Big Rideau BBQ: Smoked Meat, River Views, and a Line That's Usually Worth It

Just south of the village, sitting across from the Rideau River, Big Rideau BBQ has quietly become one of Manotick's most-loved seasonal spots. It's a food truck in the technical sense, but the food is anything but truck-stop casual — this is real smoked barbecue, done properly, served with a view.

What They Do

The menu centers on smoked meats: brisket, pulled pork, and marinated barbecued chicken, all served with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, and tangy Dijon coleslaw. There are pressed grilled cheeses, loaded potato bowls, and poutines too, for anyone who wants something a little different. Ribs make an appearance from time to time — and when they do, they tend to sell out fast, so if you see them on the board, don't wait.

This is genuinely low-and-slow cooking, not a shortcut version of it — the brisket alone has been reported to smoke for as long as 15 hours before it's ready to serve.

The Setup

You'll find the truck about half a kilometre south of the village, right on Manotick Main Street, across from the river — an easy stop whether you're out for a drive or heading to or from the water. It's in-person ordering only, seasonal, open Friday through Sunday.

If you're craving real smoked barbecue and don't want to leave the village to get it, this is the spot — just don't skip the coleslaw.

Heads up: this Saturday, July 18, Big Rideau BBQ is on site at Mahogany Bay for CHEO Paddle Day, donating $1.50 from every sausage-on-a-bun or smash burger sold to CHEO Mental Health Services.