Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Bakersfield area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Bakersfield based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Bakersfield were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

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1 / 25

#25. Dickey's Barbecue Pit

- Rating: 2.8/5 (312 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3505 Coffee Road Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 25

#24. G's Texas Smoke BBQ

- Rating: 2.9/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 3100 Taft Hwy Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

3 / 25

#23. Rice Bowl

- Rating: 3.1/5 (456 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1119 18th St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 25

#22. Champs BBQ

- Rating: 3.4/5 (230 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 35315 Merle Haggard Drive Ste 110 Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

5 / 25

#21. Love Korean BBQ

- Rating: 3.4/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4915 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp

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6 / 25

#20. Casa Tabares

- Rating: 3.4/5 (35 reviews)
- Address: 4500 Gosford Road Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Mexican, Seafood, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 25

#19. Harris BBQ

- Rating: 3.4/5 (73 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 250 Coffee Road Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 25

#18. Kalbi King Korean BBQ & Sushi

- Rating: 3.5/5 (337 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 7800 McNair Lane Ste A Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Korean, Sushi Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

9 / 25

#17. Smitty's Smokin Brisket & BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (77 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2811 North Chester Ave. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

10 / 25

#16. Ono Hawaiian BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (226 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2665 Calloway Drive Ste 208 Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

11 / 25

#15. Ono Hawaiian BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2630 Mount Vernon Ave. Ste 300 Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

12 / 25

#14. Salty's BBQ & Catering

- Rating: 3.8/5 (468 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6801 White Lane Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Caterers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

13 / 25

#13. Salty's BBQ & Catering

- Rating: 3.9/5 (721 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9425 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

14 / 25

#12. Martin's Meats & Catering

- Rating: 4.0/5 (119 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 801 21st St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

15 / 25

#11. Honey I'm Home

- Rating: 4.0/5 (101 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3807 Auburn St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Diners, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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16 / 25

#10. Tofu House - Korean BBQ

- Rating: 4.1/5 (449 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5550 California Ave. Ste 106 Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

17 / 25

#9. Angry Barnyard BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (275 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 916 18th St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

18 / 25

#8. Bakersfield Pizza & Bar

- Rating: 4.2/5 (949 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4105 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Pizza, Chicken Wings, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

19 / 25

#7. Firestone Grill

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1297 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3501 California Ave. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

20 / 25

#6. Crazy BBQ

- Rating: 4.4/5 (254 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2651 Oswell St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp

21 / 25

#5. Prime Time BBQ, Butcher Shop & Catering

- Rating: 4.4/5 (225 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1927 20th St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Barbecue, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

22 / 25

#4. Bakersfield Barbecue Company

- Rating: 4.4/5 (59 reviews)
- Address: 700 21st St. Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

23 / 25

#3. Blue Table Thai Cuisine

- Rating: 4.5/5 (200 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4550 Coffee Road Ste F Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Thai, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

24 / 25

#2. Jun BBQ

- Rating: 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 8601 Hageman Road Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Dim Sum, Food Stands, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

25 / 25

#1. Luau Grill

- Rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
- Address: 10500 Stockdale Hwy Ste 100 Bakersfield, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.