There’s nothing like the aroma of slow-smoked meat filling the air, and in Reno, barbecue cravings never go unanswered. Whether you crave Texas-style brisket, Southern comfort classics, or inventive island fusion, the city serves up a smoky plate for every taste.
Let’s get to it.
Brothers Barbecue
In Reno’s MidTown, Brothers Barbecue feels like a true nod to Texas pit traditions. Owned and operated by Joe and Meagan Orduna, the restaurant began as a humble food truck in 2006 and now commands attention with its 15-hour smoked brisket and spicy sausage. Each cut carries a balance of mesquite and applewood smoke… a reminder that slow cooking can pay off in flavor.
The menu stays focused on classic Texas-style barbecue. Brisket slices arrive tender enough to fold, while sausage links bring a satisfying heat. Sides stick to comfort basics: creamy mac and cheese, fluffy cornbread, and savory beans. All of it pairs seamlessly with the meats, making it hard to resist a second helping.
Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable. Outdoor tables welcome diners who want to enjoy fresh air, while the relaxed indoor dining room keeps things casual. If you’re planning a gathering, Brothers Barbecue’s catering option steps in with the same dedication to smoke and seasoning. It may feel familiar, but this spot has earned its place among the region’s barbecue standouts. Dig into the smoky details over here.
Butchers Kitchen Char-B-Que
Butcher’s Kitchen Char-B-Que in Reno is where serious meat lovers go to test their carnivore credentials. Run by the Ferencik family, the restaurant takes pride in in-house butchering and a full char pit that infuses everything with a deep embrace of smoke. They season with a Southwest-inspired rub and finish each cut with house-made sauces… no shortcuts here.
You can mix and match meats on one plate. Tri-tip sits next to baby back ribs, and sausage rounds out the lineup. Even rotisserie chicken and seafood like tuna or salmon get the same smoky treatment. Fans of hearty combos will appreciate the filet mignon sandwich, a recipe that even caught the eye of the “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” team.
Sides balance the plate with both tradition and variety. Look for mac and cheese and cornbread alongside ancient grains and crisp pickled vegetables. Portions are generous and prices remain approachable. Dine in at the cozy dining room or grab your order to go. Parties can take advantage of full catering, too, just remember they’re closed on Sundays. Sink your teeth into their wood-fired magic here.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
If bold flavor is your thing, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Reno might just be your flavor soulmate. Founded in 1994 and locally owned by Rory and Marcia O’Neal, this spot takes meat seriously. Each cut of brisket, rack of ribs, pulled pork, and sausage gets a hand-rubbed seasoning before resting for up to 12 hours in hickory-smoke heaven.
The outcome is a menu that feels like a tasty road trip through every great barbecue state you can name. Sides are no afterthought. Cheesy mac hits all the right notes. Cornbread crumbles satisfy the dunkers among us. And yes, they brew their own barbecue sauces so you can taste the pride in every squeeze.
Casual seating and a backyard-style setup welcome both dine-in guests and pajama-clad takeout lovers. Portions are generous enough to share, though nobody’s judging if you decide to keep it all to yourself. Sink your teeth into their menu here.
Kenji’s
When island cravings hit, Kenji’s in Reno answers the call without the risk of sunburn or sand in your shoes. This Latina-owned spot brings Hawaiian fusion to life, serving everything from barbecue chicken and beef to tacos loaded with Kalua pork, tofu, or even spam. Can’t choose between spam fried rice and musubi? Order both and embrace the variety.
The food truck turned restaurant gives the place extra quirk and charm. Service is as sunny as a Hawaiian afternoon, minus the humidity. Whether you dine in, take out, or book a catering spread, Kenji’s stays accessible and unpretentious. They even have vegan options and thoughtful accessibility features.
To round off the meal, Hawaiian sodas bring just the right fizz. Kenji’s proves that fusion doesn’t have to be flashy—just honest, fun, and big on flavor. Get your island fix at Kenji’s.
Pignic Pub & Patio
When you walk into Pignic Pub & Patio, it feels like someone combined your favorite neighborhood bar with a grown-up backyard barbecue. Housed in a charming 1916 craftsman building, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to take over the grill.
Bring your own steaks or vegetables, fire up one of the onsite grills or smokers, and cook at your own pace… just try not to char anything too badly. If you’d rather sit back, the kitchen serves shareable plates like loaded totchos, plush charcuterie boards, and hearty sandwiches that might just change the way you think about tater tots.
The drink selection is hard to beat with 28 rotating taps and creative seasonal cocktails. You won’t find yourself stuck with just one beer choice unless that’s exactly what you want. On weekends, live music drifts through the space, while fire pits and planters stocked with edible herbs and greens heighten the backyard feel.
It all comes together as an easy, relaxed night out where you handle the cooking and someone else handles the dishes. Plan your visit and start grilling your way.
Pine State Biscuits | Reno
Few places embrace biscuits quite like Pine State Biscuits in Reno. This spot makes a strong case for breakfast foods at any hour by piling fried chicken, house-smoked pulled pork, or tangy Carolina gold–slathered pulled pork onto its warm, flaky biscuits. It’s a feel-good, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.
Sides aren’t just fillers here. Coleslaw, grits, hash browns, fried green tomatoes, and gooey mac and cheese show up on nearly every plate. Portions are generous enough that you might reconsider eating solo. The counter-service setup is friendly and unhurried, so take your time deciding between an IPA or a crisp lager to pair with your biscuit creation.
