While barbecue may not have originated in Santa Rosa, it plays a big part in our culinary landscape—a close second, or maybe even an equivalent, to wine country cuisine here. Generally speaking, locals have grown up with backyard grills, enjoy smoked meats as regularly as artisanal cheeses, or are just beginning to explore the wonders of slow-cooked brisket.
Wherever you may be on the spectrum, our hope here is to not just tell you about amazing barbecue spots, but also highlight pitmasters and their stories.
Lazzini’s Market
$ | (707) 575-3888 | WEBSITE
Does grabbing a satisfying sandwich from a friendly neighborhood market sound like the perfect lunch break? Say no more. Lazzini’s Market offers a variety of delicious sandwiches alongside a good selection of chips, drinks, candy, and homemade desserts. The garlic spread on the salami, provolone, and lettuce sandwich is a standout. Customers have enjoyed sandwiches like the roast beef, prosciutto, and mozzarella on sourdough, made exactly as requested.
The Italian Stallion with everything and the meatball sub are highly recommended, with some saying the meatball sub has become a favorite. Try the meatball sub for a hearty and savory experience and definitely grab one of the tempting homemade desserts.
The Bird Restaurant
$$ | (707) 542-0861 | WEBSITE
Are you a sports fan who appreciates the energy of multiple screens showing games, but still has a love for woodfire pizza and hearty barbecue while enjoying a lively atmosphere? OK, that’s very specific, but if yes, make sure to visit The Bird Restaurant in Santa Rosa.
The owner, Joe, and the staff, including Arman, chose the pub and sports bar feel as a reference to its welcoming vibe for all ages, and much like a great game that brings people together, they aim to provide guests with a place to physically and mentally celebrate before moving on to the next part of their evening. Order a brisket sandwich and some tater tots, and sit inside to take in the surround sound and fun atmosphere.
Luau Hawaiian BBQ
$ | (707) 843-5610 | WEBSITE
Run by a team of friendly and helpful staff, Luau Hawaiian BBQ is meant to be a welcoming and generous dining experience vs. a traditional barbecue joint, although they do try to keep the flavors close to Hawaiian culinary traditions. As a family-friendly restaurant, they serve a variety of delicious plates including chicken katsu, chicken musubi, loco moco, and the popular #1 plate with chicken, beef, and short ribs.
If you let them know what you’re in the mood for, they’ll recommend options like the Luau Family Meal, which serves four with a choice of three main items, rice, and mac salad, making it ideal for family dinners. There’s also a whole experience dedicated to flavorful food with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and spot-on teriyaki sauce complemented by Hawaiian juice drinks to enjoy.
Osaka Japan
$ | (707) 843-7196 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure if Osaka Japan is primarily a Japanese restaurant that happens to also serve incredible barbecue, or if it’s mainly a barbecue spot where you can also get some teriyaki chicken and chicken katsu. We’re leaning toward the former, because as soon as you walk in, you’ll feel the welcoming, charming atmosphere, and it’ll seem like you’re in a cozy neighborhood eatery rather than just another Santa Rosa barbecue joint.
This spot, known for its fresh and delicious food, has fair prices like the ‘2 Meats 2 Sides for $13 Bucks w Tax’ deal. Order the savory teriyaki chicken or some chicken katsu while you’re here, and if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the kind chef to make you some special noodles or vegan soup upon request. If you come here and decide to try a bit of everything, say goodbye to worrying about a few oily dishes, and be glad the overall experience is well worth a visit for the next satisfying meal.
Colibri Grill Cafe
$ | (707) 538-2726 | WEBSITE
Colibri Grill Cafe offers a unique dining experience with its eccentric decor and music, creating a quirky yet welcoming atmosphere that locals adore. The menu features scrumptious eggs Benedict, exceptional biscuits and gravy, and delicious country potatoes that make for a perfect breakfast. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with their BLT, chili cheeseburgers, Reuben sandwiches, or hearty soups and salads.
