Bellingham may be best known for its waterfront views and craft beer, but it’s also a haven for barbecue lovers. Whether you crave slow-smoked brisket, creative sides, or inventive house-made sauces, the local BBQ scene has something sizzling for every palate.
Let’s get to it.
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Bellingham
Perched on Squalicum Harbor, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill delivers bold Northwest flavors with waterfront charm. The open kitchen offers a glimpse at applewood-grilled steaks, St. Louis–style ribs glazed in house-made maple-chipotle sauce, and Wagyu sirloin that looks as fit as it tastes.
Rotisserie chicken and thick-cut pork chops join the lineup, each served with care. Sticky ribs shine in that maple-chipotle sauce… it refuses to be upstaged.
Sides earn their keep here. Cornbread pudding and “champ” potatoes bring familiar comfort, polished for a night out by the water. Fresh seafood options appear regularly, so you can switch gears if you decide to skip beef.
With a fully stocked bar and the San Juan Islands on the horizon, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill makes lingering effortless. Whether you’re drawn by hearty meats, cozy harbor views, or simply a lively atmosphere, this spot nails the Bellingham vibe—unfussy, welcoming, and always ready for another round. See what they’re dishing up this week.
Big Stick Barbecue
What started as a humble food truck in 2017 has grown into Big Stick Barbecue’s brick-and-mortar spot in Bellingham. Co-founders Rick and Linda Atkins serve Texas-style brisket smoked low and slow, tender ribs, pulled pork, and pork belly burnt ends that nearly melt at first bite.
Daily sides are made fresh. Creamy mac and cheese, tangy slaw, and buttery beans stand alongside occasional specials like the Rissa sandwich, which layers pulled pork, brie, and jalapeño jelly. Those surprises pop up regularly, keeping even devoted regulars eager to see what’s next.
Counter service keeps things casual, and portion sizes are generous. Local craft beers on tap pair perfectly with smoky flavors, while live music nights add a friendly buzz. House-made sauces round out every plate… tangy, sweet, or spicy, so you get exactly the punch you crave. If you’re after genuine barbecue soul in a laid-back setting, Big Stick Barbecue hits the mark every time. See what’s smokin’ at Big Stick Barbecue.
Carnal
When chefs with fine-dining pedigree turn up the heat, you get Carnal in Bellingham. Their slow-cooked, bone-in beef short rib is pampered for 24 hours, finished over maple and alder wood, then crowned with rendered bone marrow. That single dish alone makes a statement.
Roasted hanger steak follows suit, rubbed and sauced in house blends designed to accentuate smoke and char. Sides never take a back seat. Marinated avocado and crispy potatoes balance the richness, while roasted carrots bring a touch of brightness.
Casual seating congregates around an indoor fire pit or spills out onto the garden patio. Seasonal menus shift as fresh ingredients arrive, but fire and flavor stay constant. Expect to spend between $31 and $50 per person, with portions that leave no one hunting for a late-night snack. A thoughtfully curated beer list stands up to the smokiest plates… each pour chosen to complement rather than compete. Book your fire-cooked fix at Carnal.
Extremes Sports Grill & Pizzeria
On Meridian Street, Extremes Sports Grill & Pizzeria brings sports bar energy, award-winning barbecue, and hearth-fired pizza under one roof. Twenty-two TVs and three massive screens ensure you won’t miss a play, while the aroma of custom-smoked ribs drifts from the kitchen.
Hand-tossed pizzas arrive in classic or St. Louis–style cracker-thin crust, catering to both fluff aficionados and crisp-crust purists. Ribs and pulled pork are dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, then brushed with house-made St. Louis–style sauce… a winning combo every time.
Sides like Smokin’ Wings and bacon-wrapped sweet pickles add playful twists, while 25 craft beers on tap keep the party rolling. Daily happy hour specials draw crowds early, and generous portions mean nobody leaves still hungry. With big screens overhead, bold flavors on the plate, and a lively bar scene, Extremes covers every base. Browse the menu and rally your crew.
Greene’s Corner
At Greene’s Corner, simplicity shines through a standout pulled pork sandwich. Tender, house-made pork is bathed in bourbon barbecue sauce and piled into a bun with crisp coleslaw and creamy mayo. Every component feels intentional rather than tacked on.
Counter service keeps the pace casual, and a rotating selection of craft beers—on tap and bottled—pairs seamlessly with smoky pork. The menu evolves with the season’s best produce and proteins, but the pulled pork remains a reliable star.
Dine-in seating welcomes both solo visits and group outings, while takeout offers quick satisfaction when you’re on the move. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Greene’s Corner blends approachable prices with generous portions. It’s the kind of local spot that nails the basics and does them exceptionally well. current menu here.
Homeschool BBQ
Pull up a chair at Homeschool BBQ and you’ll feel that Southern twang right in the heart of Bellingham. They know exactly how to work a smoker, and the menu reads like every barbecue lover’s wildest dream…brisket, pork belly, ribs, and pulled pork, each glazed in house-made sauces. That black garlic bourbon BBQ will have you thinking about it the next morning. If you like a bit of fire with your sweet, the guava habanero sauce slaps your palate then soothes it just enough.
Sides lean Southern but get creative too. The mac and cheese doesn’t skimp on cheese, the German potato salad is actually flavorful, and the roasted vegetables add balance so you can pretend you’re eating your greens.
The setting is relaxed, with indoor seating, a heated patio, and even a dog-friendly garden for your canine sidekick. You can’t reserve a spot or call in orders, but part of the fun is just showing up. Scratch-made drinks and local beer round out a menu full of twists. Bring a friend, bring your dog, and maybe pack some stretchy pants. Get the lowdown at Homeschool BBQ.
Danielle’s Back East BBQ
Get ready for a surprise at Danielle’s Back East BBQ, where Chef Danielle Kazemzadeh brings East Coast flair to Bellingham’s food truck scene. Located near Wander Brewing, this spot smokes brisket and pulled pork low and slow over hardwood until every bite bursts with soulful flavor. Sauces like cherry chipotle and mango chile offer quirky twists that make you take a second look—and forkful—before you even realize it.
Counter service keeps things easygoing. Mostly outdoor seating means you’ll need napkins and a fearless appetite. Sides like cornbread hush puppies and bubbly mac and cheese stand up to the generous meat portions. Prices won’t make you cringe, and catered events get the same Southern treatment, turning weddings or Tuesday lunches into mini celebrations.
No reservations, no fuss—just show up and dig in. Whether you eat at the truck or take it to go, you’ll find Danielle’s menu full of down-home flavors with a clever edge. Perfect for barbecue purists and the sauce-curious alike. Peek at Danielle’s menu and start planning your next BBQ fix.
