California

Few quests are more satisfying than the search for the best BBQ in Upland, CA. The scent of slow-smoked meat floating through the afternoon air was my first clue that Upland was no ordinary place for food lovers. On my first visit, a single bite from a plate of tender brisket had me plotting a … Read more

The search for seriously great BBQ in Orange, CA is more than a hunt for smoky flavor; it’s a mission for that perfect blend of tender, seasoned meat and a genuine sense of place. Orange knows how to serve BBQ that satisfies—whether it’s brisket with a bark that cracks like an inside joke or ribs … Read more

San Jose wears many hats, but its barbecue scene is a hidden strength. With influences from Texas, Carolina, Hawaii, and beyond, the city doesn’t just serve up smoky plates—it crafts stories with every bite. You can stumble into a classic joint with wooden booths and a haze of slow-cooked ribs, or uncover a modern spot … Read more

Gardena’s barbecue scene feels a bit like a hidden backyard party you’re lucky enough to stumble upon. Tucked between bustling boulevards and quiet corners, the city serves up a grill game that caters to old-school purists and those looking to branch out. There’s a charm in places where the smoke hits you first and the … Read more

Finding the best BBQ in Hercules, CA is a journey worth savoring, bite by bite. The aromas that curl out of local pits and kitchens are impossible to ignore as you pass through town. Years ago, I stumbled, by chance, into an unassuming spot in Hercules and left convinced that the region quietly houses some … Read more

Barbecue in Pittsburg, CA is a kind of local treasure hunt. Every corner promises a new pitmaster with a secret sauce or a smokehouse scent that calls your name from blocks away. I still remember my first bite at a tucked-away spot on Railroad Avenue—flavors deep and surprising, the brisket melting perfectly, and the kind … Read more

There are few quests more satisfying than the hunt for San Diego’s best BBQ. If you’ve ever wandered through Little Italy with the faint whiff of smoke curling above the bustle, or caught yourself daydreaming about brisket while staring at the Mission Bay sunset, you know that barbecue here isn’t just a meal—it’s an event, … Read more

Palm Springs knows how to do sunshine, but it also knows its way around a smoker and a grill. Over the years, I’ve found that a good barbecue spot isn’t just about the brisket or ribs—it’s about that slow build of fragrant smoke when you walk through the door. Here, finding the best BBQ isn’t … Read more

Nothing perks up a Saturday like the scent of slow-smoked ribs drifting through Woodland’s tree-lined streets. If you’ve ever followed that delicious aroma hoping for something memorable, you’re in the right place. Finding great barbecue in Woodland isn’t about a lucky guess. It’s about the pursuit of perfectly charred brisket, tender chicken, and sauces worth … Read more

There’s something unmistakable about the scent of barbecue drifting down Broadway, mixing with a hint of redwood in the air. Redwood City does BBQ differently—blending smoke, spice, and a good bit of character. A local friend once swore by a spot tucked behind a mural and the first taste—smoky, sweet, and tender—proved that every claim … Read more

Barbecue in Tracy, CA, isn’t a casual affair. The town’s best spots know how to draw a crowd and silence a table—saucy fingers, smoky scents, and stories traded over charred perfection. That irresistible combination pulled me in one summer afternoon, where even locals debate over who truly fires up the top BBQ in town. From … Read more

Navigating the Simi Valley food scene led me to a delightful surprise: the city’s surprisingly rich barbecuing culture. From smoky brisket joints to Korean grills that sizzle and sear right at your table, Simi Valley offers a range of barbecue experiences that cater to diverse palates without compromising quality or authenticity. The quest for the … Read more

Craving perfectly smoked ribs or tender, flavorful brisket can turn an ordinary day into something special. Fremont, CA, might not be the first city that springs to mind when thinking of barbecue, but its diverse BBQ scene quietly serves up some hidden gems. Whether you prefer smokehouse classics or a twist with Asian-inspired flavors, Fremont’s … Read more

Norco, CA, often called the “Horsetown USA,” offers more than just scenic trails and western charm—it’s home to some of the best barbecue experiences in Southern California. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the city’s BBQ scene stands out with a blend of bold flavors and carefully smoked meats that respect tradition without … Read more

Barbecue is more than food; it’s a ritual, a smoky symphony that draws people together around a fire and a plate. In West Covina, CA, this tradition takes many forms, from classic ribs and brisket to island-inspired plates bursting with unique flavors. Over the years, I’ve sampled countless BBQ spots here, each offering a distinct … Read more