The 3 Best BBQ and Rib Joints Around The Lake Tahoe Region

Barbecue is built on patience, technique and flavor, with pitmasters relying on slow cooking methods, carefully developed rubs and distinctive sauces to create memorable meals. From tender ribs and smoked brisket to pulled pork and chicken, barbecue traditions vary by region while sharing a common focus on low-and-slow preparation. Side dishes, house-made sauces and unique specialty items often become just as important as the meats themselves. The Best of Tahoe highlights these restaurants that bring their own approach to barbecue and ribs while serving up hearty comfort food in the Lake Tahoe region.

Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill

Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill specializes in slow-smoked meats including St. Louis ribs, baby back ribs, beef brisket, beef ribs, chicken and chicken wings. The restaurant smokes certain items, such as its wings, for up to two hours before finishing them with signature sauces or dry rubs. Guests can also try distinctive menu items like Pig Wings, made from pork shank that is braised, fried and glazed. Traditional Southern-inspired sides such as jalapeno cheese grits, collard greens, cornbread with honey butter and house-made mac and cheese complement the barbecue offerings, while an on-site sports bar and outdoor dining areas provide additional gathering space.

Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar

Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar brings Hawaiian-inspired flavors to its menu while featuring a variety of seasoned and slow-cooked meat preparations. The restaurant serves dishes that include jerked chicken, jerked fish and other house specialties alongside a broad selection of organic, vegan and vegetarian options. Plant-based alternatives such as mango habanero tempeh wings and vegan meatloaf provide additional menu variety. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy the seasonal rooftop deck during the warmer months.

Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar

Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar focuses on cherry wood-smoked barbecue, serving meats such as St. Louis-style ribs, tri-tip, pulled pork and chicken. The restaurant pairs its smoked meats with proprietary dry rubs and a lineup of house-developed sauces, including sweet, spicy and vinegar-based options. Family-style barbecue feasts combine ribs, chicken and tri-tip with sides such as bacon mac and cheese, green beans with bacon and cornbread muffins. In addition to barbecue, the menu includes burgers, stone-hearth pizzas and breakfast selections, all served in a mountain-view setting with patio seating and a late-night bar.

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