• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery – Authentic BBQ & Craft Brews in Guelph, ON

Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery in Guelph, Ontario, nails authentic barbecue with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Their smoked meats, especially the burnt ends and ribs, stand out—succulent, tender, and layered with bold, smoky flavors that delight the palate. The brisket shows a perfect bark, while the pulled pork sandwiches offer juicy, balanced bites. Highlights like the Banana Cream Pie and Jerk Chicken Specialty Night showcase their creative twists beyond traditional BBQ. Sides like crispy fries and fresh coleslaw complement the smoky mains well. Generous portions and careful preparation make Ward One a must-visit for barbecue lovers seeking rich, satisfying flavors in a friendly local spot.

Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery at a glance

  • Address 7636 Wellington County Rd 51, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada
  • Phone +1 226-780-1907
  • Restaurant type Restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery: Reviews & Ratings

Butler General
5

Proper barbecue. The establishment made my birthday extra special which was very kind. The burnt ends were succulent same as the brisket. These ribs might be one of my favorite rib flavors boasting a ketchup forward taste with almost an all dressed chip finish, I wasn't expecting that at all. Have to say the Mac and cheese and fries were great but a little under seasoned, S&P fixed that right up. We will be back.

Emma Harkins
5

Came here for my birthday with a couple friends! I've been wanting to try this place for so long and it did not disappoint!! Everything was tasty, but the clear favorite was the burnt brisket ends!! Will be back again soon

jaita kalra
4

This place really does some freakin delicious smoked meat. We ordered burnt ends and a 2 meat platter (brisket and sausage) brisket was quite dry and juicy and sausage was good. But I loved burnt end!! Extremely tender and juicy inside and dark, bold bark on the outside LOVED IT.

Sebastian Carvallo
5

If you're into BBQ and smoked meats, Ward One Smokehouse & Brewery is definitely worth checking out. We stopped by and grabbed a couple of takeout meals, and honestly, the food was solid. First off, the pulled pork sandwich was stacked and juicy, with just the right amount of sauce – not drowning, but still packed with flavor. The bun held everything together nicely, which is a plus when you're dealing with saucy meat. The brisket sandwich was just as impressive – thick slices of tender, smoky brisket with that nice bark on the outside. No dryness, just rich flavor all the way through. The fries? Crispy, seasoned, and clearly made fresh. None of that frozen stuff. They were the kind you keep eating even after you’re full. The portion sizes are generous too, so you’re getting your money’s worth. We also noticed everything came packed neatly. it traveled well and still tasted great. The building itself looks clean and welcoming, and you can tell it's a local spot with care put into both the food and the vibe. We’ll definitely be back, and next time we’re eating in – curious to try the brewery side too. Simple verdict: tasty food, good portions, worth a stop.

Howard Teng
4

I was traveling in the area with my girlfriend and came in for a quick bite. Welcomed by the waitress and was quickly seated. The restaurant has a very cozy vibe and everyone is so relaxed. We ordered the 2 meat platter. The roast brisket might be a bit dry for us. But the ribs were so good that we couldnt stop. The coleslaw was surprisingly good. Freshly made and well presented.

Steve K (Steve)
4

Stopped in with some family for lunch the other day, we were feeling BBQ so we decided to give it this place a go. In a word .. WOW. We were lucky, the first ones in the door as they had just opened. Top to bottom I’d say I was charmed by the quaint, rustic, yet clean and open, modernist atmosphere. Definitely a well maintained establishment. Our server did a great job, she was very welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Now onto the food… I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised as this was more of a gourmet bbq experience as opposed to hot greasy slabs of meat with a small coleslaw for anyone that wants “veggies” as a side. We ordered a platter with brisket, pulled pork, quarter chicken, sweet potato fries, Mac & cheese, cornbread and burnt ends. It was enough food for the three of us. The meats were all tender, smokey and delicious, the side sauces we chose (honey hot and signature bbq) were great. I can tell a lot of care went into the sides too, everything was so tasty. I would go back just for the beef and cornbread, but it was terrific across the board. I do have 3 points of noteable mention: 1. The smoker they have out front needs its own sign that reads “Ye Olde Smoker” 2. If the building was further back on the property they could open up for more parking. And a place with food this good deserves more intake. That said there was adequate parking. 3. This is where you lost 1 star in the food department. The water was salty My final score for Ward One;

LACH
5

Brisket was a bit dry on the edges. Ribs were excellent. Chicken was top notch. Love the corn sides. French fries had a bit of cajun prices? Really interesting decor at the place. Beware of the ledge in the middle of the floor. Service was great. Drinks were made in front of your eyes. Food came promptly and server kept asking if food was great and if you need anything. Plenty of parking from the motel lot.

John D
5

One word: WOW! Best BBQ and smoked meat that I've had in a long time, along with fair prices, good sized menu, cold beer and fast friendly service! Tonight was our first visit and we have zero complaints, we will be returning again for sure! BEST BBQ RESTAURANT IN CENTRE WELLINGTON

Location

  • Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery
    Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery
    7636 Wellington County Rd 51, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada Hotline: +1 226-780-1907

Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery in Guelph, Ontario, is a standout destination for lovers of authentic barbecue and craft brews. Nestled at 7636 Wellington County Rd 51, this smokehouse combines rustic charm with a welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for both casual meals and special celebrations. The restaurant’s dedication to proper barbecue shines through its expertly smoked meats and thoughtfully crafted sides.

The menu boasts memorable highlights like the Banana Cream Pie, a decadent dessert that provides a sweet contrast to the smoky flavors. The Jerk Chicken Specialty Night is a must-try, infusing vibrant Caribbean spices into tender, smoky chicken, while the Texas Chili available daily brings bold, hearty flavors that warm the soul.

What truly sets Ward One apart is its smoked meat mastery. The burnt ends, often hailed as melt-in-your-mouth gems, feature a rich bark and juicy interior that keep guests coming back. The brisket, while occasionally noted for variability in moisture, generally impresses with its smoky depth and tender slices. Ribs excite with a unique ketchup-forward glaze, accented by an “all dressed chip” finish that adds unexpected zest. Even the sides, such as the freshly made coleslaw and crispy fries, complement the meats well, balancing textures and seasoning for a complete barbecue experience.

Portion sizes here are generous, making it a satisfying stop for both dine-in and takeout. The pulled pork and brisket sandwiches carry the right balance of sauce and meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful yet neat. The care in presentation and freshness is evident, reflecting a team passionate about quality and customer experience.

In sum, Ward One Smokehouse and Brewery delivers a thoughtful fusion of bold smoked flavors, comfortable vibes, and well-curated menu highlights. Whether celebrating a birthday, meeting friends for a specialty night, or simply craving a solid barbecue feast, this spot offers a delicious and memorable experience worth seeking out in Guelph.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
    • Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Takeout
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments