Barque Smokehouse
For many Canadians, nothing announces the arrival of summer like firing up the grill. As a big fan of BBQ, I’m happy to say that the official barbecue season has already started. The weather is getting warmer and tempts us to spend more time outdoors and stay out of the hot kitchen. It can be truly exciting to shop for fresh ingredients and then throw the perfect BBQ party at your home. However, there is a less time-consuming way to enjoy delicious ribs and smoked chicken. If you don’t have time to cook or simply don’t feel like it, here is my selection of the eleven best places where you can get the tastiest selection of barbecue foods in Toronto (and perhaps get some inspiration).
Barque Smokehouse
299 Roncesvalles Avenue
Nothing compares to an authentic Texan BBQ. Even though I agree with this statement, I have to admit that there are some amazing barbecue restaurants in our city, and Barque Smokehouse is one of them. A relatively new smokehouse, it offers some great food and an even better atmosphere. The place is often packed, so don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
St. Louis and Grill
various locations across Toronto
St Louis and Grill
St. Louis and Grill can be found in 14 different locations across the city and each location has its own menu. I strongly recommend trying their wings, fries, and tasty marinades. You can enjoy your lunch or dinner while watching one of many TV screens or take advantage of specials throughout the week. If you’re looking for a nice place to have some good food with beer, St. Louis and Grill is the place to go.
Hadley’s
940 College Street
Delicious food and the right prices — that’s how I would describe Hadley’s. There are many interesting items on the menu, such as Smoked Chicken Lasagna and Whitefish Pancakes. However, I always opt for Pork Ribs with sauce first. Give this place a try and you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
Bairrada Churrasqueira Grill
1000 College Street and 2293 St. Clair Avenue
A moderately priced restaurant not exactly located where you would normally go for lunch or dinner, but definitely worth a visit. The place specializes in Portuguese cuisine. Their churrasco chicken served with rice and potatoes is to die for. However, there are more must-try meals. Its rotating menu of weekly specials deserves a mention, too.
The Stockyards
699 St.Clair Avenue West
The Stockyards
Once you step in, forget your diet. If you don’t mind somewhat pricey meals, there’s no downside to this restaurant. Everything from the burgers and sandwiches to the ribs and the smoked chicken tastes (and smells) heavenly. The portions are large and the atmosphere is great too.
Universal Grill
1071 Shaw Street
No matter what you order, exceptional taste is guaranteed. Although the atmosphere is nice, be warned that the place is always packed. However, this is to be expected since there are not many decent restaurants in the surrounding area. This restaurant totally deserves the reputation it has earned over years.
Paul and Sandy’s
4925 Dundas St. West
Paul and Sandy’s
Big portions and lots of choices will tickle your taste buds and make your life delicious. I swear I’m not exaggerating. The price range is affordable, and everything is super tasty and filling.
Highway 61
1620 Bayview Avenue
After reading a lot of reviews, I decided to visit Highway 61 and I was not disappointed. Great food is what you would expect from any restaurant. Highway 61, however, offers something more. Live music makes it stand above all the other restaurants in the area. If you like classic rock or blues, you’ve just discovered the perfect place.
Phil’s Original BBQ
838 College Street (at Ossington)
Phil’s Original BBQ
You may have noticed Phil’s on Food Network’s “Restaurant Makeover” a few years ago. When I recently saw the restaurant on “You Gotta Eat Here,” I knew it was time to visit the place. While some of the dishes were unforgettable, the rest lacked perfection. If I had to recommend something, it would definitely be the ribs, pulled pork, and chicken.
Lou Dawg’s Southern Sandwiches
589 King Street West
Meat and even more meat — that’s a simple description of Lou Dawg’s. The place is exactly what you would expect from a genuine BBQ place. The awesome smell in the air and the wooden interior add to the great atmosphere. Moreover, everything is quite reasonably priced.
B.B. Ques
650 Spadina Avenue
A great little hidden gem on Spadina Avenue. Cheap and tasty, this place will leave you wanting to come back.