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    Northern Smokes

    4.2 (55 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    Sample platter 3
    Michael S.

    This halal BBQ restaurant definitely lives up to the Michelin guide reputation its been given. It was busy when we arrived Friday evening for dinner - you first order at the front then find a table for them to bring out your food. Definitely bring your friends, and order a family or sampler platter - I can't obviously vouch for absolutely everything on the menu, but the stuff I tried was all delicious, perfectly seasoned, and was a massive portion. I can't imagine a better first impression. Service is definitely "meh" (had to ask multiple times for water and sharing plates), but the food is undeniably delicious. We got the sampler platter 3 (serves 3 easily, four as a stretch), and a brisket sandwich to share amongst myself, missus, my brother and mother. The sampler platter came with two sides, so we picked Mac and cheese, and the mashed potatoes. The sides were both delicious, but the main stars of the show (brisket, Korean short ribs and pork ribs) were the star attraction - the reason why folks would come from far and wide to visit this restaurant. The ambiance is very minimal - almost grungy. The one single-stall bathroom can feel like it's overheating because of a lack of a/c or ventilation in the overall restaurant. Normally in the main restaurant this would be concerning too, but given the openness to the back grill and a large fan, you don't end up getting too much of the residual heat inside - or the "BBQ smell" that you'd normally associate with BBQ places. Anyway it's along old Kingston road. There's a small parking lot that serves the whole plaza that northern smokes is located in - the lot can get quite busy if all of the businesses are open, but we arrived when there were only a handful of businesses still open on a Friday evening.

    Angus Brisket, Beef Back Ribs, Beef Sausage, Jerk Chicken, Coleslaw, Mac and Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes.

    We ordered some Angus Brisket, Jerk Chicken, Beef Back Ribs, and a Beef Sausage. Everything was fantastic. Definitely reminiscent of Texas BBQ with rich smokey flavors, deep pink colors, and that delicious char. Service was friendly and the wait for our food to come out wasn't too bad, about 20 minutes. 100% would recommend.

    Michelle K.

    My partner and I specifically drove to this place after seeing all of the wonderful reviews and videos on ig. It's located in a tight plaza with limited parking on the weekend. We had to circle around a few times before getting a spot. As I walked in, I noticed 3 empty tables but they all got reserved signs on it so I opted for takeout. We got the meat plate, the brisket plate with two sides (mac and cornbread), and a pound of the beef back ribs. It was around 1pm when I visited but they already sold out of the burnt ends and the montreal style smoked brisket. I've never had smoked meat like this before but did find the price quite high totalling around 100. Maybe it is just standard pricing. They told me that it would take about 45 minutes for my order to be ready and it took around 30 minutes before they called me. My partner and I hung around the plaza and walked across the street since we didn't want to lose our parking spot before needing to go back to pick up the food. Food thoughts: - Brisket was a bit dry and tough, not sure if we just got the drier cut or not. The barbecue sauce slathered on top made it much better - the meat plate was good to try and sample multiple items, I really liked the pulled pork!! It was juicy and flavourful. The korean short ribs was only okay - beef ribs were pretty good but a bit tough - mac was decent but the cornbread was amazing!! Best cornbread ive ever had. I would go back to just buy it Overall, a decent place with good food. They are constantly busy so that is a sign.

    Sampler tray 2
    mike d.

    Great bbq smoked meats. Simple place with seating and great meats! Had a good experience there will come back. Service is good too, helped my box up the food I couldn't finish.

    Chris C.

    I'm always looking to try new places and I remembered my cousin telling me about Northern Smokes a few months ago so off I went. It's located in a small plaza in the Highland Creek area, near Old Kingston Rd and Military Trail. There's nothing special about its appearance, other than having almost all the window shades closed. It wasn't a very attractive look. I actually thought they were closed. The interior was just as sparse, with one wall covered in framed basketball pictures. Ordering is done at the cashier counter and they bring it to your table on paper plates, along with a roll of paper towels. I wasn't too starved so I opted for their burger (8oz) with fries and a drink for $15.00. It was a good sized burger, with decent flavour, but a tad bit overcooked for my liking. The thin fries were good. Oddly though, I don't know why it took around 30 minutes to prepare. That's a bit long for such a simple order. Their Halal menu had beef brisket, beef ribs, chicken, wings, sausages, fries, and more. Flavours included smoked, BBQ, jerk, peri peri, Korean, tandoori, and more. The table next to me had a BBQ platter with several meats that looked and smelled good. Maybe I'll come back to try something like that. Food: 3.5 Ambiance and Service 3.0

    Burger
    Ali B.

