Wow! I used Aptos St. BBQ for my birthday party and it was a huge hit. All the guests raved about how good the meat was. We had a substantial amount of leftovers that we were able to share with family and neighbors. I would also like to add that the communication between catering team and myself was excellent and it met all of my expectations; I would definitely use them again! read more

I'm from the Los Angeles area, closer to Long Beach, and I have no good local BBQ spots that I've found for myself yet. This place is always so delicious and such a treat for me when I come up to visit the Santa Cruz area. My go to is the Baked Potato with brisket and I get the sour cream on the side. One of the best baked potato's I've ever had! The service is always nice. You order at the register and wait for them to call your name when your order is ready. It's a very classic looking BBQ spot and they have live music some nights. It's always very clean but I've heard it can get super super busy during certain times of the day. I'd definitely check it out if you're in the area :) read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket Baked Potato (sour cream on the side) - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

This location is part of a chain that also includes Mission St BBQ. 4/5: Brisket is OK but a bit too salty, and not enough smoke flavor. It came room temp. 4/5: White mac n cheese pretty good 3/5: Cornbread They have live music daily 6-8 pm. It's a little over amped but OK. read more

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We had spent most of the day hiking and arrived a bit late to Aptos St Barbecue. Arrived at around 7:45 PM on a Sunday to a pretty busy restaurant with a band playing. We waited in line to place our food order. They were out of some meats including Beef Ribs. Even the pork ribs, we had to negotiate with the cashier. We asked for a full rack, they countered with 4 ribs, and then we finally landed on a half rack. By the time we ordered, the band was wrapping up since their set ended at 8 PM. The food: Pork ribs - tender, but not fall of the bone Brisket - medium slices from the flat - nice flavor and texture Mac & Cheese - my favorite of the sides - good cheese flavor with al dente pasta The other items were fine - coleslaw, potato salad, garlic bread, corn bread. Worth noting, the corn bread is a sliced of corn bread (not a muffin). We also got some pulled pork, but that was a bit too dry for my liking. My advice - definitely get there earlier in the day so you don't miss out on the meat that you want. Everything is self-serve including ordering, getting food, and bussing your table. read more

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I stop by Aptos BBQ whenever I'm headed to Santa Cruz. Aptos is at the top of my list for brisket. I've been here at least 6 times. Once in a while we get lucky and get live music. Brisket and the Blues make for a great evening. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

The best BBQ place you will ever be!!! The food is delicious and the brisket is not dry at all, they have live music and a new side that is sausage with jalapeno. The place is really pretty and they serve your food quite quickly. They have artesanal beers which is nice! They have seating inside and outside of the restaurant. Will be coming back! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Great bbq, and considerate staff. Ordered ahead and was told it would be ready in 15 minutes, arrived 15 minutes later, and there the food was, ready to go. I appreciate that they were true to their word even tho it was a busy day. I really enjoyed the brisket and Mac & cheese. Soda fountain had a delicious black cherry soda. Will be back when I'm in the area. read more

Solid BBQ spot in Aptos CA. Lots of seating space and quick moving order counter. They'll give you a shout once your order is ready. BBQ sauce reminded me of Sweet Baby Ray's, eerily so... but, I do like SBR. The sandwiches are sizeable and a bit sloppy. As it should be if you're doing a big bbq sandwich. I did the 'squealing pig' which was their spicy pulled pork sandwich. Nice kick, nothing too crazy. I'd say overall a solid spot, I had my eye on dessert but they were all sold out by the time we rolled through. Live blues 7 nights a week, solid set from the boys up there! read more

Solid barbecue definitely will visit again. The craft sodas are good. The ambiance is cool. Service was great.

Food, Food, Food - we ordered the burnt ends, tri-tip, and ribs. We loved ALL of it! I did not eat the ribs without their BBQ sauce, everything else needed no sauce, it was delicious! read more

This is by far the best BBQ place I have ever tasted. We have eaten here twice in less than 2 weeks. Their brisket & pork ribs were so tender & yummy. The only complaint we have is we can't double up on the same type of meat. This won't stop me from coming back for more since I also enjoyed their chicken bbq together with their brisket and pork ribs. Staff gave us the wrong sides the second time we visited the place. (gave us chili beans instead of coleslaw). Sides of coleslaw & potato salad were good. Mac&cheese tasted average. Gender neutral restrooms were very clean & spacious enough to go skateboarding. read more

