owensboro is the world's best BBQ, and it can be found right here in Kentucky.

Way back in 1918, a local Owensboro blacksmith, Charles "Pappy" Foreman, left his trade and began barbecuing mutton on a pit, located at 25th and Frederica.

Now in its sixth generation, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q continues to serve the same BBQ to locals and those who travel far and wide to try this famous, mouthwatering meat. The restaurant was named Old Hickory in 1954, thanks to the hickory wood used to create the distinctive BBQ. Not much has changed in terms of the menu at the restaurant, and this family-owned eatery aims to continue the high-quality standards set all those years ago.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q has won many awards and recognition throughout the decades, and you can learn all about them during your dining experience.

The wall is filled with countless accolades, giving even more justification to the locals from Owensboro who've always known the treasure they have in Old Hickory.

Eating at Old Hickory Bar-B-Q will feel like enjoying a meal in a family member's dining room.

It's a warm and welcoming restaurant and the smell of the smoking meat alone will lure you inside.

Once you are inside and seated (they also offer carryout and a drive-thru), prepare for a meal where the BBQ will steal the show.

The distinction in the way Old Hickory prepares their meat comes from the hickory wood and their famous BBQ sauce, which is slathered on throughout the cooking process.

The finest quality mutton, pork, pork ribs, beef, ham, chicken, and others are lovingly prepared the old-fashioned way, which regulars and newcomers alike appreciate.

If it's your first time visiting this BBQ mecca, then your best bet is to go with the Three Meat Plate, which comes with bread, pickles, and your choice of two sides.

Even if you don't know what it is, try the mutton (it's sheep), and any other two favorite meats. They are all standouts and this menu option allows you to try a little of everything.

If you want to try something truly unique to Kentucky, order the Chopped Mutton Sandwich with a bowl of Burgoo.

It may sound weird, but it is delicious and it doesn't get any better than a serving of these favorites from Old Hickory.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is a Kentucky legend and an Owensboro treasure.

It's not often you see a family-owned restaurant that's been in business for 100 years, and likely continue for generations to come. If you have yet to try this classic BBQ joint, then head to Owensboro and see if, in fact, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q has the best BBQ in the world.

There's quite a bit of evidence backing up the claim that Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is the best in Kentucky - and perhaps even the world - but we know this is a controversial topic in the Bluegrass State! Do you think Old Hickory is the best in the state? If not, who is? Share your thoughts (respectfully!) in the comments below. We'd love to have a friendly debate!

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is located at 338 Washington Ave., Owensboro, Kentucky 42301. For more information, visit their website here and follow along with them on Facebook here.

And for more BBQ favorites in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.