Summertime in Western New York means maximizing every drop of sunshine. One way to do that is to bust open the grill, throw on some meat and get to the delicious business of barbecuing. If you’re short on time or ambition, however, take advantage of the many places in the area serving up some of the very best barbecue.
Some of the spots on this list are well known, like Fat Bob’s, and others are more hidden gems type places, such as Wild Bill Hickory BBQ. Each is deserving in its own right. Many feature patios, where you can soak in the summertime while enjoying savory, lick-your-fingers-it’s-so-good barbecue.
Maybe you take this list and do a barbecue crawl. Maybe you just find one new place that becomes a favorite. Either way, we hope you get out and enjoy the best barbecue that Buffalo has to offer!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
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1. Fat Bob’s Smokehouse
41 Virginia Place, Buffalo / More Info
This Allentown District restaurant cooks its meat in a custom-built Texas smoker. Everything on the menu is made from scratch.
2. Angry Buffalo @ The Rose Garden / Wild Bill Hickory BBQ
2753 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville, New York 14221 / More Info
Expect some of the best beef brisket you’ve ever tasted in this area.
3. One-Eyed Jacks Smokehouse Grill
5983 South Transit Road, Lockport / More Info
The atmosphere is down-home and barbecue fall-off-the bone tender at this popular Lockport eatery.
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4. Brickyard Pub & BBQ
432 Center St., Lewiston / More Info
This Village of Lewiston spot is known for its melt-in-the-mouth brisket, along with its smoked wings. The service and ambiance are both top-notch, too.
5. La Verdad
1194 East Lovejoy Buffalo, NY 14206 / More Info
Temporarily Closed for Renovations
-The Insider quoted a Yelp review by user George F saying:
“I just had the best ribs, the best chicken, the best brisket, and the best barbecue beans of my life! Everything is prepared from scratch and made with pride.”
6. BW’s Smokin’ Barrels Barbecue
5007 Lake Ave., Blasdell / More Info
This Southtowns restaurant is known for its big portions and great barbecue. It does a robust, and well-known, catering business, too.
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7. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
301 Franklin St., Buffalo / More Info
This eatery in the heart of downtown serves up delicious barbecue and equally yummy sides.
8. Roaming Bison Tavern
732 Hertel Ave., Buffalo / More Info
This Bourbon bar serves up southern style dishes, including tantalizing barbecue paired with homemade sauces.
9. Master’s Barbecue Company
43 Buffalo St., Hamburg / More Info
This Village of Hamburg eatery serves up a smorgasbord of delicious meats, along with homemade barbecue sauce and sides. They use hickory, red oak, apple and maple wood in their smoker.
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10. Yankee BBQ
3379 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg / More Info
Central Texas Style BBQ smoked with oak. Meats are sold by weight, so order as much or as little as you want. For example, 2 slices of brisket, 3 pork ribs and a hot link. Customize your own plate.
11. Freddy J’s BBQ
195 Grant St, Buffalo / More Info
Freddy J’s is serving up Southern comfort food classics. A popular menu item is their BBQ ribs with a side of mac & cheese and green beans.
12. Southern Junction
27 Chandler St, Buffalo / More Info
Southern Junction offers Texish barbecue – aka Texas-style barbecue meets Indian cuisine influences to our region and it is quite the crowd pleaser.
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13. South Transit BBQ & Grill
6703 South Transit Rd, Lockport / More Info
From brisket, to chicken, to their 3 meat sampler, South Transit BBQ & Grill has a little bit of everything. Plus they’ve got corn bread which is a must with their BBQ!
14. Krolick’s BBQ
12132 NY-16, Chaffee, NY / More Info
This inviting BBQ stand in the Southern Tier offers a variety of great BBQ at a great price. Everything here is under $15 and includes options like BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Chili and more!
15. Pork Bellies BBQ
5893 Main Street Williamsville / More Info
Located within One-Eyed Cat Brewing in Williamsville, Pork Bellies BBQ specializes in Texas-style barbecue with lots of rub and spices. If you’re feeling fun and have people to share with, try out their BBQuterie Board which includes 4 meats, 2 sauces, and 3 sides!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.
