Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the San Francisco area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the San Francisco 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 , 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 : 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, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in San Francisco based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of San Francisco 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!
#30. Kam Po Kitchen
- Rating: 3.9/5 (664 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 801 Broadway San Francisco, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese, Noodles
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#29. Brothers Restaurant
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1429 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4128 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
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#28. Chef Li's Cafe
- Rating: 3.9/5 (197 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2726 San Bruno Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
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#27. 707 Sutter
- Rating: 3.9/5 (991 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 707 Sutter St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
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#26. The Crew
- Rating: 3.9/5 (651 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1330 Noriega St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
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#25. International Smoke
- Rating: 3.9/5 (2324 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 301 Mission St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Steakhouses
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#24. Feng Ze Yuan 鋒味館
- Rating: 4.0/5 (211 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4401 Balboa St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Dim Sum, Noodles, Barbecue
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#23. Hahn's Hibachi
- Rating: 4.0/5 (280 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 535 Irving St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#22. Hawi Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (282 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 307 Grand Ave. South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
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#21. Han Il Kwan
- Rating: 4.1/5 (2057 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1802 Balboa St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#20. Muguboka Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (927 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 401 Balboa St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Seafood, Barbecue
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#19. Hardwood Bar & Smokery
- Rating: 4.1/5 (222 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 680 8th St. Ste 170 San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sports Bars, Barbecue, American
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#18. Fiery Hot Pot and Grill
- Rating: 4.1/5 (180 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2333 Irving St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Hot Pot, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
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#17. Purple Rice
- Rating: 4.2/5 (306 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 509 Haight St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
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#16. Fil-Am Cuisine
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1421 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 66 School St. Daly City, California
- Categories: Filipino, Barbecue
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#15. Hawaiian Drive Inn
- Rating: 4.2/5 (301 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 128 Hazelwood Drive South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
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#14. Hawaiian Drive Inn
- Rating: 4.2/5 (483 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4827 Mission St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
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#13. ZZAN
- Rating: 4.3/5 (776 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 643 Post St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soup
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#12. Mom's Tofu
- Rating: 4.3/5 (273 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 415 Grand Ave. South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soup
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#11. Go Duck Yourself
- Rating: 4.4/5 (109 reviews)
- Address: 439 Cortland Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese
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#10. Prubechu
- Rating: 4.4/5 (693 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2224 Mission St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Guamanian, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
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#9. Bart Grocery & BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1104 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 108 Los Olivos Ave. Daly City, California
- Categories: Grocery, Korean, Barbecue
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#8. Hing Lung
- Rating: 4.5/5 (275 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 927 Post St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese
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#7. Zajang Grill
- Rating: 4.5/5 (161 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 852 Clement St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Buffets, Barbecue
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#6. San Ho Won
- Rating: 4.5/5 (740 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 2170 Bryant St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#5. HOT JOHNNIE'S SMOKEHOUSE
- Rating: 4.6/5 (550 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4077 18th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Venues & Event Spaces
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#4. MuuKaTa6395 Thai Charcoal BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (458 reviews)
- Address: 4217 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Thai, Barbecue, Hot Pot
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#3. Sofra Grill
- Rating: 4.7/5 (231 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 132 Hazelwood Drive South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Mediterranean, Turkish, Barbecue
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#2. Mazra
- Rating: 4.7/5 (2302 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 504 San Bruno Ave. West San Bruno, California
- Categories: Mediterranean, Barbecue, Tapas/Small Plates
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#1. Yakiniku Shodai
- Rating: 4.8/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 1420 Market St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
