PURE SOUL, PERFECT SAUCE PAIRINGS, AND 10/10 NOSTALGIA VIBES On my way to A.G. By Car bakery, the aroma drifting from this BBQ joint completely stopped me in my tracks. I felt like a character in an old-school cartoon, levitating in a trance and totally hypnotized by the smell. Just walking by gave me a wave of nostalgia, so on my way back, stopping for a quick bite wasn't optional it was a necessity. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of delicious pies and soulful cooking. The sweet lady at the counter gave off the kind of warmth that made me feel like I was getting a hug from a grandmother I never got to meet. She was incredibly patient and steered me toward the perfect sauce pairing for my rib plate. That combo? Absolute heaven. While I'm sure locals already know all about this spot, it was a brand-new revelation for me, and they've officially won a loyal customer. And please, do not skip the potato salad. The tangy mustard blend is a perfect science formula. I have no idea how they dialed it in so perfectly, but I'll happily leave the genius to the kitchen! read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Pie Galore - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Had to pay this place a visit after seeing it featured on the local news. Sundays there open from 12p - 4p. Got there about 1:15p and there were about 5 or 6 small groups in front of us. The word spread that they were already out of sweet potato pie and green beans! We eventually found ourselves at the counter to order. Hubby ordered GG's Combo Plate, and I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. GG'S was outstanding! Mac n cheese - yum! Potato salad - yum! The pulled pork was flavorful except it's on a hamburger bun with the meat on the bottom bun served open faced. When I put the top bun on and picky up the sandwich the bottom fell apart due to it soaking up the drippings. It came with a side of cole slaw but it was missing flavor. We shared a peach cobbler - Wow, so delicious! I could've and should've eaten a whole one by myself. The pulled pork sandwich isn't discouraging me from going back. It'll be a reason to try something else. Bring your patience! read more

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This charming little family-owned spot had us hooked before we even stepped out of the car the aroma alone from the parking lot was incredible. The outdoor seating area, with a few tables set up, made for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, and it's great that you also have the option to take your food to go. Just one look at our plates was enough to make our mouths water. I ordered the tri-tip plate with potato salad, mac and cheese, and mild BBQ sauce, and it even came with a slice of bread. The tri-tip was unbelievably juicy and tender. I could cut it with a plastic knife and it practically melted in my mouth. The sides were just as impressive. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and clearly homemade, exactly how I like it. The potato salad stood out as well. easily one of my favorite sides I've had anywhere. On top of the amazing food, the service was excellent. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and happy to offer recommendations, which we were very glad we followed. Overall, a fantastic experience from start to finish read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Tri tip plate with mac n cheese and potato salad - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The food was amazing and the service was also great. Very friendly and I would definitely recommend it. The brisket and ribs were moist and fell off the bone. read more

First off this used to only be a cobbler shop.. but the aroma of an off the chart bbq sauce was beckoning me to stop park and pick up a special lunch for family ... and ... the verdict is in ... Goodness is found here ! Service is excellent dual generational and polite, friendly , kind , quick and personal. The ambiance is quaint small town and cozy out door seating to enjoy the California sun on a quiet Pasadena afternoon excellent and tidy. The coleslaw is delicious and the meats are tender simple goodness even for complex eaters! read more

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On a Sunday late afternoon in mid January, my hubby called in the order. We ordered rib plate with Mac and cheese and potato salad and tri tip plate with bake beans and collared greens with 2 mini cobblers-berry and apple . It was hard to find parking lot due to Rams playoff game at the bar behind bbq place. The owner was nice and our food order was ready when we arrived. Tri tip was tender and it tastes better with a dip of bbq sauce. The Mac and cheese was really good, I was too full to try hubby's the ribs plate. Nice family owned bbq place in Pasadena. read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

I had been hearing people talk about Clifton's, and I finally tried it. I wanted a hot link so I ordered a pork one. They had a chicken option as well, but I wanted the spicy pork one. The link was good and the sauces. It really was not spicy but had a tang to it. The place is small with a small section to eat outside. They have all types of barbecue combos and specials. I will try the combo with ribs, chicken, hotlink, and brisket next time. They sell desserts like sweet potato pie, apple pie, cobbler pie, etc. I never knew this place was here and I am glad I found it. Prices are very reasonable. Parking is on the street or in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. If you're looking for some barbecue for take-out Cliftons is the spot. The service is good and the menu has a nice variety of options. Note: They also do catering for events. read more

