Six Spots in Beijing for True American BBQ
As an American, if there's one thing I can be proud of – in the midst of the myriad of things not to be proud of right now – it's the fact we've got the best damn barbecue in the world.
From the big “dinosaur” beef ribs and brisket of Texas to the whole smoked hog of the Carolinas, there's a little something meaty for everyone to enjoy. The best thing is, you can find some good examples of true American BBQ here in Beijing, meaning you won't have to fork over an extra USD 250 along with other fees for a visa just to try it in the US.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Homeplate BBQ
The OG place for American barbecue in Beijing, Homeplate has been cranking out pulled pork, brisket, ribs and homemade sausages since 2013. Besides the usual BBQ suspects, they’ve also expanded into pizza, serving Detroit-style square pizzas topped with barbecued meats and sauce via their Pitmaster Pizza brand.
With so much to choose from, it’d be a shame to go in and order just one thing. We’d recommend going along with some friends and ordering one of their mixed meats and side platters to see what you like best.
Sanlitun branch
106, 1/F, Bldg 10, Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4, Gongrentiyuchang Beilu Chaoyang District
朝阳区工人体育场北路4号院10号楼一层106号
Hours: 11am-11pm
Phone: 40 0096 7670
Sanyuanqiao branch
Backstreet 21, 35 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区霄云路35号后街21号
Hours: 11am-10pm
Phone: 131 6162 2182
PIGNUT BARBECUE
Despite the name, we couldn’t find a trace of the pork equivalent to Rocky Mountain oysters (do a quick web search if you have no idea what we're talking about) on the menu at Beijing’s newest BBQ joint. Instead, PIGNUT up by WAB keeps things classic with pulled pork, brisket, spareribs and the works. Go for the Texas Platter (RMB 168), with brisket, spareribs, sausage and coleslaw.
PIGNUT BARBECUE 坚果猪美式烤肉
9 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区来广营东路9号
Hours: 11am-10pm
Phone: 188 1149 1865
Malty Tiger
Having moved from its space up near Andingmen last year, Malty Tiger is another option for BBQ in Sanlitun. The star of the show here is the brisket, which comes a bit fattier and is good enough to eat without sauce. Malty Tiger also brews their own beer, which is a fitting accompaniment to the brisket and other menu options.
Malty Tiger Grill & Craft Beer 麦芽虎美式烤肉精酿
39-9 Xingfu Ercun, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路幸福二村39-9号
Hours: Mon, 11am-10pm; Tue-Sun, 11am-11pm
Phone: 138 1006 9173; 180 3186 7215
Burning Wood BBQ
Situated out in Tongzhou, Burning Wood is dedicated to the more Texas side of things, a highlight being their brisket. They've also got a bit of diversity in the platter department, with some Chinese pickled garlic and crackling thrown in. The One-Person Platter (RMB 158) comes with these snacks, coleslaw, brisket, spareribs and a nice slice of bread.
Burning Wood BBQ 灼木熏房
2/F, Beitou City Central Green Vita Block, Tongzhou District
通州区北投城市绿心活力汇运动馆二层
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11am-9.30pm
Phone: 156 0023 0273
Black Mountain BBQ
Situated way up north in the mountains of Changping District and only open on weekends, Black Mountain has a cult following among barbecue lovers, with some Texan expats telling us it’s the best Texas barbecue outside of Austin. Black Mountain smokes their meat with fruited wood, lending the resulting dishes a distinct flavor. If you do decide to take the trek up to Changping to sample, be sure to get there early because there will be lines.
Black Mountain BBQ 黑山烤房BBQ
52 Beizhuang, Changping District
昌平区北庄52号
Hours: Fri-Sun, 9am-7pm
Phone: 176 1036 0953
Quanye BBQ
Up in the mountains near Changliushui Village in Fangshan District, Quanye is a spot you’ll have to hike to for good barbecue. The reward is worth it, though, with plenty of outdoor camping chairs and smoked meats awaiting your arrival. The spot is run by a guy only known as the “coffee convertible guy” as he also has a mobile espresso bar attached to a convertible with a big teddy bear in it. They also have a coffee shop, so you can have your BBQ with a pick-me-up in the fresh mountain air.
Quanye BBQ 乡野烤房美式BBQ
Huangchang Lu, Changliushui Village, Fangshan District
房山区黄长路长流水村
Hours: Daily, 10.30am-7.30pm
Phone: 130 2211 5856
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Images: the Beijingers, courtesy of the venues, Dianping
