Best Bbq Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with its stunning coastline and Mediterranean climate, is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious barbecue. The city offers a wide range of BBQ options, from traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue to more modern and innovative takes on the classic genre. Here, we’ll explore some of the best BBQ spots in Santa Barbara, highlighting their unique features, menus, and what makes them stand out.

First, let’s consider the traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue, which originated in the nearby Santa Maria Valley. This style of barbecue is known for its use of red oak wood, which gives the meat a distinctive flavor. One of the best places to try this style of barbecue is at Santa Maria BBQ, a local institution that has been serving up traditional barbecue for decades. Their menu features all the classics, including tri-tip, sausage, and chicken, all smoked to perfection over red oak wood.

Another great option for traditional barbecue is Friedman’s BBQ, which offers a range of meats smoked over oak wood, including brisket, ribs, and sausage. What sets Friedman’s apart is its commitment to using only the highest-quality ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. Their menu also features a range of delicious sides, including baked beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

For a more modern take on barbecue, The Shop Cafe is a great option. This popular cafe offers a range of creative barbecue dishes, including a mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich and a delicious tri-tip salad. What sets The Shop Cafe apart is its focus on using locally sourced and organic ingredients, which gives its barbecue a unique and healthy twist.

Another great option for modern barbecue is La Super Rica Taqueria, a popular spot for tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes. While not strictly a barbecue joint, La Super Rica offers a range of delicious grilled meats, including carne asada, chicken, and chorizo. Their menu also features a range of creative sides, including grilled vegetables and spicy salsa.

Finally, no discussion of barbecue in Santa Barbara would be complete without mentioning Cold Spring Tavern, a historic tavern that has been serving up delicious barbecue for over 100 years. This rustic tavern offers a range of traditional barbecue dishes, including tri-tip, sausage, and chicken, all smoked over oak wood. What sets Cold Spring Tavern apart is its unique and historic setting, which transports visitors back in time to the old West.

In terms of what to order, here are some recommendations:

• At Santa Maria BBQ, be sure to try the tri-tip, which is smoked to perfection over red oak wood.
• At Friedman’s BBQ, the brisket is a must-try, with its tender and flavorful texture.
• At The Shop Cafe, the pulled pork sandwich is a highlight, with its tender and juicy meat.
• At La Super Rica Taqueria, the carne asada tacos are a must-try, with their delicious and spicy flavor.
• At Cold Spring Tavern, the tri-tip is again a highlight, with its rich and savory flavor.

In terms of price, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• At Santa Maria BBQ, most dishes range from 10 to 20.
• At Friedman’s BBQ, most dishes range from 15 to 30.
• At The Shop Cafe, most dishes range from 10 to 20.
• At La Super Rica Taqueria, most dishes range from 5 to 15.
• At Cold Spring Tavern, most dishes range from 15 to 30.

Overall, Santa Barbara offers a wide range of delicious barbecue options, from traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue to more modern and innovative takes on the classic genre. Whether you’re in the mood for classic tri-tip or something more adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful coastal city.