The Lancaster Smokehouse
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The Lancaster Smokehouse is a Southern-style barbecue restaurant at 574 Lancaster Street West in Bridgeport, Kitchener, Ontario.
Menu & prices
What's on here
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Friday · All day
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Why go
- The building was Bridgeport’s first hotel.
- It helped start a trend of Southern-food restaurants in Waterloo Region.
Opening hours
Today11:30 – 20:00Show all
Monday11:30 – 20:00
Tuesday11:30 – 20:00
Wednesday11:30 – 20:00
Thursday11:30 – 20:00
Friday11:30 – 21:00
Saturday11:30 – 21:00
SundayClosed
Good to know
LunchDinnerLate NightFull BarHighchairs AvailableLive MusicParking AvailableReservationsServes AlcoholTable ServiceTakeout
Dishes to try
- Pigtails, part of Waterloo County’s food tradition
- Texas short ribs
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- Po’ Boy
- Beef Brisket
- Seafood mains
Booking a table
- Reserve a table on the restaurant’s website.
Atmosphere
- The dining area seats 600.
- Outdoor patio.
- Television is available.
Good for
- Families Highchairs are available.
Shorts
History
The hotel brought Bridgeport residents, workers and travellers together. Conrad Bitzer, son of its first operator, later became Mayor of Preston. Before opening Hog Tails, Chris and Cathy Corrigan catered barbecue for friends and family, then entered competitions across Canada and the United States.
- 1840sThe Lancaster Hotel was built as a stop for rail travellers through Bridgeport. Its first operator was Gottlieb Bitzer, an innkeeper and vinegar maker from Württemberg.
- 1930sThe building hosted meetings and had an 85-person dining room.
- 1956–1976David Kirby owned the tavern and established the Ocean Queen Lounge, a nautical-themed jazz venue. Its former space is now The Lanc Loft.
- 1992–1994Four fires damaged the building; restoration followed.
- 2009Chris and Cathy Corrigan opened Hog Tails BBQ in Waterloo, one of the region’s first dedicated barbecue restaurants.
Show all
- 2011Hog Tails bought the Lancaster Tavern as its second location and opened the Lancaster Smokehouse after renovating the kitchen and dining area.
- 2013–2014The restaurant’s You Gotta Eat Here! segment was recorded in 2013 and broadcast in 2014.
Accessibility
- Parking
- Wheelchair access
Sources: Lancaster Smokehouse - Wikipedia · Kitchener - Wikivoyage (eat) · Home - Lancaster Smokehouse · About Us - Lancaster Smokehouse · checked 28 Sep 2026
Where
574 Lancaster St W, Kitchener
- Website
- lancsmokehouse.com/
- Phone
- 5197434331
Questions and answers
What are The Lancaster Smokehouse’s opening hours?
Monday–Thursday 11:30–20:00; Friday–Saturday 11:30–21:00.
Is takeout available at The Lancaster Smokehouse?
Yes, takeout is available.
Is allergen information available at The Lancaster Smokehouse?
Yes, the restaurant’s menus include allergen information.
What other menus are available at The Lancaster Smokehouse?
Specials and happy-hour menus are available.
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