Today on the 4th of July I had lunch there with a friend and the staff was not only serving all that we're eating there but packing up tons of food to be picked up seamlessly. It was a well oiled machine. The cooks and the staff were amazing! Well done! The food was excellent! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere at this restaurant is absolutely great[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and I can't say enough positive things about the service at this establishment. Thank you Laura and Ariana for going above and beyond to ensure that our dinner experience was exceptional read more

Iconic South Pas staple. If you're not feeling like a big spender, get some sliders on the appetizer menu and you'll be full without spending too much. But if you're ready to get down, indulge in the tasty barbecue!! Either way, you and your family will be so happy! And oh so full read more

Gus's Barbecue was established in South Pasadena and has been family owned & operated since 1946. (They've since expanded to Claremont & Porter Ranch.) If you love BBQ you'll appreciate owners Chris & John's dedication to traveling the U.S. and learn from the best. Tables are set with a variety of BBQ sauces for you to try: Memphis Original, Kansas City Spicy, Carolina Gold, & Red Pepper Vinegar Sauce. Their BBQ specialties come with two sides, and even though I don't eat meat there are several items on the menu that I enjoy - Cast Iron Cornbread, Cajun Popcorn Shrimp, & Mac N Cheese to name a few. I've been here several times over the years for dinner with friends. Now, I occasionally stop in for a drink at the bar and a nibble. They used to have a cantaloupe martini on the menu that tasted just like cantaloupe. I loved it! I stopped in the other day for a quick libation and a break from the heat. Mike was tending the bar, and he was an absolute delight - so friendly & attentive to all the patrons. I ordered the Hibiscus Margarita. Comprised of hibiscus-infused tequila, Licor 43, grapefruit, agave, & lime, it was a perfect balance of tart & sweet and a tasty treat. I do appreciate that the owners give back to the community by supporting local schools, charities, & non-profits. *Happy Hour 3:00 - 5:30 pm Mon - Fri *Small parking lot or street parking. read more

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I recently ate at Gus's Barbecue, and unfortunately the food was much saltier than I expected. Both the fried chicken and the gravy were extremely salty, to the point that it took away from the meal. Honestly, your chicken was pretty disgusting. The bright spot was the staff--they were friendly, attentive, and provided great service. If the seasoning were toned down, I think the overall experience would be much better. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I felt this experience warranted feedback. My family and I came in around 5:00 p.m. on a Thursday with a party of eight. Upon entering, we noticed an open section that appeared capable of accommodating us, even if our group had to be split between two tables. When we politely asked if that was an option, the hostess immediately displayed visible facial expressions that made it clear she was unhappy with the question. While she didn't say anything inappropriate, her demeanor made us feel unwelcome from the start. To avoid any inconvenience, we chose to sit outside since we were told we could be seated there more quickly. Within five minutes of being seated and immediately after our waters were brought out the server asked if we were ready to order. I politely responded that we had just been seated and needed a few more minutes. She replied "okay" while chuckling and walked back inside. Shortly afterward, my father noticed through the window that the server, hostess, and what appeared to be a manager were talking together while pointing toward our table. Immediately after, the blinds were closed. Whether intentional or not, the behavior came across as unprofessional and made us feel like we were the subject of conversation rather than valued guests. At that point, we decided to leave. Before doing so, I went inside and respectfully explained that we were sorry if asking about seating had caused any inconvenience, but that the staff's facial expressions, body language, and overall conduct lacked professionalism. What was most disappointing was seeing management seemingly participate in or encourage that behavior rather than model professionalism. As a business owner myself, I understand that customer service isn't always easy. However, professionalism, respect, and making guests feel welcome should always be the standard. Unfortunately, this experience did the opposite, and the establishment lost not only our business that evening but any future visits as well. I hope this feedback is taken as an opportunity to coach staff on professionalism and customer interactions, because every guest deserves to feel respected from the moment they walk through the door. read more

My husband has been wanting to try Gus's Barbecue and, when finally presented with the opportunity, we only had one regret after our meal; not visiting sooner. We placed a large takeout order and everything from the service to all of our food was amazing. Some of my favorite items we ordered included the - Cast Iron Cornbread - Ribs and Two Meat Combo - Gus's Famous Burger The cornbread was divine, especially with that honey butter . Definitely a solid appetizer, but complemented the main dishes perfectly. The meats were prepared well; tender and flavorful. The bbq sauces paired well and merely elevated each of the meats. Gus's Famous Burger was one of my favorite burgers I've had recently. Ordered the potato salad as my side and couldn't have been more satisfied. I'd recommend any of these items if you're on the fence. I think it's important to review that we had all of this as a takeout order, so I can only imagine how much more delicious this would be if we dined in and ate everything right away. Gus's Barbecue is definitely going to be a repeat visit for us. There's so much more we want to try off of their menu. Can't wait to come back soon and dine in! read more

