Say the word “barbecue” and you can almost hear the sizzle—it’s a guaranteed way to spark joy and bring people together. While summer might steal the spotlight when it comes to grilling, we believe bold, smoky flavors are worth celebrating all year long. There’s just something about a hearty barbecue meal that feels warm, welcoming, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re in the mood to sit down and savor every bite or grab a quick, flavor-packed meal on the go, Napa Valley serves up plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From fall-off-the-bone ribs to marinated tri-tip, brisket, and perfectly grilled chicken, these dishes shine even brighter when paired with a local Cabernet or a chilled craft brew.

Get ready to discover the valley’s best barbecue spots, secret sauces, and smoky sensations. Your next mouthwatering adventure starts here.

Calistoga

Buster’s Southern BBQ

With more than 50 years in the restaurant world, Charles “Buster” Davis has become a local legend—and it’s no surprise that Buster’s Southern BBQ continues to earn top honors as the North Bay’s best barbecue year after year.

You’ll know you’re close when the irresistible aroma of slow-smoked Louisiana-style barbecue hits the air. Located at the entrance to Calistoga, Buster’s is home to a wood-fired outdoor grill and a time-honored secret sauce recipe that’s been passed down through generations. That signature sauce is generously slathered on everything from pork loin and ribs to pulled pork and chicken.

Grab a seat indoors or outside beneath the redwoods, and be sure to try Buster’s famous Real Lemonade—it’s the perfect pairing, especially since the spot doesn’t serve alcohol. And don’t forget to order sweet potato pie for dessert! On Sunday evenings, stick around for live blues and jazz, and don’t be surprised if you spot Buster himself making the rounds.

City of Napa

Stateline Road Smokehouse

One of Napa Valley’s standout newcomers on the barbecue scene, Stateline Road Smokehouse brings a chef-driven, Kansas City-inspired experience to the heart of wine country. At the helm is Michelin-trained chef and Kansas City native Darryl Bell, who infuses his Midwestern roots into every smoky, flavor-packed bite.

Guests can expect expertly smoked meats prepared on massive 1,000-gallon Moberg smokers, paired with elevated service led by Bell’s business partner, Jeremy Threat—another alum of the esteemed Bouchon. True to its Napa Valley setting, the smokehouse also features a curated wine list with labels like Caymus, House of Brown, and Turley.

The menu is filled with unexpected touches, from the signature side of collard greens mixed with Rancho Gordo’s heirloom Mayocoba beans to a crunchy, colorful slaw of purple cabbage, jicama, and carrots. The kale for the fresh salads is sourced straight from Meadowood Napa Valley’s farm.
But the true stars of the show are the meats: tender pulled pork, juicy Black Angus brisket, hormone-free pork ribs, free-range half chickens, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket burnt ends. Located in Napa’s vibrant Rail Arts District, Stateline Road is where bold flavors meet wine country sophistication.

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ

Never tried BBQ chicken served on a beer can? Now’s your chance. The legendary Beer Can Chicken at Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ is a must-order—and a local favorite that’s helped earn the spot the title of Best BBQ in Napa five years running.

Housed in Napa’s oldest historic building in the heart of downtown, this cozy, Old West–themed wine bar serves up serious flavor with a side of character. The impressive wine list features over 400 hard-to-find bottles and 40 wines by the glass, making it one of the most robust in the region. Prefer spirits? You’re in luck—Bounty Hunter also pours more than 40 American whiskeys and a curated selection of rare, world-class spirits.'

In addition to the iconic chicken, you’ll want to dig into the pulled chicken sandwich smothered in white Alabama sauce and topped with tangy slaw. Other can’t-miss favorites include the Smokin’ St. Louis ribs, tender smoked brisket, and the indulgent smoked prime rib dinner—served exclusively on Friday nights.

The Q Restaurant & Bar

Barbecue gets a refined twist at The Q Restaurant & Bar in downtown Napa, where elevated American Heritage fare meets bold, soulful flavors. Classic favorites like baby back ribs, slow-smoked beef brisket, and a Memphis-style pulled pork sandwich anchor the menu—but it’s the creative sides that take things to the next level.

The Q puts a fresh spin on coleslaw, offering versions like one with red onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and pepper vinegar, or an Asian-inspired take that’s anything but ordinary. It’s also one of the few places in Napa Valley where you can dig into true Southern comfort: collard greens with ham hocks. Round out your meal with must-try sides like creamy mashed potatoes or cast-iron skillet cornbread served with sweet honey butter.

Sip on craft cocktails—both spirited and spirit-free—while soaking in the restaurant’s upbeat vibe, made even better by a steady soundtrack of classic R&B. At The Q, barbecue is anything but basic.

Biscuits BBQ

At Biscuits BBQ, owners Brett Schaublin and Jessica Kerr have created a warm, welcoming spot where great food and a casual vibe go hand in hand. Their mission is simple: serve up mouthwatering barbecue in a laid-back, family-friendly setting that keeps guests coming back for more.

Blending traditional BBQ with a creative twist, Biscuits BBQ focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—so the menu is always evolving to highlight the freshest flavors. From hearty sandwiches to a loaded mac n’ cheese, there’s something for everyone. And don’t even think about leaving without trying the buttermilk biscuits with truffle honey butter or the house-made banana puddin’—both are crowd favorites.

Tucked away on Pearl Street in downtown Napa, Biscuits BBQ is easy to spot—just look for the sign featuring their namesake, Biscuit the cat.

Red Rock Café & Back Door BBQ

A Napa Valley institution for more than 40 years, you’ll quickly feel like a regular at Red Rock Café, a cozy, no-frills BBQ spot tucked into a neighborhood corner in downtown Napa. Grab a seat at a red-and-white checkered table or pull up a stool at the bar, then dig into a plate piled high with ribs, tri-tip, chicken—or a combo of all three. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Pick your favorite sides—think coleslaw, baked beans, fries, potato salad, mac and cheese, a baked potato, or a classic corn muffin—and settle in for a satisfying, down-home meal. Beer and wine are available by the glass, and the laid-back vibes make Red Rock a local favorite from Wednesday through Sunday.

In a hurry? Call ahead for takeout and bring the flavor home. And before you go, grab a bottle of Red Rock’s signature, house-made BBQ sauce — it’s the perfect souvenir for your own grilling adventures or a thoughtful gift for fellow BBQ lovers.

American Canyon

Hilo Hawaiian BBQ

Say aloha to bold island flavors at Hilo Hawaiian BBQ, where the mission is simple: serve up authentic Hawaiian barbecue at wallet-friendly prices—and they deliver on that promise with every generous plate.

Each “plate meal” comes complete with rice, creamy macaroni salad, and seasonal vegetables, making it a hearty, satisfying option. Choose your favorite main or mix and match with a combo—popular picks include crispy Katsu Chicken, savory Kalbi Short Ribs, BBQ Chicken or Beef Musubi, and the refreshing BBQ Chicken Salad.

One bite and you’ll be transported straight to the Islands. Before long, you’ll be saying mahalo for the taste of Hawaii, right here in Napa.

Photo credit: Lisa Diederich Photography