Jamie RamsayI never thought I’d get swept up in the Hallyu craze, but here I am, binge-watching K-dramas, sipping soju, and jamming to K-pop like it’s my new religion.
Each episode pulls me deeper into the vibrant culture, and now I’m on a quest to find the best BBQ spots in Vancouver that can match that same fiery passion I see on screen.
Trust me, if you’re craving some serious flavor and fun, you’ll want to stick around for what I’ve discovered! I’m sharing my top picks for BBQ joints that will have you drooling and planning your next meal.
1. Kosoo Korean Restaurant
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Website: http://www.kosoo.ca/
Address: 832 Cardero St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2G5, Canada
Contact details: +16045635556
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–11:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Kosoo Korean Restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ, and it’s honestly such a fun experience—they cook the meats right at your table! I mean, who doesn’t love a little interactive dining?
They’ve got many delicious options, like Pork Belly and LA Galbi. But what caught my eye were some of the unique dishes—like Gochujang Pork Belly and Cheese Chicken Galbi, which combines spicy stir-fried chicken with this ooey-gooey mozzarella.
Walking in, it’s lively yet cozy, capturing the warm essence of Korean dining culture. The modern decor has soft lighting that makes it feel super inviting. Every table has its grill, so you’re not just eating but part of the cooking process.
I loved that communal feel—it’s not just about the food but sharing laughs and moments over those sizzling meat plates with friends and family.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip their Kimchi Pancake as a side; it’s crispy, flavorful, and complements the BBQ perfectly!
2. Whiskey Six BBQ
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Website: http://www.whiskeysixbbq.com/
Address: 826 Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC V5K 4B6, Canada
Contact details: +16044284050
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Whiskey Six BBQ is an amazing spot that turns traditional barbecue on its head. The vibe there is all about locally sourced, organic ingredients. They blend classic BBQ techniques with fresh, sustainable stuff from local farmers, and you can tell.
The name is a nod to an iconic 1920s McLaughlin H44 Buick known as “The Whiskey Six,” tying back to Canada’s bootlegging history. When you walk into the restaurant, you’re instantly welcomed by this cozy, homey atmosphere with rustic decor.
When it comes to food, I had to try the beef brisket sandwich—it’s a bestseller for a reason! They even host special events, like the West Coast BBQ Dinner, where you can enjoy each course paired with cocktails from local distilleries.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their house-made sides—the coleslaw is a refreshing complement to the rich BBQ flavors.
3. Memphis Blues BBQ House
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Website: https://www.memphisbluesbbq.com/
Address: 1342 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6, Canada
Contact details: +16042152599
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Memphis Blues BBQ House feels like a little slice of the South in the city’s heart. It all started with George Siu and Park Heffelfinger passing through Memphis one day and falling head over heels for those incredible pulled pork sandwiches.
Their menu is a dream for anyone who loves Southern cooking. We’re talking about award-winning applewood-smoked ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, shrimp, and oysters. The best part? They smoke all the BBQ daily using traditional methods,
The decor is casual and charming, and there’s always some blues music playing softly in the background, which sets the perfect mood for a relaxed meal. I love that the seating is super comfy, too—great for an intimate dinner or a bigger gathering.
Pro tip:
They have this awesome event called Whole Beef Hip Night if you’re looking for extra fun. Picture yourself digging into a mountain of meat until there’s none left—delightful mayhem for BBQ lovers!
4. Smoke and Bones BBQ
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Website: http://www.smokeandbones.ca/
Address: 999 Marine Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S4, Canada
Contact details: +16047701394
Operating hours: 12–8 PM
Pricing: $$
Smoke and Bones BBQ specializes in Southern-style barbecue, and let me tell you, their low-and-slow cooking method is nothing short of magical. When you step inside, it feels like you’ve just walked into a Southern shack.
The decor is all rustic charm, complete with warm photos and walls lined with their impressive barbecue awards. There’s plenty of seating, including a heated patio, so you’re covered whether you’re with a big group or looking for a chill spot.
Their menu is a barbecue lover’s dream! You’ve got to try their Barbecue Platter. It’s a feast for the senses, packed with BBQ chicken, ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and even farmer sausage.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their cornbread; it’s fluffy and baked in muffin wrappers for extra comfort. If you’re looking to switch things up from BBQ, try their hearty sandwiches or soups—they’re just as satisfying!
5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
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Website: https://www.gyu-kaku.com/
Address: 888 Nelson St g3, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H1, Canada
Contact details: +16045583885
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–10:45 PM
Pricing: $$
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a vibrant spot where you can truly dive into the experience of yakiniku—basically, Japanese barbecue. Picture this: you can grill various premium meats at your table.
What I love most is the whole interactive grilling thing. You get to have your smokeless grill, which means you can enjoy your meal without leaving that lingering barbecue smell behind—so bonus points for that!