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Gus's BBQ definitely delivers. I ordered the picnic platter with ribs, chicken, and brisket... everything was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. Loved that there are four different sauces at the table, and each one was actually good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was attentive, and we were seated by the front window which made it feel a bit more intimate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great food and overall experience. I'd definitely come back. read more

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Went back after a few years and had a great and helpful waiter Scott. My husband got the corn bread and we shared the artichoke dip and both were amazing and I don't eat corn bread. Their spicy jam took it to another level. We shared the ribs and two meat combo with Mac and cheese mashed potatoes and baked beans. Everything was fresh and excellent however the baked beans were the worst I've ever tasted. They tasted like sour beer and not in a good way. A lot as if chili and bean were combined and left out to sour. But we will definitely be coming back hungry for more! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Pulled pork nachos! - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Been coming to Gus's since the 80's and it doesn't disappoint. I just love how Gus's has been around for so long and continues to stay open, especially after everything that's going on with the many closures of long standing restaurants. In any case, Gus's is still around and it's great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is the best part. Counter seating, table seating, booth seating and the bar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We opted to sit at the bar. Mike was so great! As you can see from the pictures, we ordered a lot of food. I highly recommend Gus's. And it's not just BBQ they offer . The menu is extensive and something for everyone! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cleanliness 10/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food 9/10 Service 10/10 [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance 10/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathrooms 9/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Value 9/10 Will I Return? Yes! read more

This place is famous for BBQ and yes their bbq is really good. It is kinda country style decor. It is one of LA oldest bbq restaurants. The rib was so juicy and meat came off the bone easily. The brisket is also really good. TBH... this is comparable to Texas for bbq. And not just the BBQ that tastes good also the fried chicken... Actually my first time here was a long time ago and I was craving for a good fried chicken and our friend recommended this place . That is why we found out that their specialty is BBQ. So they have really excellent fried chicken as well. Side dishes were yummy too . We love macaroni & cheese, mash potato and collard green. The corn bread is famous and it comes in a cast iron skillet. Service is friendly. Spacious but feels homey or almost cramped depending on where you sit, because it is crowded all the time . You have to wait for a while but it is worth to wait. Maybe come early or off hours. Valet parking and some street parking read more

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There's a reason why we keep coming back to Gus's for big occasions. The food. is. consistently. good. Every time we have the baby back ribs again we are reminded that nothing can beat this. The meat is cooked perfectly and despite being solid enough to cleanly cut between the bones, the meat falls off the ribs with the jab and pull of a fork (or teeth). The sides are very tasty, gravy and sauces is unlimited refill. Birthdays means free ice cream! :) Their new menu features dishes like cajun popcorn shrimp (tried and its amazing. Do refer to my photo for the portions) and Brussel sprouts which im excited to try next time. Thank you to our waiter who remembers us since we keep coming back ! The restaurant is always packed, lively, and got a ton of staff being busy serving, cleaning, hosting, and taking care of everyone. Our wait was one hour and was seated at exactly so. We checked in at 45 min and was told "we said an hour, its only been 45" so we promptly sat back down and was called back in 15 min. haha! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This location is outdated and dark inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was good but the food was just ok at this location. The barbecue chicken was bland and the greens were too Spicy. Parking sucked. It's very difficult to find parking. read more

Liked the St. Louis baby back ribs. Didn't really like the chicken - too herby and a tiny bit spicy (for me anyway. Mac and cheese was just ok, but I gave most of it away (same with the chicken). I enjoyed the cast iron corn bread and honey butter. Liked the coleslaw. That is all. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for years! Finally got it and it was such a disappointment. It lacked so much basic bbq flavor. The sides were also really bad. read more

