Sure, Vancouver isn’t known for its barbecued scene, like say Austin, Texas and the Carolinas are, but it certainly does contain its fair share of noteworthy BBQ eateries, which collectively make their mark on the city by dishing up mouthwateringly good, authentic Southern-inspired barbecue fare.
Offering tender beef brisket, smoke-infused short ribs, and juicy pulled pork, here is a list of the best BBQ joints in Vancouver.
Buckstop
A side of pulled pork (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Situated in the city’s West End, Buckstop is a saloon-style eatery that dishes up classic barbecue treats and small plates. With a menu driven by comfort, patrons can expect to see pulled pork sandwiches, Memphis style ribs, hickory smoked brisket, smoked chicken in a honey orange brine and red sauce glaze, and many more mouthwatering temptations listed.
Address: 833 Denman Street
Phone: 604-428-2528
Website: www.buckstop.ca
Peckinpah
BBQ plate of goodness (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Smoked meats are undoubtedly the stars of the show at Peckinpah, a Carolina Style BBQ joint located in Gastown. Serving a range of foodstuffs like pulled pork, beef brisket and BBQ pork ribs, Peckinpah adheres to a Northern Carolina style of cooking, whereby the meat (which by the way is carefully sourced) is prepared with a dry rub in a massive cookhouse smoker and then served with a thin chili vinegar sauce.
Address: 2 Water Street
Phone: 604-681-5411
Website: www.peckinpahbbq.com
Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House
Photo courtesy Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House
Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House, on Beatty Street, offers patrons tender smoked meat, craft beer and whiskey in a laid-back setting. With a range of delicious crispy bites and sharable snacks on the menu, diners can choose between dishes featuring pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings, fried pickles, and other comfort-driven meals.
Address: 562 Beatty Street
Phone: 604-559-0611
Website: www.devilselbowalehouse.com
Back Forty Saloon
A casual eatery sitting on the corner of Robson and Beatty Back Forty is both a favourite local hangout and a popular (and at times a boisterous) pre-sports drinking venue, thanks to its proximity to B.C. Stadium. With a smoker-trailer parked out front it’s no wonder that Back Forty’s menu features smoked pork dry ribs, smoked chicken wings, Back Forty beef burnt ends sliders, smoked pulled pork Po’boys, and more.
Address: 118 Robson Street
Phone: 604-688-5840
Website: www.backfortysaloon.com
Memphis Blues BBQ House
Enjoy a taste of the South, with all the trimmings at any of Memphis Blues BBQ House’s locations. Want to try all the meats and fixings? Order the Memphis Feast, a loaded platter comprised of pulled pork, ribs, rib ends, smoked chicken, brisket and sausage served with cornbread, pit beans, coleslaw and BBQ sauce.
Website: www.memphisbluesbbq.com
Re-Up BBQ
Trading in their food truck for a small, counter service restaurant and commissary in New Westminster’s River Market, Re-Up continues to serve dangerously addictive pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches. In addition to their sizzling sammies, Re-Up also offers build-your-own BBQ platters, where patrons can select a range of finger-licking eats, like barbecue ribs, fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, chili cheese fries, Santa Fe red gravy, coleslaw, and more.
Address: River Market, 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
Phone: 604-553-3997
Website: www.reupbbq.com
Blue Smoke BBQ
Slow smoked pulled pork sandwich (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Working the food market circuit, this bright yellow food truck boasts a range of BBQ delights, in the form of burgers, wraps and bowls. For a truly winning combination try Blue Smoke’s Southern-style slow smoked pulled pork sandwich, which is topped with their made-in-house coleslaw and Blue Smoke’s unique Red Thunder Sauce. Alternatively, order the Q-Bowl. It’s basically everything in the pulled pork sandwich minus the bread.
Address: Location varies
Phone: 778-881-9677
Website: www.bluesmokebbq.ca
Whiskey Six BBQ
Whiskey Six BBQ (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Challenging the traditional views of barbecue, Marc D. Wicks of Whisky Six BBQ offers a West Coast-style BBQ. Melding the barbecue traditions of Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina with his fresh, organic, locally-sourced, and seasonal ingredients, Wick’s aspires to bring his smoked and BBQ-ed meats to eaters who are looking for healthier options. His smoked beef brisket is deliciously tender and served with tomato, provolone, sliced butter lettuce, cucumber, mayo and Dijon Mustard.
Address: Currently residing at the Hawkers Mercado at the McArthurGlan Designer Outlet, 7899 Templeton Station Road, Richmond
Phone: 778-927-7150
Website: www.whiskeysixbbq.com