Is There a Halal BBQ Restaurant in Edmonton? Yes — Backyard Smokehouse

Yes — there is a halal BBQ restaurant in Edmonton. The Backyard Smokehouse at 13503 St. Albert Trail NW is the city's first and only 100% halal-certified, alcohol-free Texas-style smokehouse, rated 4.4★ across 1,906+ Google reviews.

Edmonton's first true halal smokehouse

For a long time, halal diners in Edmonton who wanted real barbecue had to settle for grilled substitutes. The Backyard Smokehouse changed that as the city's first dedicated halal smokehouse. A smokehouse cooks meat low and slow over hardwood for hours rather than fast over flame, and that is exactly how every cut here is prepared. It is still the only halal kitchen in Edmonton producing authentic Texas-style smoked brisket and beef ribs.

How the meat is smoked

What sets a smokehouse apart from a grill is time. At The Backyard Smokehouse, beef is cooked low and slow over hardwood rather than fast over direct flame. The brisket spends up to 16 hours in the smoker, the beef ribs are smoked until the meat pulls cleanly from the bone, and everything is prepared fresh daily. That long, patient process is what produces the dark bark, the pink smoke ring just under the surface, and the tender, juicy texture that define authentic Texas-style barbecue.

The smoke does the seasoning work that sauce does at lesser places, so the meat tastes of beef and hardwood rather than sugar. Nothing is microwaved or finished on a flat-top — when a cut sells out, it is gone for the day, because there is no shortcut to replace 16 hours of smoke. It cannot be rushed, and that commitment to the craft is the reason guests keep coming back.

What "100% halal-certified" means here

Every cut on the menu is hand-slaughtered halal and sourced from certified halal suppliers — not "halal-friendly" or partially halal, but fully certified from the first cut to the final plate. The dining room is also completely alcohol-free. Together, that makes The Backyard Smokehouse a genuinely comfortable choice for Muslim families, halal-conscious diners, and anyone who wants premium barbecue without compromise.

Who it is for

The smokehouse is built for families, groups, and anyone looking for a high-quality halal dining experience. The alcohol-free, family-friendly atmosphere and generous sharing platters make it a popular choice for celebrations, family dinners, birthdays, work lunches, and corporate gatherings. Larger groups can share a BBQ Platter, while couples and solo diners can build a plate around the brisket with a couple of classic sides. Whatever the occasion, every guest is served the same 100% halal-certified, slow-smoked barbecue, and booking ahead is a good idea for larger groups and weekend evenings.

Signature smoked dishes

• Smoked Brisket — 16-hour smoked beef brisket.
• Beef Back Ribs — a full rack of halal beef ribs.
• BBQ Platter — assorted smoked meats and sides for sharing.
• Brisket Burger — a beef patty topped with sliced smoked brisket.

Classic sides — mac and cheese, coleslaw, and curly fries — complete the meal.

Where the Edmonton smokehouse is

The smokehouse is on St. Albert Trail NW in Christy's Corner, a central North Edmonton location that is easy to reach from St. Albert, Castledowns, and the surrounding communities, with parking on-site.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really the only halal smokehouse in Edmonton? It is the city's first and only dedicated 100% halal-certified Texas-style smokehouse.

Is it alcohol-free? Yes — completely, making it family-friendly.

What should I try first? The brisket; add the BBQ Platter for a group.

Visit us

• Address: 13503 St Albert Trail NW, Edmonton, AB
• Phone: (780) 391-7373
• Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Rating: 4.4★ from 1,906+ Google reviews
• Directions: Open in Google Maps

See our Edmonton location page to plan your visit.