Gus's Barbecue - 3 meat - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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Wow. So good. No complaints. My friend and I went to this spot after the Rose Bowl Flea Market; it was the best decision ever. We were immediately greeted and taken to our table with no wait. The servers were all kind and made sure everything was okay. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was amazing , a modern take on an old school BBQ spot type of vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] All of this led up to an amazing meal. I tried the Pulled Pork Nachos and got the Ribs + 2 Meat Combo. The Pulled Pork Nachos were so good. Great blend of flavors and the pulled pork itself held its own loudly amongst all the other ingredients. The Ribs + 2 Meat Combo was amazing; Ribs , Fried chicken , Smoked sausage , and two sides? Yes all the time. The flavors were great and they have other sauces available at the table! Overall , loved this place so much. Will be coming back! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Pulled Pork Nachos - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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Always a very good hearty meal here. South Pasadena's famous Gus's is a establishment. For many, this is the only go-to. You have generations of folks who are patrons because their food is just that good. With a consistent and delicious selection there can be many favorite items that you can enjoy. I am astonished that I haven't jotted down my review on here before. I am decades fan. The BBQ items are usually what I gravitate towards. The ribs are my favorite, but many other items share the same consistent tenderness. There are salads and some seafood items too. Their sides and appetizers can be ridiculously decadent. The Corn Bread is a must. The Brussels Sprouts is like candy. The Mac N Cheese is portioned just right since it is paired with your BBQ. You really can't go wrong with any of their other sides. but I have yet to partake on this. Sandwiches and Burgers are also constructed with much care and delectable. Ice Cream items are, of course, Fosselman's Ice Cream! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Babyback Ribs, Sausage, and Pulled Port - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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Came for post Thanksgiving lunch! Available parking in nearby lot but can get full. We had Gus's catering a lot of our events so we wanted to come get some of our favorites dining in. We got the corn bread, Caesar salad, brisket, shrimp and grits, and chicken. All the meats were pretty tender and juicy and well seasoned with their bbq sauce but you can top off with other sauces tableside. We also got sides: potato salad, fries, green beans, and macaroni and cheese. The fries were crispy but a little too seasoned for me but the rest of my family enjoyed it. We closed by sharing a s'mores brownie. Quite rich and a perfect end! read more

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This is a great bbq spot if you're craving for bbq meat! Especially the pork ribs and chicken. They really do really good job at cooking the meat, very tender and well seasoned. On top of that, their bbq sauces have 4 different types where all of them are very tasty. I was able to eat the ribs after ribs (maybe up to 3-4 ribs) without feeling too heavy or stuffy. My other favorite was their corn bread. It's warm, sweet, and has really nice texture when I bit into it. Also, their gumbo is really delicious but slightly on a saltier side. So my wife and I like to not mix all the rice with sauce before we dig in. So if you want the dish to be less salty, then just eat it as is. Don't mix the dish altogether. One area they can improve, if I were to really point out, would be their Cole slaw. It was so-so. I wanted the coleslaw to be more crunchy, less tangy, and little bit sweeter. But overall, everything was great! I would definitely go back for more bbq meats! read more

Wow, where do I start? The food was superb, every single meat I tasted was mouthgasmic. I had brisket, ribs, chicken & sausage. All meats were amazing, my favorite was the brisket. All the sides were very tasty as well. This was my first time here and I will most def return. Our waiter Javier was also super chill & was always helping when in need... he did forget a couple of times, but it's ok it was a busy night. I also got the smoked old fashioned whiskey, very tasty. Do yourself a favor & dine here, we just had dinner for my nephews graduation, you WON'T be disappointed! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Smoked old fashioned whiskey - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I went here for a date night and the lady forgot to seat us lol but the people working there was really nice I would say that the ribs are amazing, they are by far the best thing to get at Gus. The brisket and pulled pork were both dry and unseasoned tbh If I were to go back I would only order the ribs and avoid the combo meal! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I came across this place on door dash and it was well worth it! Their bbq is so good the ribs, brisket, and chicken was very good the meat is cooked perfectly and i am very picky when it comes to meat! Their cornbread is so good very sweet if you like it sweet! The bbq beans were also very good, honestly everything i ordered was really good and worth every dollar spent! They're not too expensive either very affordable. I ordered it so I'm not sure how the inside of the place is but if your looking for some good bbq take out id definitely give this place a call! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Blueberry Biscuit Cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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Update: adding fried chicken sandwich to must have list upon 2nd visit. Original: Reviewing so I know what to order next time. Must haves: Corn Bread - oh so Moist!! I can eat this for breakfast, 2nd breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, supper, and dessert!!! Butter Cake - So moist and yummy! Catfish Sandwich (Blackened) - So happy I trusted other reviewers on this one. Likely to order again: Briskets: very fatty but so tender Good: St. Louis ribs - tender but I am more of a beef ribs person Pulled pork - good but lacks flavor without BBQ sauce Mac & Cheese Garlic Mashed Potatoes Baked Beans Sweet Potatoes Not bad: House salad Green beens - I like that they're firm and not over cooked. But they don't have any flavor. Service was great. We asked to switch to a bigger table after sitting down and were accommodated. Their 2-person tables are quite small. Our server was attentive and friendly. read more