    Loved this place ! My wife and I were in the area and had heard about Northern Smokes a few times by others. We decided to go there as we were in the mood for some bbq and smoked meat. I'm so glad we tried this restaurant. The interior is nice and spacious and the food is absolutely amazing. The flavour on the meat is just immaculate. We ended up getting the meat platter, a burger and loaded fries. Everything was stunning. The service was also speedy and efficient. everyone was very nice. I'll be coming back soon!

    Family platter
    Shigei H.

    The Northern Smokes is located in quite an unnoticeable neighbourhood, our friend saw some good reviews and brought us here. This place is obviously popular as there was a queue just when the restaurant opened at noon. As we brought our fur baby, we couldn't eat in and they set up a table under the tree for our group which was really nice. The servers were polite and friendly and made us feel welcome! We ordered a family platter with some side dishes. The portion was quite generous, the meat was nicely done, juicy, tender and delicious, it's worth the trip. I would want to visit again and I won't hesitate to recommend this place.

    Shabbir S.

    Went there after getting high recommendation about their briskets and ribs, but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations. We had briskets plates, it was too blunt, and korean short ribs. Though it's the standard items, they mentioned it will take 45 minutes, and actually it did!

    Sampler Platter #1
    Twain S.

    My wife and I were out one weekend and looking for a bite to eat, so we googled to see what's in the area. We love good food and headed over after seeing other positive reviews. The building may look small on the outside but was full of flavor inside. We walked inside and saw 2 guys enjoying a table full of meat. We chose the sample platter 1 and were not disappointed. Finger licking good is what came after. Highly recommended for carnivores. It says serves 3-4 but my wife and I didn't leave much left for the kids.

    Sample platter #1 from Uber Eats
    Dyna D.

    This is an Uber Eats delivery review. So until I actually go there in person and dine in/take out myself, I'll leave my review at 4 stars. Honestly, Northern Smokes has been perfection for me. I maayyyyy not be the greatest person to listen to when it comes to this review, as I have only ever tried one other BBQ place. But what I can tell you, is that Northern Smokes was delicious! I had ordered the sample plater #1 from Uber Eats and it was roughly around the $80 mark if I remember, but I had also gotten an extra side, since the 2 it comes with wasn't enough for that night. Everything was excellent. The brisket had to be my favourite and it was superrrr tender and juicy. The brisket could fall apart from you just looking at it, that's how tender it was. Another favourite was the chicken, great flavour and so, so, so moist! Here's the thing that 'might' put people off from Northern Smokes, and it's how much of a 'spicy punch' the meats have. Me personally, I don't mind .... But I have met some people who find the littlest of spice inedible. I think the only thing I didn't really like too much was the coleslaw, but that's a me thing, since I tend to like my coleslaw on the sweeter side. And also the tri tip, but I'm really, really not a fan of tri tip. My husband said it was great though. I'm already planning to go in person and visit Northern Smokes because I have been dreaming of their BBQ ever since that night I had ordered in. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for tender and super punch you in the face flavourful meats!

    RIBS. BEANS. COLESLAW.

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    8 months ago

    Real Texas bbq in scarbaria is wild. You don't find this kind Of Brisket in the city. Just a handful of places.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Solid authentic Bbq. Hands down one of the best. They use offset smokers where you can smell it from a block away.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    No salat, tomato, onion etc in the beef and chicken burger. Chicken was not well done. Burger bun was soggy because of too many sauces.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Omg. Best brisket . Awesome menu too: hard to choose between Apple chipotle or regular brisket. Burnt ends are brilliant too

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    4 years ago

    Great smoke meat I would definitely recommend. The staff is friendly and food seems fresh

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    3 years ago

    Not worth the price. I was really looking forward to this place with all the Instagram and was very disappointed.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    one of the best barbecues in all of toronto would recommend and my South Asian name naael friend told me about this place

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    Opening Special ($6.99) x 2: Mac N Cheese with BBQ Chicken sample and a drink
    Opening Special ($6.99) x 2: Mac N Cheese with BBQ Chicken sample and a drink
    BYOP: Garlic Shrimp, penne, rose sauce, broccoli, black olives, mushrooms
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    Opening Special ($6.99): Mac N Cheese with BBQ Chicken and drink

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    Opening Special ($6.99): Mac N Cheese with BBQ Chicken and drink
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    Northern Smokes - halal - Updated August 2026

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