Brisket was beautiful, good flavor, great smoke ring, very tender and juicy. Coleslaw is more vinegar based which is how I like it. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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I never thought I would find a tri tip sandwich I would like better than Firestone in SLO but I did at Aptos St. BBQ during the summer. The sandwich upgraded to a large for an additional $6 is loaded with tender meat sandwiched in between garlic bread is so flavorful on its own without the need to add BBQ sauce, which is rare. You can have the meats in a sandwich with one side or a meal with two sides and a choice of bread. We did one of each, large tri tip sandwich with Mac n cheese and regular brisket meal with baked potato (for an additional $3), beans and cornbread. Although they are known for their brisket, I fell in love with their tri tip. The sides were just okay, but it really is the meat that you're here for. Just be prepared that the tri-tip does sell out, even before dinner as we discovered recently. read more

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Knew in advance I would be traveling through the area and after looking into a few places, I knew Aptos St BBQ was where I would be stopping for lunch and I am so glad I made the decision. The tri tip sandwich was exactly what I was looking for on that chilly afternoon - the garlic bread it was served on, the bbq sauce, and the tender meat was the perfect pairing. I ordered a side of mac n cheese which was super creamy and garlicky and also so so good. A really great menu of options that I had a hard time choosing what to get - the woman at the register was friendly and helpful when answering any of my questions and making recommendations. Lots of soda and beers on tap as well for those who are into that. The food came out quickly and was reasonably priced for the quality. The space itself is very casual and there was also a good amount of outside seating, though it had rained overnight so the seating was wet but on a nice day I can see how eating outside would be lovely. I would definitely come back if I ever pass through Aptos again and would be a regular customer if this were local to me. read more

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Two meat meal: Ribs, Brisket, Mac & Cheese, beans, and corn bread. Ribs were great although the brisket was a little too fatty. Mac & cheese was okay it wasn't anything special. Beans tasted great! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Two Meat Meal - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Considering the reviews, I thought this place would be better. Got the brisket meal with the potato salad, beans, and cornbread. The brisket was too fatty, meat was tender but with all the fat there wasn't enough meat to enjoy. The sides were just ok, beans had a spice to it and the potato salad was average. The pickled cucumber and onion were good but minimal portion. The cornbread did not have any flavor. It's a crispy thing and that's pretty much it. I feel like they gave the honey and butter to give it something but that really shouldn't carry the flavor, it should enhance it.. The staff were nice and the food didn't take long to get at least. They also have an outdoor section if inside is too crowded or you want to step out from the live music (they had that when we were there) read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket Meal - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Came in around 6:30 on a weeknight and it was pretty crowded, but we were still able to snag a table. Great BBQ. We really enjoyed the ribs and the mac and cheese. My nephew highly recommends adding BBQ sauce to the mac and cheese (his idea, not mine ). read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket, Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

The ribs were 4.5 and the sauce was 4, the brisket was 3.75 and the beans were 3 and so was the corn bread. Rounding up to 4 overall. Lots of beers I'd love to try next time. Fast and friendly service. read more

We came late an hour before closing and they were sold out of a lot of things. If you want to get a good selection, come earlier! I got a brisket sandwich special - I think the last one that they could make for the day. I really appreciated knowing what's left because it really felt limited! We also got a half rack of ribs, meat was really tender. We also got a potato salad and Mac and cheese. Personally I prefer the potato salad, the Mac and cheese was just ok for me. Looking forward to coming back and trying more meats! read more

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The soda machine choices here are to die for, but the prices on the menu are outrageous !! Like seriously it's bad enough we live in a very expensive state but Damm are these prices just bad. They need something cheaper and better plus the bbq tasted watered down with no love. The first few bites are good but the rest I'll just toss it to my dog. read more

I have eaten here a few times and have had varying experiences. This time, I never received a text, and my food was waiting inside... cold. They were difficult, but eventually reheated it. Still cold. That being said, it's a fun place to be, and the best bbq place nearby. I hope the food is not cold next time. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Great food, great place. Yummy bbq. The beet salad though... by far, my favorite! I will be coming back for that salad when I'm in the area. On weekends, there is a jazz group that plays live music. Nothing better than live music, bbq, and a beer read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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After camping we stopped by for some bbq. Easy street parking. Went inside and ordered and the. Grabbed a table. Brisket: 3.5/5 a bit fatty and could use more flavor. Fine if you dip in bbq sauce. Tri tip: 4/5 good texture and better flavor than the brisket. Mac n cheese: 3/5 saucy Coleslaw: 4/5 good Garlic bread: kids liked it Cornbread: 3/5 not much flavor, probably better if I put butter and honey on it Each large meal was approx $25. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

I'm not usually a bbq meat fan but this place was really good!!! The bbq chicken was insanely juicy inside and the tri tip was perfectly cooked for juicy goodness also! We had the chicken and tri tip meals - really enjoyed the meats - flavorful and juicy! For sides, we had the Mac n cheese, coleslaw and potato salad - I particularly enjoyed the coleslaw. Portions were generous and overall good value for Bay Area. The salad was quite large with plenty of extra accompaniments. There is plenty of inside and outside seating - very dog friendly. Service was friendly and prompt - it is counter order/pickup. The unisex restroom was clean and there is a good sized self parking lot. Definitely would recommend and plan to return! read more

