Went to this place after hearing about it from a couple of friends and it was AWESOME!! I got to speak to the owner for a few minutes, and he really has a gift for the food, as shown in the restaurant through the many awards he's won over the years. Small family owned, so it has a much more comfortable feel to it inside. Relaxed, delicious, well priced, good portions. I highly recommend you give it a try. Delicious. Thanks Rick (owner) - I'll be back! John P read more

The line and wait for the food took forever. Brisket plate with a side is $22 for two small pieces of brisket and a side. Brisket itself was ok. Onion rings were ok but a crumbly mess. Not really worth the wait and cost. read more

Simply the best ribs I have ever had. Get there early so you won't be disappointed. If they do run out try the brisket with sweet potato casserole. Delicious. You really can't go wrong at this wonderful little gem. read more

This place is deee-licious! I am a very picky bar-b-que person! I'm talking I attend bar-b-Que contests! Let me start off my saying the beer is local " Chapman" so that's a plus there's nothing like supporting your local city. Our bartender was Destiny She was knowledgeable, helpful, and the sweetest person to introduce us to this amazing place. We started off with the onion rings which were really world famous. No sauce needed. I've had lots of onion rings, and these were not only sweet but savory, secondly we decided to try the barbecue pulled pork, and the beef brisket and the coleslaw. If you're a coleslaw, connoisseur like myself, you will not only be amazed, but your taste buds are going to be flying off the charts. Not watery, crisp, sweet, vinegary-- just dang amazing!! Rick- the owner of this fine establishment was so kind and he's got quite a personality he's born and raised in Montana, and forget retirement he does this because of his passion for great bar-b-Que! Your belly happily full. You will be amazed, the atmosphere is inviting, friendly, and keep the beer flowing. The stories that Rick shared about his family, the love for delicious cooking is a labor of love- just look around at all all of the awards from all of the barbecue contests that he has attended always at the top 10! out of thousands of people is amazing! If you want to support your local place and eat like a piggy pig, with an escalated pallet, you will not be sorry to come here because it is amazing. It was a 10 out of 10 for us and we are big eaters and big drinkers come support this great local place and I promise you you will not be sorry you will see me here once a week. This place is going to be one of the top eateries in Orange County! Rick--- you found a great hobby and we loved it! Thank you for allowing us to sample all of your amazing food! We will be back! And I know how to eat great food! read more

See all

Brisket and Robb's were amazingly delicious. The pit master himself greeted us which was unexpected but grate he did. We will definitely be returning!!! read more

Best BBQ I've had in the state of California. Brisket is really good, pastrami is amazing. Great service and my go to spot for BBQ.

I was not sure what to expect being in the parking lot of a Target, but BOY was I surprised!! I was looking to take my son out to a NICE place to celebrate an occasion, I was SO SURPRISED!!! The food was just to die for... the service was so good-I would really prefer not having to stand in line to place an order, but...whatever!! It was very good!! The owner came out to talk to us... he is a friend of my sons anyway, but I didnt know, and he was just so nice!! They do say the average persons dinner is $30-its not-you can get sandwiches.... I thought it was VERY affordable for how good it was! I also saw that the portions were small....WE even took home left overs on our childs plate!!!! I will be back there!! read more

The best bbq in California and perhaps the world .I mean if anyone ever wonders if the bbq is good just look at the pit master and you tell me.the gnome is an og who is as real as the quality meat he sells now would u trust a pit master with a clean shave and fresh new uniform ? I know I wouldn't that's like going to a mechanic with soft hands and no knowledge of what a carborator is .so at the end of the day if you are looking for some real bbq look no father than hickory and spice !!GET ERRRR DONEEE read more

You are looking for amazing, authentic bbq in Orange County. You don't want the Cheesecake Factory-like experience of the chains and the inconsistency of your buddy's friend with the truck who cooks in the parking lot doesn't cut it. Hickory and Spice is the place for you. It's a local small business run by a pit master who not only loves his job but has won countless awards for his bbq. The brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are incredible. All buttery tender and with perfect flavor. The ranch beans, Mac & Cheese, and banana pudding were so stinking good too. Oh, and if you leave without getting the onion rings, you blew it. Trust me. read more

It's obvious why this is award winning BBQ -- seriously amazing food. The brisket and pulled pork sandwich are especially noteworthy. Each time I've been there (which has been during non-peak times), the owner/chef has come around to chat and ask about the food, which is a nice touch. read more

The Brisket & Rips are the best we have ever had! The owner is very kind and informative. Very fun place to be... family fun place. We highly recommend!!!! Enjoy!!!! read more

Good bbq is hard to find in California and this place is amazing! You won't be disappointed. They also have Chapman Crafted beer which is a plus. Support your local business and satisfy your tastebuds at the same time and check this place out! read more

