Enjoy Playing Bar-B-Que
I stumbled onto Bar-B-Que at a little game store last month, and I have to say, it’s one of those rare finds that feels like a backyard gathering in a box. You start by picking your grill station—there’s always someone playing the flamboyant “Flame Master,” a more chill charcoal aficionado, and sometimes that one friend who tries to play a vegan meats-only deck. Each turn you’re drawing ingredient cards—ribs, skewers of veggies, buns, sauces—and you’re trying to build the perfect plate before it scorches.
What really sold me is the mix of casual strategy and that deliciously tactile feeling when you slide a card into your wooden grill tray. There are action cards that let you flip a rack of ribs—meaning you can steal someone else’s perfectly cooked pork chop—or marinate your veggies for bonus points later. And yes, occasionally your friends will gang up on you with “Smoke Out” cards just to see your face when your carefully curated platter goes up in flames.
Despite the lively sabotage, the vibe never gets too cutthroat. There’s something oddly comforting about passing a “Fire Extinguisher” token around the table, especially when you’re all half-singed and laughing. When the deck runs out, you tally completed dishes, minus any charred leftovers, and whoever’s the Top Grill Master gets to wear the tiny chef’s hat trophy—complete with a mini spatula.
At its heart, Bar-B-Que is the kind of game that’s less about memorizing rules and more about sharing a goofy meal together—no actual food required. It’s quick enough for a warm-up before a heavier eurogame night, but it’s got just enough cheeky interactions that I’ve ended up pulling it back out time and again. Perfect for folks who love a bit of friendly heat but aren’t looking to get too burned.