Indulge your inner carnivore at these Victoria BBQ joints
When people think of typical Victoria cuisine, they often think seafood. But there's culinary life beyond the sea here. In the past few years, Victoria has become home to some of the nation’s most daring and unconventional barbecue joints. From slow-roasted brisket to mouth-watering ribs and beyond, these restaurants will satisfy your inner carnivore.
Hank's Untraditional BBQ
G2A-1001 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8W 2C5This isn't your typical barbecue. Hank, or rather Hank’s founders, Francois Pilon and Clark Deutscher, aren't bound by tradition. What they care about is unique, one-of-a-kind dishes made exclusively with local ingredients. Their rotating menu features everything from beef ribs to specially prepared pork belly, all made by serious grill masters. But be warned: this location is very small and very popular, so be sure to get in early.
Pig BBQ Joint
1325 Blanshard St, Victoria BC V8W 0B5Pig is for the hardcore barbecue enthusiast, the type of person who likes to order their meat by the pound rather than the plate. The specialties here are classic ribs and pulled pork, each made to perfection with a dedication to classic tastes. Some people want their barbecue a little different, but the regulars at Pig are looking for traditional barbecue done right.
Fat Daddy's
1515 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC V8W 3C8If you love barbecue and wish you had the time to host a party dedicated to it, Fat Daddy’s is your best solution. These caterers specialize in proper American barbecue, from whole pig roasts to samplers of the best the South has to offer. Drop by to talk with their head chef, who will gladly prepare you a sample meal so you know what kind of barbecue goodness you're in for. With Fat Daddy’s, you get all the fun of a classic barbecue shindig, without the work of preparing (or cleaning up after) the food.
Koryo Korean Barbecue
413A-1150 Douglas Street, Victoria BC V8W 3M9Many barbecue lovers are only aware of American-style dishes, but there’s a whole wide world of grilled meat out there. Koryo is perhaps Victoria’s best example of this international perspective, infusing many barbecue favourites with a distinctly Asian twist. Unlike American barbecue, Koryo fires the meat up in a flash to trap in the flavours and uses traditional Korean seasoning to reinvent the barbecue foods you thought you knew.
Fireside Grill
4509 West Saanich Rd, Victoria BC V8Z 3G1There are plenty of tempting dishes served at Fireside Grill, but locals know to order the ribs. They’re good enough to consider this classic restaurant a barbecue joint, even as the rest of their menu continues to win awards. The ribs are so beloved for good reason. Every serving is low-roasted and carefully seasoned to perfection. The ribs here are so tender and delicious that many return guests have yet to try anything else on the menu.
Roast
5-1701 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8W 0C1Roast takes the classic American tradition of barbecue and puts it in a sandwich. It’s the ultimate sandwich shop for anyone with a midday meat craving. The porchetta sandwich is their signature dish, which tends to sell out quickly, but the rotisserie chicken is their secret weapon. Stripped-down and simple, Roast lets their meat do the talking.