Their Harami Skirt Steak marinated in miso is out of this world, and don’t even get me started on the Prime Kalbi Short Rib in that sweet soy tare. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their fried pork gyoza while you wait for your BBQ; they’re a delicious start to your meal that pairs beautifully with their drinks menu
6. Chinatown BBQ
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Website: http://chinatownbbq.com/
Address: 130 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Contact details: +16044282626
Operating hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Pricing: $$
Chinatown BBQ in Vancouver captures the spirit of traditional Cantonese barbecue. They specialize in some amazing Chinese BBQ dishes, such as succulent roasted pork, mouthwatering BBQ duck, and this soy sauce chicken that hits the spot.
Walking in, you feel like you’re stepping into a cozy diner with a splash of cultural charm. The decor is super inviting—there are checkered tile floors, and the walls pop with vibrant forest green and fire truck red.
Whenever I go out to eat, I have this little ritual of ordering the bestsellers, and I couldn’t resist diving into their roasted pork and soy sauce chicken. They even have combo plates, which are perfect if you want a little taste of everything—great for a feast!
Pro tip:
Don’t skip their curry fish balls as an appetizer; they’re a delightful introduction to your meal that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.
7. Butcher’s Block BBQ
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Website: http://www.butchersblockbbq.com/
Address: 4091 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2J3, Canada
Contact details: +16042998959
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Pricing: $$
Butcher’s Block BBQ also has some serious street cred, like being named “Best Barbecue” by Vancouver Magazine and landing on the “Top 5 Places to Cure a Hangover” list by 24 Hours.
The BBQ has some of the juiciest, most tender meat ever. It uses locally sourced ingredients, all lightly smoked, to let those natural flavors shine through.
We ordered the pulled pork platter because it’s a total bestseller, and for good reason! The meat was perfectly seasoned, and their signature BBQ sauce had just the right amount of kick!
One of my favorite moments was kicking back with friends, sharing stories over plates piled high with all that BBQ goodness. It’s one of those places where memories are just waiting to be made.
Pro tip:
If you’re interested in trying it out, they offer dine-in, takeout, and even delivery through services like Uber Eats. So you can enjoy their delicious food however you want!
8. Lee Loy BBQ Meat
Media credit: thecultureofcookery
Address: 6340 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5W 3A4, Canada
Contact details: +16046856025
Operating hours: 9 AM–5:30 PM
Pricing: $
Lee Loy BBQ Meat has been a game-changer for my taste buds. If you’re into authentic Chinese BBQ, this is the place to be. This spot has a reputation for some of the most mouthwatering BBQs around.
It’s a compact little space, and honestly, you might find yourself waiting in line, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. The service is quick and efficient, like a well-oiled machine, which I appreciate on those busy days.
It has become a staple in the community, especially around the holidays when everyone’s lining up for their BBQ fix. If you happen to be there during the Chinese holidays, they offer whole suckling pigs, so book ahead.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their Chinese sausage; it’s a fantastic side dish that beautifully complements any BBQ dish!
9. Shenji BBQ Restaurant
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Website: http://www.paramountbbq.com/
Address: 3129 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J9, Canada
Contact details: +16042498456
Operating hours: 4 PM–2 AM
Pricing: $
Shenji BBQ Restaurant, or as some call it, Paramount BBQ, is all about northern Chinese BBQ, and trust me, it’s a real treat. The ambiance is casual yet vibrant, with simple decor that somehow feels charming.
I can’t rave enough about the lamb skewers—they’re to die for! And if you’re into grilled goodness, their chicken and beef skewers are crowd-pleasers, too. They even serve noodles and hot broths that reflect the rich culinary traditions of northern China.
What’s great is that Shenji BBQ is open late, making it a perfect spot for night owls or anyone craving a satisfying meal after hours. The staff is super friendly and eager to help you determine what to order. Their attentive service makes you feel right at home.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip the noodles—they’re a perfect complement to the BBQ and are just as delicious!
10. Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House
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Website: http://www.devilselbowalehouse.com/
Address: 562 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada
Contact details: +16045590611
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$
Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House is a dream come true for anyone who loves smoked meats and hearty comfort food. Their menu has it all, from pulled pork to brisket sandwiches, and let me tell you, everything is slow-cooked to perfection.
What’s cool is that they focus on using high-quality local ingredients and whip up their sauces, including this incredible Texas whiskey BBQ sauce that has become a signature item.
When you walk into Devil’s Elbow, you’re hit with this inviting vibe that mixes rustic charm with a modern twist. The exposed brick walls and industrial touches give it a cozy yet energetic feel.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their vegetarian options! Even if you’re not a vegetarian, their dishes are so flavorful that they can easily stand alongside the BBQ offerings.
