I've lived in the San Fernando all my life. I always drove past this place cause it was right on the corner. Finally at 44 years old i went in today cause i was craving ribs. Oh boy i was not disappointed. The ribs were delicious along with the potato salad and beans. The ribs just came off the bone. I want to thank Vivian for her great customer service and upbeat attitude. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - 1/2 Rack Baby Back Ribs Platter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

This place is delicious. I have to update this to say that I went all out and had the ribs plate and the potato salad double order. They had a question about my order and called me to update. Really nice owners. If you've not ever tasted their bbq and potato salad, you're missing out. So wonderful BbQ! Also they were closed for a time after vandalism and I was so happy to find they reopened and omigosh their food is great! read more

You know how we're always saying it's a shame these great neighborhood Mom & Pop places don't last, or you wish you would have gotten to a business before they went out of business? Well here's a chance to support a great business with wonderful locals who care about the food they serve and the customers who come to enjoy. Bruce's has been here since 1997, but today was the first time I drove past this funky little building full of character. It's so whimsical on the outside, I thought, the inside must have people full of joy, laughter and love! I was correct and richly rewarded with oodles of good vibes from the owners, Bruce & Vivian Hartman - even their last name has natural "Hart"! I decided to try 8oz of tri-tip, fresh off the grill, and a 1/2 rack of short ribs, grilled St. Louis style. I asked about the OMG Maria beverage I had seen posted on Yelp and was told it was named after Vivian's mom, Maria, and is a blend of their freshly roasted coffee beans, chai tea, chocolate, caramel, cinnamon and LOVE! V gave us a sample and I can honestly say OMG!!! While Vivian prepared my order, Bruce and I got to chatting. He is an artist and master craftsman, who also happens to have a love of BBQ! Lucky SFV! He proudly pointed to his retail display of GORGEOUS, hand crafted cutting boards he made. Some resembling electric guitars and all of them looking like something you fancier folks might find at them hoity toity wineries - cuz Bruce made those too! About this time, Vivian came out, saw I was looking at the artisanal cutting boards and guided me to the area next to them, where her son's art was on display. Chuy is a fantastic artist who renders live concerts IN REAL TIME! I mean no disrespect to famed photographer, Bob Gruen, who's work I admired but, DAMN! I'm happy his proud mama made sure I noticed! Perhaps you've seen Chuy spotlighted in New Noise magazine, but he was also featured this year in Rolling Stone Japan! I digress...Google Chuy! And while you're at it, Google AB 847, known as "Sophia's Act", after Bruce and Vivian's daughter, returned to heaven much too early. Sophia inspires Vivian's public speaking and activism towards extending eligibility for pediatric palliative care services in CA. Purchases of jewelry, T-shirts and lavender infused clown noses at Bruce's Mercantile help support NFP "Sophia's Angels". Have I mentioned how wonderful the "Mom & Pop" owners of Buffalo Bruce's Merchantile ARE?!? So it is with sadness that just yesterday, 8.17.23, they hung a "Space Available" commercial reality sign on their building. PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! Support this great local business!!! They are only open Thurs-Sat, but THEY ARE STILL OPEN! - for now.... :-( read more

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The restaurant has reopened. Check it out! They have great BBQ and hospitality. I recommend the coffee as well.

Amazing food !!! Amazing atmosphere and the owner is a wonderful person. We went there for lunch and everything was freshly made and prepared. I highly recommend this place !!! read more

This was such a great bbq place. Take out. So sad that they have closed their doors. I went there today because I kept on getting a phone disconnected message as I called in my order. I drove there and found the place closed. So sad. Loved their bbq. read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Baby back ribs, tritip, coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans on my plate. We ordered last month. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

8/8/25 Happy to see Buffalo Bruce's open again! I got the OMG Maria mocha/latte in the AM and BBQ for dinner. Great BBQ ribs, beans, homemade potato salad, yummy coffee and friendly service. Recommend to preorder your BBQ. Open Thurs/Fri/Sat The owner mentioned is also available for events. I think it would be good for anyone needing a local music performance location, outdoor paint night party, poetry readings ect.. read more

