Searching for the best BBQ restaurants in Toronto to get a taste of Southern fare?
Barbecues are one of my fave things about summer – there’s nothing that compares to juicy wings or steak grilled up on the barbecue.
I actually haven’t had the pleasure of visiting southern USA for authentic Southern BBQ yet, but these restaurants in Toronto are pretty dang great.
Here are some of the best BBQ restaurants to eat at in Toronto!
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More food spots in Toronto
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Best BBQ restaurants in Toronto
Smoque N’ Bones
This popular Queen West joint near Trinity Bellwoods serves up made-from-scratch Southern-style comfort foods, slow-cooked meats, and bourbon.
They take inspiration from Memphis, Texas, Kansas, the Carolinas, as well as Toronto.
From Pulled Pork to Beef Brisket, all their meats are rubbed in their signature spice rub and smoked in their specially-made Southern Pride smoker, which gives their meats their distinct flavour and aroma.
Enjoy your authentic Southern BBQ with traditional sides including Mac N’ Cheese, Cornbread, or Country Potato Salad.
If you’re looking to try a bunch of different things on the menu, they’ve got a Sampler for Two, Family Feast, Wing and Rib Combo, and Family BBQ, which all include various meats and sides!
Their rustic space features dining tables made with reclaimed wood from an old house on Palmerston, as well as old bunker and prison lights from WWII.
LOCATION: 869 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Barque Smokehouse
A staple in Roncesvalles for over a decade, Barque serves up some of the best BBQ in the city.
While they don’t have a particularly huge menu, their BBQ is amaze.
If you’re looking to try multiple dishes, they’ve got a Sampler for Two where you can choose your options, or a set Meet Meat Platter which serves 4 to 6 people.
You’ll also find fun and unique starters and sides like their Smoked Duck Tacos, Smokey Dill Pickle Slaw, and Southern Collard Greens.
Owner David Neinstein traveled all around North America to try the best BBQ restaurants before opening up Barque, and something he noticed was that menus weren’t really balanced with veggies.
That’s why you’ll find delicious vegetable pairings on the menu, like The Charred Cabbage Chips and Charred Broccoli Salad!
They’re open every single day for dinner, and you can also enjoy brunch on weekends – their Smoked Duck Pancakes are a must-try!
They also operate as a tip-free restaurant, and they add an automatic 18% gratuity to your bill instead.
LOCATION: 299 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON
Beach Hill Smokehouse
Beach Hill serves up mouthwatering and authentic Texas BBQ at their 3 locations in Toronto.
They sell their smoked meats by the pound (with weekly specials available), and their chicken is halal.
You’ll find a few side options, including Southern Mac & Cheese and Smoked Baked Beans.
They also have a few feast options, including the Jurassic Park Cookout ($130) and Family Cookout ($80).
You can find them in Riverdale, the Upper Beaches, and High Park!
LOCATION: Various locations
STACK
If you’re looking for authentic Southern BBQ in Midtown Toronto, you can find STACK at Yonge & Lawrence.
All of their meats are smoked in-house overnight in their authentic Texas J&R pit, and they make all of their sauces and rubs in-house.
Family-style BBQ is their specialty, but they’ve also got a large selection of la carte options on the menu, including tacos and burgers!
For platters, you can choose between the The Ultimate Platter ($119.75), the Chicken, Ribs & Sausage Platter ($97.40), or Chicken & Brisket Platter ($97.70), all of which come with meats and sides.
They also serve up local craft beers and ciders, perfect for pairing with all of your BBQ dreams.
They’ve also now got a second location in Oakville!
LOCATION: 3265 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
The Stockyards
Located on St. Clair West, this relaxed spot serves up Southern comfort foods including wood-smoked BBQ and buttermilk-marinated fried chicken.
They’ve also got a selection of Midwest-style griddle smashed burgers and sandwiches!
If you’re in the mood for brunch, they serve up a delicious Sunday brunch menu.
Their BBQ is actually only available on Friday and Sunday evenings, and the restaurant itself is open Thursdays through Sundays.
LOCATION: 699 St Clair Ave. West, Toronto, ON
Cherry Street Bar-B-Que
Located near Cherry Beach, this BBQ spot serves up authentic pit-smoked meats prepared over live oak fires.
They’ve got a bunch of different platters for just one or even up to 6 people, ranging from $45 to $210, and they all have meats and sides.
They’ve also got a selection of sandwich and burger options, as well as tons of side options like Brisket Beans, Potato Salad, and Corn Bread!
If you’re in the mood for dranks, they’ve also got a large selection of draft beer and beer cans (local and imported), as well as craft cocktails and wines.
I love their rustic space, which was actually once a bank, and they’ve also got a great patio!
They also received Bib Gourmand designation on this year’s Toronto Michelin Guide, which is pretty awesome!
LOCATION: 275 Cherry St, Toronto, ON
The Backyard Smokehouse
Get your fix of BBQ at The Backyard Smokehouse, located right in the Annex neighbourhood.
Their epic Backyard Platters feature your choice of meats and sides, and you can choose between brisket, chicken, or sausage.
You can also just go for one of their deliciously meaty sandwich options like the Pulled Smoked Chicken or Brisket Sliders.
Quench your thirst with either the Mango Strawberry Lemonade or the Blackberry Pineapple Lemonade!
LOCATION: 264 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Northern Smokes
This BBQ spot in Scarborough serves up Southern-style BBQ with a Canadian touch.
They’ve got tons of smoked meats you can enjoy, including internationally-inspired flavours like their Jerk Chicken, Peri Peri Chicken, or Korean Short Ribs!
Alongside their extensive selection of delicious meats, you’ll also find delicious sides like their various mac and cheese or poutine options.
All of their meats are also halal, which is fantastic for my friends who eat halal!
Definitely visit with a group so you can enjoy one of their amazing platters and try a bunch of things on the menu.
LOCATION: 371 Old Kingston Rd Unit 12, Scarborough, ON
Best BBQ restaurants in Toronto:
- Smoque N’ Bones
- Barque Smokehouse
- Beach Hill Smokehouse
- STACK
- The Stockyards
- Cherry Street Bar-B-Que
- The Backyard Smokehouse
- Northern Smokes
These were some of the best restaurants in Toronto for BBQ and Southern fare!
What are your favourite BBQ restaurants in Toronto? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More food spots in Toronto
Searching for more great food spots in Toronto? Check out these Toronto restaurants:
- In the mood for handhelds? Eat at one of the best Toronto burger spots or sandwich spots.
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Feature photo by Sergio R.