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    Anjin

    4.3 (2.1k reviews)
    PriceyJapanese, Barbeque
    Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Anjin Photos

    Business Info

    ANJIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Loud
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Anjin

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    Reviews With Photos

    Monica W.

    This place was SO delicious! I'm actually sad I forgot to take a picture of the kimchi because WOW... it was one of the best I've had. It was super flavorful, perfectly fermented, and honestly one of those things you keep thinking about long after you leave. The meat was excellent too. You can definitely tell they use high-quality cuts, and everything tasted fresh and flavorful. I also ordered the peach soda cocktail, and let me just say... it's dangerously good! You can barely taste the alcohol, so drink it with caution because it'll sneak up on you. We also had the sake, and I loved that they kept it warm by placing the bottle in hot water. Such a nice touch! Just a heads up, this isn't an all you can eat BBQ spot. Everything is à la carte, which I personally didn't mind at all because the quality of the food made it worth it. The service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly, the food came out quickly, and they were always on top of taking our orders. Even though this place stays busy, everything runs so efficiently that you're in and out without feeling rushed. The wait to be seated wasn't bad at all. I also loved the ambiance. It has that old-school Japan feel that makes the whole dining experience even better. The restaurant felt warm, welcoming, and just overall a really enjoyable place to eat. Thank you, Anjin, for such a great experience! You definitely gained a regular customer. I'll be back very soon!

    #40
    Mendy C.

    Anjin has been my #1 favorite Japanese BBQ restaurant for over 20 years, and honestly, nothing has changed. It's still the first place I want to eat whenever I'm back in town. If you've been coming here long enough, you know the line has always been crazy. The loyal fans probably already know the tricks to get in a little faster. But no matter how long the wait is, I've never felt it wasn't worth it. The restaurant is tiny, but they make every inch count. What always impresses me is how organized and efficient the staff is. Food comes out fast, they're constantly refilling water, changing grills, clearing plates, and making sure everything runs smoothly even when the place is packed. You can tell they've done this thousands of times. The quality has also been incredibly consistent over the years. I've eaten here more times than I can count, and I honestly can't remember a disappointing meal. My must order is #3, #4, #5, #11, #30, and #40, sometimes with a bowl of white rice. I normally don't eat much pork, but Anjin's pork cheek (#11) is the one exception I'll happily make every single time. The marbled short rib (#4) is juicy, tender, and flavorful. And their cold noodles (#40) are another must-have. I still haven't found another restaurant that does them quite the same way, especially with the dipping sauce, fresh ground ginger, and shiso leaves. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I absolutely love it. Back when I lived in LA, I came here so often, sometimes few times a week. Even after all these years, Anjin is still one of those rare places that lives up to the memories. P.S. - Some staffs have been here since my first visit 20 years ago. :)

    Short rib
    Kimmi C.

    Small restaurant in strip mall with quality meats. I recommend the marbled short rib. Comes with two sauces with are both sweet but more so than the other. There is always a wait during dinner hours but they are open late on the weekend. I went once at 11 pm and did not have to wait. The cold noodles are a nice cool balance to the hot meat, especially during the summer.

    Menu
    Nao I.

    Came to anjin for my birthday since I was craving some bbq but nothing too greasy or heavy. We ordered a couple of dishes like the tongue, harami, kalbi, yukke, etc. everything is so delicious and tender. The marinade is perfect that I even forgot there were dipping sauces. The anjin salad and rice were gigantic so you can easily split it. The dressing on the salad was amazing and refreshing, it had tons of topping like seaweed and apples so I could eat that thing forever.

    Fern H.

    What in the holographic charizard?!? All these photos and check ins but no formal review for my favorite Japanese bbq joint in OC? Okay, fine. I'll do it cus I'm a nice bigback. This is the best in Orange County. Not that there's that many Japanese bbq spots overall, but it's certainly the best one I've had. The fact that it's open until 1am makes this so clutch. Probably one of the best places to eat (of any genre or style) that's available during the late hours. If you haven't tried it yet you're a dummy. 美味しい

    Cooked Assorted Seasoned Vegetable (pickled)
    Liz N.

