The backyard barbecue is as American as apple pie, and just as much of a tradition. Grilling outside, whether it’s for your friends, family, or your entire neighborhood, is one of the highlights of summer. Take a look at these vintage photos of 1970s summer cookouts and let the nostalgia wash over you.
Folks enjoying a barbecue on Bahia Honda Island in the Florida Keys, 1970s
There’s probably a lot of delicious meat coming off that oil drum grill in the background, which is why these people are so happy. And look at that handlebar moustache! He pulls it off beautifully.
Family cookout in New Jersey, 1979
We imagine this woman in the amazing green pants is wondering, “How are these dummies going to screw this up?” while the man on the right just happens to strike the perfect pose at the right time.
My dad and his brothers at a barbecue in 1979
You gotta love all those shaggy haircuts at that classic VW van in the background.
Mom cooking out in Toronto, Ontario, July, 1973
This photo has all the best hallmarks of ’70s fashion, from the flower print dress to the platform sandals. She’s grilling in style.
My grandfather, the grill master, 1970
We’re betting you probably have a silly uncle, cousin, or grandfather who takes grilling as seriously as this guy. It’s always safety first with two full oven mitts, sunglasses, and an apron for protection.
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My grandfather barbecuing, 1970s
This man seems thrilled to show off both his muscles in a fantastic green polo and his muscle car behind him while he’s grilling. More power to you, man.
My grandfather enjoying the family barbecue and being cool as usual, 1977
This is the guy that EVERYONE wants to be around. He’s got a brewski in one hand, grill tongs in the other, and he’s not afraid to wear short shorts. We wish he was our grandfather.
Church picnic, Kansas, 1975
Church picnics, like this one from Kansas in 1975, are popular cookout gatherings. All those vintage pies, cakes, and desserts look amazing on the potluck table.
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Brooklyn block party, 1977
Though we can’t see the grill in this photo, we’re guessing by the ketchup bottles that it’s just off camera somewhere at this Brooklyn block party in 1977.
Mom, her sister and host barbecuing in the Dolomites, 1970s
This picture was taken in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northern Italy, after what looks like a fun day of hiking. It’s probably safe to say they’re not grilling hot dogs.
‘Did you see this meat!?’ 1970s cookout
This man is very excited about all that meat on the grill, and it’s hard to blame him (we’re pretty jealous). Imagine the smell of the smoke coming off that grill…
Ronald Reagan eating ribs at barbecue, June, 1976
Even presidents love cookouts. Here’s Ronald Reagan chomping on a good old plate of barbecue ribs and all the fixins in 1976.
Street BBQ Harlem, 1970
When you don’t have a backyard to barbecue in, you make do with the street, like this group in Harlem. Those ribs and chicken legs were probably fantastic.
My grandparents grilling on their 1970 Structo grill
This couple is clearly very proud of their Structo grill, something that many vintage collectors would probably be happy to own nowadays. And we LOVE her glasses!
Family cookout, early 1970s
What goes best with a cold beer at a cookout? An ear of corn, apparently, along with a jaunty askew hat that seems like it belongs to someone else.
Just a cool dad cooking something in the late ’70s
You won’t find a more 70s cookout photo than this one!
A 4th of July barbecue in South Philadelphia, 1978
All you really need to celebrate the Fourth of July is a table, good friends, and plates piled high with summertime favorites.
Another stylish dad cooking for his family
The look of pure concentration with this immaculate outfit makes it feel like this belongs in a magazine.
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