Gilroy, California, is not just famous for its garlic; it’s also a hidden treasure for BBQ lovers like me! I’ve explored the local BBQ scene, and I’m excited to share my favorite spots with you. Trust me, you’re going to want to know where to find the best flavors and the juiciest meats in town.
So, what’s the best BBQ in Gilroy, CA? Well, the best BBQ here includes places like BBQ 152, Mike’s Backyard BBQ, and Lakeside Smokehouse. Each spot has its own special twist on BBQ, making them must-visit places for anyone who loves good food. You’ll find everything from smoky ribs to tender brisket, and each bite is packed with flavor.
I can’t wait to take you on this tasty journey! We’ll dive into each BBQ joint, exploring what makes them unique and why they’re loved by locals. Get ready to discover some delicious gems that you won’t want to miss!
Top 7 BBQ in Gilroy, CA
- BBQ 152
- Mike’s Backyard BBQ @ Garlic World
- O-TOWN BBQ & GRILL
- Lakeside Smokehouse
- Westside Grill
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- Uncle John’s Grill Room
1. BBQ 152
BBQ 152 is one of my favorite spots in Gilroy! It’s right on Monterey Road, and when you walk in, the smell of smoky meats just hits you. It feels cozy and fun, with both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can pick what you like best. I love hanging out there with friends!
What makes BBQ 152 super special is how tasty everything is. I tried their brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender! The ribs? They just fall off the bone! I remember biting into their pulled pork sandwich, and it was juicy and full of flavor. You have to try it!
If you go, definitely get the mac and cheese as a side. It’s so creamy and goes perfectly with the BBQ. And don’t forget to grab a craft beer to wash it all down. Trust me, you’ll love it!
2. Mike’s Backyard BBQ @ Garlic World
Phone: (408) 763-9896
Menu: mikesbackyardbarbeque.com
Directions: Open on Map
Mike’s Backyard BBQ @ Garlic World is one of my favorite places to grab some BBQ! It’s right on Monterey Road, and when you walk in, you can feel the fun, relaxed vibe. I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside, and the smell of delicious BBQ just makes you want to eat right away!
What really stands out at Mike’s is how tasty everything is. I remember having their smoked brisket, and it was super juicy and so tender! The ribs were amazing too, with that perfect smoky flavor that I just can’t get enough of. And oh, you have to try their garlic fries—they’re crispy and full of yummy garlic goodness!
If you go, make sure to order the combo plate. It’s the best way to try a little bit of everything, and I promise you’ll leave happy and full!
3. O-TOWN BBQ & GRILL
O-TOWN BBQ & GRILL is one of my favorite places to eat in Gilroy! It’s located on Hecker Pass Highway, and when you walk in, you just feel so welcome. I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside, and the yummy smell of BBQ makes my mouth water every time!
What really stands out at O-TOWN BBQ is how flavorful everything is. I remember having their smoked ribs, and they were super tender and juicy! The pulled pork was also really tasty, with just the right amount of seasoning that made it so good. And don’t forget to try their coleslaw; it’s crunchy and really fresh!
If you go, you have to order the BBQ platter. It’s the best way to try a little bit of everything, and I promise you’ll leave feeling happy and full!
4. Lakeside Smokehouse
Directions: Open on Map
Lakeside Smokehouse is one of my favorite BBQ spots in Gilroy! It has such a nice vibe, and you can pick to sit inside or outside, which is super fun. When you walk in, the smoky smell hits you, and it makes you so hungry right away!
What really stands out at Lakeside Smokehouse is their yummy smoked meats. I remember having their brisket, and it was so tender and full of flavor! The pulled pork was also really good, with that perfect smoky taste that I just love. And their baked beans? They’re sweet and super tasty!
If you go, you have to try the brisket sandwich. It’s big and juicy, and it really shows how great their BBQ is. I promise you’ll leave feeling happy and full!
5. Westside Grill
Phone: (408) 847-3800
Menu: thewestsidegrill.com
Directions: Open on Map
Westside Grill is one of my favorite places to eat in Gilroy! It’s on Santa Teresa Boulevard, and when you walk in, it feels so warm and friendly, like you’re visiting family. I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside, and the chill vibe makes it perfect for hanging out with friends or family.
What really stands out at Westside Grill is how yummy the food is. I remember having their BBQ chicken, and it was super juicy and packed with flavor! The burgers are also really good, with that perfect grilled taste that makes you want to come back for more. And oh, don’t forget the fries—they’re crispy and so tasty!
If you go, you have to try the BBQ chicken platter. It’s a great way to enjoy their BBQ style, and I promise you’ll leave feeling happy and full!
6. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Phone: (408) 846-0917
Menu: www.llhawaiianbbqgilroy.com
Directions: Open on Map
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is one of my favorite spots in Gilroy! It’s on Camino Arroyo Drive, and when you walk in, it feels like you’re stepping into a little piece of Hawaii. I love that you can sit inside or outside, and the bright colors and friendly faces make it such a happy place to eat.
What really stands out at L&L is their yummy Hawaiian plate lunches. I remember trying their BBQ chicken, and it was super juicy and so flavorful! The macaroni salad is also really good—creamy and refreshing, which goes perfectly with the BBQ.
If you go, you have to get the BBQ mix plate. It’s a great way to try a little bit of everything, and I promise you’ll leave feeling full and really happy!
7. Uncle John’s Grill Room
Directions: Open on Map
Uncle John’s Grill Room is one of my favorite cozy spots in Gilroy! When you walk in, it feels just like you’re at a friend’s house, and I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside. The friendly staff always makes me feel right at home, and the smell of BBQ is just so amazing!
What really makes Uncle John’s special is their yummy food. I remember trying their BBQ ribs, and they were super tender and full of flavor! The pulled pork was also really tasty, with just the right amount of seasoning that made it so good. And oh, you have to try their cornbread; it’s sweet and fluffy!
If you go, definitely order the BBQ sampler. It’s a great way to try a little bit of everything, and I promise you’ll leave feeling happy and super satisfied!
Map of BBQ in Gilroy, CA
Choosing the Right Restaurant for You
With 7 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Restaurant | Price | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ 152 | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
| Mike’s Backyard BBQ @ Garlic World | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
| O-TOWN BBQ & GRILL | – | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | – |
| Lakeside Smokehouse | – | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | – |
| Westside Grill | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
| L&L Hawaiian Barbecue | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
| Uncle John’s Grill Room | – | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | – |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the best BBQ places in Gilroy, CA?
There are some really great BBQ spots in Gilroy! My favorites are BBQ 152, Mike’s Backyard BBQ @ Garlic World, and Lakeside Smokehouse. Each place has its own yummy flavors that make them special. -
Do these BBQ restaurants offer takeout?
Yes, most of the BBQ places in Gilroy, like BBQ 152 and O-TOWN BBQ & GRILL, have takeout options. It’s super easy to grab your favorite BBQ and enjoy it at home! -
Is there outdoor seating available at BBQ places in Gilroy?
Lots of BBQ spots in Gilroy, like Mike’s Backyard BBQ and Westside Grill, have outdoor seating. It’s nice to eat outside when the weather is good! -
Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
While BBQ places usually focus on meat, some, like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, have sides and salads for vegetarians. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff for what’s available. -
What is the price range for BBQ in Gilroy?
The price for BBQ in Gilroy is usually moderate to inexpensive. You can find tasty meals that fit different budgets, so everyone can enjoy some delicious BBQ!
