Can you really beat BBQ food? Smoky, sweet, sticky – I’m getting hungry just typing this. It’s real comfort food and seems to go hand-in-hand with good friends, good music and good times. If I’ve made you hungry, don’t worry. There are some irresistibly good BBQ joints in the Lower Mainland.
Vancouver
This Gastown restaurant has the added benefit of staying open until 1am at weekends, as if the food wasn’t enough of a draw. The menu isn’t extensive, but it doesn’t need to be. Peckinpah does the classic and does them well – pulled pork, brisket, ribs and sides. Located at 2 Water Street.
Falconetti’s is home to delicious food and live music. Hang out there with friends, enjoying the welcoming vibe and unbeatable sausage selection. Try the Chaurice or the Chicken Thai sausages. Located at 1812 Commercial Drive.
Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smokehouse
This restaurant is actually owned by Squamish’s Howe Sound Brewery, which means there is plenty of good beer to wash down your BBQ with. Definitely worth a go is the Pulled Pork Waffle. Located at 562 Beatty Street.
New Westminster
Re-Up started life as a food cart in Downtown Vancouver. The cart was destroyed by a bus in 2013, but Re-Up found a new (static) home in New West’s River Market. It’s hard to know what to recommend at here – it’s all so good! Perhaps the best of the best is their Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. You won’t regret it. Located at 810 Quayside Drive.
Richmond
Definitely worth a trip out to Steveston (an excellent destination in its own right), is this fantastic eatery. If you go, do not miss out on the Dinosaur Bones – some of the best ribs you will ever taste. The amazing meat and traditional Southern sides are backed up by a respectable selection of local craft beers. Located at 160-3900 Bayview Street.
Langley
Mike Savage couldn’t find a local BBQ joint he like, so he started his own. Mike doesn’t actually have a restaurant, but if you’re having a party, you should have him cater it. Your guests will love his Cherry Wood Smoked Spare Ribs and his signature BBQ beans. Located at 20366 76 Avenue.
Abbotsford
Memphis Blues is the child of George Siu and Park Hefflinger, two Vancouver foodies. Inspired by a lunch stop in Memphis back in 1999, they decided to bring authentic Southern BBQ to the Lower Mainland. Located at 100-3122 Mt. Lehman Road.