Where to savour the best American BBQs and smokehouses in Montreal?
The tradition of smoked barbecue takes deep root in Montreal's landscape through establishments that master the complex art of slow smoking and authentic smoked flavours. These exceptional smokehouses each cultivate their own identity, from international champions to local pioneers who have shaped the scene for over a decade.
Excellence is measured as much in the techniques employed as in the atmosphere created. Custom smokers, Canadian maple wood, ancestral Texan methods and contemporary innovations come together to offer varied experiences. Specialties extend from traditional pulled pork to fusion creations inspired by Korean BBQ.
These addresses transform the simple meal into a sensory journey, whether in the intimacy of a twenty-five-seat counter or on the lively terraces of microbreweries. Certain revolutionary concepts combine artisanal smoking with family entertainment, creating complete experiences for all generations.
This selection of thirteen remarkable establishments reveals the richness and diversity of authentic American BBQ in the Montreal region, where each smokehouse unveils its secrets and unique personality.
Read also:
Where to Eat the Best Korean BBQ in Montreal
17 Rue Prince-Arthur E, Montréal, H2X 1B2
The Texan saloon ambience reigns over this smokehouse in Plateau-Mont-Royal, where smoked meats sit alongside an impressive bourbon collection. The house smoker works with beef and pork ribs according to Southern traditions, whilst Tex-Mex flavours express themselves through generous tacos and burritos. The establishment transforms every Tuesday into a celebration with its all-you-can-eat chicken wings, creating a festive atmosphere on the lively terrace. Over one hundred twenty cocktails and the city's vastest bourbon selection complete this memorable smokehouse experience where country spirit meets authentic American BBQ traditions.
5667 Rue Sherbrooke O., Montréal, H4A 1W6
A pioneer of American BBQ since 2007, this Monkland Village smokehouse marries Southern traditions with Québécois craftsmanship through a remarkable artisanal approach. Specialists rub each piece of meat with spice blends before patient maple wood smoking for twenty-four hours, guaranteeing tender textures and profound flavours. The menu offers ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork on generous platters or flavourful sandwiches, served with house-made sauces without additives. The establishment cultivates a relaxed atmosphere with its summer terrace and screens broadcasting sports matches, creating the perfect venue for savouring authentic BBQ.
520 Promenades Du Centropolis, Laval, H7T 2Z6
The cowboy spirit is reborn in this Centropolis de Laval smokehouse, where chef Cédrick Vanier passionately cultivates the art of country BBQ. The custom-made Quebec smoker imparts unique aromas, colours and textures to meats worked according to Far West traditions. The establishment revolutionizes the BBQ experience by combining traditional flavours with family entertainment through its vast arcade room, creating an innovative concept designed for the future. This Jacques Gaspo creation marries artisanal smoking with authentic western ambience, liberating the inner cowboy in young and old within a carefully orchestrated vintage atmosphere.
15 Rue de la Commune O, Montréal, H2Y 2C6
The art of smoking reaches its pinnacle in this Vieux-Montreal establishment, where John, an international champion and recognized pit master, applies his prize-winning methods from the World Food Championships. The restaurant honours Texan traditions with a revolutionary limited production concept guaranteeing never-reheated meats, cooked exclusively over wood fire for fourteen hours maximum according to ancestral techniques. The establishment applies the "limited-batch" principle: once stocks are exhausted, doors close, ensuring an uncompromising experience. This Texan philosophy transforms each visit into a privileged discovery of exceptional smoked flavours within the warm brick-walled atmosphere.
Robbie's Smokehouse & Burger Bar
1569 Route 138, Kahnawake, J6J 1S3
With over sixty years of experience, this Kahnawake institution redefines comfort food through a perfect marriage of rustic style and a modern atmosphere. Sundays transform this establishment into a sought-after destination thanks to its all-you-can-eat brunch buffet featuring several smoked specialties. The restaurant prepares everything fresh daily with premium ingredients, offering gourmet burgers, steaks, tacos and varied mac and cheese dishes. The signature smoked BBQ fare sits alongside a vast selection of exceptional cocktails served in Mason jars. This creates a unique experience for American BBQ enthusiasts within a relaxed setting. Every dish reflects comforting cuisine prepared entirely on-site.
7070 Avenue Henri Julien, Montréal, H2S 3S3
Chef Paul Toussaint celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage at Marché Jean-Talon by combining his expertise with that of Texan chef Damien M. Brockway. Flavours dance over embers in this sanctuary of fire and smoke, where each dish tells a story of traditions passed down through generations. The establishment marries vibrant Caribbean spices with bold Texan BBQ techniques, enhanced by fresh Quebec ingredients. The menu reveals treasures like flavourful jerk chicken, tender griot, lamb mechoui and plantain chips, transforming each visit into an experience that transports through time. This authentic cuisine, prepared with passion and served with respect, honours ancestral methods whilst embracing local terroir.
