It’s often the case that the most unassuming restaurants have the most delicious food. And bonus points if the aforementioned unassuming restaurant has an equally unassuming name! Case in point: Shack in the Back, a no-fuss hideaway in Kentucky that’s home to some of the best BBQ in the Bluegrass State.

In Fairdale, Kentucky, barbecue heaven awaits.

Joshua Chaitin-Pollak/Google Local

Shack in the Back BBQ is located in an original log home built in 1896 in the heart of this small Kentucky town.

jason lee/Google Local

This BBQ joint is as humble and unassuming as it gets, with foldout tables, mismatched chairs, and paper towel napkins.

Mike Spurlock/Google Local

But it’s not the tables themselves that matter, nor the humble surroundings. It’s what’s served inside this beloved establishment that really matters; and boy, is it something!

Rachel AT Schmitz/Google Local

Hailed by many as the best barbecue in the South, Shack in the Back is a total hidden gem.

C C/Google Local

Shack in the Back is known far and wide for incredible, crave-worthy barbecue, which is fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Andy Saputo/Google Local

And when slathered in Shack in the Back’s signature sauce and piled high atop a classic white bun? It’s fireworks for your taste buds!

Misty Martin/Google Local

True to its name, the wood for the smoker is located, quite literally, in the back of this BBQ shack. We appreciate the literalness. And the barbecue!

Mike Spurlock/Google Local

So the next time you’re in the mood for the best barbecue of your life, well, you know where to go: Shack in the Back in Fairdale, Kentucky!

Shack in the Back BBQ/Facebook

Have you visited this little BBQ joint in Fairdale, Kentucky, before? The barbecue here truly is on another level! Visit Shack in the Back’s website and Facebook page to stay in-the-know about all things barbecue.

Joshua Chaitin-Pollak/Google Local

jason lee/Google Local

Mike Spurlock/Google Local

Rachel AT Schmitz/Google Local

C C/Google Local

Andy Saputo/Google Local

Misty Martin/Google Local

Shack in the Back BBQ/Facebook

Looking for more unassuming BBQ gems in Kentucky? This delicious road trip leads to seven of the state’s finest!

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Address: Shack in the Back BBQ, 10706 W Manslick Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118, USA