Best Bay Area BBQ Joints
So this is not Kansas, or Memphis, or even Texas, but we Californians in the Bay Area truly love and appreciate good barbecue just as much as they do. In fact, one of the biggest barbecue cook-off competitions is close-by at Sparks, Nevada at the 'Best In The West' Nugget Rib Cook-off. From brisket to links, from ribs to even chicken, we love 'em all! At almost every corner, you will find a barbecue spot and we've compiled the best of the best.
977 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars
Located in the Lower Haight, Memphis Minnie's is known for their authentic southern style barbecue. The one-to-get is the Minnie's Taster which consists of your selection of smoked meats and two sides. You can get a combination of the cornbread, collard greens, coleslaw or macaroni & cheese. Unlike most BBQ joints, Memphis Minnie's has quite a selection of premium sake that surprisingly goes well with barbecue. For real barbecue, you can't miss with Minnie's.
579 Yelp Reviews & 4 Stars
This unique BBQ joint is one not to miss. Just off Highway 1 in Pacifica, Gorilla Barbeque sits parked. Yes, parked. For Gorilla Barbeque is inside a boxcar. On most days, you can't miss it but when the line builds, there's no mistaking that this is the spot to be. But get there early. They usually sell out pretty quickly.
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700 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars
When you mention barbecue in the Bay Area, usually, the next words are 'Everett & Jones'. This East Bay staple has been feeding hungry barbecue lovers since 1973. With locations in Oakland, Berkeley and Hayward, you're bound to stop by for some of their famous ribs. E & J also offer their own line of barbecue Sauce. Take it from our own John Madden, "...the greatest food, anywhere!"
682 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars
T-REX claims not to be your typical "roadside barbecue shack with a billowing smoker out back", but they recognize some of the world's best barbecue comes from such places. They've done their homework and it shows in their cooking. T-Rex's smokers are smokin' 24/7, putting out great baby back ribs, spareribs, long-cut short ribs, pulled pork and brisket. All our meats are hormone-free, raised humanely without antibiotics. With there are large screen high-definition TV's throughout the restaurant, consider T-Rex when watching your favorite sports team.
300 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars
Personally, this is the BEST BBQ Joint in the Bay Area. If I were to die tomorrow, Bo's Barbecue would be my last meal. They use the finest Niman Ranch and Fulton Valley Farms Meats. Bo himself slowly smokes the brisket, links and ribs to perfection over oak & applewood. And don't get me started on potato salad. Just heaven. Stop by Lafayette, check out their soulful bands twice a week and see what all the fuss is about at Bo's Barbecue. Open Tuesdays through Sunday from 11:30am - 9pm and closed Mondays.
538 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars
Since 2004, highly rated, Baby Blues BBQ call their style of barbecue, "a hybrid." They have a Memphis-Style (St. Louis-cut) rib, a dry-rubbed babyback, brisket and pork that are slow-smoked in Guiness beer and a sauce that hails from the western region of North Carolina. They know their 'que'!
478 Yelp Reviews & 4 Stars
Hungry for real Kansas City style baby back ribs? How about Carolina pulled pork, seasoned to perfection? From tangy Southwestern chicken to hand-cut rib-eye steak, Sam's Bar-B-Que has what you're hungry for, and it's all slow-cooked, smoked for hours over oak wood, with those savory juices and flavors locked in. Come on in and indulge in some of the best barbecue you'll find west of Texas.
362 Reviews & 4.5 stars
In 1916, Richard Adams' perfected his Memphis-style barbecue recipe. With what little Adams had, he opened a small restaurant and presented his recipe to the world. Today, after many generations, the 90 year old recipe continues on at the Brick Pig's House in Oakland. Enjoy Southern-style BBQ where the focus is on the meat and not the sauce. They're located on Shattuck Avenue in Oakland.
338 Yelp Reviews & 4 Stars
This proud family owned operation has been barbequing since 1999 and offer the largest selection of gourmet delicatessen food along with a wide variety of BBQ and local wines. Lombardi's Gourmet BBQ have also expanded our catering services to corporate parties from 10 to 10,000 people. If you're ever in the North Bay, make a BBQ stop at Lombardi's!
88 Yelp Reviews & 4.5 Stars
Sneaky's BBQ specialize in Carolina-style pulled pork, secret-recipe ribs, tender barbecued chicken, succulent Kurobuta pork belly, and simple, delicious sides. They began offering BBQ to the Bay Area in late 2008 as an underground delivery and catering service. Now, Sneaky's is housed inside of 'Rebel' in San Francisco, and offer dine-in service 7 days a week, as well as take-out and delivery. Sneaky's is proud to offer authentic, slow-smoked BBQ and it hits the spot!
MOST NOTABLE:
- Ironwood BBQ - Berkeley, CA
103 Yelp Reviews & 3.5 Stars - Texas Smokehouse BBQ - San Jose, CA
279 Yelp Reviews & 4 Stars - Da' Pitt BBQ - San Francisco, CA
263 Yelp Reviews & 3 Stars
Don't see your favorite Bay Area BBQ Joint on the list? Click here to nominate yours.
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