They're famous for their great bbq for a reason! And they have a wide variety of sides to choose from. Their cornbread was amazing and moist. We came in a busy Saturday night and it was packed! The hostess was a bit rude, but otherwise everyone was friendly and quick! Will be coming back. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Our last visit here made such a strong impression that we've mentioned in at least twice a week in the last month since we came. Just like before, the service is excellent and the staff are so incredibly friendly. We couldn't visit without the fried chicken and Mac and cheese, this time trying out the Memphis ribs, collard greens, and cornbread. All were fantastic, but the honey chili jam served with the cornbread was the standout addition. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Just one more thing that makes Gus's the ultimate comfort spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Wow I loved the gumbo, except there was a "smoky" element to all the dishes which I don't really like. Next time, if possible, I would prefer to leave the liquid smoke out. The gumbo was very giving with shrimp, sausage, chicken, okra, pepper and fragrant jasmine rice. The bbq ribs were tender and the sauce was spot on. Again, the mashed potatoes had a smokey taste to it which I would ask to sub out next time, if possible. We also got the fried catfish and sweet potato fries which came with some cole slaw. The cole slaw was very refreshing and added a nice contrast to the heaviness of the fried food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We loved the ambiance and the service was bright and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Gus's Barbecue - 8 Bones Memphis Baby Back Ribs Fried Catfish and Chips Gumbo - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It was a family gathering with a great service and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely recommend Gus' Barbacue. The meats and it's signature corner bread were just delicious food! read more

All I can say is DEEEEELICIOUSSS!!!! My first time coming here. My girlfriend and I were on an anniversary date and this place really hit the spot for the both of us compared to any other Barbecue place in the world. This place to us was just phenomenal and top-notch! We would definitely come back here for another round when craving for some ribs and barbecue. The service was GREAT! the staffs were really well-trained and it made our dining experience even better. A job well-done to this place and a huge round of applause to all the staffs and chefs that made this night memorable for the both of us. Thank you! read more

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THIS REVIEW IS FOR TAKEOUT! This is all you get for $40! I don't know if you get more if you eat in but I'm a 5'5 125 pound woman and I can probably eat all this myself. I got this for me and my husband and we are so disappointed. read more

Gus's Barbecue - This is all you get for $40! Rib and 2 meat combo with 2 sides - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Went in for a birthday dinner around 5ish. I was told the wait time would be 45 min to 1 hr. No more than 20 minutes and our table was ready. WOW! Louis was our server and boy was he attentive. He made a double birthday pretty special with the twin Sundaes. The food was delicious as always. We ordered the blackened salmon salad, two burgers, the rib meal and another smoked meat dinner. We shared two jalapeño corn bread appetizers. Easy street parking or in their parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. read more

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I've been coming here for decades as my go-to barbeque spot. That food hits the spot for smokey, savory and sticky sweet BBQ, and their other entrees and sides are classic southern fare. While this isn't Texas style slow and low with thick smoke rings, Gus's rely on their signature sauces to bring the flavor. We started with the BBQ Quesadilla with Brisket. Sweet and smokey chopped brisket, ooey gooey cheese, and sweet grilled red onion, in a griddled toasted flour tortilla. The accompanying salsa adds a nice heat and freshness to the quesadilla. Then we moved on to the Ribs + 2 Meat Meal. We enjoyed the St. Louis Spare Ribs, Smoked Sausage, Pulled Pork, Collard Greens, and Sweet Potato Fries. The ribs were delicious - a nice marbleization of fat with the meat...didn't fall off the bone, but again this isn't Texas style BBQ, so manage expectations. The sausage had a nice heat, but not too spicy. The pulled pork is a nice canvas for your favorite BBQ sauce. The collard greens were delicious and tender and the sweet potato fries were crispy without being over cooked. Definitely ask for the aioli on the side. Then we ended the meal with cups of Jones Coffee and their Blueberry Biscuit Cobbler. Jones Coffee is a Pasadena staple. The Blueberry Biscuit Cobbler has blueberries baked in, then topped with a blueberry compote and Fosselman's vanilla ice cream (an Alhambra staple). We would definitely order this dessert again. Today, our server was Philip - friendly, welcoming, and anticipated our needs (pre-set share plates, refilled our beverages without asking, and recommended ailoi & reach dressing on the side for our sweet potato fries). And the ambiance is great - a nice, casual, modern vibe with a nice bar and TVs playing sports. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Blueberry Biscuit Cobbler with Fosselman's Ice Cream - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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COLDEST BBQ I've ever experienced. Onion strings and loaded Mac n cheese came out warm at most. Let it slide,, but when the MEAT came out cold we sent it back to kitchen for a remake. Received St. Louise ribs instead of Baby back ribs like we originally ordered. Slightly warmer. Manager came out to apologize and offered free dessert. Blueberry cobbler came out piping hot. Wish the meal had too. Save this place as a last resort! read more

