The Best BBQ In Southern California Actually Comes From A Suburban Gas Station
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 05, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
When it comes to good old-fashioned American comfort food, rich and flavorful BBQ ranks pretty high. Of course, not all BBQ is created equal. From the quality of the meat to the preparation methods, and of course, the pairing of tasty side dishes, there are a huge variety of options. In a very surprising place, a suburban gas station, you will find some of the absolute best BBQ in Southern California.
This eatery's humble roots do not begin at a gas station. The owners first served up their now-renowned flavors when they entered a BBQ competition at the first Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Success when competing led to a small catering company and, eventually, a restaurant called "When Pigs Fly" inside of Chevron gas station in Vista, California.
At one of the state's biggest BBQ contests, When Pigs Fly won the title of "Grand Champion."
When Pigs Fly was opened by husband and wife team Tammy and Dale. The business name came from a phrase that Tammy said to Dale over and over as they went from first-time contestants to winners to caterers to festival vendors, and finally restaurant owners.
Quality is held to a high standard at this restaurant, and they serve all the classic smoked meats any BBQ lover could want - tri tip, ribs, pulled pork, wings, chicken, and their award-winning brisket. Oh, and the portions are quite generous.
In addition to a variety of meats, When Pigs Fly offers house-made sausages and half-pound smoked burgers, stacked with all the normal "fixin's" plus toppings like pulled pork, onion rings, brisket, or a crispy cheese wheel.
Everything you will see on the menu is freshly made at the restaurant, including sides like garlic mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, BBQ beans, and more.
Want something a little different? How about pulled pork nachos with house-made chips? You can finish it off with a scrumptious caramel bread pudding or smoked peach cobbler.
Maybe you are stopping in for more of a snack, or you are heading in with a group of friends and want to try an appetizer or two. The "Munchies" menu is full of tasty bites like deviled eggs topped with pig candy (smoked bacon), redneck tacos, and brisket burnt ends.
When Pigs Fly has a comfy, laid-back atmosphere to complement the ultimate comfort food menu. Come alone or with a group - with small plates, huge meals, family packs, and a kids menu, When Pigs Fly is ready for your order.
Have you had this gas station BBQ in Southern California? Where is the best BBQ you have ever tasted? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Also, why not check out these other unexpected places to find delicious meals in SoCal?
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