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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Jose's best

Barbecue spots

Real barbecue that relies on the patience of the smoke rather than the convenience of a quick-fix sauce.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Jackie's Place - SoFA image 1
Jackie's Place - SoFA image 2
Jackie's Place - SoFA image 3
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Soul food restaurant

Soul food spot buzzes with warm vibe and lively energy. Brisket shines, juicy and tender with sweet-tangy sauce. Casual design meets smoky aromas, serving generous portions to a diverse crowd.

Brisket comes juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, paired with an in-house barbecue sauce that balances sweet and tangy flavors well.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the mac and cheese, is delicious."

"The smoked brisket food just melted in my mouth."

"The brisket here is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking garage at third and San Carlos offers 90 minutes of free parking.

2

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Saturday evenings.

02
Aina's Vegan Banh Mi image 1
Asian restaurant

Spacious seating and a cozy vibe create a relaxed hangout spot with fresh herbal aromas. Cheerful Xa-Xiu shines with spicy lemongrass and Saigon rolls offering simple BBQ delights. Vegan banh mi and an attached vegan donut and smoothie bar add unique flavors.

Cheerful Xa-Xiu stands out with its spicy lemongrass and Saigon rolls. BBQ flavors come through as a simple delight in this dish.

People are saying

"The vegetarian banh mi here is so delicious and reasonably priced."

"I enjoyed the banh mi and smoothie from the proprietor."

"The Barbecue Banh Mi is unforgettable and so fresh and so good."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 3:30 pm.

2

They have a small shared parking lot in the back, but street parking is also available.

3

All menu items are vegan, offering a variety of options.

03
Mina's Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean spot offers authentic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi with fresh kimchi. Korean BBQ Short Ribs come fully cooked, making it easy and tasty. Friendly staff and a warm atmosphere create a lively, bustling lunch scene.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs come fully cooked, not grilled at the table. The food is delicious with good prices and great service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in large portions."

"I found the bibimbap to be the best I had ever had."

"The Korean Barbecue short ribs were delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant primarily serves takeout, which is ideal for quick meals.

04
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese spot shines with BBQ lemongrass chicken that's juicy and well-marinated. Cozy interior and small outdoor patio create a warm, mom and pop vibe. Lunch rush brings a lively but not loud atmosphere, making it a great casual eatery.

BBQ lemongrass chicken stands out with proper grilling and marinated flavor. The meat stays juicy and flavorful in dishes like vermicelli bowls and banh mi.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The banh mi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The Barbecue lemongrass chicken was excellent."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

05
Hawaiian Drive Inn image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Island reggae music sets a laid-back vibe in a clean, casual space. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken shines with moist texture and rich flavor. Generous portions of authentic plate lunches make it a family-friendly spot for quick, tasty meals.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken stands out with its moist texture and rich flavor. Plates like the BBQ mix and seafood combo with BBQ ribs offer generous portions and consistent quality at average prices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and good."

"The garlic shrimp plate here is fire."

"The Hawaiian Barbecue chicken plate was excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes at Hawaiian Drive Inn are generous, often feeding two people.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a good value for large portions.

3

The restaurant is primarily focused on takeout orders rather than dine-in.

06
Best Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a welcoming vibe serves authentic Hawaiian barbecue featuring BBQ chicken and beef with rich flavor and generous portions. Menu includes ribs, katsu, and seafood platters at reasonable prices. Clean, casual, and comfortable atmosphere enhances the experience.

BBQ chicken and beef barbecue stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. The menu offers a variety including ribs, katsu, and seafood platters, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"This Hawaiian BBQ is original and much better than other options."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and tasty."

"This Hawaiian Barbecue is original and much better than other options."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions that can easily feed multiple people.

2

Prices are reasonable for the amount of food served.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including restrooms.

07
Mesquite and Oak image 1

Cozy spot offers authentic Texas-style smoked BBQ with juicy brisket and perfect bark. Casual indoor and patio seating create a relaxed vibe. Fair prices make it a great choice for barbecue lovers seeking quality and comfort.

Texas styled smoked BBQ stands out here, especially the brisket. The place knows how to deliver authentic barbecue that sets a high bar in the Bay Area.

People are saying

"This American food, especially the brisket, is tender and flavorful."

"The barbecue meats here are incredible and not dried out."

"The brisket and dino ribs here are incredibly tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer $5 beers on tap on Sunday afternoons.

2

The restaurant closes at 4 PM, so arrive early.

3

The brisket often sells out by noon.

08
Pho Bel Air image 1
Pho restaurant

Pho restaurant serves authentic pho with high-quality ingredients in a fast casual setting. BBQ chicken comes in generous portions and BBQ pork pairs well with shrimp and vermicelli. Friendly vibe and quick service make it a great late-night spot.