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Came at 4:45 on the 4th of July and they ran out of corn bread. The meats were tasty but the beans were all sauce with a few beans. They offered an alternative side and I went with the Mac and Cheese, which turned out be worse than the bean sauce with few beans. It was runny and flavorless. I spoke the manager and they became defensive and said they always serve their Mac and Cheese like that. read more

I kid you not I never make yelp reviews, but I had to the service was very good! I've been to so many restaurants and people don't have common courtesy to say hi anymore, but hear me and my group were welcomed. The food was really good. I know people over hype places, but this is definitely worth the drive. I'm coming from Monterey! Brisket was perfect! Cornbread was a little different, but everybody makes her cornbread different this one. That was more spongey?? , but still very good! Ribs were 10 out of 10 you can't make these at home! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

My brother in law recommended this place, and it did not disappoint. My husband and I shared the pulled pork plate with mac and cheese for the side and the garlic bread. It was amazing. The pork was so soft and flavorful! The mac and cheese was heavenly. The employees were very helpful. They also had live music going on which was awesome. Super great spot to hangout. Lots of beer options. The have stubborn soda and offer a draft cola zero sugar but I haven't tried it so I'm not sure if it is comparable to Diet Coke. read more

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I came here around 6pm on a Saturday during the Memorial Day weekend. I wanted to order the burnt ends and they ran out!! I was so sad but we moved forward with the other meats they had. I got a 4 meat combo that included the hot link, brisket, tri-tip and ribs. Service was nice and nothing special but I thought that the ribs were bland out of everything else. The brisket was not super dry but I would recommend for people to eat the brisket first because it did get dry overtime, especially at the end. The hot link was really meaty but not really chewy, which is different. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

I really liked my bbq chicken, beans, and coleslaw. The cornbread has a good texture but is not super flavorful. We got an apple cider and it was great. Service was fast and good. Helped me clean my trey when they didn't need to. Great ambiance for gatherings. Strung lights and lots of outdoor space. Dog friendly. read more

First time coming here. Came with my hubby for a staycation! Food: so yum ! The taste of the bbq flavor was amazing ! The smokiness of the meat ! Service: cool ! Ambiance: it felt like a small town with locals enjoying their day. The wooden ceiling, the Texas- like decor and everything was cool. Looking forward to returning here. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Chicken Meal - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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Needed to escape the heat of the Valley and headed to spend some time at Rio Del Mar. Anyone that is a beach goer knows that you work up quite an appetite. So My two son's and I opted to find some bbq. Glad we decided on this place. It is easily accessible from the freeway. There is minimal parking on site but a good amount of street and residential parking within walking distance. They offer outside seating if you can't find anything inside or don't want the loudness of the live music. Speaking of music...they apparently have live music every night or just about. The two gentleman who performed were quite the duo and very entertaining! We came on a Saturday. Place was packed. We ordered ribs, tri-tip, brisket, potato salad, baked beans and bread pudding. Food was PHENOMENAL!!!! Worth every penny and the trip! Customer service was A+. As busy as they were you could almost expect to feel rushed or an employee being short and to the point, but no one was. We will be back! read more

The Brisket was wonderful and fresh With outstanding taste. The sides were mediocre Ribs were mediocre read more

Aptos St BBQ provided catering for a party I recently hosted. Amazing! Everything was delivered hot to my door, huge portions, everyone loved it! The brisket is the best in town! Highly recommend! read more

Ribs, brisket, tri tip. In that order. If we could have unlimited ribs with no other meat, we would. We love good bbq, especially with a well done fatty brisket (not well done temp-wise). Plan to sub out the mac and the baked beans. They were just... different. The Mac uses a cheese that has a sharp flavor with a not-so-great after taste. The baked beans were chalky with a hint of spice. We finished neither and were disappointed we didn't get different sides, especially having read the feedback on these two sides specifically. Would have tried the cornbread and potato salad in lieu of. We opted to sit outside since we had the doggos with us. It gets cold in the evenings and while they APPEAR to have heaters, don't be fooled. There are no propane tanks inside them and there's no plan to either. Apparently there are some propane kleptos among us. Bring a blanked or towel for your doggo to sit on as the outdoor space is all rocks. We brought our car bucket and it was a nice fit. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Bring your doggo something to sit on. The outdoor space is all rocks. - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Came in here on a Saturday night, loved the atmosphere. There was an awesome duo playing some blues. I ordered a combo plate with:brisket, pulled pork, beans and coleslaw. The food came out so fast for how busy it was. And honestly, some of the best bbq I have ever had! Both meats were so tender. The beans were 10/10 could have had 3 more orders of them! Coleslaw was awesome too, nice little side of vinegar added a nice bite to it. Oh and the cornbread was unreal good as well! Overall, great atmosphere, great vibes and even better food! I can't wait to be in the area again and dine here. read more