    We went on a Sunday a little after 8pm and there was only a 5 minute wait, which is awesome. The food was okay, nothing to write home about and I'd say pretty expensive for the portions we got. Luckily we weren't that hungry and ordered only a couple of meat dishes and the assorted pickled veggies. The service was good but it did feel rushed because we barely sat down and had to tell 2 different waitresses that we were still looking at the menu, all within 5 minutes. When we were done with the meats, they asked if we were going to order anything else and promptly cleared out our dishes after we said we were good. There were still some of the assorted veggies left that my husband was hoping to finish but they cleared the table too quickly to get a word in. Overall I don't think I'll be coming back but it was a good first and last try of this popular place, to at least say we've tried it.

    Hailey S.

    make sure to get here early and put your name on the list! we came very close to opening and still had to wait 45 mins for a table. inside is small but very clean and staff were all welcoming and nice food was delicious. meat here is top quality and melts in your mouth. we loved the thick cuts of tongue. pairs so nicely with their house sauces. the crispy rice dish was also delicious. make sure to pay the extra dollar to make the rice crispy! it makes a difference :)

    Cody L.

    Anjin is easily one of the most well-known spots in OC for Japanese BBQ, and it's great to see they haven't lost a step over the years. If anything, it feels like they've only gotten better with each visit, both in quality and service. What really sets Anjin apart for me is that it's not just about the meat (which is obviously excellent), but the appetisers hold their own just as much. The kimchi is phenomenal, and honestly better than what I've had at a lot of Korean spots. Their cold noodle dish (not entirely sure if it leans more Japanese or Korean) is also a standout- super refreshing and packed with flavour, very reminiscent of Korean naengmyeon.

    Table Setup
    Kelly T.

    I've been hearing about Anjin alot, just around -- it being one of the best japanese bbq spots around. I think I'd have to agree! This is not AYCE, but a la carte and it being so made me savor each slice of meat more. Im utterly impressed with the whole experience. Not only is the food good, they go out of thier way to make customer service amazing and the interior was beautiful. FOOD: Price: Kinda pricey but not as bad as u think. ~$50 to make my belly full Pork Cheek - $7.95 (10/5) I didnt think the pork would be so up in my list but goddamn is it good. One order comes with like ~7 pieces but it was sooo delicious. It is so tender no matter how much u cook it. One of my favs and I get this every time. Beef Carpaccio - $7.95 (10/5) YES YES this one was soooo good. You arent supposed to cook it aparently but i didnt know. It tastes amazing both cooked and uncoooked but pls dont cook it. The sauce that was on top paired with the thin cuts of meats meltttt in your mouth Salted Tongue $21.95 - (5/5) Sooo good. It is a bit harder bc tongue is like that but it is wayy more tender than other places Ive tried it at. It is beef so i like it a little rare but the chewyness makes it whole. It comes with lemon and dipping it in there is sooo good. Almond Milk Pudding - (5/5) This was surprisingly so good. I assumed it would taste like the chinese almond pudding. It does but it is slightly sour. Great kick and very refreshing sweet treat VIBES: Amazing interiors. Great parking. Great service. Food came out very fast and staff was very very attentive. One of the best ive seen. They would refill our waters without us even knowing and have food out when they see it running low. Since the space is limited, staff can see all tables at once so its very quick if you need anything. At the end of the meal, you get free green tea!! The green tea was very good. Thick and refreshing.

    Marble short rib
    Ruthy V.

    Can never go wrong with their beef carpaccio and marble boneless short rib! Been going here for years and this place never disappoints

    Menu December 2025
    Emily S.

    Oh my goodness.... It was my first time here and I was very impressed! The meat quality, the service, the quality all the ingredients were just top notch. We got the beef tongue, marbled prime short rib, skirt steak, pork cheek, and their kimchi. The beef tongue was so good we got a second order of it! The kimchi was exceptional too! I've never had kimchi with a flavor profile like this one. It was slightly Smokey, it was salty with just a tiny hint of spice. Perfect with the meats or just rice. The rice bowls are pretty big but we ended up ordering another one because we couldn't stop eating.... We also got a bottle of asahi to go with the meal and it was perfect! I will say i recommend getting there around 4pm to put your name on the waitlist to ensure a table because it is a smaller place and it does get busy. There is a 90 minute dining limit but the service is fast enough to where that is not a big concern.

    Home Made Kimchi
    Jennifer N.