The meats were alright but the sides! The sides were not too good. I don't like when the chef is like "I'm going to make it my way" and than mess it up because he likes raisins in his Mac and Cheese or whatever weird thing that he does. Just make it delicious and don't try to add extra ingredients to a perfect side. Service is so so, not good and not bad just mid. Ambiance is mid as well. Keep smoking good meat and fix your sides and 2 extra stars will be added read more

Hidden Gem in Orange! I guarantee you will love food and ambiance! Everything else s delicious!! read more

See all

First time I had come to this restaurant was today. The food is excellent. When you walk in the door and place your order at first I was a little bit nervous. Never been thrilled with any fast food barbecue type places. This is definitely not a fast food barbecue restaurant. Sure, you place your order at the counter, but the food is excellent. I love barbecue! But, I am picky about it. Trust me, the food is fantastic. The brisket is amazing. The pulled pork is second to none. Rick, the owner of this new restaurant is a great guy and he comes out to talk to you which also seals the deal. read more

Excellent brisket and mac n cheese. Assume the rest of the menu is great as well. Coming back.

A friend recommended this place and let me tell you they did not disappoint! The brisket melted in my mouth and the sweet potato casserole was amazing! read more

I came to this place with my friends because they told me it's worth eating two or more times a week because the food is so GOOOOOOD. So we came and I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich and let's just say the first bite, I was already sold. Every bite I took to finish the sandwich was a meaningful and satisfying bite. This was probably the best place my friends have brought me to eat something so mouthwatering. Thank you to Pit Master and the staff they were all super nice and friendly. They walked around and asked us how the food was. Let's just say it was f*cking delicious. Thank you to my friends to bringing me here. read more

Hickory & Spice - MOUTHWATERING PULLED PORK SANDWICH - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, California

Best sweet smoked BBQ west of Memphis. This guy is an award winning chef from rib competitions. His awards are on display and the ribs are evidence of his success. They sell out frequently. Service is familial. His son works the front. Southerly comfort in North OC read more

Amazing food and service. Stefon had great customer service and made us feel very welcomed. The owner Rick is a very nice man and took care of my wife and I. He definitely lives up to his awards and credentials he has for his food. You can see he is very passionate for what he does. Highly recommended 5 stars! read more

The best BBQ in Orange. Easily the best brisket I've ever had. If you want good BBQ I highly recommend Hickory and Spice. It's not the largest menu but everything is fantastic. They do spare ribs brisket and pulled pork all 3 are winners in my house. The sides are also tasty but to me it's all about the Q. They have beer and wine to enjoy. Give it a try I know you'll be back several times. read more

I ordered a to go order which cost me $86 and I just asked for a few simple things as follows: Extra barbecue sauce for a half pound order of brisket and there was no barbecue sauce included and there were three small slices only of brisket. I believe the order was barely a quarter of a pound and when arriving home it was much too much a distance to go back especially because this business doesn't bother to answer their phone. The rack of ribs were heavily spiced actually with an unsavory sauce which, in my opinion, was not good. I truly only feel this is a one star out of five restaurant and I don't feel that the customer comes first here and I believe all of their portions are small & leaves the customer with a feeling that the restaurant is stingy. I would not bother to recommend this for barbecue, and I really don't understand some of the higher ratings. I don't know what awards this owner has earned, but it's certainly not for the food they're serving! read more

Amazing food! Hickory spice is a must stop if you BBQ. The owner has won multiple awards for brisket and rib competitions. Don't forget the sides! Mac and cheese is great, onion rings are golden, coleslaw fabulous. Definitely worth stopping in for an unexpected treat! read more

See all

My dining experience at Hickory and Spice BBQ was truly exceptional. Every bite was a culinary delight, and I can't wait to return to explore more of their delicious food. The best brisket I've ever had! No knives are needed for their juicy, tender brisket. read more

Wow, what a find ! Thank goodness my daughter found this place, now i don't have to go to Texas for great bbq ! Everything on the menu is outstanding. Specially love the pastrami that Rick the proprietor serves every other Saturday. Service has been solid on all visits. This place is a hidden gem. Please go support this fine local business, you won't regret it. read more

Absolutely delicious Brisket and those onion rings to die for! Have been there 3 times and want to try the Ribs but hard to leave the Brisket. Really hoping for a Combo Plate option in the future! read more

I'm really picky about the BBQ world cause people brag about how tender theirs is, but when I try it and have to pick the meat out of my teeth, then that place is not worth a revisit. I was hesitant when going to Hickory and Spices but wanted to hang out with friends who wanted to try them out. I said to myself that I would give it a try. OMG...I'm so glad I did. I have to admit that this BBQ was amazing.... I was blown away of how tasty and tender the Ribs, Brisket and pulled Pork was...and those ONION RINGS... Hats off to Rick !!! Its a must try... 10 stars read more