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I had completely given up on eating pulled pork sandwiches from anywhere but home, then, I tried Cliftons. The meat itself was delicious. The ratio of heat to sweetness, was spot on. The slaw was tangy, and matched the flavor from the pork perfectly. I appreciated that I didn't have to ask for it to be placed on the side. He made sure to tell me, "WE put it on the side." The small details matter to ME. The only thing I would ask to be different is for my bun to be toasted. I also ordered the mac and cheese. First of all, it looked delicious, and I believe that it would have been if the noodles weren't slightly overcooked that day. I can see not wanting to waste a good pan of noodles, but.... I will definitely return to try other food items, and of course, the cobblers-all of them. The restaurant itself looks like your typical good old-fashioned soul food restaurant, no complaints. I do look forward to my next visit. read more

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Was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by, ordered the sampler plate to try a little bit of everything. Ribs were good, wish the beef link and brisket had more char to them. The Mac and cheese and greens were good. Chicken for me was nothing to rave about. I do like the fact that they sell desserts as well, cobblers and pies. I didn't get a chance to try the cobbler but my friend did, she said they were really good and she'd be back. Staff were friendly and the wait wasn't long, if you want to dine there they have nice small tables on the outside to sit and eat at, the space isn't big enough to sit and eat on the inside. Would come back if I'm back in town. read more

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We ordered the bbq. It was smoky and tasty the sides were ok not my favorite but the peach cobbler was amazing! I would definitely return!

The food here is wonderful and made with alotta love! I got the GG combo, so I got a little bit of everything. The ribs are tender and their sauce is very delicious! Their ribs are probably their best bbq item. I got the baked beans and greens as my 2 sides. The greens have a very unique seasoning to them and they're some of the best greens I've had. The service and conversation was wonderful!!! It's mom and pop owned and run. Makes you want to keep coming back. read more

I had to wait a little bit (as it was a one woman show that day) but the barbecue and the cobbler was delicious. Highly recommend as it was a great value as well! They don't advertise which cobblers are sold out, you'll just have to see when you come inside. read more

OVERVIEW: smokey, tender, moist, fall off-the-bone, not salty, affordable, take out only, hole in the wall, will definitly go back. Excellent, "hole-in-the-wall", smokehouse BBQ ribs and brisket! I accidentally stumbled upon this establishment after being turned off by the outside line at another smokehouse BBQ restaurant I drove an hour to in the Lincoln Heights community of L.A. Clifton's is primarily a take-out business with two small tables outside if you wanted to eat there. It's located at the back corner of the building off of Colorado Blvd. I ordered the brisket plate and rib plate. Both come with two sides. The brisket and pork rib were very tender and moist with an ample amount of smokiness. The rib meat pulled right off the bone with little effort. I was truly impressed. I also liked the fact that both these items weren't excessively salted. In my opinion, anytime the rub is excessively salted causing the meat to be too salty, someone is trying coverup their lack of skill as a BBQ master. I was also surprised by their bbq sauce. It was sweet with a distinct, fragrant aroma. If I had to describe this aroma, I would say it was reminded me of fruity whiskey. It's definitley different from any bbq sauce I've ever tasted. The reason I ended up giving Clifton's Gourmet BBQ four stars is due to its sides. When judging these BBQ joints, one of the criterias I use are their side dishes. The coleslaw and potato salad didn't taste housemade. They tasted like every other coleslaw and potato salads I've ever had. The string beans may have been housemade, though. The prices are very reasonable compared to other smokehouse bbq joints in L.A. and Orange County. As a matter of fact, I would consider Clifton's affordably priced. Overall, I will definitly put Clifton's on my list of go to bbq restaurants. read more

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I had a party at my house with 20 people. I called and Charisse was awesome: after a brief conversation, she came up with a suggested menu within my price range. It could not have been easier. We had 3 kinds of meat plus the sides: The food was super tasty, and my guests were raving about it. The next day, people were still talking about the food, and every single thank you note I received mentioned how delicious it was. I will definitely call Charisse again next time! read more

The food was very delicious. The menu is very simple. This is one of the three truly awesome Barbecue Restaurants in Southern California. We are going back today!!! read more

Found this place by randomly parking in front of it and it blew my mind ! Sweet potato pie was a dream! Beans and Mac and cheese was fire as well. We got ribs too that were very soft and savory. I can't wait to come back! read more

