Here Are The 6 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Northern California, According To Our Readers
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Kate Freeman
Author
Why is barbecue so universally loved? Is it the delicious smoked meats, the decadent sides, or the overall atmosphere of a barbecue restaurant? You might say it’s all of these reasons. You don’t typically think of California when you think of good barbecue. But there are many barbecue restaurants in this state– several with recipes from the states known for barbecue such as Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Some of these BBQ restaurants in Northern California serve their BBQ southern style with a California twist. Here are some of the fan favorites:
Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Sacramento, 1028 7th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
This popular barbecue joint located right in downtown Sacramento packs a crowd– and for good reason! Two cousins with a passion for cooking and food opened this second location of their popular Bay Area barbecue restaurant in Sacramento. The meat is slow-cooked in a smoker using recipes that took years to perfect. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and also has a great Happy Hour menu with pork belly tacos, egg rolls with pulled pork, and pulled pork quesadilla. Sauced is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Fat City Brew & BBQ, 1740 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204, USA
This fast-casual spot in Stockton serves platters of barbecue, sides, and delicious brews. Fat City was created by Pit Master, Don King, who created a "California style" barbecue that is served here. They serve barbecue plates with sides, as well as sandwiches with barbecue meat inside. Fat City Brew & Barbecue is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ, 975 1st St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
If you made a list of the top foods and drinks people enjoy, barbecue and wine might be at the top of that list. We’re so glad to see someone thought to combine the two. Located in downtown Napa, this upscale barbecue restaurant and wine bar has more than 400 wines and an excellent menu. Try their classics, like their smoked French dip, beer can chicken, or split the Smokin’ BBQ Platter feast. In addition to large plates, they also have barbecue sandwiches and appetizers. Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ is open daily at 11 a.m. and until 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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Big Sur Smokehouse, 48123 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
This smokehouse is located on the property of the Ventana Big Sur resort but is accessible to passersby. Big Sur Smokehouse serves traditional barbecue, influenced by the barbecue styles of Texas and Kansas City. Just like you’d expect from a good Southern barbecue spot, Big Sur Smokehouse has a wide selection of meats– pulled pork, tri-tip, brisket, sausage links, pork ribs, and beer can chicken. Enjoy the barbecue on their patio, surrounded by towering trees and ocean breezes. Big Sur Smokehouse is open seasonally, starting April 30, 2023. The hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Smokey's Kitchen, 12036 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
This family-friendly barbecue restaurant is located on Donner Pass in Truckee, near Lake Tahoe. Smokey’s Kitchen has an outdoor patio to enjoy the fresh air and views, as well as indoor seating. They serve classic breakfast items in the morning and barbecue all day. You’ll find a smorgasbord of meats to choose from here– meats on platters with sides, meats in sandwiches, meats in wraps, etc. Smokey’s also serves beer and wine. Smokey’s Kitchen is open Wednesday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Mondays when they close at 3 p.m.
Taste of Texas Barbecue, 16141 Byron Hwy, Byron, CA 94514, USA
This country barbecue stop can easily be spotted from the Byron Highway which is the road it's on. Regular guests say it’s the best brisket they’ve ever had. Taste of Texas Barbecue serves plates of meat and sandwiches as well as some delicious sides like jalapeno cheddar grits and ranchero beans. Grab your foot to-go and enjoy it outside or on the road. Taste of Texas Barbecue is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for Sundays when they close at 4 p.m.
Did any of your favorite BBQ restaurants in Northern California make this list? To be included in future reader-favorite lists, comment on our Facebook page telling us about your favorite Northern California restaurants, activities, destinations, and hidden gems!
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