How to Throw the GOAT of all Barbecues

Barbecue season is like summer’s unofficial sport. It turns the mildest mannered of all dads into competitive grill monsters and enables you to see who your friends really are (they’re the ones who help you with the clean up).So, it’s fair to say we take BBQ season seriously, and if you want to win this year’s competition and throw the greatest barbecue of all time, there are a few things you should probably know…

Start with Invitations, Not Just “Come Over” Texts

Look, if you’re going to go all out, skip the lazy group text. Set the tone early. Make digital invites that scream “this isn’t just any cookout.” Bonus points for including theme or dress codes like “Hawaiian shirts mandatory” or “bring your own lawn chair and competitive spirit.” Make it feel like an event, not just an accidental gathering around a propane tank.

Menu: Meat, Heat, and Something Sweet

Nobody remembers a BBQ where the best thing was the coleslaw. You need a menu with backbone. Burgers, ribs, and wings are non-negotiable. But don’t stop there. Throw in something for the plant-based crowd too, because everyone deserves a grill-marked mushroom or a decent veggie skewer.

As for sauces, be sure to offer up options. You want a variety from tangy to smoky, but there must be a proper sweet BBQ sauce on hand, too. If it doesn’t stick to your fingers like tree sap and make you question your napkin budget, you’re doing it wrong.

Set the Vibe with a Playlist That Slaps

The music should say, “We’re here for a good time.” Mix in your favorite country, hiphop, rock or soul, and some party favorites. (If nobody sings along to a favorite with sauce on their face, what are we even doing here?) Avoid any playlist with the word “chill” in it. This is not a yoga class.

Games: Because We’re Not Just Here to Chew

Sure, there will be food, but the real champions of a GOAT BBQ are the games. Think cornhole, ladder toss, and maybe even a ridiculous trivia round you made up that morning. Bonus points if there’s a “who can flip the perfect burger” competition. And no, Steve, you can't keep winning just because you own the grill.

Clean-Up That Doesn’t Ruin the Vibe

Here’s the trick: prep bins. One for trash, one for recycling, one for mystery items that may belong to someone. Label them. Loudly. Make it easy for guests to help out without being passive-aggressively nudged toward the garbage can. Also, have to-go containers ready. If you’re not trying to eat BBQ leftovers for the next six days, you’re doing it wrong.

You’re Not Just Grilling, You’re Curating a Legacy

Anyone can light a grill. But not everyone can throw the GOAT of all barbecues; the grill party that they talk about for years to come. That’s an art; but it is one you can learn if you put these steps into action, and take your turn at the grill as seriously as it deserves to be taken! Happy BBQ!

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