The Absolute Best BBQ in Folsom [Updated 2025]

With my taste buds tingling and a notepad full of smoky secrets, I dove into the BBQ scene in Folsom, sampling mouthwatering ribs, tender brisket, and the kind of pulled pork that makes your heart sing. After reviewing 12 top-notch locations, I can confidently say that this town is a meat lover's paradise, bursting with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds!

You might wonder why you should trust my palate. Well, I’ve dedicated years to exploring the art of BBQ, and I’ve developed a keen sense for what makes a meal unforgettable. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, get ready to discover your new favorite spot to savor the smoky goodness of Folsom’s finest BBQ!

Iron Horse Tavern Folsom

Highlights
Welcoming manager
Great happy hour cocktails
Relaxed lunch atmosphere
Decent food quality
Pleasant but overwhelmed service

Iron Horse Tavern Folsom truly turned my lunch into a delightful adventure! As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a welcoming manager who set the tone for a warm dining experience. The vibe is relaxed, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch break or catching up with friends.

Now, let’s talk about the BBQ—their offerings are decent, with flavors that showcase a good balance of smokiness and seasoning. I was particularly impressed with their ribs, which were tender and boastfully rich. Make sure to take advantage of their happy hour cocktails, which perfectly complemented my meal and added a delightful punch to the dining experience.

While the service was a little overwhelmed on that busy day, the staff remained friendly and attentive, ensuring my glass was never empty. I had a few moments where I wished they could have been a tad quicker, but the overall enjoyable atmosphere made it easy to overlook that.

If you’re in Folsom and looking for a spot that combines quality BBQ with a laid-back atmosphere, Iron Horse Tavern is worth a visit. You’ll likely leave with a happy belly and a smile!

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Poor Reds BBQ

Highlights
Best Wedge Salad Ever
Craving the Blue Cheese Burger
Incredible Crisscrossed Fries
Pulled Pork is a Must-Try
Family-Friendly Atmosphere

When I walked into Poor Reds BBQ, the warm, inviting atmosphere instantly set the tone for a delightful meal. There’s something about the smell of smoked meat that just feels like home. I kicked things off with their best wedge salad ever—an explosion of flavors where crisp greens meet creamy blue cheese, and let’s not forget those perfectly crispy bacon bits!

But the star of my meal? The blue cheese burger. Seriously, it was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with juiciness and topped with just the right amount of tangy blue cheese. Pro tip: Order the crisscrossed fries on the side; they're not just fries—they’re a flavor sensation that you won’t want to miss.

Now, about the pulled pork. Oh, it’s a must-try! Smoked to perfection, it melts in your mouth and is a testament to their barbecue prowess. I was thoroughly impressed by how family-friendly the atmosphere is. Whether you’re dining solo or bringing the crew, Poor Reds BBQ offers something special for everyone.

Overall, if you find yourself in Folsom and craving a BBQ adventure, make sure to stop by Poor Reds BBQ—your taste buds will thank you!

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Back 40 Texas BBQ Restaurant & Catering

Highlights
Juicy BBQ pork ribs
Tender, melt-in-mouth brisket
Great family-friendly vibe
Delicious garlic mashed potatoes
Clean restrooms

Back 40 Texas BBQ Restaurant & Catering is an absolute delight for anyone seeking an authentic BBQ experience in Folsom. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by a warm family-friendly vibe that instantly put me at ease. I dove headfirst into their juicy BBQ pork ribs, which were nothing short of spectacular. Each bite was a tender morsel of flavor that danced on my palate.

Next up was the melt-in-mouth brisket—that smooth, smoky goodness was a highlight in my BBQ journey! If you’re a fan of robust flavors, this brisket is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you craving more. To complement my meaty feast, I opted for their delicious garlic mashed potatoes—they added a comforting touch to my meal.

And let’s not overlook the cleanliness of the establishment. The restrooms were impressively tidy, which is always a bonus when you’re indulging in hearty comfort food. Overall, Back 40 Texas BBQ is a must-visit for BBQ aficionados and anyone looking for a memorable meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Frends Brewhouse - Folsom

Highlights
Great service
Beautiful outdoor dining
Laid-back atmosphere
Fresh and tasty food
Live music on patios

When it comes to bbq in Folsom, Frends Brewhouse stands out like a beacon of flavor. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted with great service that set the tone for my visit. The laid-back atmosphere enveloped me as I made my way to the beautiful outdoor dining area, where the twinkling lights and the sound of laughter created the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

As I settled in, the tantalizing aroma of smoke and spices wafted through the air, promising a feast. I couldn’t resist diving into their menu, which boasted an array of fresh and tasty food. Each bite was a delight, from the tender brisket to the saucy ribs that practically melted in my mouth. To top it off, the vibrant energy from live music on the patios made my dining experience feel like a celebration.

Overall, Frends Brewhouse is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's an inviting escape where you can enjoy delicious BBQ while soaking up the lively ambiance. I left feeling full and satisfied, eager to return for another round of flavorful goodness.

