5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Bellingham, Washington to Try

Tucked between Puget Sound and the Canadian border, Bellingham is a scenic, imaginative college town with a food scene that thrives on fresh ingredients and a love of craft.

While seafood is king, there’s also a surprising love for smoky, savory, Southern-style barbecue.

Here you’ll find pitmasters infusing classic techniques with Pacific Northwest flair—often in cozy, hip settings, or served from creative food trucks.

Rain or shine, Bellingham’s best BBQ joints warm both the body and soul.

Smokestack BBQ

A food truck with a cult following, Smokestack offers up St. Louis ribs, juicy brisket, and pulled pork all smoked over apple and cherry wood from local orchards.

They focus on balancing the rich traditions of the South with regional produce and inventive rotating specials.

Don’t miss their house hot links and kimchi slaw—a playful, distinctly Bellingham nod to fusion cuisine.

Babe’s BBQ & Smokehouse

Family-owned and deeply rooted in the local community, Babe’s makes everything in-house—brisket, pulled pork, sausage, chicken, and all the sides.

The meats develop a gorgeous bark from hours in their custom-built smoker, while sauces lean tangy and sweet.

Must-try: the brisket sandwich with crispy onions and their baked mac and cheese.

Streetzlan BBQ

Part of the lively food truck and pop-up scene, Streetzlan specializes in BBQ burritos and tacos loaded with slow-smoked carnitas, brisket, and house salsas.

Their take on barbacoa brings in Mexican spice and smoke that’s perfect for a quick bite or a picnic along Bellingham’s waterfront parks.

Boundary Bay Brewery BBQ Events

Only available seasonally (check schedules), Boundary Bay, one of Bellingham’s most beloved breweries, frequently hosts BBQ pop-ups and summer weekends featuring ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, cleverly paired with their craft beers.

Expect big flavor, community spirit, and gorgeous views of downtown.

Cascade BBQ

A favorite for traditionalists, Cascade keeps their menu simple but substantial: classic brisket, pork ribs, smoked sausage, and pulled chicken, all cooked over hardwood and paired with homemade sauces.

Their potato salad and spicy beans are the sleeper hits, and everything is served in a friendly, no-fuss environment.