Tried one of the most talked about BBQ spots in Santa Barbara and ordered the 2 meat combo with tri tip and beef rib. It came with a huge chunk of bread, baked beans, and two sides. We went with double macaroni salad. The tri tip ended up being our favorite. It was juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. We were actually more excited for the beef rib, hoping it would be super juicy and fall off the bone tender, but it didn't quite hit that expectation. It was still flavorful, just a little tougher than we hoped. The half and half sauce also had more spice than we personally prefer. The baked beans were delicious and paired really well with the meats. The only side that fell a little flat for us was the macaroni salad because it could definitely use a bit more flavor and dressing. Also taking off one star because the silver skin on the ribs should've been removed for a cleaner bite. That said, for the portion size and quality of food, the price was honestly very affordable. You definitely get a lot of food for what you pay for, which makes it a great BBQ spot if you're hungry and want something satisfying without spending too much. Overall, still a solid BBQ stop in Santa Barbara and definitely worth trying if you're craving smoked meats. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Service was great. The cashier had recommendations for my indecisiveness. I went with two individual pork ribs and a side of veggies (cabbage, carrots, and broccoli) as I didn't have much of an appetite, but it smelled SO GOOD. The ribs were not very tender; however, the mix of the sweet sauce with spicy was epic. I could drink it. The veggies had zero seasoning but were instrumental in calming the heat from the sauce. The lack of tenderness and blandness outside of the sauce warrants a middle-of-the-road rating. I will try again. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Steamed veggies and two pork ribs. - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Pretty good! I was hanging out on State St, and I wanted to pick up lunch for my partner and I. Bbq sounded good so I ordered a 2 Meat Combo with Tri-Tip, Pork Ribs, Coleslaw, and macaroni salad. Service was quick and fast. The man who took my order was very friendly and considerate. The food came out really quickly too. Our order came with plenty of food for two people. With our 2 meat combo came: - Tri-tip: Good! Meaty, not too dry, and went well with the half/half bbq and hot sauce. 4/5 - Pork Rib: ribs came out very tender, easily fell off the bone, and easy to eat. 5/5 - Coleslaw: Was pretty ordinary, a little too watery and the vegetables weren't as crunchy as I would like 3/5 - Macaroni Salad: Good! I liked the green (cilantro?) bits added to it because it didn't taste too heavy and wasn't too mayo-heavy 4/5 - Bread: Least favorite part, pretty ordinary bread and was nothing memorable 2/5 Would totally come back for lunch! read more

The food was 10/10 and the staff was amazing. The place itself was super clean and fresh. I will definitely be back again! read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - 2 meat combo perfect for 2 people. - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I actually stumbled upon this location on a recent visit to Santa Barbara while strolling down State St. I really liked it; nothing fancy and really no frills. You order up at the counter and grab it when it's ready. It was a one man show the day I was there , even though it was not busy the employee still had to hustle. If you want good tasting BBQ and you go in not expecting a 5 star situation then I think you will really enjoy it. I have no reason not to rate 5 stars; BBQ Tri- Tip was tasty, the steamed veges were as equally good and the service was fine. read more

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It's nice to have a great BBQ spot in the center of downtown State Street! The meats I had were delicious and perfectly smoked. I'm particular, the tri-tip, chicken, and hot links were excellent! The service was great with one of the owners personally tending to our table. Definitely a great place to try out! read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Great smoked meat - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Spent the day in Santa Barbara celebrating a friend's birthday and happened to stop into Best BBQ -- easily one of the highlights of the trip. The service and food were both outstanding. Jenny was our server, and she was absolutely fantastic. Friendly, attentive, and just a joy to interact with. Able was working the grill, and you could taste the skill and care in every bite. This spot instantly became a new favorite. Next time I'm in Santa Barbara, Best BBQ will be my first stop. And one more time -- Happy Belated Birthday to Jenny! June babies really are the best. read more

Food Servings in SB is huge and the prices are great. This bbque place i found here on Yelp is pretty good. At first we are reluctant coz they are not as busy as the other restaurants in the area and the trolley guys said he has not found a good bbque place in the area. We almost change our mind eating bbque but we have been eating seafood since we came. Im glad we did try. The service is great and we saw them grilling their meat inside. What's great is that they don't mix the bbque sauce on the meat. You are able to taste the meat and not the sauce. The side sweet beans is good and veggies are fresh. Typical bbque place ambience. Lots of seating inside the restaurant, clean and cozy. I recommend this place if you are in the area craving for some bbque. You can share 1 order if you are not a big eater. read more

