Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, located at 200 S 18th St in Lincoln, NE, has won the hearts and palates of many BBQ enthusiasts. Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional quality of their meats, particularly the brisket, which is thickly sliced and praised for its perfect bark. Ken Woodard noted that the three-meat plate featured standout brisket, sausage, and ribs, all served with generous portions that can easily extend into two meals.
Reviewers rave about the house-made sausage, often described as "amazing" with a delightful kick in the beans that accompany it. The pork belly burnt ends have garnered particular acclaim, with diners like Cindy Pealstrom declaring them the best they've ever had. While some patrons found the banana pudding slightly artificial, the overall dessert offerings truly shine, adding to the sweet experience.
The warm and welcoming service at Canyon Joe’s also enhances the dining experience. The combination of expertly smoked meats, delicious sides such as potato salad and Boraccho beans, and the genuine atmosphere creates a BBQ experience that diners claim is unparalleled in Lincoln. It’s clear that Canyon Joe’s is committed to excellence, making it a must-visit for BBQ lovers.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Canyon Joe’s Barbecue
Ken Woodard
Jul 2,2025
I first went in on a Friday evening around 1800 and they were sold out of everything I wanted, which was a good sign. I came back earlier in the day on Saturday and got a 3 meat plate with brisket, sausage, and ribs. Canyon Mac and Boraccho Beans for the side. Don’t let the high price fool you, what I got easily turned into 2 meals. I appreciate the drink being included in the price and there was absolutely no up-charge for things like ribs or the mac-n-cheese (I’m giving every other bbq place the side-eye). I always judge a BBQ joint by the sausage and the beans, the sausage seems either made in-house or made for them, absolutely amazing. Same for the beans, they church them up and have a kick. The brisket was awesome, served in thick slices with an amazing bark. I never trust a place that has to chop their brisket, what are you hiding? I can honestly say Canyon Joes is now my favorite BBQ in Lincoln.
Tracy Rich
Jun 15,2025
Had a 2 meat plate with brisket and pulled pork, beans and cornbread casserole for sides. Everything was fantastic, especially the beans. Sauces were all delicious too. The banana pudding was too artificial tasting for my liking but had all the required elements for a proper banana pudding.
Wai Chan
Jun 11,2025
People were very friendly and helpful at the restaurant. Get there early because they sell out of things. We missed out on the ribs but got to try some because a friend had ordered extra to go and was kind enough to share. The 5 star items were the ribs (the bark was really nice and has a great smoky flavor) and the sausage for me. The brisket it depended. The pieces I had weren't consistent enough. Turkey was a 4 star. We went when they had pork belly burnt ends. My friends really enjoyed it, but because of my cultural upbringing, I did not like how tough the sides of the pieces were on the ones I received. It has good flavor. I enjoyed all the desserts we tried. There was a peanut butter one, a hummingbird cake I think they said, and the banana pudding. Parking is available on the street for free.
Cindy Pealstrom
May 31,2025
From the genuine greeting when we walked in the door to the expertly smoked meats, Canyon Joe's is doing it right! Try it all! The brisket is thick sliced with the perfect pull on the fat cap, the ribs literally fall off the bone with a deep smokey flavor, the in house made sausage is nice and dense and full of flavor, the turkey is moist and juicy with a peppery bite but those pork belly burnt ends will steal the show every time! Absolutely hands down best we've ever had! Our favorite side was the potato salad but the beans came in a close second! Simple decor but complex BBQ'ing going on here!
Dale Trumble
May 26,2025
Maybe the best bbq I’ve ever had. Burnt ends were unbelievable. Sides, everything was great. Can’t wait to go back!
Deep Roots Inspiration
May 17,2025
We love to travel and try new BBQ places so were thrilled to find that Lincoln, NE had a BBQ restaurant we hadn't tried yet. Canyon Joe's did NOT disappoint! The brisket was tender, the house-made jalapeno and cheddar sausage was delicious and the pork belly burnt ends were really tasty. We tried three sides and each was so very good. The Mac and cheese was beyond "ordinary" mac and cheese, the deviled egg potato salad was delish, with the perfect amount of crunchy veggies mixed in and the cornbread casserole was amazing! Loved seeing the smoker right in front of the building and the inside decor was perfect. Would highly recommend eating at Canyon Joe's as often as you can.
Justine Yeo Bircher
Apr 17,2025
Came by last week but they were sold out already. Decided to go early for lunch this time (around 11am), and by the time I left, there was a long line out the door. I got the brisket and mac and both were sensational! The Texas bbq sauces were delicious, too, and I inhaled my meal in less than 20 minutes. I'll be back to try their other meats and sides. Great food, great service, great location. All in all, a great addition to Lincoln!
Lane Rosenberry
Apr 5,2025
Texas craft bbq just as good as the fellas in Texas are smoking. Seriously these guys are taking time and worry about the small details you can see it and taste it in the products from the meats to the sides all are fantastic. The brisket gets a great bark, no sauce needed. It is juicy and tender, plastic fork approved. Get here before there are lines. Another time in here a few weeks later and again excellent bbq meats and very good well crafted sides.
Reviews For Canyon Joe’s Barbecue