Forget what you’ve been told about Winnipeg’s barbecue scene being all about the basics. Tucked between our perogies, kubasa, and honey dill sauce are joints smoking exceptional brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and so much more. Most spots here are down-home casual, perfect for a post-Jets game feast. But there’s at least one destination worthy of dressing up—just try not to get sauce on your good flannel.
Kim Chi – Korean Delight
$ | (204) 219-9876 | WEBSITE
Kim Chi – Korean Delight is what happens when you take your favorite Korean comfort food joint, crank up the K-pop playlist, and let them grill their chicken until it’s smoky perfection. Bring your appetite here, let the warm glow of the kitchen lights hide any hesitation, and savor the fact that you’re probably spending under $20 for an absolutely satisfying meal. It’s a really fun restaurant, but the food also matters just as much.
Dishes include flavorful Korean favorites, like that generous kimchi fried rice with delicious chicken they serve piping hot. There’s also a perfectly balanced beef kimchi combo, kimchi noodles with beef, and that soup with vermicelli and beef that should be on the table.
IGI BBQ & Sushi Bistro
$$ | (204) 477-9909 | WEBSITE
IGI BBQ & Sushi Bistro is a great spot just off one of Winnipeg’s main thoroughfares, tucked into a bustling commercial strip. They have Korean BBQ classics like marinated bulgogi and spicy pork belly, as well as more contemporary options like fresh sashimi platters, noodle stir-fries, and one of our favorite all-you-can-eat sushi spreads in the city—featuring generous cuts of salmon, tuna, and a variety of creative rolls.
They also serve some of Winnipeg’s best all-you-can-eat BBQ sessions, with a fantastic selection of meats like beef short ribs and chicken, plus appetizers like crispy spring rolls. The very tasty sushi assortment is worth diving into too. The kind, helpful staff keeps things moving quickly, clearing empty platters and checking on tables regularly, though at around $45 per person for the two-hour session, it’s definitely a splurge.
The atmosphere is lively and casual, with warm lighting and comfortable booth seating that makes it perfect for groups. Parking can be tight out front, but there are extra spots behind the building if you look. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends, but even without one, the efficient service usually finds a way to accommodate. Overall, it’s a fun night out with that unique combo of smoky BBQ and fresh sushi that keeps us coming back.
Barbeque Hut
$$ | (204) 221-4144 | WEBSITE
On any given weekend at Barbeque Hut, you’re bound to find families gathered around tables full of traditional Pakistani dishes. This is definitely the place to get great Chicken Karahi and weekend Nihari, along with tender kebabs and flavorful curries. However, if you’re looking for more than an endless supply of aromatic biryanis, the Samosa chaat or mixed vegetables (both vegetarian options) are ideal ways to start the meal.
The Halwa Puri and daal are also two excellent things to order alongside your barbecue feast.
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ
$$$$ | (204) 505-0945 | WEBSITE
This Winnipeg barbecue spot (the restaurant, not the festival) does some really good Brazilian churrasco. With the exception of a few outdoor tables in summer, they’re strictly an all-you-can-eat dining room operation. The top sirloin cap—a Brazilian cut with a much more flavorful exterior—is worth waiting for. Carnaval’s ribeye tastes like steakhouse prime that got a makeover.
And you should definitely get a side of deep-fried cheese balls to balance out the meats’ richness—we like them piping hot. But the best thing to get here is the continuous service: attentive servers bringing small slices of various meats to your table throughout the meal, including that amazing ribeye.
Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery
$$ | (204) 453-7980 | WEBSITE
This is one of the best spots for solid barbecue and house-brewed beers in Winnipeg. It has a cozy lounge area with a fireplace and a nicely spaced patio perfect for any occasion. Start with the tasty shrimp appetizer, then follow it up with the massive Boss Burger, which arrives with impeccable presentation. The low-lit ambiance makes everything feel warm and inviting, and the drinks are absolutely perfect.
If you’re here for lunch or dinner, absolutely grab one of their in-house brewed beers to-go—the selection is wide and interesting. The bartenders, like Julia and Noah, ensure you always have a drink with their attentive, knowledgeable service.
The Wood Tavern
$$ | (204) 235-6003 | WEBSITE
The name of this St. Vital spot is a bit understated. It’s not just the cozy tavern atmosphere that draws us in—it’s some of Winnipeg’s most succulent ribs and juicy brisket. Both meats are flavorful right down to the bone. They also prepare deliciously fresh gnocchi and rotate a few other hearty options like pork chops and burgers on the menu. You can also enjoy live music in the wide seating area or grab one of their excellent old fashioneds at the bar while you wait for your table.
Tony Roma’s
$$ | (204) 949-9426 | WEBSITE
Tony Roma’s in Winnipeg is one of the best spots for barbeque in town. The main attraction is the ribs, smoked low and slow until the meat falls off the bone with just a gentle tug. Besides the ribs, Tony Roma’s also makes a perfect 10 ounce strip loin, cooked to a beautiful medium-rare with a savory char. You won’t have to worry about still being hungry afterward—the boneless beef short ribs are huge and generously portioned, and the potato skins appetizer is just as satisfying.
There are other things on the menu, like the chicken teriyaki and filet medallions, but you’re coming here for a barbeque feast.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$$ | (204) 504-7200 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint serves enough tender Texas beef brisket to satisfy the appetites of an entire construction crew (and their foreman) who’ve just finished a double shift. For proof of this fact, order the mouthwatering ribs coated in that signature BBQ sauce or one of the chicken options seasoned with that cajun dry rub that offers some of the best flavor they’ve ever tasted.
Even if you’re not chasing a meat-heavy feast, there are still dishes here for you, like the corn bread that’s a genuine highlight or the coleslaw and beans that remain rich and flavorful. The generous portions and friendly, helpful staff who work well as a team make this place perfect for a hearty meal, so come with friends you’re comfortable getting messy around.
