We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.
If you’re a fan of BBQ, Vancouver has a lot to offer. From classic American-style to Asian-inspired dishes, the city has a diverse range of options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a quick bite or a sit-down restaurant for a special occasion, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the best BBQ in Vancouver includes Chinatown BBQ, which offers delicious Chinese-style BBQ dishes like crispy pork belly and honey-glazed BBQ pork. Another popular spot is Memphis Blues Barbeque House, which serves up huge platters of ribs, pulled pork, and other Southern-style BBQ favorites. For a unique experience, check out Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, where you can grill your own meat right at your table.
No matter what your preferences are, there’s a BBQ joint in Vancouver that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. So next time you’re in the mood for some BBQ, head to one of these top spots and enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer.
History of BBQ in Vancouver
Barbecue, or BBQ, has been a popular cooking method for centuries. It involves cooking meat slowly over low heat, often with wood smoke, to create a tender and flavorful dish. The history of BBQ in Vancouver is relatively recent, with many of the city’s top joints opening within the last decade.
One of the pioneers of BBQ in Vancouver is the Memphis Blues Barbeque House, which opened its doors in 2002. This restaurant quickly gained a following for its authentic Memphis-style BBQ, which features dry-rubbed meats smoked over hickory wood. Today, Memphis Blues has multiple locations throughout Vancouver and is known for its massive platters of ribs, pulled pork, and other Southern-style sides.
Another early player in Vancouver’s BBQ scene is the Re-Up BBQ food truck, which hit the streets in 2010. Re-Up’s founders, Lindsay and Michael Kaisaris, were inspired by the BBQ they had tasted during a road trip through the southern United States. They brought that same passion and flavor to Vancouver, serving up slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs from their mobile kitchen.
Since then, Vancouver’s BBQ scene has exploded, with new restaurants and food trucks popping up all the time. Some of the most popular spots include:
- Whiskey Six BBQ: This East Vancouver restaurant is known for its smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as its creative sides like mac and cheese and hush puppies.
- Peckinpah: Named after a character in a Flannery O’Connor story, Peckinpah is a Gastown spot that serves up Carolina-style BBQ, including pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket.
- The Smokehouse Sandwich Co.: This North Vancouver eatery specializes in smoked meat sandwiches, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked turkey.
Whether you’re a BBQ fanatic or just looking to try something new, Vancouver’s BBQ scene has something for everyone. From classic Memphis-style ribs to creative, modern takes on the genre, there’s no shortage of delicious BBQ to be found in this city.
Top Rated BBQ Restaurants in Vancouver
If you’re looking for the best BBQ in Vancouver, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the top-rated BBQ restaurants in Vancouver that you should definitely check out.
Hog Shack Cook House
Location: 3900 Bayview St #160, Richmond, BC V7E 4R7, Canada
Hog Shack Cook House is a popular restaurant located in Steveston, Richmond. They offer a variety of BBQ dishes, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They also have a great selection of sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The restaurant has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. They also offer catering services for events and parties.
Memphis Blues Barbeque House
Location: Various
Memphis Blues Barbeque House is a classic BBQ joint that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 2002. They have several locations in Vancouver, and all of them offer a great selection of dishes, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. They also have a variety of sides, such as cornbread, potato salad, and baked beans. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
Peckinpah BBQ
Location: 38005 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0S8, Canada
Peckinpah BBQ is a popular BBQ restaurant located in Gastown. They offer a variety of BBQ dishes, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They also have a great selection of sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The restaurant has a rustic and cozy atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Railtown Cafe
Location: 397 Railway St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4, Canada
Railtown Cafe is a popular cafe and catering company that also offers delicious BBQ dishes. They have a variety of dishes, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They also have a great selection of sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and attentive. They also offer catering services for events and parties.
These are just a few of the top-rated BBQ restaurants in Vancouver. Each of them offers something unique and delicious, so be sure to check them out and find your new favorite BBQ spot in Vancouver.
Unique BBQ Styles in Vancouver
If you’re looking for something different than the typical BBQ fare, Vancouver has plenty of unique styles to offer. Here are a few to try:
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ, or “Gogigui,” is a popular style of BBQ that involves grilling meat, usually beef, pork, or chicken, at the table. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and other seasonings before being grilled. Korean BBQ is often served with a variety of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and rice.
One of the best places to try Korean BBQ in Vancouver is at Sura Korean BBQ & Sushi. They offer a variety of meats, including beef short rib, pork belly, and chicken, as well as a selection of side dishes.
Southern Style BBQ
Southern Style BBQ, also known as “Barbecue,” is a style of BBQ that originated in the Southern United States. It typically involves slow-cooking meats, such as pork shoulder or brisket, over wood or charcoal for several hours. The meat is often seasoned with a dry rub before being cooked, and then served with a sauce.
One of the best places to try Southern Style BBQ in Vancouver is at Peckinpah. They offer a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as classic sides like mac and cheese and cornbread.
Caribbean BBQ
Caribbean BBQ, also known as “Jamaican BBQ,” is a style of BBQ that involves marinating meat in a mixture of spices and seasonings, including allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, before grilling. The meat is often served with a side of rice and peas and plantains.
