Best barbecue in California? 2 Sacramento-area spots landed on DoorDash’s list
Two Sacramento-area restaurants are serving up some of the best barbecue in the nation, according to DoorDash.
The popular delivery website recently released its list of the best barbecue delivery spots in the United States, based on customer reviews and other factors.
That includes six restaurants in California.
“Whether that’s a full meal, or amazing sides and options to go with (your) grilling masterpiece, these local favorites will turn any casual meal into a feast, all delivered right to your door (or patio!),” Peter Esmond, senior director of merchant success at DoorDash, said in a June 4 article.
According to DoorDash, diners in the Sacramento area don’t have to travel far to find prime barbecue.
Here’s where to go:
What makes Buckhorn BBQ & Grill the best in California?
Buckhorn BBQ & Grill caught the attention of DoorDash reviewers for its smoked sandwiches and seasonal menu.
Founded in 1999, the local chain has five restaurants in Sacramento and the surrounding area — including spots in Rocklin and Folsom — as well as locations in San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Vacaville.
“We are proud to carry on the tradition of serving high-quality food and service through scratch cooking and building connections with our guests,” Buckhorn BBQ & Grill said on its website.
What’s on the menu at Sacramento barbecue restaurant chain?
Buckhorn BBQ & Grill’s menu features an array of entrees including burgers, tri-tip sandwiches and chicken tenders, ranging in price for around $10.60 to $17.90.
The restaurant also serves up platters for $21.50 to $44.10 with your choice of meat, two side dishes and a roll or cornbread muffin. Meat options include chicken, smokey garlic pulled pork and smokehouse.
Want to share? You can get a feast for two for $54.90 or a family feast for $89.90 at the chain’s Land Park location.
Buckhorn also sells meat by the pound, with prices ranging from $12.20 for a half a chicken and $14.50 for smoked sausage to $48 for a whole tri tip.
Options for sides include cornbread muffins, Granny apple slaw, garlic mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, and cost $1.90 to $8.10, while appetizers include fried pickles, sliders, and fish tacos with prices ranging from $9.60 to $15.20.
Dessert options include churros and chocolate cake, and cost $7 to $12.50.
DoorDash customers praised the restaurant for the burnt ends tenderness, the savory beans and the budget friendly meals.
DoorDash reviewer Angelique S. said Buckhorn BBQ & Gril’s food “hits every time, and has become my favorite for bbq.”
“The tri-tip, jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffins and grilled veggies are top tier,” she wrote. “My husband and kids love the fried pickles as well!”
“The meat is always cooked perfectly,” DoorDash reviewer Angelica B. wrote, recommending the restaurant’s “Yummy beans. I’ve ordered several times and never had a bad plate. It’s a bit pricey but the food is worth it.”
When is Buckhorn BBQ & Grill in Sacramento open?
Buckhorn BBQ & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Hours depend on location.
Why is MacQue’s Barbeque a local favorite?
Established in 1986, MacQue’s Barbeque and Catering, 8517 Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove, has expanded to Los Angeles County, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
“This small, ‘hole in the wall’ has provided quality-smoked meats, scratch-made side orders and their fabulous varieties of barbeque sauces to the area for almost three decades,” MacQue’s Barbeque said on its website.
What’s on the menu at Elk Grove restaurant?
The MacQue’s Barbecue menu features more than 35 options for customers to choose from — including pork ribs, grilled chicken, tri tip and brisket.
Entree prices range from $10.99 to $42.99, depending on size and kind of platter.
You can also order sides including green beans, mac and cheese, potato salad and coleslaw for $3.50 to $16.99.
DoorDash reviewer Kathy T. recommends the Elk Grove barbecue spot for its portion sizes and quality.
“I ordered the two-way and my choices were ribs and pulled pork,” she wrote. “Trust me, you will not go hungry. Portions are very generous and (the) flavor is delicious.”
“This is hands down the best BBQ I’ve ever had in my life,” DoorDash customer Nicolas W. wrote in his review. “The ribs just melt off the bone. The mac and cheese is like your grandma makes at Thanksgiving.”
When is MacQue Barbecue open for business?
Mac!ue’s Barbeque is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant closes on Monday.
Where can I find the best barbecue in California?
Four other California restaurants made DoorDash’s 2025 list of the best barbecue joints in the United States:
4505 Burgers & BBQ in San Francisco
Back Forty Texas BBQ in East Bay
Kinder’s Meats Deli & BBQ in East Bay
Westwoods BBQ & Spice in Fresno
How did DoorDash come up with its list?
DoorDash said it came up with its 2025 list of the naton’s best barbecue delivery spots by analyzing data from May 2024 through April.
The tech company focused on small to medium-sized restaurants and brands with less than 10 stores, the highest average overall customer ratings and at least 1,000 reviews.
This story was originally published June 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