BBQ chicken comes in generous portions and tastes yummy. BBQ pork appears in dishes with shrimp and vermicelli or alongside pho and egg rolls.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has really good broth and noodles."

"It's a great late night spot for a quick meal."

"The pho is authentic, tasty, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pho Bel Air is open until 11pm, making it convenient for late-night diners.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 10 minutes for takeout, even when crowded.

3

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

09
Gobi image 1
Mongolian barbecue restaurant

Mongolian barbecue spot offers a build-your-own meal with fresh vegetables and sauces. Meals include egg drop soup and fried wonton chips for about $16. Cozy, modern design creates a welcoming atmosphere with a clean dining area.

Offers quintessential Mongolian BBQ with meals around $16 including sides like egg drop soup and fried wonton chips. Maintains a clean environment and serves two bowls of BBQ per meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always pretty good."

"I thought the Mongolian Barbecue here was pretty good."

"I thought the Mongolian BBQ here was pretty good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

2

The price is fixed at $18.49 for a full meal with no extra charges.

3

You can add an extra plate for $3 if needed.

10
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small space with a cozy atmosphere and local Hawaiian music creates a relaxed vibe. Plates offer juicy BBQ chicken with rich flavor and generous portions. Clean setting with ample seating suits families and casual diners well.

BBQ chicken stands out with rich flavor. Plates deliver delicious Hawaiian BBQ that feels unbeatable.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with huge portions."

"The BBQ beef and ribs here are the best."

"The Barbecue here is delicious and the portions are big."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of Hawaiian BBQ dishes with generous portion sizes.

2

Cleanliness is a priority, with a well-maintained dining area.

3

Ample seating is available for both small and large groups.

11
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian spot shines with quality beef barbecue and generous portions that fill you up. Cozy indoor seating and old school island posters create a bright, inviting vibe. Affordable prices keep customers coming late into the night.

Beef barbecue stands out with better quality meat than other Hawaiian BBQ chains. Large serving sizes and flavorful dishes like BBQ beef and garlic shrimp offer good value and satisfy hunger.

People are saying

"The BBQ chicken and kalua pork were delicious and generously portioned."

"This lunch spot is legit, just like back in Hawaii."

"The barbecue here is delicious and served in generous portions."

Good to know

1

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ is a takeout place with no tables, only a couple of chairs outside.

2

You can order at your table or at the front counter, but there's a service fee for table orders.

3

Expect large portion sizes, about 1.5 times larger than typical BBQ places.

12
Jon Jon's image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Wood smoke aroma fills the air, creating a large smoker experience. Southern BBQ stands out with excellent barbecue sauce and tasty meats at good prices. Covered outdoor patio adds a family-owned vibe with BBQ memorabilia, making it a homey gathering spot.

Southern BBQ shines with excellent barbecue sauce and delicious, tasty meats offered at a decent price.

People are saying

"I had the best BBQ of my life here."

"This lunch spot's ribs and brisket are smoky and tender."

"I had the best barbecue of my life here."

Good to know

1

Jon Jon's opens early at 10 AM, making it a good breakfast option.

2

The restaurant uses a kiosk for auto-ordering; no wait staff is available.

3

Parking in the immediate area is limited, so plan accordingly.

13
Com Tam Dat Thanh image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Low-key spot serves charred BBQ pork and juicy shrimp with broken rice. Relaxed vibe with self-serve chili adds to the lively feel. Generous menu includes vegetarian options and tasty seafood combos.

Pork has a slightly sweet flavor with a charred BBQ taste. BBQ shrimp stays juicy and plump. BBQ beef pairs well with fried shrimp cake and rice.

People are saying

"This Vietnamese food's pork chop is larger than at other places."

"I thought the pork chop broken rice here was the best."

"The BBQ beef rice plate was massive and so good."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $15 to $20 for a small portion of rice and sides.

2

The restaurant specializes in broken rice dishes with various grilled sides.

3

Self-serve sauce and chili are available on the table for customization.

14
Pho San Jose image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern decor with a grass wall and neon sign sets a fresh vibe. Smoked brisket adds a smoky BBQ flavor to classic pho, creating a unique taste. Spacious seating and warm lighting attract a younger crowd seeking rich broth and fresh noodles.

Smoked brisket brings smoky BBQ flavors into traditional pho. The Smoked Brisket Phö blends both worlds, combining classic pho with barbecue elements.

People are saying

"The pho here has phenomenal meat and a well-done, flavorful broth."

"I finally tried the bun rieu, it has thinner noodles."

"The smoked brisket here has such yummy, smoky barbecue flavors."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking at Pho San Jose.