Been wanting to try Hickory & Spice since they opened. Finally made it there today and it didn't disappoint. It's a great space with a cool bar area. Got the brisket sandwich, onion rings, and a taste of the ribs. Everything was top notch including the staff, who are incredibly kind and customer service oriented. read more

See all

Delicious food. Onion rings are great as is the brisket, tater tots, creamed corn, mac and cheese, banana pudding dessert,sweet potato pudding all are amazing. I love everything I've eaten here. Not exactly health food. But amazing comfort food and very reasonable. I give this place a 5 star review. read more

This place is a great spot BBQ brisket if you are quick enough to some before they sell out. The smell, texture and taste of the smoked brisket is grade A. Restaurant is clean and the service is friendly but they are busy. Their sides are decent which we had the creamed corn and coleslaw. There Tator-Tots dusted with your slightly sweet/salty seasoning. Their pork ribs are my kids favorite which are good and cooked very well...not fall off the bone mush, but tender with some bite. They we personally like the ribs. We haven't tried the turkey yet or the onion rings but some day. Now for a little critique from a 5 time repeat (so far) customer: Maybe little less salt on the brisket like say 10%. Would love to see short ribs and sausage added to the menu, but seeing as how they run out of brisket and smoker space and time is at a premium this one is probably a large ask. Lastly, get someone to man the bar or put it up as part of the ordering process. I'm sure you'd get a lot more alcohol sales $$$$. Thanks for making best BBQ in the area. Fan from Chino Hills! read more

Best brisket I've ever had and didn't need any sauce or even a knife. Love their sauce as well. We did a variety of meats and shared them all. Loved their BBQ. Ribs so tender and surprisingly didn't fall off the bone. Definitely going back next trip to CA. read more

Highly recommended this place. The brisket is amazing and the sides are really good. It is nice to have a BBQ restaurant that makes real BBQ and not microwaved garbage. We will definitely go back again and again! read more

Hickory & Spice - Brisket, onion rings, Mac and cheese, creamed corn - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, California

Holy Moly!!!! This BBQ is outstanding! We usually get the Brisket and Ribs with beans, coleslaw and onion rings The meat is tender and seasoned to perfection. The beans have cumin or some exotic spice that is so delicious! The coleslaw is always fresh. And oh my goodness, you will never forget these onion rings!! They are pure perfection!! Family owned and run, from the heart. We always take it to go but the restaurant is always clean. A MUST if you like BBQ! read more

Great BBQ. Some of the best in CA that I have had. The pulled pork, brisket, corn, beans and banana pudding have all been excellent. I have not tried the ribs as they have been sold out. Get it while you can! read more

Brisket and ribs were amazing! Pit boss is very friendly and humble. Staff very helpful. Will definitely be coming back.

Outstanding flavorful smoked brisket. We loved the service and award winning bbq. The pulled pork sandwich is a great lunch. The onion rings were the best I've ever had! The tater tots also had some of the great flavor dusted on them as the onion rings. The adult Mac n cheese is flavored with a Smokey surprise and sun dried tomatoes. This is a family run business and the make you feel welcome throughout the entire meal -- Highly recommend giving them a try! read more

See all

Brisket had ZERO bark . Tasted more like beef jerky if anything . I was so exited to find a new bbq favorite , this place isn't it . read more

Hickory and Spice BBQ is amazing! They are open Thursday -Sunday. They serve the most tender and flavorful meats. All the meats are good,but our fav is briquet and ribs. Delicious. The owner stopped by to check on us, very nice man. There is one large dining room table in addition to other choices, so it's a great place to take your family. I've ordered both individual meals and by the pound. They menu is flexible for small and large parties. Sides are yummy too, but don't forget to try my family's fav one: onion rings. Special place. Let's support them! read more

This place is phenomenal. Best ribs I've ever had and I've done a lot of traveling across this great nation. They have a nice selection of local beers too. There are a couple bbq shops in the area but this place blows the doors off them all. Chef is a super humble nice guy. Highly recommend. read more

We tried Hickory & Spice BBQ for the first time yesterday. Ordered the pulled pork for take out (Friday night BBQ) and it was delicious! Good BBQ flavor without being overly smoky. You could taste the pork and flavors and it was lean, not fatty. Ordered extra BBQ sauce (included in the price). The price is very good compared to other BBQ and it's local. The staff were friendly and my order was out in less than 5 minutes. If you're dining in, the place is very nice inside. You can sit at a table or at the bar. They serve craft beer, so we might dine-in next time. We'll be back. We needed a good, local BBQ. Great source for summer meals when you don't want to do the cooking. read more