Business catalogMinneapolisRanking 2026
BBQ restaurant Minneapolis
Finding the Best BBQ in the Twin Cities
When searching for a top-tier BBQ restaurant Minneapolis locals and visitors alike look for a few key indicators of quality. Authentic barbecue is defined by the patience of the pitmaster, the quality of the wood smoke, and the balance of house-made sauces. When evaluating your options, consider the consistency of the meat—look for that signature smoke ring and a texture that is tender without being mushy. Whether you are craving Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, or pulled pork, the best BBQ restaurant in Minneapolis will prioritize high-quality cuts and traditional slow-smoking techniques over shortcuts.
How to Evaluate BBQ Rankings
Navigating the local dining scene can be overwhelming, which is why we have compiled this 2026 BBQ restaurant Minneapolis ranking. To ensure our list is as objective as possible, we have curated these selections based on public Google reviews. When you read through these ratings, look beyond the star count. Pay attention to the content of the reviews to see if diners mention specific dishes, the speed of service, or the atmosphere of the establishment. A high number of reviews combined with a strong rating often indicates a business that consistently delivers a great experience to a wide variety of customers.
Understanding Our Selection Process
Our list features 13 businesses that have stood out in the local community. We believe that the most reliable way to gauge a restaurant's reputation is through the collective voice of the public. By analyzing the sentiment and feedback left by real patrons, we have identified spots that consistently hit the mark. When you are deciding where to dine, use these reviews as a guide to find a place that matches your personal preferences, whether you are looking for a casual counter-service joint or a sit-down spot perfect for a family gathering. By focusing on these community-driven insights, you can confidently choose a destination that offers the authentic flavors you expect from the city's finest smokehouses.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,4 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated June 20, 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,7(2,511 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Big Bore BBQ is widely regarded as a top-tier destination for Texas-style barbecue in Minnesota, featuring a large, energetic venue with extensive outdoor seating. While many guests praise the quality of the meats and the lively atmosphere, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality and occasional issues with service pacing.
- Authentic Texas-style barbecue
- Large outdoor patio area
- Friendly and attentive service
- 024,5(1,047 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Gyu-Kaku is generally well-regarded for its interactive Japanese BBQ experience, high-quality meats, and attentive service. While most diners enjoy the atmosphere and food, some report inconsistent service speeds, concerns regarding parking, and mixed opinions on value.
- High quality meats
- Interactive BBQ experience
- Attentive and friendly service
- 034,6(2,444 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Brasa is widely praised for its flavorful rotisserie chicken, pork, and unique side dishes like yucca fries and plantains. While many customers appreciate the fast, friendly service and pleasant patio atmosphere, some diners have noted concerns regarding portion sizes relative to price and recent changes in catering costs.
- Flavorful rotisserie chicken
- Fast and attentive service
- Popular yucca fries and plantains
- 044,6(589 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Customers generally praise the restaurant for its high-quality, crispy Korean fried chicken and a wide variety of flavorful sauces. While the service is frequently described as friendly and helpful, some diners note that the food can be expensive and wait times for orders are often long.
- Crispy and flavorful chicken
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Variety of sauce options
- 054,5(1,260 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Northbound Smokehouse & Brew Pub is a popular neighborhood spot in Minneapolis known for its house-brewed beers and signature 18-hour porketta sandwich. While many diners praise the high-quality smoked meats and friendly service, experiences with certain menu items and takeout quality can be inconsistent.
- 18-hour porketta sandwich
- Wide selection of house-brewed beers
- Friendly and helpful service
- 064,6(3,018 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Butcher and the Boar is widely praised for its high-quality smoked meats, impressive decor, and welcoming atmosphere. While most guests report excellent service and memorable dining experiences, some diners have encountered inconsistencies with food preparation and occasional lapses in service attentiveness.
- High-quality smoked meats
- Stunning restaurant decor
- Friendly and attentive service
- 074,6(1,317 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Baker's Ribs is a popular local barbecue spot known for its tender ribs and friendly service. While many customers praise the quality of the meats, there is significant inconsistency regarding the moisture levels of the brisket and the overall flavor profile of the sides and sauces.
- Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Generous portion sizes
- 084,6(1,167 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Reviews for this barbecue restaurant are highly polarized, with many customers praising the quality of the smoked meats while others express disappointment with specific sides and consistency. The establishment is frequently noted for its gluten-free menu options and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
- High quality smoked brisket
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Gluten-free menu options
- 094,4(1,122 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Ted Cook's 19th Hole BBQ is a long-standing, takeout-only establishment known for its signature hickory-smoked meats and flavorful, tangy BBQ sauce. While many customers praise the food as addictive and high-quality, others report inconsistent experiences regarding meat tenderness, side dish seasoning, and order accuracy.
- Flavorful, tangy BBQ sauce
- Hickory-smoked meat aroma
- Popular Jojo potatoes
- 104,4(567 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Animales is a popular barbecue destination known for its unique, high-quality meats and family-friendly atmosphere. While many diners praise the food and play area, some guests express frustration with the mandatory 20% service fee and the QR code-based ordering system.
- High-quality pastrami beef ribs
- Excellent indoor play area
- Welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere
- 114,3(1,152 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Old Southern BBQ receives polarized feedback, with many customers praising the flavorful brisket, variety of sauces, and popular cornbread muffin tops. However, others report significant inconsistency in meat quality, specifically citing undercooked or fatty ribs and dry chicken.
- flavorful brisket
- popular cornbread muffin tops
- variety of BBQ sauces
- 124,3(669 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Smoke in the Pit is a polarizing BBQ spot known for its smoked wings, ribs, and catfish, with many customers praising the authentic flavor and friendly service. However, experiences are inconsistent, with frequent reports of missing menu items, unpredictable operating hours, and varying quality in side dishes.
- Flavorful smoked wings
- Tender and smoky ribs
- Crispy fried catfish
- 134,3(594 reviews)Portal score 8,1
This establishment is a popular brewery and barbecue spot known for its large patio, diverse drink selection, and generally well-regarded brisket. While many guests enjoy the atmosphere and food quality, experiences are inconsistent regarding service efficiency, menu availability, and the mandatory gratuity policy.
- High quality brisket
- Large outdoor patio space
- Extensive beer and drink selection
Company comparison
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best BBQ restaurants in Minneapolis?
- To find the best spot, look for consistency in customer feedback and menu variety. Our 2026 ranking features 13 of the top BBQ restaurants in Minneapolis to help you compare your options easily.
- What should I expect when visiting a top-rated BBQ restaurant in Minneapolis?
- You can expect a focus on authentic smoking techniques and signature house-made sauces. For example, Old Southern BBQ - 45th & France currently holds a 4.3/5 rating, reflecting the high quality you should look for when dining out.
- How should I interpret ratings and reviews for BBQ restaurants?
- When reading reviews, look for comments regarding meat tenderness and the quality of side dishes rather than just the overall score. While our list highlights 13 businesses, remember that individual preferences for spice levels and smoke profiles can influence a rating.
- What is a practical tip for finding great BBQ in Minneapolis?
- A great tip is to check if the restaurant offers a sampler platter, which allows you to taste multiple meats at once. This is an excellent way to gauge the kitchen's skill across their entire menu.
- Are prices consistent across all BBQ restaurants in Minneapolis?
- No, prices vary depending on the specific cuts of meat, portion sizes, and the style of service offered at each location. We recommend checking the menu of the 13 businesses in our ranking to find a spot that fits your budget.