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The food had a great flavor. I had the tri-tip and chicken bowl, that also came with rice and beans. The tri-tip and chicken was chopped up places over the rice and beans. The tri-tip and chicken was moist and had a great smokey flavor. They have 3 different BBQ sauces. I had the 50/50 which was hot and sweet. It was very good! They also serve alcohol, fountain drinks, and bottled drinks The service was great. I got a little bit of a break down of what I was ordering. Their menu is simple and easy to order from. The smell of hickory smoke when you walk in!!! The ambiance is simple with wood tables and chairs. They have TVs and photos on the walls. I will definitely eat here again and try other items on their menu. You will have to try it for yourself in order to form your own opinion. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This place had just opened and we weren't expecting much but the food at Best BBQ was outstanding and the prices were too. Considering its location, we fully expected "Santa Barbara prices and Bakersfield quality" but were sadly mistaken. The ribs were fantastic and the BBQ sauces were refilled multiple times! Add a little heat to the BBQ sauce at home if you order take out... you won't be disappointed! read more

Best BBQ in Santa Barbara is a winner! The five meat platter was packed with smoky flavor and perfectly cooked. A cold Chief Peak beer on draft was the perfect pairing, and football on the big screens made the experience even better. Definitely worth a visit! Check out my visit @sosalicious805 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEguyw8xaLK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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We were in Santa Barbara visiting the zoo and wanted to stroll along State Street when we stumbled into this familiar BBQ restaurant. This is an expansion of Best BBQ from Santa Paula. The meat quality is similar as well as their famous hot BBQ sauce. My child really liked their baked beans, too. The service was quick because it was not busy at all. I was able to order takeout by simply walking in and was out the door within 10-15 minutes. The meats all traveled well and tasted delicious at home. The restaurant is very spacious and clean, as well as accessible from State Street. I really hope the foot traffic increases and no they get more customers. Would hate to see a great bbq franchise close because of lack of marketing and promoting. read more

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We've tried their location in Santa Paula, so while we were in Santa Barbara, decided to give their SB location a try! Enjoyed the feel of this restaurant - super open space with plenty of seating. You can even watch them cooking the meats through a window. Generous portion sizes for their 2 meat combos. Got chicken and tri-tip with potato salad, mac salad, chili beans, and two slices of bread - perfect for making your own sandwich if you desire! Chicken was moist and flavorful. Tri Tip was a bit dry, but the BBQ sauce helped make up for that. Bread was toasted just right with that crisp on the outside. They also have a little bar area serving some local beers. Didn't try while we were here, but sometimes it's nice to have a beer with your dinner! Still like their Santa Paula location a bit better, but nice to see them branching out and spreading their BBQ! read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Chicken & Tri-Tip Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The bread was hard and cold. The tri tip was a tad overcooked for me, I prefer medium. Potato salad was good but the veggies were unusual, who steams lettuce? Broccoli and carrots were good. This was a Uber Eats order so maybe that had something to do with the cold bread. read more

Always the BEST BBQ ! The place is always nice & clean with lots of seating along with great friendly service ! I'll have to add more pics next time couldn't wait to eat ! Enjoy ! read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Cold Beers on tap ! Big cold Scooners ! - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Was walking by and seen the happy hour special. 10 dollar sandwich. Got the beef was a big sandwich with lots of meat. Did the half and half bbq sauce half mild, half spicy. Still very spicy, next time I am getting the mild. Meat was tender but dry. Definitely needed to add sauce. Service was stellar, friendly and attentive. I came right before 5pm so just made the happy hour pricing. Sides: the chili beans were good. Potato salad, not the style I like. Think they use sweet pickles in it. So not a fan. For the price you got a lot of good food. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Chili beans and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I need to start by writing, "I miss Woody's BBQ". If that was still around, there is more argument on who can claim "Best BBQ". Anyway, this place was the first place I saw when I walked from a parking lot to Paseo Nuevo on State Street. The smell of freshly BBQ'ing meats drew me in. The menu is a bit limited, compared to Woody's and some other BBQ restaurants. There are choices of meat with 2 sides, a bowl with rice and said meats, or a sandwich with said meats. There are 5 types of meat. I wanted to try them all so I ordered the 5 meat platter, which consisted of Chicken, Tritip, Beef Rib, Pork Rib, and pork Hot Links with 2 sides and bread. In my opinion the weakest part of the entree were the beef rib, which was a bit tough and anorexic, and the tri tip, which I really had a real challenge to chew. I really enjoyed the chicken, which I was served the dark meat, the beans, and the potato salad, and the hot links,, which for some reason had more flavor when it was cold. I think flavor-wise everything is fine, they just need to have more control on cooking the red meats. The manager was manning the register that day. He was really nice and answered any questions and help with any thing I needed, like a box, and that is saying a lot because he was also busy fulfilling online orders. I think this place is good for BBQ and I would come back again. read more