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Hog Wild Bar-B-Que

Highlights
Professional catering service
Delicious food options
Outdoor patio seating
Highly recommended for events
Great customer service

Hog Wild Bar-B-Que in Folsom is a delightful discovery for any barbecue lover, and let me tell you, it truly lives up to its wild name! Upon entering, I was instantly charmed by the inviting atmosphere, complete with a spacious outdoor patio that beckons you to savor every bite under the sun. The moment I approached the counter, the staff's warm smiles and engaging customer service made me feel right at home.

I dove into their mouthwatering menu, and it was hard to choose just one dish. Each option offered a smoky richness that was simply irresistible. Their ribs were tender and drenched in a tangy sauce, while the pulled pork had a flavor that lingered deliciously after each bite.

What impressed me most was their professional catering service—perfect for events or gatherings. If you’re planning a celebration, you might just make your guests extremely happy with Hog Wild’s offerings!

In summary, whether you're stopping by for a leisurely meal or catering an event, Hog Wild Bar-B-Que is an absolute must-visit in Folsom for a memorable barbecue experience. Trust me, once you dive into their flavors, you’ll be coming back for more!

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Belly Barbecue

Stepping into Belly Barbecue in Folsom felt like a flavorful adventure waiting to unfold. The moment I took my first bite of their smoky brisket, I was transported to BBQ heaven—tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The house-made sauces provided the perfect tang, complementing each meat choice brilliantly. I also savored their lip-smacking ribs, which fell off the bone with ease. The casual vibe and friendly staff made me feel right at home, and I left with a satisfied belly and a smile. If you're seeking a delicious BBQ haven, Belly Barbecue is definitely worth a visit!

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Poppy's Bar & Que

Stepping into Poppy's Bar & Que felt like a warm hug from Folsom’s culinary scene! The aroma of smoky brisket and tangy ribs enveloped me as I perused the mouthwatering menu. I opted for their signature pulled pork, and let me tell you, it was a tender symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. The house-made sauces, particularly the sweet and spicy blend, elevated the meal to new heights. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff made my visit even more enjoyable. If you’re seeking a barbecue experience that’s both hearty and hearty, don't miss out on Poppy's!

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The Melt

As a devoted BBQ enthusiast, my recent visit to The Melt in Folsom was nothing short of delightful. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the aroma of slow-cooked meats and smokey goodness that danced through the air. I indulged in their signature pulled pork sandwich, which was perfectly tender and topped with a zesty slaw that added a refreshing crunch. The house-made BBQ sauce was a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, leaving me craving more. If you're searching for a satisfying bite and a cozy atmosphere, The Melt is definitely a place to satisfy your BBQ cravings!

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Buckhorn BBQ + Grill

Buckhorn BBQ + Grill is a smoky jewel tucked away in Folsom that tantalizes the taste buds. From the moment I stepped in, the sizzling aroma engulfed me, luring me to their mouthwatering menu. I indulged in their smoky brisket—tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The house-made barbecue sauce was a glorious complement, striking the perfect balance of sweet and zesty.

The ambiance is casual yet vibrant, making it a delightful spot for families and friends. If you’re on the hunt for BBQ in Folsom, make sure Buckhorn is on your list—it’s an experience worth savoring!

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Represa Grill by Chef William Hartzell

Stepping into Represa Grill, I was immediately welcomed by the tantalizing aroma of smoked meats. Chef William Hartzell takes barbecue to a new level, blending traditional techniques with unique twists. I savored the pulled pork, which was delightfully tender and bursting with flavor. The house-made barbecue sauce added the perfect zing, elevating each bite. The sides, especially the creamy coleslaw, brought a refreshing balance to my meal. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly service, this spot has carved out a special place in my heart (and stomach). If you're seeking the best BBQ in Folsom, look no further than Represa Grill!

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Daddy O's Smokehouse

At Daddy O's Smokehouse, every bite feels like a celebration of flavor. The smoky brisket practically melts in your mouth, while the ribs are tender and packed with a delightful tangy sauce that leaves you wanting more. The laid-back atmosphere invites you to kick back, sip on some cold drinks, and enjoy the vibrant local vibe. Their homemade sides, especially the creamy coleslaw, provide the perfect complement to the rich BBQ offerings. If you're on the hunt for an unforgettable BBQ experience, I highly recommend making a pitstop at Daddy O's—it's a flavor journey you won't want to miss!

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O'Connors Wood Fire Grill and Bar & Catering Services

From the moment I stepped into O'Connors Wood Fire Grill and Bar & Catering Services, the tantalizing aroma of smoked meats whisked me away to barbecue paradise. Their expertly crafted ribs practically fell off the bone, bathed in a rich, tangy sauce that left me craving another bite. The wood-fired grill added a delightful smoky flavor that set this spot apart. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive staff made me feel right at home. If you're searching for a place where heavenly taste meets cozy vibes, look no further – O'Connors is an absolute must-try for any BBQ lover in Folsom!

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