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Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Sacramento area by diners

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Joshua Resnick // Shutterstock
Joshua Resnick // Shutterstock
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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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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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#30. YD Tofu House

- Rating: 3.5/5 (763 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5609 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 30

#29. Buckhorn BBQ + Grill - Sacramento UV

- Rating: 3.5/5 (445 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 Howe Ave. Ste 2 Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

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#28. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

- Rating: 3.6/5 (302 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1030 Florin Road Sacramento, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 30

#27. Dickey's Barbecue Pit

- Rating: 3.6/5 (626 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4630 Natomas Blvd. Ste 130 Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

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#25. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

- Rating: 3.7/5 (252 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6301 Mack Road Sacramento, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 30

#24. Blue House Korean BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (1920 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1030 Howe Ave. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 30

#23. Tank House BBQ and Bar

- Rating: 3.8/5 (1775 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1925 J St. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp

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#22. Buckhorn BBQ + Grill - Sacramento Land Park

- Rating: 3.9/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4720 Freeport Blvd. Ste 160 Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

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#20. JJ Korean BBQ

- Rating: 3.9/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 9729 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

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#19. Teriyaki Time

- Rating: 4.0/5 (343 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4730 Natomas Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp

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#18. Brody's

- Rating: 4.0/5 (167 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8140 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

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#17. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

- Rating: 4.0/5 (157 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1900 Fulton Ave. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp

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#15. Modurang Family Korean Restaurant

- Rating: 4.1/5 (929 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9545 Folsom Blvd. Ste 2 Sacramento, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

17 / 30

#14. Bullta K - BBQ & Club

- Rating: 4.1/5 (420 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 8353 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp

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#13. Li's Mongolian BBQ

- Rating: 4.1/5 (540 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4725 Manzanita Ave. Carmichael, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Mongolian
- Read more on Yelp

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#12. El Pollo Feliz

- Rating: 4.2/5 (226 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6115 Watt Ave. North Highlands, California
- Categories: Mexican, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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#10. Roxie Deli and Barbeque - East Sac & Downtown

- Rating: 4.2/5 (1084 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3340 C St. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Delis, Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

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#9. Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse

- Rating: 4.2/5 (1205 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1322 V St. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Breweries, Smokehouse, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

23 / 30

#8. Da Fei Ge Restaurant

- Rating: 4.2/5 (143 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5635 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#7. Q & R BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3820 Marysville Blvd. Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#5. Our Family BBQ And Pie Take & Bake

- Rating: 4.5/5 (215 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2326 Fair Oaks Blvd. Ste J Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#4. Jang Su Korean

- Rating: 4.5/5 (188 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3643 Bradshaw Road Ste J Sacramento, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

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#3. Bear West BBQ and Soul Food

- Rating: 4.6/5 (420 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5901 Watt Ave. North Highlands, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp

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#2. Doma Korean Restaurant

- Rating: 4.7/5 (106 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9521 Folsom Blvd. Ste A Sacramento, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp

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#1. Taeza's Bottomline BBQ

- Rating: 4.7/5 (108 reviews)
- Address: 8101 Elder Creek Road Ste O Sacramento, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- 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.

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