All I have to say OMG MARIA this place is amazing! I have been driving by buffalos Bruce for sometime now and today I finally went in to check out, boy I was not disappointed! The ribs are delicious, the brisket is fantastic, I'm not even a big cole slaw person but i demolished it! The service was amazing. It was like walking into your favorite tias house feeling welcomed and leaving well fed. If you haven't tried buffalos Bruce's yet WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? Ambiance 10/10 you'll love it! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

Hands down, the best BBQ in the SFV. Everything in this place is made with love -- from the smoked meats, delicious sides (I"m not kidding, they are better than your mom's!) and the coffee drinks too! The quality is excellent and well-priced for truly yummy food! When you walk in, the vibe leads you to want to sit down and chill for a while. This is a wonderful family-owned business and the owners are the real deal - friendly, caring and generous with their positivity! read more

If you're driving by you HAVE to stop here for a coffee. Their OMG Maria is the best I've tried, so delicious & well priced as well as the food! The owner is so funny and always has the best service. Definitely my go to spot especially when the have live music, I wish it was open every day!! read more

The most delicious BBQ! Smoked to perfection! The ribs, tri-tip, potato salad, coleslaw and beans were delicious! Must try if you are in the area. They have great coffee too! read more

So sad that they're closed. Hopefully the open soon they have good food amazing potato salad. The ribs were good but too much sauce. Brisket was yummy and tender. They have good coffee there too. Oh my God, Maria. read more

Super impressed by this local BBQ spot. Not only does the food taste delicious but the family feel in this place is truly there. I had the California breakfast burrito which you could taste the roasted peppers which took my burrito to the next level of taste. My husband and daughter had the pulled pork sandwich and only had great things to say!! This is a must go to local shop! Oh and don't forget to taste there fresh ground coffee! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

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Great prices for even greater BBQ! Out of all the places I visit for BBQ in sylmar and San Fernando, I always finish my plate from Buffalo Bruce's. I'm telling you, I just can't stop eating once I start. If you love a classic smoked meat paired with a creamy coleslaw, this is the place for you. Plus, 4 bucks for a damn good 32oz of tea. To wash all the food down.. mmm mm mmm Always down to come for late lunch/dinner. Hope to try the coffee next! read more

This is great, local BBQ! Bruce, Vivian and the whole crew love what they do and they treat it like art. The smoked meat and sauces are delicious, the servings are hearty, and the "joie de vive" bubbles over: these folks are cheerful, proud of their food, eager for you to try it, and stoked to help you eat well! In addition to large combo meals you can order ahead (be smart, order ahead so you are sure your entire order is reserved for you), they've got great lunch dishes. Certainly among these are the "Sammich"es, with tri-tip, chicken or trimmed rib meat. Holy smokes, trimmed baby back ribs make for one heck of a great sandwich! BBQ can never be cheap: the ingredients are expensive, the process of doing it right takes time and a small place can run out of food if they get busy. So, when you're ready for some great food, the distinctions between some chain and a local barbecue joint will be the care, the pride, the little extras that make you eager to return. I found all that at the Mercantile, and I bet you will, too. Check it out. read more

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I LOVE this place!!! The owners are so friendly and welcoming. The food is great (especially the veggie burrito) & I am addicted to the "OMG Maria" coffee drink. I typically get it hot, but tried iced today and it's the same blissful feeling. read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

Owner makes the BBQ sauce from scratch using fresh daily chicken stock. Local secret small hole in the wall on the Hubbard street side large dining area in back. Best BBQ in the east SF valley area. Limited menu means what they serve is very good. Item for item what they have here is much better tasting and less expensive than Bear Pit or Hoggley Woggley. Baby back ribs in particular are world class. Cole slaw and baked beans are the best I have ever had. read more

Vivian is always so cheerful and friendly. Her food is delicious and her oh my God Maria is awesome. Hope they find the thieves.