2

Pho San Jose accepts both credit cards and cash.

3

Expect a short wait during peak lunch hours.

15
Phin Cafe - Blossom Hill Road | San Jose image 1

Small cafe with wood accents and real plants offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or meeting. BBQ pork sandwich and BBQ banh mi deliver rich flavors that pair well with pandan coffee and tropical fruit tea. Ample seating supports casual visits despite occasional crowding.

BBQ pork sandwich offers a generous amount of meat and rich flavor. The BBQ banh mi and spam musubi pair well with drinks like pandan coffee and tropical fruit tea.

People are saying

"Their unique coffee flavors like ube and egg coffee are delicious."

"The banh mi sandwiches here are flavorful and fresh."

"The Barbecue pork sandwich had a lot of meat and tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

It gets busy around 10am on Sundays.

2

The wait time is about 30 to 45 minutes.

3

Phin Cafe is laptop friendly with free wifi and ample outlets.

16
Bigspoon korean bistro image 1

Small Korean spot shines with authentic flavors and a family-friendly atmosphere. Beef BBQ and Korean BBQ Short Ribs offer rich flavors paired with classic sides. Cozy, down-to-earth vibe feels like sharing a meal with friends or family.

Beef BBQ and Korean BBQ Short Ribs stand out with rich flavors and come with Korean style sides. Lunch specials often pair BBQ with tofu soup or spicy chicken, served alongside rice.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Korean and tastes like home cooking."

"The Lunch Spot's banchan refills are plentiful and free."

"The Korean Barbecue dishes here are really tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect lengthy wait times for seating and service on weekends.

3

A bill for two people usually ranges between $35 and $50.

17
The Barbeque Pit image 1

Renovated space with large windows offers a bright, airy vibe. Texas-style BBQ delivers excellent meats and standout sides. Blues music adds a chill atmosphere while dog-friendly seating suits all guests.

Texas-style BBQ shines with excellent BBQ meats and sides that stand out from typical joints. Quality stays consistent across multiple visits.

People are saying

"The brisket here is tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor."

"They have a great craft beer selection on tap."

"The brisket barbecue here is super tender and full of smoky flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7am daily with limited menu items until 11am.

2

Expect small portions for the price, with sandwiches around $17.50.

3

The restaurant has no outdoor seating available.

18
Ono Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Fast food Hawaiian spot serves BBQ chicken with rice and macaroni in a clean, quiet space. Menu offers inexpensive, flavorful dishes served fast. Plenty of seating and sauces near soda machines make takeout easy and convenient.

Hawaiian BBQ plates offer a mix of BBQ chicken, katsu, rice, macaroni, and veggies. The food stays fresh with many menu options for variety.

People are saying

"I thought the Hawaiian food here was great and fresh."

"I found the seafood here to be very good and fresh."

"The Barbecue chicken here is tender and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

They lock the doors 30 minutes before closing.

2

The wait can be longer during peak hours.

3

Food is ready quickly, ideal for a fast meal.

19
San Jose Giants image 1

Baseball park shines with field-level seating and lively post-game fireworks. Turkey Mike's BBQ offers bold flavors like the spicy Heater, blending well with classic baseball eats. Family-friendly vibe and renovated grounds make it a cozy spot for all ages.

Turkey Mike's BBQ stands out with its bold flavors, especially the spicy "The Heater" option. The stadium offers solid baseball comfort food with good BBQ choices.

People are saying

"Watching live baseball games here is always fun and exciting."

"It's a great kid-friendly place with lots of activities."

"You'll love the fireworks after the Friday night games!"

Good to know

1

The stadium is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card for purchases.

2

Parking requires cash, so plan accordingly before arriving.

3

Only clear bags are allowed inside the stadium for security reasons.

20
Pho Kim Long image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese spot offers a lively vibe with DIY spring rolls and outdoor seating. Enjoy pork chops and BBQ shrimp grilled table-side for a fresh barbecue experience. Modern decor adds an upscale touch to the bustling atmosphere.

Vietnamese BBQ features pork chops, BBQ chicken, and grilled fish served with rice paper, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. Com Tam with pork BBQ and BBQ shrimp also appear on the menu.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, tastes amazing."

"I loved the grilled fish, you make your own wraps with it."

"You have to try the BBQ pork with vermicelli noodles."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited since it's shared between all the restaurants in the plaza.

2

Pho Kim Long only accepts cash payments.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours; arrive early to avoid waiting.

21
99 Ranch Market image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store shines with fresh seafood and authentic ingredients. Food court offers a lively food bazaar vibe and a popular boba counter. Barbecue fans enjoy Roast BBQ Duck and Hong Kong style meats like marinated pork and BBQ pork.