    It's been years since I've had Anjin's and honestly, it's still as amazing as I remember. We came to the restaurant around 5:30pm and the wait was only 10-15 mins. Not bad at all compared to the previous 1.5 hrs last time. We ordered the marbled prime short rib, marbled prime rib eye, kimchi, apple salad, and clay pot rice. Everything was amazing. My husband loved the marbled prime rib eye. It just melts in your mouth and was so delicious. I'm sad my meal is over and all I have are memories of the delicious food. Can't wait to go back.

    Karen T.

    We spontaneously tried out anjin on a whim and we were so shook by how good it was. With a variety of meat to choose from, we chose the beef tongue, pork cheek, and marinated boneless short ribs. My favorite was the beef tongue it paired so nicely with the lemon! We also got the beef carpaccio- this was good but I would pass next time, I thought the sauce overpowered the beef slightly. We also opted to get the cold udon noodles to carb up and it was SO good!! The noodles were so chewy and the broth had so much flavor and coated the noodles nicely. The restaurant itself was small so I can see it getting busy with long wait times but overall a good date night spot or a place to catch up with friends! The service was nice but we had a hard time finding our server throughout our meal to order more so we opted to just pay out. Nonetheless still a great place to try out!

    Omgsoooooo good

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    8 months ago

    Service felt rushed, meat quality was okay. I feel like this is more casual sit down place to eat. I wouldn't come back.

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    Page 1 of 52

    Anjin Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Anjin

    I was wondering what brand of plum wine you serve?

    Are they open new year?

    Yes! We open New Year’s Day.

    Do we have all you can eat?

    Nope!

    Do they have any sides why has no one asked?

    Yes - they have many side dishes like plates of vegetables, pickled or grilled, and rice and noodle dishes.

    Are they open until 1am?

    Yes.

    What time does the waitlist open?

    What's the average wait time on weekdays?

    I usually put my name on the list around 4:45 -5pm to be called around 6:15- 6:30pm for early dinners. After 7pm might be 2hrs or more for waiting.

    Are you going to be open for Christmas Eve?

    Yes

    What time does guestlist open on weekends?

    I think it's at 4, cause by 5 you wont be able to put your name down anymore

    What's the two sauces they give you called?

    One is a ponzu sauce. The other is goma (sesame)

    Is this Japanese food or Korean food?

    Japanese BBQ

    If we order take out, do they cook the meat for us?

    yes they do.

    Any photos or details of the bento box?

    Do they take reservations?

    No they don't.

    Why is this listed under AYCE SUSHI?

    When will you reopen dining in?

    Thank you very much for your message! We are still deciding but hopefully we could reopen dining in next Wednesday.

    Do they require the whole party to show up in order to be seated?

    Yep

    Can you bring your own sake bottle with a corkage fee?

    yes

    When is a good time to go? Is there a long wait?

    Always long wait there, I usually go sign up first

    Do they have a all-you-can-eat menu?

    No.