Service is surprisingly quick even during busy times, with sweet and polite staff who show a strong commitment to customer satisfaction—they’ll correct any errors and go beyond to ensure guests leave happy. The interior includes beautiful hand-carved woodwork screening between booths, adding a special touch to the space. With outstanding biscuits and 5-star service, Colibri Grill Cafe is a great choice for a hearty breakfast or satisfying lunch that will leave you full and content.
Gengis Khan
$ | (310) 905-5767 | WEBSITE
Gengis Khan offers a unique Mongolian BBQ experience where customers can customize their meals with a variety of meats and veggies. From the DIY approach to the generous portions, every detail here is thoughtfully designed for personalization. The flavors are delicious, especially for those who enjoy spicy food, though during busy times there’s a minor issue with food falling off the plate.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the cashier provides helpful tips to maximize value despite the slightly high pricing. Located in a mall, Gengis Khan remains a great option for those seeking Mongolian BBQ in Santa Rosa, with its vibrant atmosphere and communal seating arrangement that encourages a shared dining experience.
War Pigs BBQ
“Authentic” is the first word that will come to mind as soon as you step inside War Pigs BBQ in Santa Rosa. The rustic space with exposed brick walls is filled with reclaimed wood tables and vintage BBQ memorabilia, and when the smokers are going, this place gets a ton of mouthwatering aroma. The staff, particularly Larry, who clearly knows his craft, worked in professional kitchens before helping run this spot, which unsurprisingly features exceptional BBQ.
Get the tender ribs or tri-tip with house-made sauce along with the corn salad, chicken, or a fresh slider. Once you get your order from the helpful team, you’ll probably see at least one person digging into a pile of Dirty Fries with pulled pork as they attempt to enjoy the next great (or just satisfying) BBQ feast.
Hawaiian Grill & BBQ
$ | (707) 230-6228 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Santa Rosa, there’s a Hawaiian-inspired grill and BBQ spot where you can savor masterfully crafted dishes like Kalua Pork and Poke Bowls, take in the vibrant decor that creates a cozy ambiance, and experience the warm aloha spirit that greets you as you step inside. Owned by a team dedicated to authentic flavors, Hawaiian Grill & BBQ has become a must-visit gem, and despite the minor hiccups some mention, it’s clearly here to stay.
The concept focuses on Hawaiian cuisine, but the influence of quality ingredients is a mainstay throughout the menu. Our favorites are the Chicken, which customers praise as a standout choice, and the 3 meat combo that they say is better than Ohana, both of which burst with authentic flavors. Also, if you’re into unique items or just want something green, head straight for the hot garlic noodles enjoyed by many or the quite large garden salad with top-notch ranch dressing.
Flagship Taproom
$$ | (707) 541-6716 | WEBSITE
Flagship Taproom is a lively restaurant offering a wide variety of beers and excellent food options that’s owned and operated by friendly staff including Garrett and Marcus, who are attentive and provide top-notch service. This establishment continues to keep the barbeque tradition alive, pairing craft brews with a variety of vegetarian options like the vegan plate and melted jackfruit sandwich.
(They also have fantastic BBQ catering for events.) For a sit-down experience, you can also visit the pleasant outdoor patio, located on the premises with heaters to keep the atmosphere comfortable during spring and summer. Stop by for entertainment on widescreens, or something delicious like the best bruschetta in town or a refreshing beer selection.
Red Bee Bbq
$ | (707) 541-6536 | WEBSITE
Whenever you need tender, delicious barbecue in Santa Rosa, Red Bee BBQ is the place to go. The owner decided on the name as a nod to the hardworking honeybee, a symbol of community and sweet rewards that fits the welcoming atmosphere perfectly.
The menu includes popular choices like the brisket and pulled pork combo, complemented by their yummy BBQ sauce, along with highlights like the ribs and enjoyable sides including cornbread and mac salad—make sure to try the mac salad early to experience its unique twist with bits of olive. The spot is located in a cozy neighborhood setting and is known for its fast, friendly service, all at the lowest prices in the area.
Pleasantly satisfied by the generous portions and variety of options, it’s impossible not to return here, especially after you experience the super friendly and welcoming owner who adds to the whole experience.