I came on a weekday afternoon when I was craving some BBQ brisket. I decided to get the brisket sandwich with collared greens sides. The order took about 10 minutes to arrive. The sandwich had less brisket than I was expecting, as I was looking more for a meat heavy sandwich. Parts of the brisket were tough and dry. The sandwich was very heavily drenched in BBQ sauce too. The collared greens were pretty good though. I liked the saltiness and moistness of the greens along with the bits of meat in between leaves. Overall, I was let down after the meal. I was told gus's had some of the best barbecue in pasadena but the sandwich I ate didn't reflect that. Maybe it was an off day? But I may come to try the other sandwiches. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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This was hands down some of the best BBQ I've had in SoCal. Service: 10/10. Every team member--our server, food runners, and bussers--was extremely attentive. Anyone who passed by checked in to make sure we were taken care of, which made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Food: We tried a spread--fried chicken, brisket, ribs, and several sides. * Fried Chicken: Juicy, perfectly crispy, and boneless (a huge plus). * Brisket: Absolute star of the meal. Melt-in-your-mouth tender with great flavor. 10/10 recommend this as the must-order dish. * Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and satisfying. * Sides: Standouts were the greens, chili, and coleslaw--fresh, balanced, and well seasoned. * Dessert/Shake: The Fosselman's shake was a fun and delicious touch. Love that they collaborate with a local ice cream shop. They also have hot sauces at the table, but honestly, the food was so flavorful we barely touched them. Ambiance & Location: Relaxed and comfortable vibe, good for groups or casual dining. Parking was easy to find nearby, which is a big win in this area. Overall, Gus's delivers on both food and service--definitely a spot I'll return to and recommend. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

July 2...Late afternoon. Service here is top notch, even staff not serving our table directly were kind, warm, professional. Hostess does a nice job of seating families, including offering a booth to those with little ones. Food was to my satisfaction (steak salad). While I might prefer the Mac n cheese at Wholefoods, my kid doesn't know the difference! All around great family dining experience without too much food quality compromise. read more

I ordered my lunch on Uber Eats to pick up myself. It was delicious as usual. Great service. read more

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I'm honestly shocked it took me this long to finally try Gus's BBQ. I've driven by this place for years and never stopped in, but on a rainy day we decided to give it a shot, and I'm glad we did. The inside was super comfortable and inviting, especially on a cold, rainy day. Plenty of booths, TVs on to catch the game, and just an all-around cozy vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The food was solid across the board. The meats were tender and flavorful. We had the pulled pork and pork ribs, and both were cooked really well. The sides definitely held their own too. The fries, greens, and mac & cheese all hit and rounded out the meal perfectly. Overall, a great experience and a reminder not to sleep on the spots you pass every day. Definitely coming back. read more

Heard many good things about Gus's so wanted to try it out. They have happy hour but it ends pretty early I think around 6 so we weren't able to catch it. I ordered their fried pickles for appetizers and I was pretty sad because the pickles were cut super thin so they were more just like chips than a nice fried pickle. We ordered two ribs and they were both nicely cooked. Flavorful but I preferred to eat it with bbq sauce as it helps make it more juicy. They have a parking lot but its a little skinny and does get packed. They also have tvs to watch sports and such! read more

Gus's Barbecue - Full rack ribs - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Awesome food here!!! Their all American burger is such a perfect burger with their perfect fries, yum! Their barbecue selection is good too! You have to try it! Everyone here is so friendly as well. read more

I would really like to give a better review. Food was great and plentiful. Alcohol selection was abundant and tasty. Ambiance was exactly what to expect from a decades old BBQ spot. My gripe is service or lack there of? I have been here many times and always give chances and opportunities to resolve. Snobby servers and lack of experience and management. Probably would just order to go and make it easier to enjoy food. read more

Gus's Barbecue - Flight samples - Barbeque Near Me - South Pasadena, California