Best Barbecue Restaurants in Mission District

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hardwood Bar & Smokery restaurant

1. Hardwood Bar & Smokery

4.5

Awesome(93)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 1 time today

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Hardwood Bar & Smokery in SOMA, San Francisco, where the essence of true Bay Area BBQ comes alive. This neighborhood gem specializes in meats smoked over Northern California white oak and local almond wood, offering a rich, authentic flavor that captivates your palate. Patrons rave about the "deliciously smokey" meats, with the brisket and ribs receiving special mentions for their tenderness and taste. The atmosphere is perfect for a casual outing, as the restaurant boasts "great vibes" alongside its craft beers and cocktails. Whether it's the "smoke buddy" platter or the unique craft cocktails, every item promises a burst of flavor. As one reviewer puts it, Hardwood Bar & Smokery is a place where the "food and drinks are truly on another level," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a quintessential American BBQ experience in the heart of San Francisco.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant

2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)

4.6

Exceptional(277)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 14 times today

Gyu-Kaku in San Francisco, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese BBQ delights. Celebrated as the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand since its inception in Tokyo in 1996, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests become chefs at their own table-top smokeless grills. Patrons rave about the "exceptionally delightful" dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. One enthusiast mentioned, "Every bite was a symphony of flavor," highlighting the top-notch, well-seasoned meats. The atmosphere is perfect for a range of occasions, from casual dinners to celebratory gatherings, making every visit a magical culinary adventure. With its extensive menu and dedicated service, Gyu-Kaku stands out as a must-visit spot for Japanese cuisine aficionados in San Francisco.

A photo of International Smoke San Francisco restaurant

3. International Smoke San Francisco

4.4

Awesome(2856)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 6 times today

At International Smoke San Francisco, located in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, the steak cuisine is elevated to an art form. This restaurant, a brainchild of Chef Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry, brings a unique global flair to traditional steak dishes. The wood-fired steaks are a particular highlight, consistently praised for their exceptional flavor and perfect preparation. One reviewer ecstatically noted, "Stakes are perfect as well," underscoring the high-quality meat and expert grilling techniques that make each steak dish outstanding. The restaurant's ambiance and service complement the dining experience, making International Smoke a must-visit for steak lovers in San Francisco. Whether it's the taste or the presentation, every detail is crafted to enhance the enjoyment of this beloved cuisine.

A photo of ABSteak by Chef Akira Back - San Francisco restaurant

4. ABSteak by Chef Akira Back - San Francisco

4.2

Awesome(19)

Price: Very Expensive

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 25 times today

Korean steakhouse with dry-aged meats, expertly crafted cocktails and world-class service where the heart and soul of authentic Korean flavors seamlessly intertwine with the essence of a fine steakhouse.We officially open October 8th.

5. Yakiniku Shodai

4.8

Exceptional(65)

Price: Very Expensive

• Barbecue • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness area, Yakiniku Shodai offers an unparalleled yakiniku dining experience that truly stands out in the realm of barbecue cuisine. This restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality Japanese Wagyu, grilled to perfection by skilled chefs who bring over 20 years of expertise to each dish. Guests rave about the “extraordinary taste of meat” and the “world-class wagyu,” highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and passion evident in every bite. With accolades noting it as a “hidden gem,” Yakiniku Shodai is celebrated for its exceptional service, where the knowledgeable staff and personal chefs like Andy and Chris make every meal an intimate and enlightening culinary journey. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Yakiniku Shodai guarantees an authentic, high-end barbecue experience that is both memorable and unmatched.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Bruno restaurant

6. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Bruno

3.8

Excellent(60)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • San Bruno

Booked 1 time today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

7. Smokin Woods BBQ

4.4

Awesome(21)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Oakland

Smokin Woods BBQ in Oakland has truly mastered the art of authentic barbecue, delighting locals and visitors alike since 2013. Their use of 100% all-natural woods like apple, cherry, mesquite, oak, and pecan ensures every bite is infused with deep, unforgettable flavors. Patrons rave about the "meltingly tender" beef ribs and the "out of this world" sauces that heighten every dish. The consistency of their perfectly seasoned meats, accompanied by standout sides like the much-loved mac and cheese, sets this spot apart. As one satisfied customer put it, the experience at Smokin Woods BBQ is so good it "brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart." Whether it's your first visit or you're a returning barbecue enthusiast, the friendly service and community vibe make every meal memorable.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Clifford
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience each time. Service is fantastic and everyone is easy going.
More info
Yakiniku ShodaiPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese Speciality• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
E
eunji
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
The decor is so well done and the restaurant looks amazing! The quality of meat was superb as well. Drinks were tasty and the drink menu was extensive. My one qualm is we had a reservation for 6 guests and we were seated at a large table with another party. Usually they give separate tables or even a divider so it was def a diff experience. They also had private party rooms that weren’t in use for the duration we were there. We ordered 3 diff types of meat and all were so yummy. Give the yukhoe a try. It’s so well presented. And the dwaengjang jiggae was so perfectly seasoned. Overall the food, drinks, and vibes were great!
More info
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back - San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• SOMA
•
4.2
L
Loïc
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 11, 2024
The food was delicious and the service was purely outstanding. I had a great time and won’t hesitate to come back on my next visit to the U.S.! Best of luck for the future.
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)Price: Expensive• Japanese• SOMA
•
4.6
A
Andre
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
The table loved duck wings, cornbread and all entrées. Extremely flavored meal.
More info
International Smoke San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• American• SOMA
•
4.4
K
Kristy
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Good BBQ, sides could use a little help. Nice place for a drink or bite to eat. Casual and comfortable.
More info
Hardwood Bar & SmokeryPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• SOMA
•
4.5

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Hardwood Bar & Smokery

2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)

3. International Smoke San Francisco

4. ABSteak by Chef Akira Back - San Francisco

5. Yakiniku Shodai

6. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Bruno

7. Smokin Woods BBQ

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