My son and I had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful restaurant today. We were out and about and hungry but it was getting late. I suggested we try something new. We had to drive around a bit to find a place to park but we both agreed it was well worth it and would gladly do it again. The try tip was the last they had of the day which they normally use for sandwiches and it was fantastic. It was tender and juicy. Along with their sauce it took it to another level. Great potato salad. I would call it loaded potato salad. The flavor was excellent not too vinegary and balanced just right with the celery and other ingredients. I normally don't eat pickles but this one was so good. The beans were firm yet tender with a slightly sweet smoky flavor which complemented the meal. The roll was fresh and great at picking up ever last bit of sauce on the plate. We both agreed this is somewhere we will be going over and over again and highly recommend to others. The owner and the ambience of the restaurant far exceeded my expectations. You get a lot for your bucks. Plus I can shop for family and friends from their beautiful selection of jewelry and other items. They also support Sophie's Angels. Great work to the owner at Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile your smile warmth and kindness also made this a wonderful dinner and future friendship. Oh and the "Oh My God Maria" coffee was a Yes Yes Yes. I added rice milk to it when I got home due to low milk tolerance and it was perfect. Yum read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Half Smoked Tri Tip Platter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

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I always drive by this place and decided to give It a try I order the chicken bbq plate it came with a side order food was delicious, and it's a cute little place! Support your local small business read more

The best bbq ribs in the valley. Very tasty and smoked flavor. This place is a hidden gem.

Love this place . First and foremost the food and the coffee . Second the vibe and culture . You cannot be in a hurry when you go here . It takes what it takes and you just don't mind . Their family vibe is like going into someone's kitchen and you are chatting and then at sone point , there's food . Try the oh my god Maria . The tri tip is next level and the love in the food is like grandmas house . read more

Had a full rack and 2 sides. It was delicious, can't wait to come back. They made sure the food was safe for me to eat due to an allergy.

I loved everything about Buffalo Bruce's. I walked into an eclectic shack on the side of the road in what looked to be a former house, saw a menu of delicious bbq items and heard Sonic Youth playing, and I knew I was going to like this place. My friend and I ordered the full slab of ribs and hung out on the back patio, where we played with the cats and looked around at the painted chairs and other cool decorations while we waited. The ribs were huge as expected, and they were fall off the bone tender with a tasty thick and sweet bbq sauce. It came with two sides, and we chose the potato salad, which they made up fresh for us and the baked beans. The potato salad had some nice fresh ingredients like green onion and included the potato skins, making it clear that this was prepared fresh from real ingredients. The beans were on the sweet side, but that's how I prefer them. Buffalo Bruce's turned out to be both a fun environment and a place that serves great BBQ. I'd love to go back and try their smoked chicken and tri tip as well. This place is proof that you don't need to drive to Silver Lake to find small restaurants with unique character and delicious food! read more

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I love the energy here. As soon as you walk in, you're met with the kind of smiles that are visible even through a mask. The BBQ is the best in the area. Definitely try their Tri Trip. You get so much food for a super reasonable price. I can't wait to try out their breakfast offerings, I'll definitely be back. read more

I got a tri tip breakfast burrito and potato salad. The potato salad was some of the best I've had and the tri tip melts in your mouth. Going to try the ribs and chicken next time, but this place is definitely worth trying. The music is also on point! read more

Made with LOVE baby!! A must go to destination! Can't recommend this place enough. Good music and good vibes. You can taste the difference when love and passion are involved! The owners truly care! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Ribs and Chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

