By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | May 16, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
Nothing defines summer more than the smoky aromas and charred flavors of freshly grilled barbecue. With its tangy marinades and juicy interior,barbecue is truly a delicate art form which many appreciate. Particularly in San Francisco, there are a delicious handful of artisanal restaurants dedicated to smoking and grilling their own meats to provide the ultimate leisurely BBQ experience from right within our metropolitan.
Here are the best places around San Francisco to receive the best quality and variety of not only barbeque, but also of service, atmosphere, and overall experience that will have you convinced our city is among the BBQ greats of Memphis and Texas.
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680 8th St.; 415-796-2437 / Website
Having a spot on one of our must-visits when in the Design District, this cozy joint is truly an unexpected yet surprisingly amazing find! By smoking all their own meats in-house, they can deliver on flavor and portion sizes, generously topping your plate with savory piles of Pork Spare Ribs, Mesquite Barbecue Chicken, and more. You must have their plates with a side of the creamiest potato salad, and save room for dessert with their Fried Apple Pie.
705 Divisadero St.; 415-231-6993 / Website
4505 is a San Francisco staple, you might have seen their logo on their irresistible pork rinds sold in grocery stores. Visit the flagship by barbecue trailblazer Ryan Farr for thick brisket, pork shoulder, and other classic hearty American fare like their mac and cheese with hot dogs.
576 Haight St.; 415-864-7675 / Website
You can just tell Memphis Minnie's is a fun and friendly establishment right from its playful exterior decor! Definitely pop in for classic brisket and other fixings of pulled pork and Cajun Andouille Sausage that will instantly transport you to the relaxed warmth of Tennessee right from this side of the Mississippi.
301 Mission St.; 415-660-2656 / Website
When Bay-favorite Ayesha Curry and renowned Chef Michael Mina get together, you know the results will be smoking delicious. Their swanky Financial District hangout is the perfect mix of sophistication and imaginative invention in their cuisine, offering both classically Southern and Asian-inspired barbeques. We recommend their Korean Sesame-Gochujang for the adventurous and their St. Louis style for those who want that American comfort.
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3149 Mission St.; 415-896-4250 / Website
For those authentic Southern BBQ connoisseurs, this trendy and exquisite establishment serves up all things classically Texas, Kansas City, North Carolina, and more. You can't go wrong with whichever American region of cooking style your heart (and stomach) desires, especially when you pair it with their divine mac and cheese.
You are sure to satisfy all your meat cravings at these exceptional establishments, and why not wash all that umami down at one of San Francisco's Best Whiskey Places?
Photography by: Emerson Vieira/Unsplash