When I think about the best BBQ in Orange County, CA, I get really excited! There are so many amazing places to eat, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. I’ve tasted a lot of BBQ, and I promise to give you the scoop on where to find the most delicious, mouthwatering dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
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So, what’s the best BBQ in Orange County, CA? Well, it’s all about the flavors and the fun you have while eating! You’ll find a mix of smoky meats, tasty sides, and some really cool vibes at these spots. I’ll tell you all about the top places to grab BBQ, what makes them special, and why you should check them out.
Get ready for a tasty adventure! I’m going to take you through some of the best BBQ joints around, and I know you’ll want to try them all after reading about them. Let’s dive in and discover some BBQ magic together!
Top 10 BBQ in Orange County, CA
- Smoqued California BBQ
- Hickory and Spice BBQ
- Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
- Smoke Queen Barbecue
- The Smoking Ribs
- Beach Pit BBQ
- Tulsa Rib Company
- Sauced BBQ & Spirits
- Heritage Barbecue
- Blake’s Place
1. Smoqued California BBQ
Phone: (714) 633-7427
Menu: www.smoquedcaliforniabbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Smoqued California BBQ is one of my favorite places to eat! When I walked in, I felt so cozy with the cool exposed-brick walls and the yummy smell of BBQ in the air. I love that I can sit inside or outside, and it’s just a nice spot to hang out with friends or family.
What makes Smoqued really special is their fun menu. I tried the avocado fries, and oh my gosh, they were super crispy and tasty! The smoked brisket was so soft and full of flavor, and I could tell they really know how to smoke their meats just right.
If you go, you have to get the pulled pork sandwich! It’s so good with the smoky meat and fresh toppings. Every bite shows how much care they put into their food at Smoqued California BBQ!
2. Hickory and Spice BBQ
Hickory and Spice BBQ is one of those places that just makes you smile! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meats hit me right away, and I knew I was in for a treat. I love that I can choose to sit inside where it’s nice and cozy or outside to enjoy the sunshine. It’s just a great spot to chill and enjoy some good food.
What really makes Hickory and Spice stand out is their super tasty BBQ. I tried the ribs, and oh wow, they were so tender! They just fell off the bone and were packed with smoky flavor. You can really tell they know how to make BBQ that’s just right.
If you go, you absolutely have to get the brisket! It’s so juicy and melts in your mouth. Every bite shows how much care they put into their cooking at Hickory and Spice BBQ!
3. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
Phone: (714) 634-1227
Menu: www.lucillesbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is one of my favorite places to grab a bite! When I walked in, I was greeted by the warm and friendly vibe, plus the yummy smell of slow-cooked meats filled the air. I love that I can sit inside where it’s nice and cozy or outside to enjoy the sunshine. It’s just a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some delicious BBQ.
What really makes Lucille’s stand out is their amazing Southern-style food. I tried the baby back ribs, and oh my goodness, they were so tender! The smoky flavor was just right, and you could tell they really take their time to cook everything perfectly.
If you go, you absolutely have to try the pulled pork! It’s super juicy and goes so well with their homemade BBQ sauce. Every bite shows how much love they put into their food at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que!
4. Smoke Queen Barbecue
Phone: (714) 583-8251
Menu: www.smokequeenbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Smoke Queen Barbecue is one of my favorite spots to eat! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meats made my tummy rumble right away. I love that I can choose to sit inside where it’s nice and cozy or outside to enjoy the fresh air. It’s just a perfect place to relax and enjoy some delicious BBQ with friends.
What really makes Smoke Queen special is their super tasty food. I tried the smoked chicken, and oh wow, it was so juicy and packed with flavor! You can really tell they put a lot of love into their cooking, and it shows in every single bite.
If you go, you absolutely have to try the brisket! It’s so tender and melts in your mouth. Every bite is a yummy reminder of why Smoke Queen Barbecue is a must-visit!
5. The Smoking Ribs
Phone: (714) 867-6057
Menu: thesmokingribs.com
Directions: Open on Map
The Smoking Ribs is one of my favorite places to grab some BBQ! When I walked in, the yummy smell of BBQ hit me right away, and I couldn’t wait to eat. It’s a cozy spot where I can sit inside or outside, and it feels just right for a fun meal with friends or family.
What really makes The Smoking Ribs special is their super tasty BBQ plates. I tried the ribs, and oh my goodness, they were so tender! They were juicy and had that perfect smoky flavor that I love. You can really tell they know how to cook BBQ just right.
If you go, you have to try the mac and cheese! It’s so creamy and cheesy, and it goes perfectly with the BBQ. Every bite shows how much care they put into their food at The Smoking Ribs!
6. Beach Pit BBQ
Phone: (949) 645-7427
Menu: www.beachpitbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Beach Pit BBQ is one of my favorite places to eat! When I walked in, I was welcomed by the rustic roadhouse vibe and the yummy smell of BBQ that made my tummy rumble. I love that I can sit inside where it’s cozy or outside to enjoy the nice weather. It’s just a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some delicious BBQ with friends.
What really makes Beach Pit BBQ stand out is their super tasty menu. I tried the pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really taste the smoky goodness, and it’s clear they know how to make BBQ that hits the spot.
If you go, you absolutely have to try the sauced ribs! They’re super tender and covered in a yummy sauce that makes every bite amazing. Beach Pit BBQ is definitely a must-visit for BBQ lovers!
7. Tulsa Rib Company
Phone: (714) 633-3760
Menu: www.tulsarib.com
Directions: Open on Map
Tulsa Rib Company is one of my favorite BBQ places! When I walked in, I felt so cozy with the warm, rustic vibe and the yummy smell of BBQ all around. I love that I can sit inside where it’s nice and comfy or outside to enjoy the fresh air. It’s just a great spot to relax and enjoy some delicious food.
What really makes Tulsa Rib Company special is their baby back ribs. I tried them, and oh wow, they were so tender and juicy! The smoky flavor was just perfect, and you can really tell they take their time to cook everything just right.
If you go, you absolutely have to try their homemade desserts too! They are the sweetest way to end your meal. Every bite shows how much love they put into their food at Tulsa Rib Company!
8. Sauced BBQ & Spirits
Phone: (714) 639-9104
Menu: www.saucedbbqandspirits.com
Directions: Open on Map
Sauced BBQ & Spirits is one of my favorite places to eat! When I walked in, I was so happy to see the chill vibe with the rustic decor and the yummy smell of BBQ all around. I love that I can sit inside where it’s cozy or outside to enjoy the nice weather. It’s just a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some delicious food with friends.
What really makes Sauced BBQ & Spirits special is their amazing menu. I tried the smoked brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really taste how much care they put into their cooking, and it shows in every single bite.
If you go, you absolutely have to try their Southern sides too! The mac and cheese is super creamy and goes perfectly with the BBQ. Every bite is a yummy reminder of why Sauced BBQ & Spirits is a must-visit!
9. Heritage Barbecue
Menu: www.heritagecraftbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Heritage Barbecue is one of my favorite BBQ places! When I walked in, I felt so happy with the easygoing vibe and the yummy smell of Texas-style BBQ all around. I love that I can sit inside where it’s nice and comfy or outside to enjoy the fresh air. It’s just a great spot to relax and enjoy some delicious food.
What really makes Heritage Barbecue special is their super tasty smoked meats. I tried the brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender and juicy! The smoky flavor was just perfect, and you can really tell they take their time to cook everything just right.
If you go, you absolutely have to try their rotating sides! They always have something new and yummy to enjoy with your meal. Every bite shows how much love they put into their food at Heritage Barbecue!
10. Blake’s Place
Phone: (714) 630-8574
Menu: www.blakesplacebbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Blake’s Place is one of my favorite BBQ spots! When I walked in, I was so happy to smell the delicious slow-cooked BBQ filling the air. I love that I can sit inside where it’s cozy or outside to enjoy the nice weather. It’s just a perfect place to relax and enjoy some yummy food with friends.
What really makes Blake’s Place special is their super tasty menu. I tried the brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender and juicy! The flavors were just right, and you can really tell they take their time to cook everything perfectly.
If you go, you absolutely have to try the Beast sandwich! It’s piled high with all kinds of yummy goodness and is super filling. Every bite shows how much love they put into their food at Blake’s Place!
Map of BBQ in Orange County, CA
Choosing the Right Restaurant for You
With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Restaurant | Price | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smoqued California BBQ | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Hickory and Spice BBQ | – | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Smoke Queen Barbecue | Moderate | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | – |
The Smoking Ribs | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
Beach Pit BBQ | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Tulsa Rib Company | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Sauced BBQ & Spirits | Expensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Heritage Barbecue | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
Blake’s Place | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Orange County, CA?
There are so many great BBQ places in Orange County! Some of my favorites are Smoqued California BBQ, Hickory and Spice BBQ, and Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. Each one has its own yummy flavors that make them super special!
2. Do these BBQ places offer takeout or delivery?
Yes, lots of BBQ spots in Orange County have takeout and delivery! It’s really nice because you can enjoy tasty BBQ at home or wherever you want.
3. Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
Even though BBQ is mostly about meat, many places have yummy vegetarian sides and some even have special veggie dishes. It’s always good to check the menu or ask the staff for what they have!
4. Can I make reservations at BBQ restaurants?
Yes, many BBQ restaurants let you make reservations, especially when it’s busy. It’s a smart idea to call ahead or look on their website to save your spot!
5. What should I order at a BBQ restaurant?
When you go to a BBQ place, you should definitely try the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork! And don’t forget to grab some sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw—they make the meal even better!