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This was good meat! Although I do wish that it would come with the bbq lightly on it, because without that it was a bit plain, however the sauce made up for it and it was a bit spicy. The mac salad was so small! I wish it was bigger and had a little more flavor. I loved the area and the inside was clean, they had cool decorations, and I loved my soda. However the service was a little slow, some people got their food before I did and maybe it was because I had a little more food but I'm not sure. Thank you! read more

Good bbq restaurant in Santa Barbara Main Street. First time here and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. They do offer a small selection of beer & wine. The Restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. The food was pretty good, my favorite was the tri-tip meat. I was disappointed with the pork ribs though, they were tough not fall of the bone. The sides were all very good. read more

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I almost walked right past this place downtown! It's located across from Paseo Nuevo. There is a lot more seating inside than what I thought and you can see them BBQing while you wait for your food. I got the two meat combo with chicken, pork ribs, macaroni salad, coleslaw and mild sauce. The chicken and ribs were great dipped in the sauce! The macaroni salad and Cole slaw were good (not standout amazing). I have to say that I got a lot of food and there was a great array of drinks to choose from. read more

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Best? If this is the best, I can't imagine how terrible the worst is! The pork ribs were so tough, I am surprised nobody broke a tooth trying to bite through them. The barbecue sauce is bland, potato salad tasted like plain boiled potatoes. This is seriously the worst barbecue we have ever had! I even had to go next door to the 7-Eleven to buy a pickle. But, I will give it two stars because although the girl who works there is rude and was glued to her phone, the young man was very sweet and the bathrooms were spotless. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Post gaviota hike with my friend and future housemate. We were very hungry and struggling to pick a place... Then we spot Best BBQ and end up circling back for it. End up creating a 5 category restaurant reviewing system which we still use today. Very clean, quite affordable, fantastic service, yummy food and a great time. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Tri tip sammie - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Finally stopped by the newest BBQ spot in town! The location itself is right in the heart of downtown State St. with ample indoor seating, TVs, and an overall bright rustic aesthetic! The staff was friendly as they explained the many meat offerings and combos to choose from. We both choose the 2 Meat Combo that includes 2 side salads (options were slaw, chili beans, or baked beans) with garlic toast. For the price, you get a TON of food! You can definitely split the 1 combo plate between 2 people. We left FULL as we each ordered our own combo plates! For me, the PERFECT combo was the hot link, tri-tip, garlic toast with the Half & Half sauce . It was DIVINE. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the sides but the STAR is the meats here so that made up for it. Definitely would come back again! read more

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I remember this restaurant being new And me wanting to try it for quite some time I asked around Trying to discover if anyone tried them I found no one that's when I decided to wear my cape And appear in The Best Barbecue " Atmosphere.. Typical place to either sit in or take out Your food Located conveniently downtown On state street Multiple areas to park Food I liked the way they package what customers can buy You can get a handful of different meats With a rice bowl and beans Also keto friendly option for pairing with salad Portions are generous Reasonably priced The hot bbq option is what I chose Soooooooo goooood It has a bbq flavor unlike anything I've experienced before Perfumey bright notes of something I just can't put my finger on Exactly what it was But it's really good And it was fairly spicy Enough to get my nose running The meat wasn't as juicy But did have the nice smoky appeal Wasn't a fan of the rice A little on the soggy side And the beans were Well, let me put it this way I USED TO LIVE IN ATLANTA GEORGIA and I desired a lot more than What I tasted Overall I would go back I think they are worth another try The owner is also a great guy And customer service was two thumbs up Overall I'm happy that Santa Barbara Had a bbq option downtown And the pricing is excellent read more

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Chicken was dry, tri tip was bland and cole slaw was soggy. Overall the food was quite mediocre. Service was so-so. Ambiance was basic. Not exactly the "Best BBQ" I expected. read more

Very delicious! Not a lot of variety but a great choice if you like Tri Tip sandwiches. Large space and kind service!

