Barbecue is perhaps the perfect hearty summer food. It just tastes better when enjoyed in glorious weather. Lucky for you, Orange County has a wide range of fabulous barbecue restaurants both new and well-loved city classics. We’ve rounded up the 7 very best barbecue spots in Orange County, perfect for all meat-lovers.
See Also: The 7 Best Frozen Summer Cocktails In Orange County
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31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano / Website
This husband and wife-run barbecue joint first emerged from their popular catering business and has prospered as the first Orange County restaurant to make “real pit BBQ”. Their barbecue is cooked in a wood-burning pit over Pecan wood for a long, slow roast. The menu features a variety of must-try ribs including beef back ribs, St. Louis pork ribs, and baby back pork ribs. In addition to the delectable side dishes, there is a lengthy liquor list with bourbon, scotch, and a variety of whiskeys.
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31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano / Website
Heritage BBQ is truly a community staple. The joint does not accept cash, pre-orders, or reservations, but crowds frequently form to get a chance to snag a box of the famous Central Texas-style barbecue. Chef and owner Daniel Castillo sells flavorful brisket, massive beef ribs, homemade sausages, spare ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and turkey breasts. The side dishes are equally covetable with hits like potato salad, brisket beans, summer coleslaw, and mac and cheese. The joint has won a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and is a favorite of the Los Angeles Times, the OC Register, and Thrillist. This stop is truly one you need to experience. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Get there early!
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500 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim / Website
Anaheim native chef Javier Gomez has been creating mouthwatering barbecue for over ten years. Meats are cooked in a post oak wood pit for over 12 hours and emerge with a sweet, smoky flavor. The menu features brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork, pork back ribs, chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, and creamed corn, among other tasty sides. The joint is only open for online orders at the moment, but keep up with their Instagram to find out about future happenings.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Head to this local barbecue chain for flavorful slow-roasted hickory-smoked meats. The joint is best known for its St. Louis ribs, which are marinated and smoked for up to six hours and doused in Carolina-style barbecue sauce. Find an array of tasty barbecued meats on the menu as well as sides like bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts, au gratin potatoes, and green chile cheese grits. The restaurant is always open to walk-ins with some locations even including al fresco patio seating. Online takeout orders can be placed here.
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1450 N Kraemer Blvd., Placentia / Website
This popular restaurant first started as a food truck. Now, their bustling location features 25 craft beers curated to pair well with barbecue, TVs, and of course their hickory-smoked meats. The menu includes tri-tips, beef brisket, spare ribs, and pulled pork, all of which are brushed with the joint’s signature secret Meat Up Magic rub. Order a decadent dish to share with your crew like the pulled pork chili verde fries, the Mac Attack Fries, or the pretzel bites with cheese sauce. This is a great spot to grab a brew and a bite with friends. Walk-ins are always welcome or order takeout online here.
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14211 N Euclid Street, Garden Grove / Website
It can be tricky to snag a taste from The Smoking Ribs solely because of just how popular it is. The menu includes freshly prepared pulled pork, brisket, baby back rib, St. Louis spare ribs, and beef ribs. Can’t decide on just one meat to try? Check out the menu’s sampler section for a variety of tasty meal combos. The joint is open Wednesday to Sunday starting at 11:30 a.m. and runs until they sell out. It’s best to call ahead to check the day’s availability.
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220 E Katella Ave., Orange / Website
The Tulsa Rib Company has been a family-owned Orange County staple for 37 years. They’ve catered for Disney, Nordstrom, and other major SoCal businesses, so you can trust their menu is a tried and true hit. Their unique menu features Tabooli, barbecue chicken, sausage, and a large variety of ribs available in different rubs, sauces, and quantities. Be sure to save room for dessert with delectable selections like profiteroles, carrot cake, cheesecake, and peanut butter pie. Walk-ins are always welcome or order takeout online here.
Photography by: Oscar Salgado / Unsplash
