Summer is BBQ season, and sometimes it makes more sense to pick up takeout or enjoy it at a restaurant than to fire up your own grill. Luckily there are plenty of great options for mouthwatering BBQ in Montana. These BBQ joints in Montna are known for serving up some seriously delicious grilled meats and sides.

1. Thirsty Turtle Tavern & Grill, Big Timber

The Thirsty Turtle has a great variety of food on the menu, but their House BBQ Sammies are really something special. Don’t forget to order a side of waffle fries.

2. The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ, Missoula

With a name like this, how could the food not be great? Their menu is simple in the best way: straight to the point, tasty barbecued meats and side dishes.

3. Blue’s BBQ, Billings

It’s a good thing there’s a gas station onsite here, because you might have to double check with the attendants to make sure you’re still in Montana and not down South. The BBQ at Blue’s is that good.

4. The Garage Soup Shack & Mesquite Grill, Bozeman

Bozeman locals know The Garage is the place to go for homemade soup, but they also have an outstanding mesquite menu. Their Mesquite Grilled Baby Back Ribs come covered in housemade bourbon bbq sauce, and the pulled pork sandwich is perfect.

5. UpNSmokin BBQ House, Philipsburg

This little restaurant on Broadway serves some unique dishes, like BBQ pork nachos, and some classic favorites, like tri tip, ribs and baked beans. And it’s ALL good.

6. Ray J’s BBQ, Malta

You really can’t go wrong here—Ray’s simple, classic menu is all packed with delicious flavor. Better yet, their buns are freshly made onsite every day.

7. Cherries BBQ Pit, Polson

Cherries is small and easy to pass by, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t stop. Pick up some of their classic BBQ and have a perfect summer picnic along Flathead Lake.

8. Big Mouth BBQ, Great Falls

If you’re a BBQ fan, Big Mouth’s menu should excite you: the Brisket Chili Mac and smoked meat sandwiches are hard to resist. Try a Cowboy Cocktail if you’re feeling indecisive—it’s a combination of meat, sauce and potato salad or coleslaw piled on a bed of beans and served in a mug.

9. Sparky’s Garage, Dillon and Butte

Both Sparky’s locations offer classic BBQ in a fun atmosphere, which looks like an old garage with tons of vintage memorabilia. You can chase your delicious lunch or dinner with a local Montana brew.

10. Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, Big Sky

This grill is owned by two friends who work hard to deliver a great dining experience. Guests can enjoy flank steak sandwiches or BBQ platters with beautiful views of the Gallatin River.

11. Blue Smoke Barbecue, Bozeman

Blue Smoke Barbecue is owned by a born-and-raised Texan who has brought big Texas flavor to Big Sky Country. This is a good truck, so always check their Facebook page for dates, times, and locations where you can enjoy it.

12. Moose Creek BBQ, Hamilton

The BBQ here is absolutely delicious, but this is one spot where you’ll definitely want to save room for some sides. Their BBQ beans, coleslaw and mac and cheese never disappoint. The owners are from Georgia and clearly know exactly what they’re doing.

13. Long Riders Barbecue, Stevensville

There’s no shortage of good food in Stevensville, and Long Riders is no exception. This no frills spot offers great BBQ in a casual setting.

These BBQ joints in Montana are the best. And since it's summertime, don't forget to follow your meal with some delicious ice cream.