    View All 33 Questions

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    Harper Barbecue

    Harper Barbecue

    4.3
    (230 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    There's something almost seductive about the smell of barbecue smoke in the air, especially when…read moreit's real wood smoke. As we approached Harper's, the first thing that caught us was the unmistakable aroma of pecan and hickory burning. You could smell the smoke before you even walked through the gate, and honestly, it was impossible not to follow it. We had been looking for barbecue after we couldn't get into the Orange County Fair, and thankfully, Harper's was close by. We pulled up, saw the wood stacked outside, smelled that incredible smoke, and immediately thought, "Okay, we may have just found something good." We finally found street parking and walked in, expecting the place to be packed because it looked incredibly busy. It was busy, but surprisingly, it didn't feel crowded or chaotic. The property itself is beautiful--landscaped, open, and thoughtfully designed. There are two patios in the front, an enclosed room with a bar, and then an outdoor backyard-style area with additional seating. But the real showstopper is the smokehouse. As soon as you walk through the gate, you can see this massive smoke room and the working barbecue pits right there in full view. You can see the smoke, the wood, the pits, and the barbecue being cooked right in front of you. It immediately sets the tone for what you're about to eat. Ordering is simple and casual. You walk up, choose your meats and sides, and they plate everything right in front of you. The meats are priced by the pound. And then came the beef rib. I have to say this because I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it: that beef rib was phenomenal. This was actually the first beef rib I've ever ordered. I've had a friend order beef ribs at another barbecue restaurant before, and I remember thinking they were somewhat chewy. So I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Harper's completely changed my mind. The bark was incredible--deeply smoked, beautifully seasoned, and packed with flavor. And the tenderness was unbelievable. It was like eating pot roast on a stick. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the combination of that bark, the smoke, the seasoning, and the texture was an absolute dopamine hit with the first bite. I cannot stress enough how good this beef rib was. The St. Louis pork ribs were equally delicious--smoky, flavorful, tender, and exactly what you want from good barbecue. We also tried the cornbread muffin, Brussels sprouts, and vinegar-based coleslaw. Everything was delicious. The only thing I would personally change would be cooking the Brussels sprouts a little longer. I prefer mine more tender, but that's completely a matter of personal preference. I'm currently doing carnivore and avoiding sugar, so I had to resist the pulled pork, even though I love pulled pork. I noticed they use Cali Gold barbecue sauce with it, so when I'm off this diet, that is absolutely going on my list. They also had smoked turkey and brisket, which I somehow talked myself out of ordering. I already regret that decision. And now I'm wondering whether they do smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving, because I would absolutely show up at my mother-in-law's house with a Harper's smoked turkey. The service was excellent. We were greeted immediately with warmth and kindness, and everyone was welcoming. And I have to mention the atmosphere because I was genuinely impressed by the space. This isn't just a place to grab barbecue and leave. It's a beautiful, comfortable space with multiple seating areas that would be fantastic for an anniversary, birthday, private gathering, or even a small wedding. Harper's feels like one of those places you're lucky to stumble upon. If you love barbecue, you need to experience this place for yourself. From the moment that pecan and hickory smoke finds you outside, all the way to that first bite of perfectly smoked beef rib, Harper's delivers. And that beef rib? Absolutely unforgettable. Run, don't walk, to Harper's.

    We visited on Father's Day, so we expected a crowd, and this place definitely delivered one!…read moreParking was probably the biggest challenge of the day. The lot was full, and the line stretched past the front patio and onto the sidewalk. We ended up parking a couple of blocks away and walking over. Despite the long line, it moved at a reasonable pace. One thing that helped was being able to grab drinks from the bar while we waited. They have a great selection of beers and seltzers, and it looked like a lot of people were picking up to-go orders as well. For our meal, we ordered the 4-6 person platter, which included beef cheek, tri-tip, ribs, sausage, chicken, pulled pork, six sides, cornbread, rolls, and pickles. We also added the 5-cheese mac and cheese. Everything was flavorful and there was more than enough food for our group. The sides were excellent. We tried the pit beans, pee wee potato salad, carne con chile, farro salad, and wild rice salad. My favorite was the warm potato salad with mustard, brown butter, capers, and dill...it was unique and absolutely delicious. The restaurant offers lots of seating with outdoor dining areas both in the front and back. They also have a private room with windows overlooking the main dining room. During our visit, it was hosting a private party of about 20 people. The kids loved their root beer floats, and by the end of the meal we were way too full to even consider dessert. That's definitely something we'll have to come back and try next time. Overall, the food was worth the wait, the atmosphere was lively, the world cup was playing on the tvs and even on one of the busiest days of the year the staff kept things moving smoothly. We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Inside dining area
    Inside dining area
    Pork belly BLT (comes with little side of potatoes)
    Pork belly BLT (comes with little side of potatoes)
    This is the interior space when you first walk into the left of the door open is the entrance where you would order and all the meat

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    This is the interior space when you first walk into the left of the door open is the entrance where you would order and all the meat
    Holé Smokes

    Holé Smokes

    4.1
    (466 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Fantastic for breakfast or lunch. The veggie burrito with spinach, mushroom, avocado, onion and…read moreeggs - super delicious. Our server was Bella and she was AMAZING! There is a bar, good for happy hour and game watching as well as restaurant seating area, inside and outside good for groups and families to sit and enjoy the food and beverages. Burnt Ends are a great appetizer, the tacos of all kinds but especially enjoy the brisket. All the smoked meat is good brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork and sausages, choose your sides French Fries, Baked Potato, salads, Mac and cheese, etc. there are plenty of great options.

