You’ve scoured every corner of Richmond Hill, debated the merits of brisket versus pulled pork, and finally settled on the perfect crew to join you. You arrive at the first spot, stomachs rumbling, only to find a line out the door and the last of the ribs disappearing before your eyes. Next time, consult this list. Not only will you skip the disappointment, but you’ll also have enough smoky goodness to make every bite worth the pilgrimage.
BBQ Dudes
If you’re craving some seriously good barbecue, but don’t want to deal with the usual fuss or overpriced plates, make your way to BBQ Dudes. The straightforward setup, generous portions, and reasonable prices will still satisfy your appetite, but there’s none of the pretense that often comes with such quality. For your meal, you could try the baked beans or Mac & cheese, but we’d recommend going for the pulled pork.
AllStar Wings and Ribs Richmond Hill
$$ | (905) 737-4917 | WEBSITE
There’s only one thing you really need to know about AllStar Wings and Ribs, which is that they have a wide variety of rib options that customers consistently find good. Said variety includes everything from the classic saucy wings to the not-so-classic onion rings and fries on the side.
If (for some unknown reason) you’re skipping all of that, there are also servers like Roxana, Stacey, Yasmin, and owner Mary who have been praised for their outstanding customer service and ability to build rapport with guests. AllStar Wings and Ribs is not at all low-key, and you should not be mad about that.
Kum Hong BBQ Restaurant
$ | (905) 881-6704 | WEBSITE
Kum Hong BBQ Restaurant, tucked away in Richmond Hill, is completely unassuming and also completely filled with locals. They do an excellent BBQ pork box ($13 for generous portions with ginger-onion sauce), and the roasted duck is the real deal.
Chingu Korean Restaruant 친구
$$ | (905) 237-6767 | WEBSITE
Chingu Korean Restaurant might not be drive-from-downtown-Toronto-worthy anymore, but if you’re planning a day of shopping (or, more accurately, watching families navigate the suburban sprawl) in Richmond Hill, it should be your first stop. The menu is large and packed with things like chicken katsu, but whatever you do, make sure you get involved with the pork bone soup.
Hoolala Chicken – Korean BBQ Richmond Hill
$$ | (905) 737-2288 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of tasty options on the limited menu at Hoolala Chicken, which is good because you’ll probably have been waiting outside for a while before you sit down. Once you’re seated though, you’ll be surrounded by every hungry person in Richmond Hill that’s not at the other Korean spots and many opportunities to break your weeklong healthy-eating streak.
This can be done in a number of ways, from the bulgogi dolsot bibimbap to just throwing the towel in and getting the huge pork cutlet king that feeds three. Good thing the small space has that welcoming, upscale bar feel for settling into your food coma.
Chako Barbecue & Izakaya
$$ | (905) 889-7898 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been dragged to another Richmond Hill barbecue joint, but secretly crave something with a bit more flair, follow the locals to Chako for your late-night izakaya cravings. It’s smoky meats and a whole lot of Kenny’s attentive service, but maybe you should bring your friends for the fun games and prizes too just in case.
Daldongnae Korean BBQ – Elgin Mills
$$ | (905) 780-1498 | WEBSITE
Heading up to Richmond Hill is like stepping straight into the Korean barbecue scene you wish you had in your neighborhood – everybody shares platters and uses ‘anju’ unironically. And it doesn’t get more KBBQ than Daldongnae, the authentic (in a good way) grill spot in a plaza where you can cook your marinated meats at the spacious tables, and contemplate relocating to Seoul.