Posted in San Francisco
July 08, 2016
Here Are 10 BBQ Joints in San Francisco That Will Leave Your Mouth Watering Uncontrollably
San Francisco is no doubt a foodie’s paradise, but most of its residents will admit the city has fallen a bit short when it comes to one particular type of cuisine: the all-American BBQ. But in the past few years, San Francisco has really stepped up its game, enough so that we found 10 BBQ places in San Francisco worthy of this very juicy, smoky, succulent list.
What could possibly go better with beer than some smoky, succulent ribs? That’s exactly the genius behind this BBQ restaurant added to the expanded Magnolia Brewery in the Dogpatch. And they keep the menu stupidly simple: just meats, sides, and beers. What else could anyone possible need anyway?!
Located in an old Rexall Drug Store, Baby Blues has a large selection of options for every type of BBQ lover. Their style is self-described as “hybrid”; that is, a little Memphis, a little Texas, a little bit of everything in between. Their combo plates are the best way to try multiple items, including the 18-hour smoked beef brisket and the Louisiana hot link.
“Nuthin Fancy,” the sign says at this SoMa joint inspired by Midwestern and Southern recipes, all with a West Coast spin. Their signature dishes include Slow Smoked Pulled Pork, Coca-Cola Smoked Brisket, Sweet Tea BBQ Chicken, and even Maker’s Mark Portobello Mushrooms for the non-meat eaters. We also highly recommend the fluffy biscuits!
With its wood-fired barbecue pits, this popular spot on Divisadero brings more hybrid-style BBQ to your plate with slow-roasted briskets and smoked whole chickens. The outdoor patio rounds out the whole experience. So does a bag of kettle-cooked style chicharrones!
Fill up on brisket, ribs, beer, and whiskey at this Mission restaurant that serves up fine North Carolina Style BBQ and house-made brews. Throw in some fried pickles, collard greens, and a bacon & cheddar grit cake for a well-rounded southern feast.
San Francisco’s oldest BBQ joint smokes its meats over oak logs for up to 18 hours. Don’t let that name confuse you, though: As with most SF BBQ joints, Memphis is not the only style they play with. In fact, Minnie’s typically specializes in a smokier Texas-style BBQ. We recommend the Pit-Smoked Plates and the Whole Smoked Chicken.
Yep, BBQ is even possible from a truck, as this roving carnivore delight has proven. We personally love the Brisket Nachos and the Cally Bowl topped with spicy bacon aioli. The truck roams the Bay Area; find out their current location here.
If you couldn’t pick it up from the name, Rusty’s specializes in Southern-inspired fare with classics like gumbo, grits, and plenty of fried goodies. But we recommend the Barbecue Plate featuring hickory-smoked pork shoulder and hush puppies.
The original Smokin’ Warehouse is literally a hole in the wall of a warehouse located in the industrial area of Bayview, so don’t expect anything too fancy. Come for the ribs or the 10-hour smoked beef brisket, all finished with their house BBQ sauce. They also have a food truck and have recently opened a bigger spot at 3336 Sacramento Street.
Making the rounds at local breweries as a pop-up, Native Sons focus on Texas-style BBQ, smoking their meats over a wood fire, creating juicy, tender dishes. The sides are just as lip-smacking, especially when the cheesy grits make the menu.
What’s your take on the San Francisco BBQ scene? Any spots we missed here?
