Winner
Jane Bond BBQ
The next time you’re craving southern barbecue, head to one of Jane Bond BBQ’s two locations. There, you can choose from delicious barbecue plates piled with southern comforts like smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs and the restaurant’s famous coconut cornbread. Grab a can of Jane’s Island Sweet Tea to wash it all down (also available in an alcoholic version made with Two Rivers Distillery bourbon). For groups, consider the barbecue platters that can feed two to eight people.
101, 230 11 Ave. S.E., 403-300-2663; and 321, 723 46 Ave. S.E. 403-277-7064; janebondbbq.com, @janebondbbq
Runners-up
Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
Hayden Block serves up a taste of the south in the heart of Calgary. Smoked meats like brisket, ribs and chicken, as well as sides like refreshing watermelon salad and bacon mac ’n’ cheese, are highlights here. Living up to its name, Hayden Block offers plenty of whiskey (and non-whiskey) cocktails, plus it has a list of more than 100 whiskies sourced from around the world. Hayden Block also has a second-floor music hall where it hosts live music.
1136 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-3021, haydenblockyyc.com, @haydenblockyyc
Big T’s BBQ
Four Calgary locations mean it’s easy to get your barbecue fix from Big T’s BBQ (the Calgary Farmers’ Market, Mahogany and Airdrie locations are fast-casual restaurants, while the other two are full service restaurants). While famous for its platters, Big T’s also offers smoked chicken wings, fried dill pickles and several sandwiches and burgers filled with juicy meat. If you’re feeling brave, try the gigantic gutbuster sandwich, which was featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here.
Multiple Calgary locations (plus Airdrie), bigtsbbq.com, @bigtsbbq
Palomino Smokehouse
Palomino Smokehouse’s barbecue is smoked in-house and goes perfectly with its other claim to fame — being one of the best music venues in the city. Order the barbecue on its own with sides, or try it in dishes like the Smokehouse Shepherd’s Pie or mac n’ cheese and pulled pork spring rolls.
109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca, @palominosmokehouse
Comery Block Barbecue
Like sister restaurants South Block and Hayden Block, this 17th Avenue S.W. restaurant features classic southern barbecue, though with a Tennessee twist. All the favourites are here — pulled pork, brisket and ribs — as well as items like hot links and beef short rib. Comery Block also offers Nashville-style hot chicken, from mild heat all the way to XXX.
638 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-7636, comeryblock.com, @comeryblock
Big Sky BBQ
Just a few minutes north of Okotoks sits Big Sky BBQ, which serves authentic Texas-style barbecue that’s worth the trip from Calgary. Using all Alberta meats, Big Sky takes barbecue seriously. Platters with combinations of smoked brisket, pork or chicken and sides for up to 10 people are available, or you can get it by the plate or pound. One notable menu item is the “5 pound sandwich of deliciousness” with a bit of all the meats and topped with southern coleslaw and beans — a tower of food more than big enough for four people.
306016 15 St. E., Okotoks, 403-938-0701, bigskybbq.ca, @big_sky_bbq
Prairie Dog Brewing & BBQ
If drinking locally brewed craft beer and eating delicious barbecue is your thing (and really, why wouldn’t it be), Prairie Dog is the place for you. Grab a pint of one of the brewery’s many styles of beer with a snack like pork belly fries and corn fritters, or try something more substantial like smoked meat platters, sandwiches and more.
105D 58 Ave. S.E., 403-407-2448, prairiedogbrewing.ca, @prairiedogbeer
Gaucho Brazilian BBQ
This traditional churrascaria serves all-you-can-eat, Brazilian-style barbecue — that is, meat grilled on giant skewers and sliced tableside to your liking. There’s a huge variety of meats to try, like picanha steak, Brazilian sausage, rosemary pork and even barbecued pineapple, so come hungry. All of this is accompanied by a buffet of various hot and cold sides and desserts.
100, 5920 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-454-9119, brazilianbbq.ca, @gauchobrazilianbbq
South Block Barbecue & Brewing Co.
Like sister restaurants Hayden Block and Comery Block, this Mission restaurant serves authentic southern-style barbecue, though South Block has a penchant for the pork-heavy and vinegary North Carolina style. But what really sets this restaurant apart is the brewery located inside, which brews a slew of different styles for all three restaurants. Try the apricot pork belly with a pint of the Cataloochee white IPA.
2437 4 St. S.W., 403-764-4227, southblockbbq.com, @southblockbbq
[Note: This story previously listed incorrect information about Big T’s BBQ’s locations. The story has been updated.]