The best BBQs in Montreal: our favorite smokehouses

Fortunately, Montreal has no shortage of places to satisfy those cravings for BBQ and comfort food. Inspired mainly by American and Texan traditions, Montreal's smokehouses each have their own way of doing things: slow wood smoking, homemade recipes, cuts of meat prepared over long periods, and generous platters to share... or not!

From well-established institutions to newcomers quietly carving out their niche, the city now offers several ways to experience American barbecue. Some focus on brisket and ribs, others on pulled pork, homemade sausages, or sandwiches overflowing with smoked meat and flavors.

So, get out your napkins and get ready to eat with your hands: here are our favorite spots to enjoy great BBQ and discover the best smokehouses in Montreal.

1375 Laurier Avenue East, Montreal, H2J 1H6

A newcomer to Laurier Avenue East, Les Rois du Fumoir has taken over the former Formentier location, which had been vacant for several years. This new neighborhood spot showcases smoked products and particularly generous, well-filled sandwiches. In a simple and friendly atmosphere, the welcoming owner offers an unpretentious menu that should appeal to smoked food lovers. A great new addition to discover on Laurier East, both for the warm welcome and the portions that will definitely leave you satisfied!

138 Atwater Avenue, Montreal, H4C 2H6

Located in the Atwater Market, Aylwin Barbecue offers Texas-inspired barbecue prepared with local ingredients and expertise. The project, conceived by Antoine Bériault and Annie Lacombe, began in the summer of 2016 in an alleyway in Hochelaga, around a makeshift smoker fashioned from an old propane tank, before eventually settling into the market. Today, the meats are still smoked on-site daily. Among the must-try items are Prince Edward Island brisket, hardwood-smoked for 10 hours, St. Louis-style spare ribs, homemade pork and beef sausage, and pulled pork. These can be ordered on their own or in a sandwich, along with the Aylwinator, their smoked cheeseburger, and classic sides like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and poutine with homemade smoked gravy.

17 Prince-Arthur Street East, Montreal, H2X 1B2

A Texas saloon vibe reigns supreme at this Plateau-Mont-Royal smokehouse, where smoked meats sit alongside an impressive bourbon collection. The in-house smoker prepares beef and pork ribs according to Southern traditions, while Tex-Mex flavors shine through in generous tacos and burritos. Every Tuesday, the establishment transforms into a celebration with its all-you-can-eat chicken wings, creating a festive atmosphere on the lively patio. Over 120 cocktails and the largest bourbon selection in the city complete this memorable smokehouse experience, where country spirit meets authentic American BBQ.

520 Promenades Du Centropolis, Laval, H7T 2Z6

At Jack Flat BBQ, the country spirit lives on in the heart of Laval's Centropolis. Chef-owner Cédrick Vanier, passionate about American cuisine and barbecue, offers meats slowly smoked in a custom-built smoker from Quebec. Ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, sausages, burgers, and poutines make up a generous and comforting menu. The western decor and large arcade add to the playful atmosphere of this establishment, which focuses as much on the experience as on the BBQ itself. A particularly welcoming destination to discover American smokehouses in a festive and relaxed setting.

15 Rue de la Commune O, Montreal, H2Y 2C6

In Old Montreal, Lattuca Barbecue offers a true Texas barbecue experience in the heart of the city. Behind the smokers is Montreal pitmaster John Lattuca, a regular at major international barbecue competitions who notably won the World Brisket Championship at the prestigious Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational in 2012. Here, they focus on the Texas concept of limited-batch barbecue: beef brisket, beef ribs, pork spare ribs, and pulled pork are slowly smoked over a wood fire, sometimes for nearly 14 hours, and prepared in limited quantities each day. The meats are never reheated, and when the day's production is sold out, you'll have to come back another time! This approach is particularly worth the trip for the brisket and the impressive beef ribs, accompanied by classics like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and smoked beans.

7070 Avenue Henri Julien, Montreal, H2S 3S3

Chef Paul Toussaint celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage at Jean-Talon Market by combining his expertise with that of Texas chef Damien M. Brockway. Flavors dance over the embers in this sanctuary of fire and smoke, where each dish tells a story of traditions passed down through generations. The establishment blends vibrant Caribbean spices with bold Texas BBQ techniques, enhanced with fresh Quebec ingredients. The menu reveals treasures like richly flavored jerk chicken, melt-in-your-mouth griot, roast lamb, and plantain fries, transforming every visit into a culinary experience.

Several locations

For over thirteen years, pitmasters George and Merce have been perfecting the art of smoking, offering the best smoked BBQ in Quebec, always fresh. The sweet aroma of maple wood draws enthusiasts to this spot specializing in authentic American BBQ dishes with a distinctive Quebec twist. The experts employ traditional smoking methods involving a slow and meticulous process, guaranteeing exceptional textures and flavors. The menu includes pulled pork, brisket, chicken, St. Louis pork ribs, and smoked salmon, complemented by their food truck at summer festivals.

1886 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, H3J 1M6

This Little Burgundy institution has been cultivating consistency in flavor, quality, and energy since 2010, establishing itself as a prime destination for smoked meat lovers. The establishment takes meat quality very seriously, maintaining a strong relationship with its butcher to source the finest cuts. The spare ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken boast melt-in-your-mouth textures, as tender as butter, and are slow-smoked with meticulous care. The smoked meat dishes have become local favorites, particularly the Burnt Ends and the ribs that fall off the bone, complemented by the city's most impressive bourbon collection. Also, if there are vegetarians among your guests, or if some simply aren't in the mood for meat, Boucan offers an equally enticing alternative with its pulled jackfruit platter.

51 Roy Street East, Montreal, H2W 2S3

Despite its small size, this Plateau Mont-Royal diner charms with its laid-back take on Tex-Mex and American classics. The new owners are working with veteran staff to elevate this spot, founded in 2011, which offers dishes like five-piece fried chicken, fish tacos, and po'boy sandwiches. The 25-seat establishment serves creative tacos, crispy fried chicken, and generous burritos in a warm atmosphere accentuated by its wood-paneled walls. The menu also includes specialties such as popcorn shrimp, Dr. Pepper ribs, and chili fries with cheddar cheese.

2 Rue Meadowbrook, Morin-Heights, J0R 1H0

Although located outside Montreal, this Morin Heights microbrewery is definitely worth a visit to discover the art of American BBQ combined with brewing traditions, featuring classic-style beers brewed in small batches. The establishment offers smoked meats, hamburgers, poutine, and ribs in an authentic pub atmosphere. Thursdays feature live bands, while Fridays are filled with karaoke, creating a festive ambiance that regulars love. The leafy patio, outdoor fire pit, and game library complete this experience where warm hospitality meets a passion for smoky flavors and craft beer. Note that the establishment is currently closed due to major water damage but is expected to reopen in October 2026.