Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue

    4.5 (125 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue Photos

    CLIFTON'S GOURMET BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual

    You might also consider

    More like Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue

    Recommended Reviews - Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Berry cobbler and pecan pie!
    Lynda B.

    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!

    Josephine C.

    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.

    Dee J.

    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.

    Front
    Kisha L.

    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.

    Vee W.

    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.

    Smokey and tender fall-off-the-bone ribs.
    M. T.

    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.

    All this was feeding a family of 4 :) nothing was left over by the time we were done. Barely got a picture of it during the feast!
    Maddelyn R.

    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

    Home made peach pie
    Michael F.

    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

    See all

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue

    Is there a bathroom?

    It's not really an "eat in" kind of place. So not really.

    Do they have indoor seating?

    Nope. Just a bench for waiting, not for dining in. There are two small tables outside however.

    What are your weekend hours?

    Sat 11:00 am - 8:00 pm… 

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Southern 8,746 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market

    Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market

    4.2
    (113 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    A DREAM shop. Unassuming, piccolino mio--but don't be fooled. Behind that modest exterior lies a…read morewonderland of the most delightful, high-quality ingredients, specialty goods, and handmade fresh pasta sold by the pound like it's no big deal. And a personal breakthrough: I used to schlep all the way to Larchmont Cheese & Wine or Bay Cities before beach days for a proper sandwich. Not anymore. I have sandwich geniuses living right down the street. The bread? Exceptional. The cheeses? Dangerous. The meats? I may never recover. And then there's the lemon Italian ice. My daughter and I have been here three times in the last week, shamelessly returning like two neighborhood raccoons with excellent taste. It is the perfect antidote to a scorching Altadena afternoon. This place is an absolute gem. Go for the pasta, stay for the sandwich, leave with three things you didn't know you needed and a strong desire to become Italian.

    The sandwiches were awful. Maybe it's just not my cup of tea but they're overpriced and taste major…read moremeh. Service was great and the girl at the counter was lovely but the price of everything was way too steep and it didn't deliver at all. We ordered the mortadella and the artichoke. We didn't even finish our sandwiches. Ended up going to a different restaurant for food.

    Photos
    Inside, ordering counter
    Inside, ordering counter
    Prosciutto - one of the best ! Perfect! Delish!
    Prosciutto - one of the best ! Perfect! Delish!
    Tuna sandwich

    See all

    Tuna sandwich
    Mendocino Farms

    Mendocino Farms

    4.3
    (834 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I got the not so fried chicken sandwich and its probbaly their best one even though i havent tried…read morethe others yet. But i love it. I love the ciabatta bread that it comes with. Its soft and crispy. They give yoy bbq sauce and mustard on the side but the sandwich doesnt even need that. There was plenty of seats, at least when we went. You can get your own water at the side near the tables. Parking in the back is a hit or miss. It could be really busy or semi busy where you could find a spot if youre lucky.

    Got the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada ($16.20) and I have to admit I was hesitant to spend…read morethat much on a salad! However, it's one of their most popular items so I had to try it! It consisted of lettuce, avocado, corn, black beans, jicama, tomatoes, onion, quinoa, krispies, kale, cilantro, and cotija. The lettuce wasn't too fresh and there were some that were yellow green but not a big deal. It was packed with flavor even without the chipotle vinaigrette (relieved I got it on the side because I wasn't s big fan). The avocado was very fresh and plentiful. I added chicken for extra $4.74 and it was very tender! Overall, I enjoyed the salad but a bit pricey so it was a good one time experience! The Chicken Pesto Caprese ($14.10) was pretty good. It consisted of chicken, mozzarella, red peppers, pesto, and mixed greens. The greens were very fresh and the sandwich was packed with flavor. The chicken was a little dry but not a big deal. There was a lot of red pepper and it was a bit overwhelming so I wished there wasn't so much. Really enjoyed the pesto since it it wasn't too salty and was the cherry on top to the sandwich! I also really liked that the bread was soft and fresh. Got the "Not so Fried" Chicken Sandwich ($13.68) - 1/2 portion and it came with a side (paid extra $1.26) for tomato basil soup. It consisted of chicken, krispies, mustard pickle slaw, tomatoes, onions, and herb aioli. The bread was very fresh and soft. I'm glad I got this in half portion because I thought this was just ok and nothing special. The tomato basil soup was very oily and salty so wasn't too enjoyable. The Pomegranate Mint Lemonade ($5.10) was sooo sweet. It was refreshing but the mint was a little too overpowering. Definitely recommend adding ice and/or water otherwise it's way too sweet! Overall, the sandwich and salads were a bit pricey but definitely one of the better spots for sandwiches and salads in terms of quality and quantity!

