Finding top BBQ in Rochester, NY can feel a bit like chasing the scent of slow-roasted dreams down Monroe Avenue. You might think you know smoke and sauce. Then you tuck into a platter here, and suddenly your standards shift. From nostalgic classics with brisket so tender it gives up without a fight, to sides that whisper stories of family gatherings, Rochester’s BBQ scene serves up more than food. It delivers a taste of something deeper—a touch of regional pride charred in just right.
I still remember the first time I bit into a rib at one of Rochester’s local joints—the sweet heat, the balance of smoke, that perfect chewy bark. It spoiled me for just about everywhere else. Here, the pitmasters aren’t trying to copy Memphis or Texas; they’re busy making Rochester’s own mark. Whether you crave a classic pulled chicken sandwich or you’re hunting for a secret sauce to remember, you’ll find more than a few places that make you want to linger just a little longer. Ready for the real list?
1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que reigns as a BBQ landmark at 99 Court Street, drawing crowds with river views and brisket done right. Stepping inside, you feel a pulse—biker bar roots meet an easy-going downtown vibe. Every order seems to carry a bit of BBQ folklore.
Here, the St. Louis-style ribs steal the show. Their bark is smoky, the meat slides off the bone, and the house sauce leans tangy with a lick of heat. Pulled chicken or brisket platters also get high marks. Each comes with slaw and a slab of homemade cornbread that feels like a meal’s final exclamation point.
I once tested their ribs against brisket in a bite-for-bite showdown. The result? Impossible to pick a winner—so just order both and let your taste buds decide.
2. The Silver Iguana
Sitting at The Silver Iguana always feels like a casual backyard hangout, just with better food and a friendlier buzz. It’s a spot where bold BBQ rubs meet a creative twist, tucked quietly on N Winton Road. The relaxed atmosphere is matched by staff who actually care what’s on your plate.
Their smoked chicken is a highlight: juicy, kissed with the right amount of smoke, and paired with fresh, zesty sides. If you like a little adventure, order the BBQ tacos—each bite blends tender meat and bright, tangy slaw in the softest tortilla. They even offer vegetarian BBQ options without sacrificing flavor.
One evening, I brought along a skeptical friend, only to be outdone by a platter of pulled beef that converted him on the spot. The Silver Iguana doesn’t do BBQ by the book—it does it Rochester style, and that’s what keeps people coming back.
3. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse in Rochester isn’t just a chain—it’s a slice of southern comfort right on W. Henrietta Road. The bustle inside is contagious, and you’re greeted by baskets of warm, honey-buttered bread that set the mood right away.
The ribs here mean business: fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, with sauce that knows how to stick around. Their hand-cut steaks get plenty of applause, but if you’re here for BBQ, a ribs and pulled chicken combo delivers both heft and flavor. Add in their classic mashed potatoes or a loaded baked sweet potato for the full effect.
I once brought a group, each with different tastes, and no one left disappointed. Hearty portions, lively energy, and made-from-scratch sides—that’s what makes this spot a BBQ must in Rochester.
4. Sticky Lips Pit BBQ
Sticky Lips Pit BBQ gives you a feast and a show. Walk in and you notice the neon lights, the hum of live music, and the scent of slow-cooked magic weaving through the air. It’s lively but never rushed—the kind of place you settle in for both dinner and stories.
When I stopped in, the brisket and ribs caught my attention first. Thick-cut brisket comes rich and smoky, while the ribs wear a caramelized glaze that holds its own. Their house-made sauces run the table from sweet to tangy, letting you dial in the flavor however you like.
The real surprise was how good the sides are—collard greens, smoked beans, and slaw with actual crunch. Try the rib sampler for a tour of the basics done right. At Sticky Lips, BBQ feels both classic and just a little rebellious—like Rochester itself.
5. Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s holds a dependable spot on Center Place Drive, serving up BBQ with a hearty, familiar flair. The space is laid-back enough for family dinners but delivers plenty of smoky aroma to lure in any BBQ lover. Here, the mood is simple—good food, no frills needed.
The ribs get the most buzz, cooked to a deep finish with sauces that lean from sweet to fiery without overdoing it. The chopped beef brisket is a close second, best enjoyed in a combo platter to taste more of what makes Dave’s famous.
What stands out? Consistent flavor, big portions, and sides that actually matter—think cornbread muffins and a pile of seasoned fries. A stop here always reminds me that BBQ, when done right, lessens the need for conversation. People tend to get busy eating.
6. Texas Blues Barbecue
(585) 319-4436Call
Texas Blues Barbecue is the kind of low-key spot on Monroe Ave that’s easy to miss but impossible to forget. The aroma of smoke drifts onto the sidewalk, hinting at the slow-cooked comfort waiting inside. The setup is unfussy, built for regulars and anyone looking for straight-up BBQ flavor.
