The 5 Best BBQ and Rib Joints Around Lake Tahoe Region

Few culinary indulgences spark as much passion as perfectly smoked barbecue. Whether it's melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs glazed in sticky-sweet sauce, or pulled pork with the right balance of bark and tenderness, good BBQ is more than just food — it's an experience. South Lake Tahoe may be better known for powdery slopes and sapphire-blue waters, but it’s also home to a flavorful BBQ scene that’s smoky, saucy and serious about its craft. The Best of Tahoe celebrates the region's best pitmasters.

Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill

Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill is the kind of place where you can smell the smoker before you even pull into the lot — and that’s not a complaint. With roots tracing back to a love for Southern-style slow cooking, this family-owned joint has built a loyal following since opening its doors in 2008. The vibe is equal parts rustic and relaxed, with wood-plank walls, beer on tap, and portions that don’t mess around. Everything from their pork ribs to the house-made sauces is crafted in-house. They smoke their meats low and slow over hickory wood, giving each bite that deep, unmistakable BBQ flavor. Their menu doesn’t chase trends — it sticks to what works, like brisket sandwiches, loaded platters, and comfort classics.

Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar

You don’t typically expect to find ribs with island flair in a mountain town, but Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar pulls it off without missing a beat. Since 2000, Freshies has served up a blend of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and contemporary comfort food, always with a focus on sustainable ingredients and bold, clean flavors. Co-founded by a husband-and-wife duo with roots in the islands, the restaurant began as a dream fueled by travel, culinary curiosity and a shared love of hospitality. Their ribs — a standout on the menu — are given a tropical twist and plated with just as much care as their signature poke or tofu stir-fry. The laid-back, surf-meets-sierra vibe inside the restaurant only amplifies the experience.

Fox & Hound

Perched up at elevation with panoramic views of the Carson Valley, Fox & Hound has long been a favorite for hungry locals and visitors alike. But it’s not just the view that brings people back — it’s the BBQ. Open since 2004, this smokehouse and tavern serves slow-cooked meats and hearty sides that hit the spot whether you’ve been on the slopes or just finished a long day at work. Their smoker gets a daily workout, turning out ribs that balance a tender bite with the perfect hint of char. The menu also leans into comfort food with a variety of burgers, sandwiches and wings, but the BBQ section is where things get serious. Their homemade sauces are a point of pride — smoky, tangy, spicy — and you’ll find them slathered on just about everything.

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