For years, Roseville was Sacramento’s overlooked neighbor—too suburban for city dwellers, no signature attraction, and, frankly, not exactly a culinary hotspot. But recently, while debates raged over Sacramento’s best barbecue joints, this former railroad hub has quietly smoked its way to becoming one of Northern California’s most compelling barbecue destinations, now boasting everything from Texas-style brisket temples to Carolina-inspired spots that would make any pitmaster proud.
JP Noble at the Union
$$ | (916) 742-5081 | WEBSITE
If you manage to sneak out of work early, celebrate with BBQ and brews at JP Noble at the Union. Order an array of crowd-pleasers, like the garlic Parmesan wings with just the right amount of crisp, or the juicy tri-tip tacos. Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm and is a steal, with $8 beers, $6 wings, and $5 tacos—our favorites are the tri-tip and the garlic fries.
And their activities are just as solid as their food menu: the dart boards and pool tables, which blend friendly competition with relaxed vibes, are the perfect balance of lively and laid-back.
Bounty Hunters Grind & Grill
$ | (916) 772-0406 | WEBSITE
This charming hole-in-the-wall is our go-to for perfectly executed barbecue. Half the fun is watching the team prepare each plate with southern hospitality, and with friendly staff like owner V welcoming every guest, the family-owned vibe makes for a warm experience. The pulled pork is juicy and flavorful, the dry rub ribs fall off the bone with well-done barbecue sauce dripping from the meat, and the tritip sandwich is wonderfully seasoned on a perfect bun.
The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, the potato salad is tangy and fresh, and the mini donuts are sweet and tender—many call them the best. Breakfast options are delightful, and with fair prices around $15-$25 per plate and quick service, it’s a great spot for any meal. Support this local Roseville business—you won’t regret it!
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
$ | (279) 900-8965 | WEBSITE
Named for the family that started it all, this barbecue joint has been a Roseville staple for years. The dining area keeps things casual with simple tables and an open layout, but the real draw is that Dickey’s serves up hearty barbecue plates that are affordable enough to be in your regular rotation. You’ll want to get the loaded brisket potato, which has little in common with your standard baked potato other than its size.
This one comes piled high with tender brisket, melted cheese, and toppings you’ll want extra helpings of. You can’t go wrong with any of the western sandwiches, which come on soft buns. We always go for the brisket sandwich with its smoky sauce and perfect texture.
Back 40 Texas BBQ Restaurant & Catering
$$ | (916) 726-4040 | WEBSITE
For authentic Texas-style barbecue with generous portions and classic sides, head to Back 40 Texas BBQ. The charming space has loads of character with a typical BBQ ambiance and clean facilities that create a relaxed vibe perfect for casual dinners. You’ll want to try the outstanding beef ribs with their smoky bark, the tender pork ribs that fall off the bone, and the surprisingly flavorful fried pickles with their tangy crunch.
The full chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, while the fresh banana bread makes for a sweet finish. Fair warning: the ‘Posse Package’ offers great value for large groups, but reservations are only taken for parties of eight or more, so come early or prepare to wait—though the attentive staff like Kevin will make your visit worthwhile.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
$ | (916) 784-6818 | WEBSITE
This barbecue spot with locations across California understands that even the most straightforward dishes can shine if you execute them well. Consider their classic kalbi, which impresses with its tender texture, or the comforting lau lau. The Roseville location features Polynesian-inspired artwork and a relaxed vibe, and service is consistently friendly and quick, even during peak hours, making this a solid choice for when you want a casual, affordable meal that hits the spot.
Buckethead BBQ
$$ | (916) 792-0751 | WEBSITE
For a hearty meal with family sharing platters piled high with smoky meats at a rustic, no-frills spot, Buckethead BBQ gets the job done. The indoor space is simple but welcoming, with wood-paneled walls and checkered tablecloths, and makes for an ideal setting for eating tender tri-tip, moist chicken, and fall-off-the-bone brisket that’s been carefully smoked for hours. The jalapeño pepperjack sausages and ribs are also praised for their flavor.
Beverages are straightforward, but meals come with classic sides like baked beans and potato salad, and you can bring your own drinks. Portions are filling, and the service is outstanding, whether you’re dining in or ordering for an event.
GK Mongolian BBQ
$ | (916) 786-7712 | WEBSITE
The bustling, open kitchen at this popular Mongolian spot gives the vibrant, energetic space a subtle but welcome interactive dining vibe. This restaurant is known for its build-your-own bowls, and for good reason—do not miss the bao dumplings, with their tender wrappers and generously filled pork centers, or the fresh vegetable selection, topped with house-made sauces. But the service and atmosphere shouldn’t be ignored.
Go for the incredible customer service with sweet hospitality from the staff or the reasonable prices for consistently delicious food. The bathroom facilities could use some attention, so it may not be the best spot for those seeking pristine amenities, but it’s perfect for settling in with friends for a great dining experience.
Tandoori flame
$ | (916) 297-7109 | WEBSITE
This casual Indian restaurant has been delighting diners across the greater Sacramento area since establishing its presence in midtown. And after one taste of the complex, well-balanced chicken tikka masala, or the expertly cooked chicken tandoori, it’s easy to understand why.
The space with its clean, friendly environment feels welcoming and pleasant—families and locals alike feel equally at home sharing top-notch curries, naan, and specialty items, like the vegetable samosas—think of the classic appetizer, but with perfectly spiced filling and served alongside that addictive green sauce. Just know that when the menu refers to a dish as “highly-regarded,” it’s not an overstatement.
Blue House Korean BBQ
$$ | (916) 472-6598 | WEBSITE
The dining space at Blue House Korean BBQ feels like the perfect fusion of sleek modern design and convivial gathering energy—spacious polished tables, comfortable padded chairs, gleaming ventilation hoods, and lots of clean stainless steel.
The banchan assortment, served with an array of savory-sweet-spicy dipping sauces is so compelling you’ll be tempted to fill up on them, but exercise restraint because the all-you-can-eat $35 option features sizzling barbecue classics you won’t want to be too full for. Get the marinated beef bulgogi with its caramelized edges and the tender kalbi short ribs that look like glistening mahogany jewels, served with crisp, refreshing lettuce wraps.
The soju cocktails are ice-cold and perfectly balanced. Go for the holiday mix if you like fruity and festive, the classic soju by the bottle is great for purists, and those skipping alcohol will love the selection of Korean soft drinks.
I Fish Poke & Hawaiian BBQ
$ | (916) 771-0442 | WEBSITE
The story of this relaxed, welcoming spot is a heartfelt one. Owner Kai moved his family’s 20-year-old poke recipes from Oahu, Hawaii to this simple yet effective space when he fell for California’s Central Valley. And fortunate for us, because the fresh fish bowls are worth every bite. Build your own poke creation, with ahi tuna and avocado, or try the Hawaiian BBQ plate with kalua pork and macaroni salad.
There’s a casual dining area for enjoying the meal, plus you can watch the action, which centers mostly on the vibrant poke station from the open counter.
Mandango’s Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (916) 797-7678 | WEBSITE
Everything at this lively sports bar is made with care, including the hand-made burgers, like the Jack Daniel seasoned burger, which comes with a generous portion of perfectly crisp fries. The indoor dining area is energetic and welcoming, with multiple screens showing the latest games and the well-maintained Golden Tee PGA Live edition in the corner, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, definitely grab a seat at the spacious bar area.
And whatever you do, be sure to take advantage of the great happy hour menu with its fantastic drink prices.