Book Review: License to Grill by The Coastal Kitchen

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I recently picked up License to Grill by The Coastal Kitchen, and it’s a pretty solid BBQ cookbook that delivers on flavor and fun. If you’re into grilling—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been manning the grill for years—this book offers a great mix of recipes and tips that can really up your game.

The book is packed with over 100 recipes spanning appetizers, sides, and mains, so there’s plenty to keep your taste buds entertained. Think juicy burgers, perfectly charred veggies, succulent steaks, and even some tasty seafood options. Plus, if you’re vegetarian or cooking for someone who is, there are plenty of dishes to satisfy those cravings too. What I really appreciated were the unique sauces, rubs, and marinades included—they add a nice twist and help you maximize flavor no matter what’s on the grill.

One of the best parts? The expert tips sprinkled throughout that guide you on everything from low-and-slow smoking to quick weeknight meals. It’s like having a seasoned pitmaster coaching you while you cook.

Now, a bit of honesty: I was initially drawn in by the cover and title because I expected some sort of fun James Bond or spy theme—something playful beyond just BBQ recipes. But other than the clever name and eye-catching cover, it’s pretty straightforward as a grilling cookbook. That was a little disappointing for me since I’m a sucker for themed cookbooks, but it doesn’t take away from how good the content actually is.

The recipes themselves are easy to follow, making this a practical pick for anyone wanting to try new grilling ideas without getting overwhelmed. And the photos? Let’s just say they’re definitely drool-worthy and will probably have you firing up the grill ASAP.

All in all, License to Grill earned a solid 3.5 stars from me. If you’re passionate about BBQ or looking to expand your grilling repertoire, this would be a worthy addition to your collection—even if it’s not quite the spy thriller cookbook I’d hoped for. Time to grab your apron and spatula—your next delicious BBQ adventure awaits!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Summertime is the perfect excuse to heat up the grill and prepare the main dish outside. License to Grill: 100 BBQ Recipes for Your Eyes Only by The Coastal Kitchen, is an excellent cookbook with plenty of ideas and tips to make your barbecue experience pleasant, and especially to make your grilled foods delicious.

This cookbook contains dozens of mouthwatering recipes for beef, pork, lamb, and seafood with lots of ways to prepare them on the grill. It also includes side dishes which are very appealing. At the end, there are recipes for rubs and marinades- plenty of variations for different tastes. The recipes are written in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed first, followed by step-by-step instructions that make it possible for anyone – from beginners to veteran grillers – to successfully grill and smoke dashes worthy of company. Unfortunately, there are no comments at the beginning of each recipe, which would make the cookbook a bit better. However, there are beautiful, professional photographs that give the reader some insight as to how the finished dish should look.

All told, this is a good cookbook for anyone who just wants recipes and doesn’t care about the personality and personal tips from the author. It is, however, a book barbecue enthusiasts will want to read and cook from.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This was a great cookbook. Very easy-to-follow recipes. I can't wait to try these recipes. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.