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You can pass by on Hubbard Street for years & may not notice a quaint ramshackle shack nestled between taller or more imposing, yet boring concrete fabricated box buildings encircling it on two sides. Like Cooper's Hardware nearby, Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile in feel is still a part of the "old Sylmar" which harks back to a time when horses were kept in residential lots & western wear was more common. In fact, this little eatery would look most comfortable somewhere on old Route 66 somewhere between Flagstaff, Arizona & Gallup New Mexico. BBM, therefore, is in a Twilight Zone warp in time & space in a most pleasant way. The word "mercantile" sounds like something from the 19th century, but the theme at BBM goes beyond by reaching epic Surrealistic, Dadaistic realms, but it somehow manages to keep its feet on the ground. Perhaps the reality of having to serve something more practical such as the satisfying of hunger helps achieve that sense of reality. Upon entering through the front door, there is a counter with a menu under glass from which to order. Bufflalo Bruce's T-shirt is also on sale so you can sport something fashionable to the next Nascar race or to the "Burning Man". There is a small space in front to eat or lounge on a rainy day. You're greeted in a friendly countrified manner. The menu is pretty simple with emphasis on BBQ Chicken, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Beef Tri-tip. There is a Chicago Style Hot Dog, a lacto-ovo vegetarian/vegan option, & breakfat ALL DAY until 6pm. Off to the side, there is another room which serves as a gift shop that has a New Age feel selling cleansing herbs, aromas, pyramids, jewelry, etc. They also offer reflexology & other similar treatments for which I assume you have to make an appointment. Be sure to call ahead to see if they have any BBQ left since when I called, they were out of baby back ribs. So I opted for the tri-tip which is meaty, slightly chewy, lightly smoked accompanied by a rather sweet, Kansas City Style BBQ sauce with what seems to be brown sugar based. The slaw is refreshing since the shredded cabbage is not left soaking in mayonnaise so that the veggies are still crisp, & the fresh cabbage inflected with slivers of red cabbage & carrots is lightly doused with a sweet mustard/honey dressing. I should have chosen the red skinned potato salad since the mayo is mixed with a bit of mustard as well as having cut up green onions to add more of a funky earthy flavour. I had underestimated the cooking prowess at BBM & expected the usual boring mayonnaise/potato mixture so I had assumed too much. Instead, I got the BBQ beans which were cooked al dente, but way too sweet for my taste. Well, live & learn. The huge 32 oz teas are all individually brewed at BBM so I chose the Earl Grey since I did not want the Black tea since it was made from Lipton's which is known to have wussy tasting teas. I ordered the Earl Grey Tea which has an added flavouring of Bergamot (behr gah moh), zest of a medicinal tasting orange. However, when I got the tea, it was the dreaded black Lipton tea. The owner & the helper lady were so nice, I didn't have the heart to return the tea. The back patio at BBM is an organic mish-mash of mirror framed by green & blue painted Puti (angel heads), a disembodied mannequin, signs advertising Xmas trees which they sell in season, Adirondack style chairs hanging high in the air, succulent plants everywhere, murals of random themes. But somehow this space brings peace & tranquility especially when we both got there around 5:15pm with only one other customer. & closing time at about 6pm on a cool sunny May day. Karl, the cat, came by to call & paid us a visit. He is a cutie pie with a soft, friendly disposition. He does welcome a bit of the Tri-tip & will not refuse your hospitality although he will not insist that you give him a handout like some other pushy animals we know as human beings. The food at BBM is about 4 Yelp stars, but the friendly, amiable country style hospitality & the magical, funky, peace inducing patio garden pushes up the rating to definitely 5 stars. Sylmar has hidden treasures, & Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile is among one of them. read more

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Viv just posted an update today! They're open again. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 to 6!

I grew up in the San Fernando- Sylmar area and this place always caught my eye with its super funky and unique decor but I never got a chance to stop by until recently. Upon walking in, I was greeted by the owner, she is a super sweet lady that makes you feel right at home. She welcomes you and encourages you to walk around take a look at all of the interesting decorations. The food was ready quickly and it was delicious!!! I got the tri-tip sandwich and a rib tip sandwich with potatoe salad and baked beans. What I loved most is that you can feel the owners passion for cooking and the love for her restaurant just by talking with her for a few minutes. I will definitely be coming back!! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

The best Tri-tip around and the best baked beans...a must have. Great atmosphere and cool little house with the most wonderful husband and wife owners. read more

Some of the most succulent Tri tip and barbecue baked beans. There's something amazing happening in that barbecue pit and I will be returning for A mixed plate as soon as I can chicken try tip and sausage link what more could you ask for. read more

Absolutely the BEST Vegan Soy Chorizo burrito in The Valley. It was warm fresh comfort food! Owner is AWESOME felt like I was visiting her casita. If you're looking to support a local business I highly recommend checking this place out!! Oh and if you eat at the establishment and order a coffee or speciality hot drinks she fills your taza to the rim!!! I was so excited and in the moment that I didn't take a pic but it will not do justice because theres so much that makes this place a magical gem! You gotta check it out! read more

