The Best BBQ In Toronto (From a local)
Toronto might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but trust me, this city has some hidden gems that will have you licking your fingers and coming back for more.
Having gone to culinary school here, I am lucky to have talented friends working in different spots around the city, so I can confirm personally that there are some incredible people on the line. From slow-cooked meats to mouthwatering sides, here are some of the best BBQ restaurants in Toronto that deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
Cherry Street Bar-B-Que
If you're looking for pit-smoked meats done right, Cherry Street Bar-B-Que is a must-visit. Their pork ribs, cooked over white oak, are fall-off-the-bone delicious, and their signature sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Pair your meal with their creamy potato salad, and you're in for a treat. Located just a short walk from the waterfront, it's a great place for a casual lunch or dinner. Cherry Street Bar-B-Que has even received a Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide!
Carbon Bar brings a unique take on BBQ with their upscale atmosphere and menu featuring certified Angus beef brisket and tender baby back ribs.
Their commitment to sourcing from local farmers ensures quality, and the flavors are nothing short of amazing. Don't skip their crispy fried chicken and house-made BBQ sauce. Plus, their great service makes every visit a great experience.
For Texas-style BBQ in the Upper Beaches, Beach Hill Smokehouse is your place. Known for their massive portions of pulled pork, juicy spare ribs, and flavorful chicken wings, this counter-service smokehouse keeps things simple but delicious.
The smoky aroma from their live oak fires fills the air, making it hard to resist. Plus, their super friendly customer service adds to the charm.
Barque Smokehouse brings a more refined approach to BBQ with their chef-driven menu and focus on high-quality ingredients. Since opening in Roncesvalles Village in 2011, they’ve been serving up delicious smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Their sides are just as impressive—don’t miss their famous potato salad and tangy coleslaw.
With a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and a great selection of wine and spirit pairings, Barque offers a well-rounded BBQ experience that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, their commitment to good food and great service shines through.
The Backyard Smokehouse is all about classic Southern BBQ with a focus on quality and tradition. They source their meats from top USDA Halal Certified suppliers and marinate them overnight before slow-smoking over oak wood for hours to lock in rich, smoky flavors. Whether you're digging into their tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or juicy chicken, each bite is packed with bold BBQ taste.
Their laid-back, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy comforting, delicious food with family and friends. If you're looking for authentic, slow-smoked BBQ in Toronto, The Backyard Smokehouse is definitely worth a visit.
Benny’s BBQ is a solid spot for delicious, no-fuss barbecue in Toronto. They specialize in slow-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, all cooked to tender perfection with a nice smoky flavor.
Their house-made BBQ sauce adds a tasty touch, and the sides—like mac and cheese and coleslaw—are great complements to the meal. Whether you're grabbing takeout or sitting down for a casual bite, Benny’s offers a simple, satisfying BBQ experience that’s worth checking out.
Smoque N’ Bones brings a taste of the American South to Toronto with their expertly smoked meats and classic comfort food sides. Their menu features all the BBQ favorites—brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken—cooked low and slow for that perfect tenderness and smoky flavor.
They take pride in their scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread, which round out the meal beautifully. With a cozy, rustic vibe and a solid selection of craft beers and bourbons, Smoque N’ Bones is a great spot to enjoy some seriously good BBQ in the heart of the city.
Breakwall BBQ is a local favorite in The Beaches, known for its flavorful, smoke-infused dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2012 by head chef and owner Shane Ryan, the restaurant blends French, Italian, and American cooking styles with classic BBQ techniques to create a unique and delicious experience.
With over 24 years of culinary expertise, Shane’s passion for the neighborhood shines through in every dish, from tender smoked meats to flavorful sides. The team at Breakwall takes pride in delivering top-notch service, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy great food and a friendly vibe by the beach.
Toronto’s BBQ scene offers a mix of classic smokehouse flavors and unique twists that make it worth exploring. Whether you're after slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or comforting sides, these spots have something to satisfy every craving.
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Looking for the best BBQ in Toronto? From tender brisket to smoky ribs and delicious sides, these local spots serve up mouthwatering barbecue that I think is worth the trip.