Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best restaurants in Calgary with an online voting ballot. Here are the winners and runners-up for Best Barbecue Restaurants in Calgary.
Winner
Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
Hayden Block serves up a taste of the South in the heart of Calgary. Smoked meats like brisket and ribs, as well as sides like collard greens and bacon mac ’n’ cheese are highlights here. Be sure to check out its list of more than 100 whiskies, too. Hayden Block has also completed a new upper section of the restaurant, hosting live music in this second floor music hall.
1136 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-3021, haydenblockyyc.com, @haydenblockyyc
Runners-up
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 of smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs or fried catfish, or opt for a po’ boy sandwich with brisket or pulled pig. Grab a can of the restaurant’s Island Sweet Tea to wash it all down. For groups, consider the barbecue platters that can feed anywhere from two to eight people.
230 11 Ave. S.E.; and 321, 723 46 Ave. S.E. 403-277-7064, janebondbbq.com, @janebondbbq
Big Sky BBQ
Just a few minutes north of Okotoks sits Big Sky BBQ, which serves Texas-style barbecue that is 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 get it by the plate or pound. Also available is a “5 pound sandwich of deliciousness” with a bit of all the meats and topped with southern coleslaw and beans, which is big enough for four people.
306016 15 St. E., Okotoks, 403-938-0701, bigskybbq.ca, @big_sky_bbq
Palomino Smokehouse
The 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 or try it in dishes like the smoked meatloaf, mac n’ cheese and pulled pork springs rolls, or on one of the deliciously crafted sandwiches.
109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca, @palominosmokehouse
Big T’s BBQ
Four locations mean it’s easy to get your barbecue fix from Big T’s BBQ (the Calgary Farmer’s Market and Airdrie locations are geared more towards quick service). While famous for its pork ribs, Big T’s also offers smoked chicken wings, fried dill pickles, blackened catfish 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).
Three Calgary locations (plus Airdrie), bigtsbbq.com, @bigtsbbq