Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Fresno area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Fresno 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!
#25. Shila Korean BBQ
- Rating: 2.9/5 (526 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1205 Herndon Ave. Ste 104 Clovis, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Shila Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.0/5 (433 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2760 West Shaw Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Meat Market - Clovis
- Rating: 3.0/5 (197 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1990 North Fowler Ave. Ste 120 Clovis, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#22. The Meat Market
- Rating: 3.1/5 (228 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 454 West Alluvial Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Maui Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (265 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6929 North Willow Ste 101 Fresno, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Rob's Bayside BBQ
- Rating: 3.3/5 (71 reviews)
- Address: 4190 North Cedar Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.3/5 (640 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7603 North Blackstone Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp
#18. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- Rating: 3.3/5 (337 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3314 West Shaw Ave. Ste 10 Fresno, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (931 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3190 West Shaw Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (194 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8480 North Friant Road Ste 104 Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Grill Masters BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (353 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2700 Clovis Ave. Ste 109 Clovis, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Westwoods BBQ & Spice
- Rating: 3.7/5 (2259 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8042 North Blackstone Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.7/5 (89 reviews)
- Address: 5075 East Kings Canyon Road Fresno, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Oahu Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.8/5 (236 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7723 North Blackstone Ave. Ste 102 Fresno, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Doll's Kitchen
- Rating: 3.8/5 (194 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4925 North Blackstone Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Soul Food, Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Smokin Woods BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (124 reviews)
- Address: 727 Fulton St. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Maw n' Paw BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (412 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2686 North Clovis Ave. Ste 101 Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Chuck's BBQ Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (129 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3185 Willow Ave. Clovis, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Rock & Noodles
- Rating: 4.2/5 (454 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2225 West Shaw Ave. Ste 104 Fresno, California
- Categories: Korean, Noodles, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Chong's Chinese Bar'b'que & Salads
- Rating: 4.2/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8841 North Cedar Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Dog House Grill
- Rating: 4.2/5 (2861 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2789 East Shaw Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Sports Bars, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Mike's Grill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (560 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6642 North Cedar Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Food Stands
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Chicken King
- Rating: 4.4/5 (134 reviews)
- Address: 1234 Fulton St. Fresno, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#2. MEGA Texas Barbeque
- Rating: 4.5/5 (230 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3598 East Butler Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Caterers, Barbecue, Food Stands
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Weekend Dreams Burgers & Grill
- Rating: 4.5/5 (467 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4466 West Ashlan Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Burgers
- 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.
