Whether you crave pulled pork, a tender tri-tip, beef brisket or a full rack of ribs, there are plenty of barbecue restaurants here in Southern California that will satisfy all of your BBQ cravings. Here are 11 of the best BBQ joints in SoCal. Did your favorite spot show up on the list?
1. Bull's Smoking BBQ -- 1127 Morena Blvd in San Diego
The atmosphere at Bull's is just as memorable as the BBQ they serve. Located in a saloon-style setting, this BBQ joint serves giant portions of hearty homestyle ribs, chicken, pulled pork and other favorites.
2. Smoketree BBQ Bar and Grill -- 1775 E Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
You can get southern style barbecue right here in SoCal without having to travel halfway across the country. The meat at Smoke Tree BBQ and Grill is smoked in -house and everything is rubbed with a super-secret Smoke Tree seasoning that you can only get at this local hot spot in Palm Springs.
3. The Smok'd Hog -- 3749 Park Blvd in San Diego
Kansas Style Barbecue that's so lip smacking good you might want to order extra to-go. Try the KC Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Carolina Gold to taste their specialties. Ribs are only offered on the weekends so plan accordingly.
4. Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas Bar-B-Que -- 8136 Sepulveda Blvd in Panorama City.
There's nothing fancy about Dr. Hogly Wogly, but who needs fancy when the barbecue is this good? Serving up homestyle barbecue since 1969 and recognized as one of SoCal's hidden gems, this is the place to go for no frills BBQ that is consistently good.
5. Holy Cow -- 264 24th Street in Santa Monica
You can't go wrong at this Santa Monica eatery that's been voted Best Barbecue. Open for lunch and dinner, you can nosh on "slow-smoked goodness" and fill up on some delicious homemade sides. In addition to a walk-in restaurant, they also have a food truck that serves up tasty BBQ on wheels.
6. Phil's BBQ
You know when you see a line this long you're in for something special. And after you bite into Phil's signature BBQ sauce you'll understand what the hype is all about. My personal favorite is the BBQ Broham pictured here -- pulled pork on top of a bun with coleslaw that's smothered in Phil's famous BBQ sauce.
7. Max City BBQ -- 4729 Eagle Rock Blvd in Los Angeles
At first glance this may look like an average hole-in-the-wall, but it's hipster heaven from the moment you walk inside. This modern version of an old-timey barbecue joint offers a feast of ribs, tri-tip, brisket, and everything in between, along with hearty and comforting sides that taste like mom used to make.
8. Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que -- Temecula and other SoCal locations
Southern California would be lost without Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B- Que for a satisfying fix of homestyle barbecue dishes. Whether you're craving a rack of ribs or a tender brisket and a heaping plate of mashed potatoes, you will always leave feeling stuffed after devouring a barbecue feast at Lucille's.
9. Smoqued California Barbecue -- 128 N Glassell Street in Orange, CA
Lunchtime in Orange wouldn't be the same without a stop at Smoqued California for some truly epic barbecue. Whether you opt for a pulled pork sandwich or need something a little heartier like a full meal with all the sides, this is a great spot where you can count on walking away feeling full, satisfied and happy.
10. Bad to the Bone BBQ -- 31738 Rancho Viejo Road in San Juan Capistrano
You'll want to show up hungry at Bad to the Bone, as the portions here are fit for an army. Whether you like a traditional rack of ribs or something more elegant like a beautiful serving of tri-tip drizzled with a flavorful sauce, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy at Bad to the Bone.
11. The Tulsa Rib Company -- 220 E Katella Avenue in Orange, CA.
Devouring a plate of smoked baby back ribs and a side of creamed corn at Tulsa Rib Company is my idea of heaven. Make sure to splurge on dessert while you're there and order the towering profiterole for the ultimate sweet tooth fix.
How’s that for some mean looking BBQ?! After you devour a giant plate of ribs you’re going to need to burn off some calories. Here’s a great hike in SoCal that is sure to leave you feeling accomplished.
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