    My wife and I tried Holé Smokes for the first time yesterday. We did not know it is part of the…read moreHolé Mole Mexican food brand. We were very pleased with our meal. We ordered the trio appetizer for starters and both got Modela Negra beers since it was happy hour. The appetizer was fantastic. Loved the deep fried pickles and the burnt ends. The guacamole for the chips was great. This is a large appetizer so plan accordingly. For our main course my wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of bacon Brussel sprouts. She really enjoyed this. I ordered the 3 meat combo with pulled pork, ribs and brisket with two sides. Mac & cheese and bacon Brussel sprouts. It was delicious. I couldn't finish my meal because of the large appetizer we got. The service was quick and friendly and the restaurant was very clean. I would recommend this for anyone looking for good BBQ and beer.

    Photos
    The bar
    The bar
    Smash burger and Mac n cheese
    Smash burger and Mac n cheese
    Brisket, links, ribs, pulled pork and chicken were all on point.  Not to mention the service with a smile.  Thank you Holé Smokes.

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    Brisket, links, ribs, pulled pork and chicken were all on point. Not to mention the service with a smile. Thank you Holé Smokes.
    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa

    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa

    4.1
    (957 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    I got the Premium Omakase, and it was hands down the best Japanese BBQ I've had. Every course was…read moredelicious, and the quality of the Wagyu was amazing. I swapped the edamame for the mushrooms and shishito peppers (there was a small upcharge), and it was definitely worth it. My favorite course was the Sukiyaki Wagyu. The garlic fried rice was also really good, and I loved trying all the different Wagyu cuts. We also had the spicy beef soup and finished with the matcha mochi. Overall, it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was incredible, the portions were perfect, and I can't wait to come back.

    Last night, my wife, daughter, and I celebrated my wife's 37th birthday, and what an incredible…read moredecision this turned out to be. While searching for reservations, I came across Manpuku Japanese BBQ. I honestly didn't know much about it, but a handful of photos immediately caught my attention. Something about the presentation, atmosphere, and quality of the food made me curious enough to give it a shot. I was fortunate enough to secure a reservation the day before and sent the restaurant a message letting them know we would be celebrating my wife's birthday. Right away they were accommodating, responsive, and excited to help make the evening special. Parking was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience. We happened to get lucky and grabbed a spot just as another car was leaving. If not, I believe there is additional parking available nearby, but thankfully we didn't have to worry about that. Walking into the restaurant was my first surprise. For some reason, I expected a large bustling dining room. Instead, Manpuku felt intimate and welcoming. The soft lighting and wood accents created a cozy atmosphere that felt perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant was also spotless, with clean and organized dining areas and grilling stations. Instead of seating us at a traditional table, we were escorted to a private-style dining area where we removed our shoes before stepping into the seating space. It immediately made the evening feel unique and added to the intimate atmosphere. Now let's talk about our server. Hannah was outstanding. Since it was our first visit, she walked us through the menu, explained the different cuts, discussed preparation methods, asked about allergies, and provided recommendations throughout the evening. She was knowledgeable, professional, and personable, making us feel genuinely welcomed. Her attention and care helped make my wife's birthday dinner memorable. For our meal, we selected the A5 Wagyu Omakase. The experience started with beautifully presented appetizers, including Uni and Beef Sashimi, Seared Beef Sushi, Japanese salad, kimchi, and several small bites. The seared beef sushi was rich and buttery, while the Uni paired wonderfully with the beef. The A5 Wagyu selections were the highlight of the meal. Chuck short rib, culotte, chuck roll, and inner skirt each offered distinct textures and flavors, all showcasing the richness and tenderness that make A5 Wagyu special. The quality was evident in both the presentation and taste. And then there was the A5 Umami Rice. Despite being part of a Wagyu-focused meal, it stood out as a flavorful and comforting dish that kept everyone reaching for another bite. The drinks were refreshing and paired well with the meal. One thing that made the evening even more special was being able to share the experience as a family. Between the intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and excellent food, it felt like more than just dinner. To top everything off, the staff surprised my wife with a birthday dessert presentation complete with a candle and thoughtful decoration. Seeing the smile on her face while celebrating alongside our daughter made the moment even more meaningful and reflected the hospitality we experienced throughout the night. For anyone considering the A5 Wagyu Omakase, come hungry. While the presentation is elegant, the experience includes multiple courses and a generous amount of food. By the end of the meal we were completely satisfied and felt that the experience justified the price. Exceptional service, quality ingredients, excellent food, and an intimate atmosphere made for a memorable celebration.

