While Sonoma County is famous for its refined wine culture, some of the most satisfying meals happen over plates of smoky, sauce-slicked barbecue. Real pit-smoked meat has found its place among the vineyards.
These five spots prove that wine country can handle both Pinot and pulled pork. From Calistoga's tourist-friendly joints to Petaluma's catering masters, each brings something different to the smoke game.
📍 All 5 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Buster's Southern BBQ — Wine Country Comfort
- Red Bee BBQ — No-Frills Smoke Shack
- Lou's Luncheonette — Sonoma's Brisket Haven
- Hamburger Ranch & Bar-B-Que — Cloverdale's Dual Identity
- Black Bean BBQ Catering — Premium Pit Masters
1. Buster's Southern BBQ
✨ Best for: Wine Country Comfort
📍 Calistoga · ⭐ 3.6 · 1139 reviews · $$
Buster's thrives in the heart of Calistoga, where hungry wine tasters swap Chardonnay for sweet tea. Their Baby Back Ribs fall off the bone with that perfect pink smoke ring, while the Beef Brisket Platter arrives piled high with tender, peppery bark. The Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich is what locals order when they want maximum flavor without the mess. Families pack the vinyl booths during dinner rush, and the atmosphere stays refreshingly unpretentious despite the tourist-heavy location.
Must-Order:
Smoked Pulled Pork SandwichBaby Back RibsBeef Brisket Platter
Insider Tip: Arrive early during peak dinner hours as the restaurant can get busy, and consider ordering extra sauce on the side to customize your meal.
2. Red Bee BBQ
✨ Best for: No-Frills Smoke Shack
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.1 · 388 reviews · $
Red Bee BBQ keeps things simple in a Santa Rosa strip mall, focusing purely on smoke and spice without the wine country markup. The no-nonsense approach attracts construction crews at lunch and families seeking affordable comfort food. This is where you go when you want honest barbecue without paying Napa prices, served by people who understand that good meat speaks for itself.
Must-Order:
Pulled Pork PlateSmoked RibsBrisket Sandwich
Insider Tip: Check their social media for daily specials and operating hours, as they sometimes close early when meat sells out.
3. Lou's Luncheonette
✨ Best for: Sonoma's Brisket Haven
Tripadvisor📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.1 · 330 reviews · $$
Lou's Luncheonette brings serious barbecue chops to Sonoma's historic plaza, where their Slow-Smoked Brisket has converted countless wine snobs into meat fanatics. The Baby Back Ribs showcase perfect char and tender meat that pulls clean from the bone. Their Pulled Pork Sandwich balances smoky meat with tangy sauce that doesn't overpower the pork's natural flavor. Local winemakers regularly slip in for lunch, trading tastings for hearty portions of genuine comfort food.
Must-Order:
Slow-Smoked BrisketBaby Back RibsPulled Pork Sandwich
Insider Tip: Arrive early during weekend lunch hours as the most popular smoked meats can sell out, especially the brisket.
4. Hamburger Ranch & Bar-B-Que
✨ Best for: Cloverdale's Dual Identity
📍 Cloverdale · ⭐ 3.5 · 529 reviews · $$
Hamburger Ranch splits its personality between burgers and barbecue in downtown Cloverdale, creating an identity crisis that somehow works. The dual menu attracts everyone from ranch hands to weekend wine tourists looking for substantial food after long tastings. It's the kind of place where you might order ribs while your dining partner gets a burger, and both leave satisfied.
Must-Order:
BBQ Combo PlateSmoked RibsPulled Pork Burger
Insider Tip: Call ahead to confirm they're serving barbecue that day, as the menu can vary depending on prep schedules.
View Hamburger Ranch & Bar-B-Que →
5. Black Bean BBQ Catering
✨ Best for: Premium Pit Masters
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.8 · 34 reviews · $$$
Black Bean BBQ Catering operates primarily as a catering company but occasionally opens for public service, delivering restaurant-quality barbecue that rivals anything in the county. Their premium approach shows in every perfectly smoked detail, from seasoning blends to presentation. When they're open, serious barbecue fans drive from across Sonoma County for what many consider the area's most technically proficient pit cooking.
Must-Order:
Pit-Smoked BrisketCompetition RibsPulled Pork Platter
Insider Tip: Follow them on social media to catch their rare public service days, as they primarily operate as a catering business.
View Black Bean BBQ Catering →
Tips for Finding Great Barbecue in Wine Country
Call About Availability: Many barbecue joints sell out of popular cuts like brisket by late afternoon. Call ahead to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.
Embrace the Casual: Don't expect white tablecloths or wine lists at most barbecue spots. The best smoke houses focus on meat, not ambiance.
Try the Sides: Sonoma County's farm-to-table culture influences even barbecue joints. Many feature exceptional coleslaw, beans, and cornbread made with local ingredients.
Skip Rush Hours: Popular spots get slammed during lunch and early dinner. Arrive at off-peak times for better service and fresher sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these barbecue spots based on consistent quality, local reputation, and authentic smoking techniques rather than just online ratings. Each represents a different approach to barbecue in wine country, from tourist-friendly to locals-only favorites.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