Open daily until 1:45 PM, Pine State Biscuits has clearly declared that afternoons belong to biscuit lovers. Whether you arrive at opening or just before closing, the kitchen remains prepared to serve up piles of Southern comfort. After your first bite, you’ll get why everyone keeps coming back for more. See their Southern-inspired menu for yourself.
Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill
Since 1997, Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill has been quietly winning over Reno locals with its family-run charm and honest comfort food. The menu reads like a tribute to slow cooking: applewood-smoked prime rib, tender pork loin, and juicy tri-tip all carry that real-smoke flavor you don’t get from liquid smoke bottles.
Come Friday for the BBQ baby back ribs special. The ribs arrive with corn on the cob, crisp coleslaw, and scalloped cheese potatoes—a classic combination that feels like a hug from someone’s loving grandma. Portion sizes often flirt with “did I really order the half?” territory and prices stay firmly in the reasonable zone.
You’ll find a full bar to complement your meal and a welcoming, family-friendly dining room. The owners also support local causes like Moms on the Run, so you get the satisfaction of eating well and giving back at the same time. It’s one of those unassuming spots where you leave already planning your next visit. Feast your eyes on their full menu here.
BJ’s Barbecue
For hearty barbecue seekers, BJ’s Barbecue in Sparks delivers a generous helping of smoky comfort. The Rathmann family has kept things lively since 1986 with a menu that roams freely across regional styles. You’ll dig into fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket, spicy hot links, and an assortment of sauces that hit sweet, tangy, or fiery notes… and yes, their Cherry Chipotle glaze is a crowd-pleaser.
Sides are all house-made so expect creamy cheddar grits, buttery cornbread, and scratch gravies that drive home that homestyle feel. Burgers and biscuits get the same thoughtful treatment, too. Portions run large, so sharing is easy or you can challenge your appetite solo. Takeout arrives just as smoky as table service.
Early birds will appreciate opening hours before 8am, a smart move for anyone who needs brisket with their breakfast. Casual decor and friendly staff keep the vibe unpretentious whether you’re here for a quick lunch or lingering over dinner. With awards like the 2022 “Best in the West” under their belt, you’ll understand why BJ’s feels like a local barbecue institution. see what all the brisket fuss is about.
Blitz
When a casual night out is on the menu, Blitz Bar & Grill in Sparks hits the spot. Pool tables and dart boards line the back room, and a long bar serves up local draft beers alongside classic cocktails. The atmosphere stays lively through the week… and even the tableside service feels laid-back and welcoming.
The real draw, however, is the half-pound BBQ pulled pork sandwich. It arrives piled high with tender, sauce-soaked meat that might just persuade you to loosen your belt. Standard fries come on the side, but you can mix things up with cottage cheese or a small salad if you want something lighter. At $9.49, this combo feels like a solid deal whether you’re dining solo or with friends.
More adventurous eaters can opt for loaded fries topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. Meanwhile, the friendly staff will be happy to recommend a cold Revision Brewing beer or another local brew. Just plan your visit before Sunday—Brunch doesn’t exist here, and they close early as the week winds down. Peek at the menu and plan your visit.
Carolina Kitchen & BBQ Co.
Stepping into Carolina Kitchen & BBQ Co. feels like a road trip to the Carolinas without paying for gas… or risking a questionable roadside bathroom. This Sparks, Nevada barbecue haven has been family owned since 2002, and that homestyle touch shows up in every dish.
You place your order at the counter, but what arrives tastes like a family reunion on a plate. The brisket—patiently slow smoked for 18 hours—is tender and rich. Pulled pork and house-made sausages earn applause of their own. The famous moonshine barbecue sauce brings sweet and tangy attitude in just the right measure.
Sides here are comfort food in expert form. Mac and cheese is creamy down to the last bite. Collard greens carry just enough seasoning to feel honest. Red beans and rice are hearty and satisfying. Hushpuppies taste like someone took real buttermilk very seriously.
It’s no surprise this spot drew a visit from Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. If you find yourself hungry, thrifty, and near Sparks, you’ve already made the right move. Feast your eyes on their menu.
M&M’s Southern Café
Craving comfort food with some serious Southern swagger? M&M’s Southern Café in Sparks is the locals’ go-to spot for ribs and pulled pork sandwiches that uphold the barbecue spirit in Reno/Sparks for over two decades. This family-owned café specializes in smoky, slow-cooked goodness that hits all the right notes.
Ribs spend quality time on the pit, emerging tender with a smoky crust. Pulled pork sandwiches showcase M&M’s own BBQ sauce, a tangy reminder that homemade is always best.
Sides shine with equal attention. Macaroni and cheese feels like a warm hug. Fried okra and hushpuppies deliver crisp bites in all the right places. Cornbread stands ready to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Counter service keeps things casual, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. Generous portions and friendly prices mean you can indulge without regret. In short, M&M’s offers comfort on a plate—no passport required. find your way to their menu here.
Chop 40
On the edge of Reno, in Verdi, NV, Chop 40 got its start from a father son wager. Since opening in 2017, they’ve leaned into house-made smoked meats, fresh bread, and sauces that never quit. Quirky menu items like “Chainsaw Street Tacos” show they know how to have fun, but they also remember to nail classics like smoked tri-tip and pulled pork.
Generous portions mean you won’t leave hungry, and the prices won’t require an emergency call to your accountant. The loaded mashed potatoes deserve a standing ovation of their own. Pair your meal with a local beer from their tap list and take a seat outdoors on days when Nevada weather cooperates.
The vibe is rustic and no one here fears a few sauce-stained napkins. Whether you’re on a culinary bet or just craving good barbecue, Chop 40 serves up friendly service, big flavor, and zero pretense. see what’s smoking at Chop 40.