Multiple locations
For over thirteen years, pitmasters George and Merce have perfected the art of smoking at their Sainte-Rose and Pierrefonds locations, offering Quebec's finest smoked BBQ always fresh. The sweet aroma of maple wood guides enthusiasts to this establishment specializing in authentic American BBQ dishes with a distinctive Quebec touch. Experts apply traditional smoking methods involving a slow and meticulous process, guaranteeing exceptional textures and tastes. The menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken, St-Louis pork ribs and smoked salmon, complemented by their food truck during summer festivals. This passionate team cultivates barbecue excellence, developing recognized expertise that characterizes this regional Montreal establishment.
1886 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H3J 1M6
This Petite-Bourgogne reference has cultivated consistency in flavours, quality and energy since 2010, establishing itself as the ideal destination for smoked meat enthusiasts. The establishment takes meat quality very seriously, maintaining good relationships with its butcher to obtain the finest cuts. The ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken reveal textures as tender as butter, slowly smoked with the utmost care. Smoked meat recipes have become local references, particularly the Burnt Ends and ribs that fall off the bone. The metropolis's most impressive bourbon collection, along with an excellent selection of craft beers, gin and tequila, awaits you in an atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, H2W 2S3
Despite its small size, this Plateau Mont-Royal counter-service establishment charms with its laid-back approach to Tex-Mex and American classics. The new owners work with veteran employees to make this establishment, founded in 2011, shine, offering dishes like five-piece fried chicken, fish tacos and po'boy sandwiches. The twenty-five-seat establishment offers creative tacos, crispy fried chicken and generous burritos in a warm atmosphere highlighted by its wooden walls. The menu also includes specialties like popcorn shrimp, Dr. Pepper ribs and chilli fries with cheddar, creating an appreciated venue for savouring authentic American cuisine.
Anorak - Broue Pub / Brasserie
2 Rue Meadowbrook, Morin-Heights, J0R 1H0
Although located outside Montreal, this Morin Heights microbrewery certainly merits a detour to discover American BBQ artistry married with brewing traditions featuring classic-style beers brewed in small quantities. The establishment offers smoked meats, hamburgers, poutines and ribs in an authentic pub atmosphere. Thursdays welcome live bands, whilst Sundays resonate with karaoke, creating a festive ambience appreciated by regulars. The verdant terrace, outdoor fireplace and games library complete this experience where warm hospitality meets a passion for smoked flavours and artisanal beers in an environment that fully justifies the journey.
705 Rue St-Catherine O, Montréal, H3B 4G5
Chef Paul Toussaint's expertise expresses itself in this innovative downtown concept that redefines continental BBQ boundaries. The Time Out Market establishment offers a gustatory journey, beginning with Montreal classics before exploring South American and Caribbean riches. The menu connects North, Central and South America, starting with spit-roasted mechoui and Montreal smoked meat. The culinary itinerary then passes through the United States' regional traditions. It concludes with specialties like Caribbean jerk, Argentinian asado and Brazilian churrasco, creating an audacious harmony of flavours that transports diners worldwide while keeping their feet firmly anchored in ancestral technique authenticity.
2 Sesame Street, Kahnawake, J0L 1B0
This Kahnawake takeaway BBQ restaurant captivates with its authentic approach to smoked flavours and a relaxed atmosphere where welcoming metal music resonates. The establishment offers St. Louis-style ribs, flavourful pulled pork, smoked brisket chilli and tender chicken in a setting that evokes the simplicity of dining amongst friends. The owners cultivate natural generosity reflected in generous portions and affordable prices. The smoked meats retain their exceptional flavours even when reheated, testifying to the superior quality of methods employed and attention given to each preparation within this authentically American spirit.
8855 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, H2N 1Y7
An industry pioneer since 2013, this North American leader offers an unparalleled mobile BBQ experience with authentic Texan smokers and traditional cooking techniques. The Smoking BBQ represents this North American fleet leader's emblematic truck, offering meats cooked slowly in immense smokers imported from Texas. Pork shoulder smoked for eighteen hours, ribs with signature BBQ sauce, and Cuban sandwiches create an authentic experience directly inspired by the finest smokehouses. This turnkey solution combines local products, secret spices and a passion for authentic cuisine in a concept unique to Canada, contributing to memorable occasions.
Across the city, every spot brings its own interpretation of American BBQ. Some focus on slow smoking, others on secret sauces or hearty plates made to share. The atmosphere is always inviting, with smoke in the air and a sense of togetherness at the table. Montreal proves it can give a distinct personality to the timeless traditions of barbecue.