The family had a hankering for some barbeque brisket. Clifton's delivered. The brisket was nice and smoky, add on the sauce and it was delicious. I could barely hold myself from eating it as soon as I got to the car. The sides were great too. The green beans are the classic green beans like grandma made, tasty and soft. The Cole slaw was the right mix of crispy cabbage and a creamy dressing. We also had a peach cobbler for dessert. All in all it was great food and we will definitely be back. There are a few small tables in front of the store, but it's more or less takeout only. read more

This business was featured on the news (ABC7). We drove over an hour to try it . This family owned business is great. The mother and daughter were funny and friendly. We had the rib dinner and brisket dinner with sides. Too bad they don't have an indoor dining area. I recommend this business. read more

I was headed to Artisanal Goods but the smell coming from this shop over took everything. The aroma from his freshly baked cobblers led us to look and inside and we ended up getting bbq chicken, ribs, brisket, sausage and 4 sides, peach and boysenberry cobblers and everything was falling off the bone and so flavorful! 70 dollars totally worth it. 10/10 will be back for more. Can't believe I spent 24 dollars for 3 croissants at AG instead of spending it here first. Clifton is an OG from Mississippi. Thank you sir for this delicious food! Cant wait to come back read more

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Wow I was very surprised how good the ribs taste! The meat was tender and had great flavor reminded me of my grandmas bbq! The sides were on point! I am so full can't wait to taste the sweet potato pie! Nice new find in the Pasadena area! Thank you read more

I got this information from yelp and went and tried it out. The food is out of this world tender and falls right off the bone, mac and cheese is home made and the string beans was good also. It a small hole in the wall location but i highly recommend it. Service is great and friendly and the owners are super cool. I had the ribs and very very very delicious. Need to try it out I give location a 20 stars if i could read more

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Wowee!! First time coming here and I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard about this place months ago and decided to try it today on 5/20/26. I ordered the Chicken, ribs & sausage and my wife got the chicken with collard greens. We also ordered two peach cobblers. Everything was exceptionally good. In my opinion this is the best BBQ place that I have ever been too. Prices may seem a little high but to me it was reasonable for what you get. Will definitely come back.........soon read more

Hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in the heart of Pasadena. This is the best BBQ you can find in this area, and the owner Clifton is a kind and wonderful man who pours his heart into every menu item. We've tried just about every cobbler at this location, and they're all delicious. My personal favorites are the peach and the apple. I also love the sides they make... potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans... we come here at least a few times a month. BBQ is expensive everywhere, but at Clifton's I do feel that you will be satisfied with the quality and hospitality. read more

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Their Mac and cheese was so delicious. My friend had the peach cobbler with ice cream. I will definitely come back for their brisket and barbecue chicken plates. read more

A must whenever I'm in the area of Pasadena. You can smell the aroma of yummy BBQ right outside their doors! My compliments to the chef with the taste BBQ sauce and the way the chicken fell off the bone. The food really tastes like a big warm hug. read more

We would definitely order the delicious pulled pork sandwich, brisket, Mac & cheese, pecan pie & mixed berry cobbler again! The pecan pie is a perfect balance of sweet & savory. The owners are so friendly & welcoming. Love the front display case of cobblers & pies and outdoor seating ambiance! read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Blackberry, mixed berry, peach & cherry cobblers. Pecan pie - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

I LOVE THIS SPOT!!! 10/10 the ribs are delicious and the Mac and cheese is bomb dot com. Peach cobbler is so yummy!!! It's a little Mom and Pop shop nothing fancy but definitely DELISH. As a local Pasadena Girl I recommend this place!! Go support our local spots. read more

I'm from the BBQ trail in North Carolina, and this is the best BBQ I have had in LA. The sides are delicious and the peach cobbler is amazing. The family that runs the place is friendly. Excellent food! read more

I was looking for some BBQ in Pasadena and this place was perfect. This lovely small BBQ restaurant and bakery with outdoor seating is located on a side street near the post office The decor is welcoming with a huge menu on the wall of the meals and desserts. I was greeted by a friendly older gentleman who took my order. I ordered a combo plate with chicken, a chicken link, and ribs with potato salad & mac & cheese. I selected a peach cobbler, a pecan pie, and sweet potato pie for dessert. Everything was delicious and tasted homemade. I had enough food for three meals. My only regret is I don't live in Pasadena so I can't go every week . read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Pecan pie - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Mom and pop's (mom and daughter?) place with good vibe and nice tender brisket. A bit strong on the salt but if you like to add salt to your meal then you'll find this perfect. read more

I first went to Clifton's I think 40 years ago for their fabulous cobbler. I just learned they are still there and have BBQ! So yesterday we got takeout, and OMG! So good! I had the rib dinner with collard greens and Mac & cheese, and my friend had the brisket. Seriously, everything was OMG good. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Customer service was good however the ribbs were definitely boiled the potato salad and Mac and Cheese was missing flavor

I've come here for years. Service is excellent and the food is great. Not much to compare it to, but it's the best bbq in Pasadena.

