When you think of Sacramento, you might picture the lush greenery, the vibrant cultural scene, or the rich farm-to-fork food culture. But for BBQ lovers, Sacramento is also a hidden gem for mouthwatering, smoky, and finger-licking-good barbecue. From Texas-style brisket to Memphis-inspired ribs, Sacramento’s BBQ scene offers a rich diversity of flavors and cooking styles that any meat lover would appreciate.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the best barbecue spots in Sacramento that you absolutely have to try, whether you’re a local or just passing through.
1. Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse
Address: 1322 V St, Sacramento, CA 95818
Why It’s Great: Urban Roots is a staple in Sacramento’s BBQ scene, combining their love for craft beer with some of the best smoked meats in town. Their meats are smoked in-house daily, and they offer everything from tender brisket and pulled pork to house-made sausages. Don’t miss their crispy smoked wings or their signature burnt ends, a BBQ delicacy that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Brisket Sandwich
- Burnt Ends
- Smoked Chicken Wings
Pair your BBQ with one of their craft brews, made fresh on-site, for the perfect BBQ experience.
2. Buckhorn BBQ + Grill
Address: 1801 L St #100, Sacramento, CA 95811
Why It’s Great: Buckhorn BBQ + Grill is known for its slow-cooked meats and generous portions, making it a favorite for BBQ lovers in Sacramento. Specializing in tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork, Buckhorn’s meats are flavorful and tender, cooked over an open fire and smoked to perfection. This spot offers a variety of BBQ styles, from hearty sandwiches to full platters with sides like garlic fries and slaw.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tri-Tip Sandwich
- BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- BBQ Chicken Salad
Their sauces are also a standout, adding the perfect touch to an already flavorful meal.
3. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Address: 3510 Truxel Rd, Sacramento, CA 95834
Why It’s Great: Part of a national BBQ chain, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers reliably good Texas-style BBQ. Known for their slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and spicy sausage, Dickey’s brings authentic southern BBQ flavors to Sacramento. Their menu includes family packs, making it easy to feed a crowd, and their sides—like their creamy mac & cheese and baked beans—are the perfect complement to the smoky meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Texas Brisket Plate
- Pulled Pork Sandwich
- St. Louis Style Ribs
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip their famous buttery rolls and pecan pie for dessert!
4. JR’s Texas Bar-B-Que
Address: 180 Otto Cir, Sacramento, CA 95822
Why It’s Great: For an authentic Texas BBQ experience, JR’s Texas Bar-B-Que is a must-visit. JR’s takes pride in smoking their meats the old-fashioned way, with plenty of patience and the right blend of wood for that perfect smoke ring. Their brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the ribs are cooked to perfection. The casual, down-home atmosphere makes it a great spot for families and groups of friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Smoked Brisket
- Spicy BBQ Sausage
- Beef Ribs
Their BBQ plates come with a choice of traditional sides, like baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, rounding out a truly Southern-style BBQ experience.
5. Smokey Oaks Tavern
Address: 9634 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Why It’s Great: Smokey Oaks Tavern offers an elevated BBQ experience with a menu that blends traditional BBQ with unique, creative twists. Their meats are wood-smoked and served with gourmet sides like garlic mashed potatoes and charred veggies. If you’re looking for a BBQ joint with a full-service bar and an upscale vibe, this is the place to go. Smokey Oaks also offers BBQ sandwiches, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Smoked Pork Belly
- St. Louis Spare Ribs
- Smoked Half Chicken
Don’t forget to try their house-made sauces, which offer a range of flavors from sweet to spicy.
6. The Pit Stop BBQ
Address: 7485 Rush River Dr, Sacramento, CA 95831
Why It’s Great: The Pit Stop BBQ is a hidden gem, offering some of the best home-style BBQ in Sacramento. Known for their smoked meats, especially their tri-tip and pulled pork, The Pit Stop delivers rich, smoky flavors that keep customers coming back. Their generous portions and affordable prices make it a favorite among locals looking for no-frills, delicious BBQ.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich
- Pulled Pork Plate
- BBQ Chicken
This spot is ideal for takeout, but you can also dine in and enjoy their casual, laid-back atmosphere.
7. Rooster’s Rolling BBQ
Why It’s Great: Rooster’s Rolling BBQ is a popular food truck and catering service that delivers incredible BBQ on the go. Rooster’s specializes in smoky brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, with all the classic BBQ sides you’d expect. Their mobile service means you can catch them at various locations around Sacramento, and they’re also available for event catering, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Smoked Brisket
- BBQ Pork Ribs
- Mac & Cheese
Follow them on social media to find out where they’ll be serving next!
Conclusion: Sacramento’s BBQ Heaven
Whether you’re in the mood for Texas-style brisket, tangy ribs, or smoked sausage, Sacramento has a wealth of BBQ spots that will satisfy your cravings. From food trucks like Rooster’s Rolling BBQ to sit-down spots like Urban Roots and Smokey Oaks Tavern, you’re never far from a plate of perfectly smoked, flavorful BBQ.
Next time you’re in the area, make sure to check out one (or more!) of these amazing BBQ joints for a true taste of Sacramento’s smoky side. Whether you’re a die-hard BBQ fan or just looking to try something new, these restaurants are sure to leave you satisfied.