Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Riverside, according to Yelp

·Stacker

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Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we're probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.

The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn't use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.

As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.

No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you're specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Riverside using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.

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#12. River Ranch Grill & Bar

Yelp

1 / 12

#12. River Ranch Grill & Bar

- Rating: 4.0/5 (33 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3750 University Ave Ste 125 Riverside, CA 92501
- Categories: Barbecue, Mexican, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Wang Cho Korean BBQ

Yelp

2 / 12

#11. Wang Cho Korean BBQ

- Rating: 4.0/5 (1668 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr Riverside, CA 92506
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Meat lover BBQ and fried chicken kitchen

Yelp

3 / 12

#10. Meat lover BBQ and fried chicken kitchen

- Rating: 4.0/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1400 University Ave Ste A108 Riverside, CA 92507
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Char'N Grill

Yelp

4 / 12

#9. Char'N Grill

- Rating: 4.0/5 (229 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 10120 Ben Nevis Blvd Riverside, CA 92509
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Koreana Grill

Yelp

6 / 12

#7. Koreana Grill

- Rating: 4.0/5 (1232 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10051 Magnolia Ave Ste A1 Riverside, CA 92503
- Categories: Korean, Buffets, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Vera Mae's BBQ

Yelp

7 / 12

#6. Vera Mae's BBQ

- Rating: 4.5/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: Riverside, CA 92501
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Smoke & Fire Social Eatery

Yelp

8 / 12

#5. Smoke & Fire Social Eatery

- Rating: 4.5/5 (875 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Unit 9 Riverside, CA 92507
- Categories: Barbecue, American (Traditional), Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Cowboy Burgers & BBQ

Yelp

9 / 12

#4. Cowboy Burgers & BBQ

- Rating: 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5573 Arlington Ave Riverside, CA 92504
- Categories: Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Jefrox Adobo

Yelp

11 / 12

#2. Jefrox Adobo

- Rating: 4.5/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 2561 Grambling Way Riverside, CA 92507
- Categories: Pop-Up Restaurants, Asian Fusion, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#1. Tropical Vibes Caribbean Soul & BBQ

Yelp

12 / 12

#1. Tropical Vibes Caribbean Soul & BBQ

- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: Riverside, CA 92518
- Categories: Barbecue, Caribbean, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp