Whether looking for brisket, pulled pork, chicken, Texas style or Korean, we’ve got some fine barbecue in Marin, and it comes in all flavors. Stretching from Corte Madera to Novato, explore our county’s best smoked, grilled and charred meats along with famous pickles, mac salad, beer and your favorite side.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Pig in a Pickle (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County BBQ picks see below.
Our 2026 Dining category sponsor is The Marin Dish. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
Central Marin
Pig in a Pickle
Corte Madera
Pig in a Pickle may be a casual eatery, but it certainly takes barbecue seriously. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and the meat is slow cooked and smoked low to create melt-in-your-mouth meals. There’s also a wide variety of signature sauces, many of which also happen to be gluten free.
341 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415.891.3265
Kababbq
San Rafael
Specializing in fresh, flavorful Persian and Mediterranean grilled meats, falafel, salads and rice dishes, Kababbq has something for everyone in its cozy, casual storefront. Check out their family style menus for a large group — as well as the extensive hamburger menu, which includes a Persian-style hamburger.
555 E. Francisco Blvd, San Rafael, 415.256.9878
Northern Marin
Belli Deli
Novato
There are no bells and whistles at this RV park deli better known for its California Reuben and Atherton Club sandwiches than its Korean barbecue; but that needs to change. From a tiny, gas-fired grill, Korean-born chef-owner James Jung grills beef for garlic-and-vinegar seasoned bi-bim-bap and for stuffing into tofu sushi, among other treats. And, the kimchi is a must-try.
1304 2nd Street, Novato, 415.785.7487
Serves Marin
Forrest Fire BBQ
Forrest Murray, Jr. of San Rafael’s Forrest Fire BBQ designed the perfect tribute to his father: Saint Louis-style pork ribs, chicken and beef tri-tip, cooked low and slow before he pulls them from a wood-stoked barbecue. These are the signature meals he prepares on his Southern Pride Smoker.
Lone Mountain Barbecue
Marin native Chris Stafford moonlights as a pit master, pulling his portable rig to cater gigs and serving up what Stafford calls central Texas-style ’cue. A Creekstone Farms brisket cut is his signature dish with little more than salt, pepper, Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and time to smoke over oak before the beef gives in to a lacquered crust and a disarmingly pink interior.
Explore Marin County’s top restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual guide spotlights the dining destinations locals love most — from fine dining to casual favorites.
Each listing is backed by reader votes, ensuring that only the most recommended restaurants make the list. Top-voted businesses earn Readers’ Choice recognition, making this a trusted resource for discovering where to eat in Marin.
See more top-rated spots across categories in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Dining Sponsor
The Marin Dish
The Marin Dish is your go-to guide for food and fun in Marin. From buzzworthy restaurant openings and hidden wine bars to mouthwatering happy hours, can’t-miss foodie events, and live music, we uncover the places that make Marin such a vibrant place to live, dine, and explore.
Founded by lifelong Marin County resident Kevin Blum, The Marin Dish
celebrates the people and businesses that give the county its unique flavor.
More than just a local guide, it’s a community where restaurants, bars, and
small businesses share their stories, promote seasonal specials and events,
and connect with an engaged audience of food lovers and local explorers.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite burger, planning an
unforgettable date night, or looking for the hottest event in town, The Marin
Dish is here to help you make the most of Marin.
The Marin Dish | Mill Valley, CA 415.290.2767 | themarindish.com