What puts Texas Blues on the map is their smoked turkey and classic ribs. The turkey is moist with a peppery bark, while the ribs deliver a hit of southern nostalgia—tender, deeply smoked, and not hiding behind a sauce.
I once swung by for a quick lunch and ended up staying to finish every last bite. Their prices stay reasonable, but the flavors punch above their weight. This is no-frills BBQ that sticks with you.
7. J B Quimby’s
J B Quimby’s is a cozy spot on Winton Road where friendly chatter mixes with the aroma of barbecue. The vibe feels like a classic public house, but the food tells you BBQ is the true star here. Regulars know it’s the sort of place you keep visiting for that small-town comfort—without leaving Rochester.
The pulled chicken sandwich deserves your attention. Tender and juicy, it’s piled high on a soft bun, balancing on that edge between smoky and savory. Ribs here also get the treatment they deserve, coated in a barbecue glaze that’s finger-licking but never overwhelming.
I remember a rainy afternoon made a lot brighter by one of their platters—something about the warmth and spice cut the gloom. J B Quimby’s offers no-nonsense BBQ that delivers every time.
8. Backyard BBQ
(585) 281-7521Call
Backyard BBQ on Elmtree Road brings the backyard cookout spirit year-round. It’s the kind of place where plates are piled high and there’s always a familiar, smoky comfort in the air. This isn’t fancy barbecue—just generous servings and bold, straightforward flavor.
Their smoked chicken and pulled beef shine brightest. The chicken has a crispy skin and juicy middle, while the beef is slow-cooked, full of rich, peppery notes. Sides like macaroni salad and seasoned corn feel like a nod to classic summer picnics, even in the depths of winter.
I’ve stopped in after a long day, always finding a warm greeting alongside my platter. Backyard BBQ captures the unpretentious heart of Rochester barbecue, serving as the next best thing to firing up your own grill.
9. Sticky Fingers Smokehouse
Sticky Fingers Smokehouse on Hudson Ave is one of those spots where the smell of smoke hits you before you’re through the door. It strikes a balance: laid-back enough for casual crowds, but the food gets serious attention. You’ll notice regulars know exactly what to order—never a bad sign.
Their smoked brisket and chicken really show off what the pit can do. Both are slow-cooked and arrive with a signature rub that walks the line between sweet and savory. The brisket slices tender, and the chicken stays moist even deep into the evening rush.
I once visited during a lunchtime crunch, and even then, each plate looked made to order. Sticky Fingers brings honest, dialed-in BBQ that keeps the line moving and the regulars loyal.
10. Bathtub Billy’s
Bathtub Billy’s feels like your favorite neighborhood sports bar with a BBQ twist. Flat screens and friendly staff set the scene, but the scent of wood smoke brings in the real regulars. You’ll find cheers for the game and the food in nearly equal measure.
The barbecue platter is the move here, with smoked brisket and ribs that prove the kitchen takes its smoking seriously. The bark on the brisket offers a crisp, smoky bite, while the ribs are tender and sticky, just the way they should be.
I dropped in once after a late game and left talking more about the sides—cornbread, smoky beans, and spiced fries—than the score. Bathtub Billy’s manages a laid-back, crowd-pleaser vibe and delivers BBQ that always scores.
More Things to Try in Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular BBQ spots in Rochester, NY?
You’ll find standouts like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Sticky Lips Pit BBQ, and Texas Roadhouse near the top of locals’ lists. Each brings something unique—old-school smoke, playful sides, or crowd-friendly combos.
Is Rochester BBQ more like Southern or Texas BBQ?
Rochester’s BBQ scene pulls influence from everywhere but puts its own spin on things. Expect a mix of smoky flavors, homemade sauces, and inventive sides—not a strict copy of any one style.
Are there good vegetarian BBQ options?
Yes, several places offer BBQ-inspired vegetarian mains or sides, like grilled veggies and meatless sandwiches. Try The Silver Iguana or Texas Roadhouse for more variety.
Can I find gluten-free BBQ in Rochester?
Absolutely. Most places will work with gluten-free requests—just ask your server for details on menu items.
What’s a “must try” BBQ dish in Rochester?
St. Louis-style ribs at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que are a rite of passage, but brisket and pulled chicken shine across the city.
Do Rochester BBQ spots offer catering?
Many do—including Sticky Lips, Backyard BBQ, and Famous Dave’s—perfect for family gatherings or office parties.
Are BBQ restaurants in Rochester kid-friendly?
Most BBQ spots are laid-back and welcome families, with menus that appeal to even picky eaters.
When’s the best time to visit for BBQ in Rochester?
Weekends bring lively crowds, but weekdays offer shorter waits. Lunch specials are a great way to sample big flavors at a lighter price.