Aptos St BBQ - 2 meat combo - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Best bbq I've had in my life... and I worked at a famous butcher shop. The drippings they give you to pour over, garlic toast... it is mouth watering. Love the ambience, very cozy and friendly atmosphere. read more

I have tried giving the bbq another chance a few times, but I just had their ribs and they tasted b like they were from a week ago! Very disappointing read more

Great barbeque for reasonable prices! They also have a pretty unique (and tasty) selection of sodas. I got the Pineapple Cream soda and my brother got the Vanilla Soda and they were both pretty good! We opted to sit outside because, although the jazz music creates a vibrant atmosphere, it was a bit too loud. Food arrived within 10-ish minutes of ordering. We got the 5 Meat Combo, which was enough to fully feed our party of 3 people. - Brisket: Very good! So tender (was hard to pick up with a fork because it kept falling apart!) and savory - Pulled pork: On the drier side, and no distinct flavors besides a strong saltiness. - Burnt ends: My favorite! So juicy and tender, nicely coated with the sweet barbeque sauce with a kick of spice. - Tri Tip: Very tough and hard to chew, was decently juicy but lacked a unique flavor profile. It was just salty - Pork ribs: Juicy and tender, a solid rib. Could use a bit more sauce though. - The cornbread that came on the side was really good, the outside was crispy and it bread itself was savory-sweet. Overall, Aptos St BBQ is a solid barbeque spot given the prices, and I would definitely come back again, especially for the Burnt Ends and cornbread! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Pineapple Cream Soda - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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This is great restaurant on many levels. It definitely has the bbq/picnic vibes to it. From the table cloths to wooden tables outside and live music on certain nights indoors this place is a great time with good food. Naturally the meats are the stars of the show. We had ribs, brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and hot link. Everything was mouth watering delicious. Additionally they had two BBQ sauces. Original and spicy. Both made in house and were flavorful. The spicy has a slight kick so those of you who can't handle a lot of spice can still pull this one off. I would say it has a medium heat to it. So if your extra sensitive stay away. Oh yeah, we were unexpectedly given a vinegar based BBQ sauce with a little bit of heat. It was good but not my cup of tea. I am not a fan on majority of vinegars. So keep that in mind. However I will say it was extremely flavorful, so if you like vinegar you'll most likely enjoy this. Sadly the sides is where things really started to fall off a bit. It bummed me out because I would love to find a good BBQ spot that also has great sides and not just outstanding BBQ. For our side dishes we got the coleslaw, baked beans, corn bread, and Mac & cheese. None of them were bad. From best to worst we'll stared with the baked beans. They were by far the best. Good flavor. Not to thin and running. The perfect amount of flavoring with bean to meat ratio. The rest were very average. The Mac and cheese was was good. It was also just very middle of the lane. Nothing bad about it but nothing outstanding either. Such as cheesy or crunchy top or unique flavor. A personal Bummer since this is my favorite side when it comes to bbq. The coleslaw was simply green cabbage. No carrots or red cabbage. I would have settled for either but it was just green cabbage. I will say it was not soggy nor was it too sweet. Both of those are big w me when it come to coleslaw but it was just meh. The cornbread was major disappointment. It looked so good. I will say the texture was the best part. It had the perfect balance of soft yet a crunchy top because it was grilled. However, it didn't have a buttery taste, even though we buttered it. It also didn't have a corn taste. It was very bland. We're open to various flavor profiles associated with cornbread, but this lacked any flavor whatsoever. Like we said no hints of butter or corn, sweetness, or corn or anything typically that comes with cornbread. We even added a single serving of butter and honey, and it just fell flat. The soda selection was top-tier though. Stubborn soda is always a win especially when it's on top. We treated ourselves to the pineapple cream. It's light yet fruity and a great soda for those who don't want anything too sweet. I'm always surprised when I try a new flavor of theirs because they're often things I wouldn't normally drink. They're full of flavor, but not overly sweet. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Meats- ribs, brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip & hot link. Sides- coleslaw, BBQ beans, & corn bread. BBQ Sauces-spicy, regular, & vinegar-based. - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Stopped in for a long anticipated lunch after many hours of driving from Solvang. Ordered the macaroni and cheese with barbecue pulled pork. The pork was tender and nicely seasoned. The macaroni and cheese tasted good, however after I dumped some barbecue sauce on top it kicked it up a notch! The soda machine has many tasty options. I settled on the cream soda since it's not too sweet. The people here are always nice and welcoming. I noticed the new patio outdoor seating area. Well new to me anyway. It looks pretty! read more

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