5 Top BBQ Restaurants in Sonoma County

Sonoma County doesn’t just barbecue its meat, it calls in top-notch chef talent to craft its locally-raised smoked brisket, pit pork, pulled chicken, and ribs. So grab a big pile of napkins, ready your appetite, and prepare for a real feast complete with gourmet potato salad and cornbread.

Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar

Fans of sumptuous fried chicken and barbecue can rejoice. Using its wood-fired grill to great advantage, Sweet T’s cuisine is inspired by both New Orleans and the South as a whole. For the trio combo, choose from ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, tri-tip and/or house made pork sausage link, plus two sides and a biscuit. Or go for the Cajun gumbo with shrimp, smoked chicken, Andouille sausage, veggies and rice; or that crispy fried chicken with smashed potatoes and slaw.

KINSmoke

In addition to gleaming white subway tile and brick accents inside, this friendly joint on the Healdsburg Plaza features a big barbecue pit out back, where beef short ribs, brisket, St. Louis style pork ribs, pork shoulder, homemade sausage, and chicken are slow-cooked over California oak and cherry wood. The smoke-flavored meat comes unadorned: choose from delicious sauces like zingy North Carolina vinegar; gutsy South Carolina Bourbon Dijon; and a tangy, dark espresso sauce.

It can be hard to choose from the delicious side dishes here, which include Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon; sweet potato tater tots with maple dip; and horseradish-kissed Granny Smith apple slaw. 

Ginochio’s Kitchen

Enjoy stunning views of Bodega Bay along with juicy, tender meats from Ginochio’s indoor and outdoor smokers. The Big Papa BBQ Platter includes tender smoked beef brisket, 14-hour smoked pulled pork, dry rubbed and slowly smoked pork ribs, and sausage, plus pickles and two sourdough bread slices (overall, enough for a really hungry eater, or to share). Hamburgers are made with Stemple Creek organic, all natural, grass-fed beef from nearby Tomales farmland, while the Moo Sandwich features 14 hour-smoked beef brisket or beef tri-tip on a toasted French roll.

Sides include smokey sweet beans with onions and peppers, crisp and salty fries, coleslaw with a barbecue tang, and traditional potato salad. This place is open for breakfast as well as lunch, and the 14-hour smoked Texas style beef brisket hash is a popular morning choice. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available.

Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint

Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint, a Southern-style restaurant located in Guerneville, California, draws on Bidegain’s Louisiana heritage to offer soulful Southern cuisine with a California twist. Known for its flavorful dishes like fried chicken, ribs, red beans and rice, and cornbread waffles, Saucy Mama’s is a beloved spot highly praised for both the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Lombardi’s Gourmet Deli & BBQ

Lombardi’s is a family owned and operated business in Petaluma serving finger-licking barbecue alongside local, gourmet deli food. From the famous barbecue sandwiches made with pork, chicken, turkey, ham and even lamb to the baby back ribs and barbecue oysters, your bbq cravings are sure to be satisfied at Lombardi’s. Insider tip: Lombardi’s also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including BBQ asparagus and portabella mushrooms.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet