Once upon a time Canadians had to travel south to enjoy authentic BBQ. But, northern restaurateurs are now embracing the Southern BBQ trend, and it’s no more evident than in Toronto. With three new BBQ restaurants opening up in 2013 and competing with more classic establishments, Torontonians can now choose where they want to satisfy their sugary meat cravings. The following five smokehouses boast tender meat and flavourful sauces that will make you wonder why we ever felt the need to visit Texas and North Carolina at all.
The Stockyards
699 St Clair West, Toronto, ON
416-658-9666
http://www.thestockyards.ca
Famous for their large racks of ribs, The Stockyards boast authentic wood smoked Carolina style barbecue. Chef Tom Davis spends so much time on the ribs that they are only offered three days a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 5:00pm). The menu also includes a fried chicken dinner, grilled cheese and a butter burger.
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Electric Mud BBQ
5 Brock Ave, Toronto, ON
416-516-8286
http://www.electricmudbbq.com
From the owners of Parkdale Mexican fave Grand Electric comes their newest endeavor, Electric Mud. Aimed at the younger, hip crowd, this Southern BBQ joint offers the essential ribs, beef brisket and fried chicken in addition to shrimp and grits, buffalo cauliflower and Asian inspired coleslaw.
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Aft Kitchen + Bar
686 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
647-346-1541
http://aftbar.com
When Aft opened in March 2013, they weren’t looking to be known for their BBQ, since their menu offers a range of dishes that don’t fit any culinary category. But, thanks in part to weekend menu dedicated entirely to BBQ, they’ve embraced the reputation. On Saturdays and Sundays head to Aft for BBQ platters that combine Texas style brisket, country sausage, pulled pork and slow smoked chicken.
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Hogtown Smoke
1959 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
416-691-9009
Hogtown Smoke began as a travelling food truck and recently opened a brick and mortar location in The Beach neighbourhood. Hogtown embraces all styles of Southern BBQ, and swears by the low and slow method (meat is cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time). Their BBQ platters are perfect for sharing and allow you to try several meats and sides on the menu, and their jumbo cornbread muffins (served with bourbon butter) are to die for.
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Barque Smokehouse
299 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON
416-532-7700
http://www.barque.ca
Barque Smokehouse offers the Roncesvalles crowd an original take on traditional barbecue. Their brisket is a mix between Montreal smoked meat and Texas brisket, and takes 12 hours to smoke. If you have any room for dessert, try their unique frozen treats like cinnamon gelato or cherry cola sorbet.