    Photos
    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa
    Seared Beef Nigiri | $7.5/ea (2pc min.)
    Seared Beef Nigiri | $7.5/ea (2pc min.)
    Ikura Tamagoyaki: Japanese Omelette w/Salmon Roe | $10

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    Ikura Tamagoyaki: Japanese Omelette w/Salmon Roe | $10
    Smoke Queen Barbecue

    Smoke Queen Barbecue

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    I feel like a yelper that's been living under rocks. Can't believe I never heard of this place…read moreuntil I recently saw my fellow yelper Van D's review. This is western BBQ with an Asian flair. I think the flavor is better and slightly less heavy than a traditional American BBQ. Everything was so packed with flavor, can't really pick a favorite among so many great proteins. Smoked Brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a nice smokey taste. Green Curry Sausage was definitely unique with a really nice Thai infused flavors. Was slightly spicy with strong green curry and lemongrass flavors. Canton Bowl, which comes with smoked pork belly char siu, siu yuk (pork belly with super crispy skin), and coconut rice, was excellent as well. The siu yuk was really good with super crispy/crunchy skin. House-made BBQ sauces were quite good. I really like the gochujang bbq sauce. It has decent amount of heat with a sweet & spicy taste. The regular house BBQ sauce has a tangy, sweet taste with a very subtle heat. It's located at Cottage Industries. Not exactly sure what to call it. It's somewhat like a small community of restaurants and shops with a garden and a play area for kids. Parking is very limited so will most likely need to park on the streets along residential area. Service is minimal. You order at the counter and they give you a buzzer to let you know when the food is ready. Seating is only available outside in the covered patio area but you can also pick any of the community tables and chairs within Cottage Industries.

    How did I NOT know about Smoke Queen BBQ when they have 1K+ reviews?! I'm around this area almost…read moreevery week and somehow this place has never popped up on my Yelp radar. Unheard of! Anyway, hubby heard about a promo through AM 570 where if you dine in and whisper "570," you get their promo sando with a side AND a drink for $5.70, normally around $18! At that price, it's practically free, so obviously we had to investigate. We made sure to get there right before opening and waited about 10 minutes. Luckily, there were only two other parties ahead of us. While standing there, I couldn't help but notice that this entire food center is literally smack dab in the middle of residential homes. I feel for the poor neighbors next door and across the street who probably have to deal with all the traffic and noise pollution. Thank goodness I don't live here. WELL...back to me and my food. As soon as the doors opened, they immediately started taking orders. Smoke Queen is basically fast casual with no indoor seating, but they have a cute backyard patio that probably seats around 30 people. If that's full, you can wander into the surrounding outdoor food hall--which I later discovered is Cottage Industries--where there are plenty of little seating areas scattered around. The only thing that is NOT plentiful? Parking. More on that another time. For the promo, I got the brisket sando with dirty rice, and hubby got the pulled pork sando with cornbread, both with fountain drinks. After ordering, we waited about 10 minutes before our little ringer buzzed and our food was ready. First thing I appreciated: the sandos don't come drowning in BBQ sauce. THANK YOU. You can add as much or as little as you want, which is perfect for people like us who aren't huge fans of super sweet BBQ sauces. My brisket was tender and well made, although for some reason I couldn't really taste much smoke. I swear I have this problem at BBQ places--am I the problem?! Either way, the meat itself was good, and their BBQ sauce had a nice balance of tartness and flavor that really helped bring the sandwich together without overpowering it. The dirty rice was also good, although I expected a little more umph. It seemed like a genius way to make use of all those precious little brisket and pulled pork bits left behind from cutting the meats--instead of letting those scraps go to waste, throw them into some rice! I fully support using every last morsel of BBQ goodness. BUT...if that's the idea, give me more of those meat pieces! Mine could've definitely used a little more. Hubby's pulled pork was good as well, but again...where's the smoke?! Maybe it's just our taste buds. Overall, the meats were tender, the food was good, the people were nice, and for $5.70, this promo was an absolute STEAL. At the normal price point, though, while I thought everything was well made, nothing quite grabbed me enough that I'd be rushing back anytime soon. Still, I'm glad we finally discovered Smoke Queen after apparently being the last people on Yelp to know it existed.

    Photos
    Doors open for the day ; picture of the order counter
    Doors open for the day ; picture of the order counter
    Smoke Queen Barbecue
    Pork Belly - Skin was nice and crispy

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    Pork Belly - Skin was nice and crispy

    Anjin - japanese - Updated August 2026

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