Cherry Street Bar-B-Que: Where Southern Tradition Meets Toronto
There’s no missing Cherry Street Bar-B-Que, with its glowing red neon sign beckoning barbecue lovers to this 1920s bank-turned-barbecue haven in Toronto’s Port Lands. Even though the area around it is a construction site, the warmth and nostalgia of this spot draw you in.
Inside, it’s all about Southern comfort and community, thanks to the expertise of pitmaster Lawrence La Pianta, a seasoned veteran of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Whether you’re craving Texas-style brisket or St. Louis-style ribs, this casual joint promises to satisfy all your barbecue cravings.
The Cherry Street BBQ Experience
At Cherry Street, you’ll find barbecue cooked low and slow, with flavors inspired by the best of the American South. Everything here is smoked on-site inside a redesigned shipping container, adding to the unique charm of the experience.
The menu doesn’t disappoint, with staples like brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, and lightly charred wings that are crowd favorites. Even the spicy sausage links are a must-try, offering a snap of flavor you won’t want to miss.
For groups of four or more, The BBQ Experience ($40/person) is a true feast. It includes an impressive lineup of house specialties, from brisket and ribs to pulled pork, paired with comfort food sides like mac & cheese, potato salad, BBQ beans, and coleslaw.
Vegetarian options can be accommodated with advance notice, and the entire group will skip the line with reserved seating and service. There’s also a pork-free option for those who prefer it, featuring turkey, chicken, and brisket beans.
Special Events and Weekly Offerings
Planning a big gathering? Cherry Street Bar-B-Que loves to host group events and offers flexible options for both partial and full buyouts. For a special occasion like Oktoberfest, groups of four or more can book a unique tasting menu ($50/person) with German-inspired dishes straight from the smoker.
Not only is Cherry Street a destination for stellar BBQ, but it also offers weekly specials to keep things interesting:
- Monday Funday: Draft, beer buckets, rail & cocktail specials
- Wine & BBQ Wednesdays: Half off all bottles of wine
- Saturday Pit Specials: Weekly features from the smoker
- Burnt Ends Sundays: Featuring those highly coveted cubes of BBQ love
A True Taste of Barbecue
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for the full BBQ Experience, Cherry Street delivers every time. Just be sure to come early on weekends—meats often sell out as the day goes on, and trust us, you don’t want to miss out!
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Location:
275 Cherry Street, Port Lands, Toronto, ON M5A 3L3
No reservations are required for counter service, but large groups can call ahead to inquire about availability.
Ready to dive into some serious BBQ? Visit Cherry Street Bar-B-Que for a taste of the South in the heart of Toronto, where the flavors are bold, the atmosphere is inviting, and every visit feels like a warm welcome.
Reference:
