Best BBQ in Southern California, CA

Southern California is such a tasty place, especially when it comes to BBQ! I’ve had the pleasure of trying so many different styles, and let me tell you, the flavors here are out of this world. From juicy ribs to smoky brisket, there’s something for everyone, and the quality is just amazing.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Southern California, CA? Well, the best BBQ here is all about variety! You can find everything from Texas-style to Carolina BBQ, each with its own special flavors and cooking styles. Some of my favorite spots include Smoqued California BBQ, Bludso’s BBQ, and Gus’s BBQ. Each place has its own vibe and delicious food that really shows off what Southern California BBQ is all about.

I can’t wait to share more about these incredible BBQ joints with you! You’ll find out where to go for the best bites and what makes each place so special. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this tasty adventure!

Top 10 BBQ in Southern California, CA

1. Smoqued California BBQ
2. Bludso’s BBQ
3. Gus’s BBQ – South Pasadena
4. Spirit of Texas Craft BBQ
5. Park’s BBQ
6. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
7. Baby Blues BBQ – Venice
8. Badlands BBQ
9. Smoke Queen Barbecue
10. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

1. Smoqued California BBQ

Smoqued California BBQ is such a cool spot in Orange, CA! When I walked in, I felt right at home with the cozy, exposed-brick walls. It’s super comfy, and you can choose to sit inside or outside, which is nice. The whole place just has a great vibe for enjoying some yummy BBQ.

What I really love about Smoqued is how they mix things up. I tried their avocado fries, and wow, they were so crispy and tasty! Then, I had the smoked brisket, and it was just perfect—so juicy and full of flavor. You can really tell they know what they’re doing with their BBQ.

If you go, you have to get the brisket and those avocado fries. They show off how creative and delicious Smoqued California BBQ really is, and I can’t wait to go back for more!

2. Bludso’s BBQ

Bludso’s BBQ in Los Angeles is seriously one of my favorite places! When I walked in, the smell of all that smoky goodness hit me right away, and I just knew I was going to love it. The place has a chill vibe, with comfy seating both inside and outside, perfect for hanging out with friends or family.

What really makes Bludso’s special is their Texas BBQ. I tried the brisket, and oh my gosh, it was so tender and juicy! It just melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t get enough. The sides, like the mac and cheese, were super creamy and went perfectly with the meat.

If you go, you have to get the brisket and mac and cheese. They really show how awesome Bludso’s BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy food!

3. Gus’s BBQ – South Pasadena

Gus’s BBQ in South Pasadena is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I felt all the good vibes right away. This spot has been around since 1946, and you can really tell they know how to do BBQ. The smell of the meats cooking over pecan logs is just so yummy and makes you want to dig in right away!

What I love about Gus’s BBQ is how tender their ribs are. I tried them, and they just fell off the bone! The smoky flavor from the pecan logs made every bite super tasty. It’s like a big hug for your taste buds!

If you go, you have to get the ribs and maybe some baked beans. They really show how great Gus’s BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

4. Spirit of Texas Craft BBQ

Spirit of Texas Craft BBQ in San Bernardino is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meats made my mouth water right away. The vibe is super friendly, and you can sit inside or outside, which is great for enjoying a meal with friends or family.

What really makes Spirit of Texas special is their brisket. I tried it, and oh wow, it was so tender and juicy! Every bite was packed with flavor, and I could really taste the smoky goodness. You can tell they really know how to cook their meats just right.

If you go, you have to get the brisket and maybe some coleslaw on the side. They really show how awesome Spirit of Texas Craft BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

5. Park’s BBQ

Park’s BBQ in Los Angeles is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I could feel the lively energy all around me, and it made me super excited. The restaurant has a really cool vibe, and you can choose to sit inside or outside, which is perfect for a fun night out with friends or family.

What I really love about Park’s BBQ is their Kobe-style beef and marinated short ribs. I tried the short ribs, and oh my goodness, they were so tender and full of flavor! The marination was just right, and grilling them right at the table made it even more special and fun.

If you go, you have to get the marinated short ribs and maybe some kimchi on the side. They really show how amazing Park’s BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy food!

6. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in Lake Forest is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I felt all the warm and cozy vibes right away. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, and you can choose to sit inside or outside, which is perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends.

What I really love about Lucille’s is their slow-cooked meats. I tried the pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just amazing, and I loved how they paired it with classic Southern sides that made everything even better.

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork and maybe some cornbread on the side. They really show how great Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy food!

7. Baby Blues BBQ – Venice

Baby Blues BBQ in Venice is such a cool place to eat! When I walked in, I felt all the chill vibes right away. The restaurant is super cozy, and you can sit inside or outside, which is perfect for enjoying a meal near the beach. It just feels like a great spot to relax and dig into some yummy BBQ.

What I really love about Baby Blues is their pulled pork and baby back ribs. I tried the pulled pork, and oh my gosh, it was so juicy and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just right, and I loved how they served it with their special BBQ sauce that gave it an extra kick.

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork and maybe some coleslaw on the side. They really show how awesome Baby Blues BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more tasty food!

8. Badlands BBQ

Badlands BBQ in Norco is such a fun place to grab some BBQ! When I walked in, I loved how chill and casual it felt. It’s a counter-serve spot, so you can get your food super quick and enjoy it inside or outside. It’s just a great place to relax and dig into some tasty BBQ.

What really makes Badlands BBQ special is their smoked meats. I tried the baby back ribs, and oh wow, they were so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just perfect, and I loved how they paired it with hearty sides that made my meal even better.

If you go, you have to get the baby back ribs and maybe some baked beans on the side. They really show how awesome Badlands BBQ is, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy food!

9. Smoke Queen Barbecue

Smoke Queen Barbecue in Garden Grove is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meats made my mouth water right away. The vibe is super friendly, and you can sit inside or outside, which is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.

What I really love about Smoke Queen is their brisket. I tried it, and oh wow, it was so tender and juicy! Every bite was packed with flavor, and I could really taste the smoky goodness. You can tell they really know how to cook their meats just right.

If you go, you have to get the brisket and maybe some mac and cheese on the side. They really show how awesome Smoke Queen Barbecue is, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

10. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in Cerritos is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I felt all the cozy vibes right away. The restaurant is super nice, and you can pick to sit inside or outside, which is perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. It just feels like a great spot to relax and enjoy some yummy BBQ.

What I really love about Lucille’s is their slow-cooked meats. I tried the smoked brisket, and oh wow, it was so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just amazing, and I loved how they served it with classic Southern sides that made everything even better.

If you go, you have to get the smoked brisket and maybe some cornbread on the side. They really show how awesome Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

Map of BBQ in Southern California, CA

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best BBQ styles in Southern California?
  Southern California has so many yummy BBQ styles! You can find Texas BBQ, Carolina BBQ, and even traditional Southern BBQ. Each one has its own special flavors that make it super fun to try them all!

• Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
  Yes, lots of BBQ places have vegetarian options! You can usually find things like grilled veggies, salads, and even some tasty plant-based BBQ dishes to enjoy.

• What is the average price range for BBQ in Southern California?
  Most BBQ meals in Southern California are pretty affordable, usually in the moderate range. You can get really good food without breaking the bank!

• Do I need to make reservations at BBQ restaurants?
  It’s a smart idea to make reservations, especially at busy BBQ spots. Some places can get really crowded, especially on weekends, so it helps to have a table saved!

• Can I get BBQ delivered in Southern California?
  Absolutely! Many BBQ restaurants offer delivery, so you can enjoy your favorite BBQ right at home. It’s super convenient!

• What are some must-try BBQ dishes?
  You have to try smoked brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken! Each dish is so delicious and shows off the restaurant’s special cooking style.

• Are there BBQ festivals in Southern California?
  Yes, there are lots of BBQ festivals throughout the year! These fun events have different BBQ vendors, competitions, and tons of tasty food to try.

• Is BBQ suitable for large gatherings or events?
  Definitely! BBQ is a great choice for big parties and events. Many BBQ places even offer catering, so you can serve yummy food to all your guests!