Fun and funky little place with good food and interesting decor. It's not the best food value because the price is high and servings are small. The counter area is tiny and cramped and it can get very busy but it's worth it for food quality and fun outdoor dining experience. read more

Ohh nooo Yelpers..... you led me astray on this one. While this place is quaint and welcoming, and the owners vibrant and endearing; the food and drinks here fell short completely. To start everything was SWEET. The coffee, the bbq sauce, the sides (coleslaw/beans); everything tasted like it was from a bulk tub of something and overly processed. Nothing was made from scratch and half of it was inedible. It's not saying much, but the meats were the saving grace and had a nice smokiness to them... they were unfortunately slathered in a thick layer of sauce (see pic). If you're looking to support a local small business and want some basic bbq, this place is for you. If you're looking for the best smoked bbq in the greater Los Angeles area, this ain't it. There's so many great smoked bbq spots in LA (Slab, Bludsos, Moo's, APL, Swinging Door), save yourself the heartache we experienced. It's hard to have mediocre bbq after having really good smoked bbq. Trust me on this one! read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Ribs and chicken (WAY TOO MUCH SAUCE) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

Love the owner Vivian. She treats every customer like family. It's a place where you can get good home style cooking and bbq.

Sylmar has been my new humble abode, and it is always a treat to find new places to eat. Take Buffalo Bruce's... it looks like a house, probably was a house, so it feels homey when you eat. Eat in the living room or chill in the backyard. Tried a full rack of ribs, coleslaw and potato salad. MmmHmm good. Ribs were better than Stonefire grill. They don't marinate as long as she does because her flavor goes right to the bones and her meat falls right off the bones too. Her coleslaw and potato salad are also lip smacking good! I definitely recommend this place and have been craving to go back. read more

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Everything is canned ran into owner at smart and final. Canned beans, sauce from a jar. Coleslaw from a bag with vinaigrette poured over. They should advertise homemade everything. read more

Super random store/coffee house/bbq joint. Located directly across from Jack in the Box on the same side of Foothill. had passed by it a bunch of times and a friend wanted to try it out. we just went for the bbq chicken sandwich which came with some coleslaw and potatoes. the barbecue sauce was pretty excellent, and the bread is interesting. it's not typical. it's sort of like an old smashed hamburger bun but denser, almost reminding me of the thick tortilla-things they use for certain sopes. for $8 it was a fantastic deal and surprisingly filling. the ambiance is pretty random. there are a couple tiny tables with chairs inside and a couple outside in the garden/outdoor space that my friend said reminded her of the "oasis" that her hippy fourth grade teacher had outside their bungalow where the students could take turns doing their reading. but it's cute, super quaint, with the big barbecue nearly on the sidewalk. it feels like a real homey place, a neighborhood favorite, and the people who work there are super down to earth. i don't know why but i felt like i was in a different city, or state even. maybe tucson, arizona. there's a subtle southwestern flavor to the decor. or maybe it's just me. check it out, i say. read more

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile - Chicken sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sylmar, California

My husband picked up takeout yesterday after a hectic, and long day and there was ecstatic to find out that it was Buffalo Bruce's. I hope this place never closes because I recently moved nearby. I know the food truck scene is probably affecting them and I really hope that locals will keep supporting this place instead of those barbecue food trucks that drive in from out of town. The owner has always been so hospitable with everyone. Even when she's busy, she goes out of her way to make sure you know she did not forget about you, and has even offered me a drink while I waited for my food a couple of times. The baked beans and potato salad are our favorite sides. I know that the ribs and other smoked meats take a long time and let me tell you, all that hard work really pays off. Now, let's talk about the coffee. Over the last decade, I have tried every single coffee drink they have to offer. I don't know how they do it, but they are all delicious, to say the least. The parking situation is a little tight but there is usually street parking if the three parking spots out front are taken. For those that have never been there in person, the restaurant is a cute purple house nestled between a shopping plaza and apartments. There is outdoor seating, and a few tables inside, although seating quantity is limited, I love looking at all the artwork, the owners accomplishments and the local artists items for sale. She also runs Sophia's Angel's which is an organization that helps families with terminally ill children. read more