What a hidden gem. We got the combo with Brisket, Ribs and Chicken and ti was all delicious. I am usually a Texas BBQ Fan, so I prefer just smoke, salt and pepper on my meats but the BBQ sauce here that they drench their meat it in incredible. Would definitely come back again. read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Went with my family and got the gumbo, ribs, GG's plate, brisket, and po boy. First off, the service was quick and friendly. Clifton and Grandma Gloria are sweethearts. For the food, the greens are perfect and the mac n cheese was a little soft for me but had great flavor. Gumbo was chock full of meat and seafood, ribs were fall off the bone, and the brisket was perfect. We also tried their peach cobbler and pecan pie and they were also phenomenal. We wanted to get better pictures of the food but we couldn't wait and forgot to take them till we were halfway through the food! Highly recommend you try this place out. Definitely one of the best places for soul food in LA. read more

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Nice little place that shares a space with The Gourmet Cobbler Factory. It's very small and easy to miss, with only a couple tables for seating outside. I picked up GG's combo plate, which is the biggest one you can get. I wanted to sample all the meats there was to offer here. Make sure you differentiate between the Combo Dinner Plate and GG's Combo, because they are two different items. Tri-Tip - Delicious. Thinly sliced and pairs nicely with the BBQ sauce provided on the side. This might have been my favorite part of the combo plate. Ribs - Pretty decent bit of meat, but not incredibly tender either. Slightly dry, and I was ultimately kind of meh about it by the end. A little disappointing for me. Chicken - This was... okay. There was nothing wrong with it but it wasn't particularly outstanding either. It wasn't particularly flavorful or juicy and mostly relied on the sauce. Hot Link - Delicious! I got it in Pork variety, but you can get Beef/Pork/Chicken. I wanted more of this! Juicy and slightly hot. I couldn't wait to try it again. I think if I come back, I'd like to get the Spicy Hotlink on a Bun. As with most BBQ places in SoCal, it's not cheap. The place is pretty okay. I don't think it's worth raving about, but there aren't many competitors around here. I'm not sure if I would come back for BBQ short of a deep craving. Final note: As I mentioned earlier, this place shares a spot with The Gourmet Cobbler Factory. They have a bunch of small pies ready to go behind the glass counter. One pie is like maybe two to three servings. I picked up a Peach one and it was quite delicious! The guy at the counter recommended the Berry one but warned me about seeds, so I opted for the Peach one instead. It's very good and was ultimately the highlight of my visit. read more

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This was my first time coming into this family owned business and I must say I'm a connoisseur of barbecue. This is one of the best barbecue places I've been since Phil's barbecue in San Diego. This family really knows how to do soul food and barbecue felt like I was back home in Northern California like my grandma's homemade food. The barbecue was mouthwatering and meat so tender it was falling off the bone. I definitely will be going back on a regular basis. Thank you. read more

Bun was stale and crumbled. Pork was so so and cold.Mac and cheese ice cold. Cobbler looked ok but the sandwich was so bad I didn't bother. read more

I simply asked if I can get a link instead of ribs as a substitute. The lady with the green rag stormed off from the register EXTREMELY upset. Her grandad told me that i can do the exchange. The lady with the green rag came back from the back with her mother and the started YELLING at me as I was trying to informed them that the grandfather ok'd it for me. I WOULD NOT BE BACK. "IGNORANT ESTABLISHMENT" read more

Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - 2 extremely rude women - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Had a random video pop up on my TikTok feed reviewing this place and I knew this is what I wanted the morning after a long night out. I got the combo plate with the brisket, ribs, chicken, pork hot link, and sides of mac n cheese and coke slaw. Everything was incredibly delicious - ribs and brisket were so tender and the pork hot link was the best I've had with so much good flavor. So happy I found this place and can't wait to be back! read more