Offers traditional Chinese BBQ including Roast BBQ Duck and Hong Kong style barbecue. Options include marinated pork, BBQ pork, and a variety of seafood like lobster and crab.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Asian goods and specialty ingredients."

"I found the durian crepe from the bakery surprisingly delicious."

"I loved the tasty Roast BBQ Duck from the deli."

Good to know

1

99 Ranch Market offers a wide variety of Asian groceries, foods, fruits, and vegetables.

2

Every Tuesday, seniors over 70 receive a 15% discount on their purchases.

3

This location is newer and more spacious compared to other 99 Ranch Markets.

22
bb.q Chicken North Park Plaza image 1

Enjoy crispy wings and rich BBQ chicken with tender texture. The well-balanced Tteokbokki pairs well with sides of rice. Cozy, clean space suits dine-in or takeout despite limited room and lively, loud atmosphere.

BBQ chicken stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Meals often include multiple pieces paired with sides of rice.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

"I had to get the Kimchi Fried Rice again, it was so good."

"I tasted the Barbecue chicken and found it amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for freshly cooked food.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

23
Com Tam Thien Huong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Compact space buzzes with lively atmosphere and crowds. BBQ plates shine with #70 combo featuring grilled pork and shrimp. Vietnamese families add a communal vibe while TVs show menu items for easy choice.

BBQ plates come with a mix of grilled meats and sides. The #70 combo includes BBQ Pork, Fried Shrimp Cake, and Grilled Shrimp on Sugarcane with rice.

People are saying

"I had the best broken rice I've ever had here."

"I thought their pho was the best Vietnamese food in the area."

"I thought the Barbecue combo plate was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, often over 45 minutes, especially during lunch and dinner.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center, but traffic can be heavy nearby.

3

Prices for dishes like thit nuong with broken rice are around $20.95.

24
Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small family-run spot blends kiawe smoke flavor BBQ with authentic Henan Chinese dishes in a warm, clean setting. Huge portions include sticky rice and mac salad that pair well with BBQ meats. Friendly owners keep the atmosphere attentive despite the hole-in-the-wall vibe.

Sticky rice comes with the BBQ meat platter. The pig and cabbage dish has a kiawe smoke flavor. Mac salad pairs well with the BBQ dishes.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and among the best I've ever had."

"The teas here were delicious and felt like dessert."

"The barbecue portions here are huge, enough for two meals."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a great lunch special combo available only during lunch hours.

2

The dishes are peanut-free, making it safe for those with peanut allergies.

3

The portions are large, often enough for two meals.

25
Han Kee 2 Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple dining space serves fresh egg noodles and crispy roast duck with tender meat. Bold Cantonese flavors shine in generous portions, including BBQ pork fried rice. Atmosphere is divey yet clean, perfect for quick meals or casual groups.

BBQ meats balance fat and lean perfectly with no overpowering sweetness. Roast duck and BBQ pork feature crispy skin and tender meat that compete with pricier spots, plus a notable BBQ pork fried rice rounds out the offerings.

People are saying

"The food, especially the roast duck, has perfectly crispy skin."

"The BBQ pork has tender meat and crispy skin."

"The BBQ pork has crispy skin and tender meat."

Good to know

1

Expect little wait during the day, but short waits can occur at dinner.

2

There is plenty of parking space available in the plaza.

3

The menu features traditional Cantonese dishes, especially roast meats and seafood noodles.

26
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large space with all you can eat BBQ and premium meat options offers great value. Loud pop music and crowded tables create a lively but cramped atmosphere. Modern touches like a sauce bar and tablet ordering add convenience for big groups.

Offers all you can eat BBQ and hot pot with some premium meat options. Lunch runs at an affordable price including two carafes of soju. Good spot for big groups and consistent quality Korean barbecue.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good."

"The hot pot soup here is rich and satisfying with great choices."

"The Korean barbecue here has great meat options."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2pm.

2

The restaurant is an all-you-can-eat place with fixed prices.

3

Expect to pay around $50 per person for all-you-can-eat.

27
Red Chili | Thai & Vietnamese - San Jose image 1

Small, cozy spot with intimate atmosphere and bright, clean design. Authentic Thai flavors shine in dishes like BBQ Short Ribs and Thit nuong, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Fast casual setup suits takeout and catering, with food served in to-go containers even for dine-in.

Thit nuong comes out perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. The menu features a BBQ Combo with chicken and white rice, plus standout items like BBQ Short Ribs and Laab Wings.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here authentic and delicious."

"I loved the Panang curry, it was so creamy and soupy."

"The barbecue here is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers; use Safeway across the street.

2

Red Chili operates as a fast casual restaurant with a focus on takeout.

3

Dishes range from $15 to $19, with large portions and reasonable prices.

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