Cherry Street Bar-B-Que

What is Cherry Street Bar-B-Que? Occupying a standalone 1920s brick bank building at 275 Cherry Street in Toronto's Port Lands, Cherry Street Bar-B-Que is an authentic counter-service smokehouse helmed by competition pitmaster Lawrence La Pianta. Meats are smoked low and slow over live white oak inside a custom-rigged shipping container on the patio. Inside, the room is warm, energetic, and unpretentious, outfitted with exposed brick, sturdy wooden tables, and a neon-lit bar.

Cherry Street Bar-B-Que Menu & What to Order The undisputed headliner is the Texas-style beef brisket, carved thick with a heavy black-pepper bark and melt-in-your-mouth rendered fat. Pair it with the tender St. Louis-style side ribs, crispy dry-rubbed wings, or house-crafted smoked sausages. Round out the tray with rich four-cheese mac and cheese, tangy pit beans, and a cold pint of local Ontario craft beer.

Know Before You Go Standard dining operates strictly on a walk-in, counter-service basis, though parties of four or more can book ahead by opting into the pre-set BBQ Experience family-style feast. The sprawling outdoor patio fills up fast on warm summer weekends, and top-tier cuts can sell out toward the late evening. Street and lot parking are available along the industrial corridor, or you can take the 72 TTC bus directly down Cherry Street.