Pretty ok barbecue. I got the tri tip sandwich and it was fine, the macaroni salad on the other hand was pretty good. The inside was nice, pretty cool and clean. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Tri Tip Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Had to stop by to have my extra cold beer they never let you down. Support local businesses. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Cold beer - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Got the beef ribs- which is admittedly the hardest thing to BBQ. They were OK, but far from the best I've had. A tad undercooked and a tad dry. They were OK if you want some BBQ, and perhaps the pork ribs or chicken are done better than the beef ribs. read more

These were the worst pork Ribs I ever had. Seem that they just reheated them in the microwave. They were dry and rubbery hard to take the meat off the bone. The meat was SO tough! And quite frankly, did not taste well at all. For a "slab of ribs" it was $18.00 and it wasn't even a slab. They were cut up pork ribs. Basically five pieces of ribs. I will never do that again. read more

I only get delivery and for the most part it has been good although this last time I ordered they completely forgot my sides for spending over $50 I was a little disappointed especially because I reached out to them and still havent got a reply from them. read more

The BBQ was good, but not amazing - but for the price and amount of food you get it was worth it. The sides and toast could have been much better but still not horrible. Glad I tried it out, but I would probably not return as there are so many options in the immediate area. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We saw this place as we were searching for lunch. We had the beef ribs dinner. The ribs were thick, juicy and meaty but they were also pretty raw inside, a disappointment. My husband refused to eat his saying he wanted to take them home and finish cooking them. I ate a couple of them, the second one was cooked better. The included sauce was kind of thin but tasted ok. The ribs themselves didn't have much seasoning.The beans were well seasoned but not "baked". They tasted and looked like they were straight from a can, not caramelized nor thick...watery. The potato salad was tasty. The cole slaw was chopped super fine and tasted watery and sugary. Overall a hit or miss experience. My suggestions, ensure the meat is cooked through...the quality is excellent, don't ruin it not cooking it long enough. Invest in some better quality baked beans and coleslaw. The grilled bread was delicious. Service was good. read more

The ribs I got here were completely dry and overcooked. When I brought it to their attention, they all they did was say oh really sorry about that. Never offered to fix the order. I would never eat at this place again if I want barbecue, I'd rather go to LA somewhere that's right I would rather drive 2 1/2 hours than to eat here ever again. read more

This spot is delicious! Super good barbecue, which I am a fan of! I'm from the South and my family takes barbecue very seriously. Best BBQ is definitely a competitor. Their plate comes with a lot of food. I had so much leftover. I really liked the flavor of the food and their spicy barbecue sauce definitely packed a punch. The staff recommended mixing only half of the spicy sauce and I'm glad because it would've been too hot for me, haha! And that's saying a lot because I like spicy food. Best BBQ has a great location on State Street. There isn't dedicated parking but downtown Santa Barbara has various parking lots available with the first 75 minutes free. Check this place out! read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Good food , filling and good customer service , will be back soon. Potato salad was yummy and so was the pasta

I loved THE BBQ so finally try this restaurant today. It wad really really good BBQ. Also their service is amazing too. One more thing that restaurant manager did really great service. This is the my favorite place for EAT BBQ ～ read more

The service was not great. It was our first time here so we were unsure what to order. The lady at the register should definitely not be working customer service. She was rude and short when we were asking questions. She did mess up my bf's order but overall the food was good. read more

Best BBQ Santa Barbara - Barbeque Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Went back to try again and had to reduce experience by a star as we ordered the ribs this time and they were undercooked, too chewy. You should be able to easily cut or bite the meat off but these you had to rip off. If I try again I will request more tender cooked or just stick with their bowls. read more

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Great service, waited about 2 minutes for the food. Meat was tender and the sauce was incredible. 5 stars