One of the best places to try Caribbean BBQ in Vancouver is at The Reef. They offer a variety of meats, including jerk chicken and pork, as well as classic Caribbean sides like fried plantains and macaroni pie.
No matter what your taste preferences are, Vancouver has a unique BBQ style for everyone to enjoy.
BBQ Festivals and Events in Vancouver
If you’re a BBQ lover, then Vancouver is the place to be. The city is home to several festivals and events that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are two of the best BBQ festivals and events in Vancouver that you don’t want to miss:
Brewery and The Beast
Brewery and The Beast is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink BBQ festival that takes place annually in Vancouver. This festival is a must-attend event for meat lovers as it brings together the city’s best chefs, restaurants, and beverage makers for a feast of fire-kissed meats, craft beers, cocktails, cider, wine, and more. The festival is held at Concord Pacific Place in July, and it’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best BBQ in the city.
BBQ Off The Bypass
BBQ Off The Bypass is another popular festival that takes place in Vancouver. This festival is hosted by the Langley Ribfest Society and features live music, BBQ ribs, and craft beer. The event takes place at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park in August and is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious BBQ while supporting a good cause. The festival is free to attend, but donations are welcome.
Both of these festivals are a great way to experience the best BBQ that Vancouver has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these festivals are sure to satisfy your cravings. So mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering BBQ.
BBQ Catering Services in Vancouver
If you’re hosting an event or party in Vancouver and want to impress your guests with delicious BBQ, there are several catering services to choose from. Here are two popular options:
Urban Wood Fire Pizza
While their name suggests a focus on pizza, Urban Wood Fire Pizza also offers BBQ catering services. They use locally sourced ingredients and cook their meats over a wood fire for a unique and flavorful taste. Their menu includes options like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, as well as sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. They can accommodate both small and large events, and offer delivery and setup services.
Smoke and Bones BBQ
Location: 999 Marine Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S4, Canada
Smoke and Bones BBQ is a popular catering service in Vancouver that specializes in Southern-style BBQ. They offer a variety of meats, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked chicken, as well as sides like cornbread, baked beans, and collard greens. They can cater to events of all sizes, and offer both drop-off and full-service catering options. Their experienced staff will set up and serve the food, leaving you free to enjoy your event.
When choosing a catering service in Vancouver, be sure to consider factors like menu options, pricing, and reviews from past customers. With the right caterer, you can ensure that your event is a success and your guests leave satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now reached the end of our guide to the best BBQ restaurants in Vancouver for 2023. We hope that this guide has been helpful in giving you an idea of where to go to satisfy your cravings for some mouth-watering, smoky BBQ.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic American BBQ, or you’re looking for something with a unique twist, Vancouver has plenty of options to choose from. From Chinatown BBQ’s Chinese-inspired BBQ to Peckinpah’s Carolina-style BBQ, there’s something for everyone in this city.
Remember, when it comes to BBQ, it’s all about the meat. Look for places that use high-quality cuts and take the time to smoke them to perfection. And don’t forget about the sides! A good BBQ joint will have delicious sides that complement the meat, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
When you’re trying out new BBQ places, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and rubs. Each restaurant has its own unique flavors, and part of the fun is discovering which ones you like best.
Overall, Vancouver’s BBQ scene is thriving, and we’re excited to see what new restaurants will pop up in the coming years. So go out there, try some new places, and let us know which ones you think deserve a spot on our list of the best BBQ restaurants in Vancouver!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best BBQ in Vancouver
What are some recommended BBQ restaurants in Vancouver?
Vancouver is home to several BBQ restaurants that offer a variety of delicious dishes. Some of the recommended BBQ restaurants in Vancouver include Chinatown BBQ, Peckinpah, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Paramount BBQ, and Buckstop. Each of these restaurants has its unique style of BBQ, and you are sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
What are the most popular BBQ dishes in Vancouver?
Some of the most popular BBQ dishes in Vancouver include beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked ribs, and chicken wings. These dishes are often served with a variety of sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Where can I find the best ribs in Vancouver?
If you are looking for the best ribs in Vancouver, you can try visiting Peckinpah, Buckstop, or Chinatown BBQ. These restaurants are known for their delicious and juicy ribs that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
What is the history of BBQ in Vancouver?
BBQ has a long history in Vancouver, dating back to the early 1900s. It was introduced by African American immigrants who settled in the city and brought their BBQ traditions with them. Since then, BBQ has become a popular cuisine in Vancouver, with several restaurants offering their unique take on this delicious cuisine.
What are some unique BBQ experiences in Vancouver?
If you are looking for a unique BBQ experience in Vancouver, you can try visiting Stanley Park and having a picnic BBQ with your friends and family. Another unique experience is visiting the Richmond Night Market, where you can enjoy a variety of Asian-style BBQ dishes.
What are some popular BBQ events in Vancouver?
Vancouver hosts several BBQ events throughout the year, such as the Vancouver BBQ Festival, the Ribfest, and the Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival. These events are a great way to sample different BBQ dishes and enjoy a fun-filled day with your friends and family.