So, you just love BBQ. You cannot get enough of slow-cooked tri-tip, smoked brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Nothing makes you happier than the perfect sweet, smoky, spicy, sticky barbecue sauce. And don’t get you started on how great it is to find a little under-the-radar joint that serves unexpectedly-great food. If this sounds anything like you, we have a road trip you are going to love. Spend a full day discovering delicious hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurants in SoCal.
Your BBQ adventure is a 123-mile loop around the heart of the southland where you will get your fill at four hidden gems. You can use this interactive map as a guide to customize your trip just for you. Ready? Let's eat!
1. Day Day’s BBQ & Waffle House
Your BBQ adventure begins with breakfast at Day Day’s BBQ and Waffle House where the combination of classic BBQ and traditional soul food will have your mouth watering.
Try the "James Jr," two Louisiana hot links with potatoes or grits and eggs, or a so-called "Chocolate Feast" that features pork chops. Of course, you can always go with one of the ever-popular fried chicken and waffle combos.
2. Ray’s Texas BBQ
For lunch, you are headed to Ray’s Texas BBQ for a tray of classic dry-rubbed BBQ brisket, a pile of BBQ nachos, or perhaps a little something outside-the-box like a USDA Prime Brisket Burrito stuffed with brisket, Jalapeno cheddar sausage, and macaroni and cheese. Not quite sold? Try one of Ray’s signature Pitmaster sandwiches that are piled so high, you may need a knife and fork to eat one.
Stop at Ray's BBQ with CJ THEHOST for a little taste test of some good 'ol Texas BBQ in Cali:
Pitstop at the El Dorado Nature Center
You may want a break and to do some walking before hitting your next stop. Might we recommend making your way to the El Dorado Nature Center? With a visitor center, lots of walking trails, a stream, two lakes, and plenty of greenery to enjoy, this is one of SoCal's prettiest places to take a relaxing hike and work up an appetite.
Let's go for a walk around the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach California in this video with Hey Long Beach:
3. The Smo-King Ribs BBQ
It’s time for Happy Hour at The Smo-King Ribs BBQ Restaurant. Order a beer and a starter or two to share, such as Loaded Pulled Pork Fries, tacos, or chicken wings. If you are feeling adventurous, try something unique to The Smo-King Ribs like the Pulled Pork Sundae or Blueberry Corn Muffins. Don’t fill up too much because you have one more stop coming up!
4. Westside Pit BBQ
The last stop on your BBQ tour is WestSide Pit BBQ Restaurant. Gear up for the fantastic flavors of traditional BBQ pork ribs, beef ribs, hot links, or chicken. Or enjoy a selection of fresh seafood, including red snapper, catfish, and shrimp. Create your ideal BBQ meal with sides like baked beans, hushpuppies, macaroni and cheese, and more. If you are road-tripping with the family, take advantage of one of the Family Combos that feed a small crowd. And please leave room for dessert. House-made peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and the cake of the week all come in a variety of sizes to end your meal, and your road trip, on a perfectly sweet note.
Check out this interesting feature with the owner of Westside Pit BBQ, Darrell Butler by Rialto's Mayor, Deborah Robertson:
California might not be the first place you think about when you are in the mood for Texas-style BBQ but these four places can hold their own. Have you ever spent an entire day eating nothing but BBQ? What do you think about these little BBQ restaurants in Southern California? Do you have a favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant that keeps you coming back for more? We want to hear about it! Meanwhile, check out a few more hidden gem restaurants in SoCal.
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