    Photos
    Mendocino Farms
    Mendocino Farms
    Mendocino Farms

    See all

    Father Nature Lavash Bistro

    Father Nature Lavash Bistro

    4.1
    (757 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Wowww the food here is incredible. Huge portions with fresh ingredients, made with obvious care and…read morereally delicious and elevated flavors. Eveyrthing I got in my order was probably the best version of classic dishes. The amount and variety of veggies per dish was also something I really appreciated! Amongst other things I got the salmon salad which is gorgeous and hard to photo because theres a LOT of salmon in it but it's under all the lovely parsley/veg. Salads can sometimes be a little boring or unsatisfying but I was literally going MM!! with every bite of theirs-- and I could only eat half before getting full, which astonished me because I can eat a lot! Lastly their pickles are SO GOOD. I ordered the pickled veggies not really knowing what they'd be or what amount but again, very substantial portion, great variety of veggies, crunchy, and super tasty brine, and once more, a familiar flavor but with a little something extra that makes it super tasty and special! I am extremely rarely impressed with food enough to leave yelp reviews, but this place deserves all the praise and business!

    This has been one of our go-to spots for healthy lunch and dinner takeout since 2018. I really like…read moretheir lavash wraps with falafel and eggplant, while my husband has been a big fan of their chicken wraps and seasoned fries. We have also enjoyed their foole soup, peppers, baklava, hummus, and garlic sauce. Especially for Old Pasadena, the prices are very reasonable, and a good value with large portions. Unfortunately, our most recent order was not very good. The produce did not seem as fresh, the lavash was drier and falling apart (it didn't have the elasticity that it normally does), the falafel was very dry and flavorless, and the seasoned fries were plain. Some of the small containers of garlic sauce and hummus were also missing. We recognize that even good places have bad days every once in a while. Hopefully it was a one-off, and not an indicator of lower quality or less attention to detail.

    Photos
    Father Nature Lavash Bistro
    Shawarma chicken salad
    Shawarma chicken salad
    Father Nature Lavash Bistro

    See all

    Copa Vida

    Copa Vida

    4.1
    (2.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    I feel like it's rare nowadays to find a coffee shop that has actually good coffee + good seating…read more Copa Vida is a classic and for good reason! They have 2 units' worth of seating space so order at the counter and just find a space to sit. They'll call your name for you to pickup unless you order a food item. Americano ($4)-- Good espresso! It wasn't mine so not much to mention haha Latte ($5.5)-- Super smooth, good ratio of espresso to milk! It was just such a good classic latte. Not too milky and espresso was good not burnt/crazy acidic or anything. Mocha ($6.5)-- The mocha is real dark chocolate vs something like Hershey's syrup. You can definitely taste the difference! Good ratio of espresso and milk and I liked the dark chocolate! But if you're used to super sweet mochas then this isn't for you! Pretty reasonable prices for Pasadena no? Or am I just used to everything being expensive. But here the vibes are really nice. They have WiFi and outlets too so lots of people had a wfh set up. There's just so much seating and enough space in between where it doesn't feel cramped.

    I met with a friend here on Thursday morning and enjoyed the food! Upon arrival, you order and take…read morea seat with an assigned number. The girl taking our order was very sweet, but I must have missed the part when she said the drinks are picked up at the counter. When we received our food, we asked about the beverages - the waiter mentioned those are picked up at the counter. The barista was kind enough to remake the espresso shot for my friend since it had been sitting out for over 10+ minutes :) The food is tasty! We sat outside (perfect weather - overcast) and we shared an order of the avocado toast and the French toast plate. Good coffee, great portions with aligned price points. The inside is quite large, but it felt like something was missing... warmth/ decoration. Aside from that, Definitely recommend stopping by - I'm surprised I hadn't popped in sooner!

    Photos
    Copa Vida
    Croque Madame
    Croque Madame
    Copa Vida

    See all

    Urbane Cafe

    Urbane Cafe

    4.5
    (608 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Wow I just stumbled across an amazing healthy fast-casual spot in Pasadena! It's conveniently…read morelocated right across the street from LA Fitness, making it the perfect post-workout stop. From the moment I walked in, Keegan greeted me with such positive, upbeat, and genuinely welcoming energy. He asked if it was my first visit, took the time to walk me through the menu, and helped me decide on the pesto chicken sandwich and wow, it was absolutely fire! What really stood out was the atmosphere. Everyone here seemed genuinely happy to be at work, and I honestly think that kind of positive energy makes the food taste even better. The manager even came by our table to check in, and her enthusiasm for both the food and the service her team provides was contagious. Great food, incredible service, and an awesome vibe. It's clear this team takes pride in creating a fantastic experience. I'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend checking Urban Cafe out if you're in the area!

    Another reviewer said, "Why go to Panera if there's Urbane Cafe?" I couldn't agree more. It's so…read moremuch more inviting and clean here! Sandwiches and salads are fresh and delicious. Order at the kiosk and the food gets delivered to your table. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. Great spot for lunch. We sometimes place large lunch orders for the office, which is often a hit because there is something for everyone. I especially like the steak sandwiches! In short, my vegetarian friends and I agree on Urbane Cafe.

    Photos
    Cilantro Chicken Salad
    Cilantro Chicken Salad
    Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl
    Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl
    Refreshing Agua Frescas and Lemonades

    See all

    Refreshing Agua Frescas and Lemonades

    Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue - southern - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...