Holy Smokes BBQ

From the moment you step outside your car you can smell how good the bbq is going to be. My wife is…read morefrom Texas so she knows what a good bbq should smell and taste like. The service was very nice and quick. We split the pulled pork sandwich and did not disappoint. I liked the sweet bbq sauce and my wife liked the original sauce.

The staff was polite, welcoming, and helpful. The venue had plenty of space, a nice bar area, and…read moreample parking. I made the drive specifically for the highly recommended BBQ, but they were out of tri-tip. No big deal, so I ordered the brisket then about 20 minutes later found out they'd run out of that too. Huge disappointment, but there were some large parties ahead of us, so I get it (I only wish I hadn't waited 20+ mins to find out). I ended up with the spicy chicken sandwich, which had good flavor, but I drove there for BBQ and unfortunately came up short. I'll make the trip back eventually and hopefully get to try what I came for, then adjust my rating accordingly. To their credit, they gave us peach cobbler for the trouble. I'm not a dessert guy and would've never ordered it, but it was legit. I ate some then took it home, threw some vanilla ice cream on it, and let the kids handle the rest.

Great beer and wine

The Big Salad with chicken

See all

Counter and lobby

The Rib Shack

4.4(642 reviews)

10.0 km

Stopped in coming home from the mountains- not out this way usually. Very glad I did!…read more Got the 1/2 brisket, 1/2 pork ribs dinner with mac n cheese sides and baked beans. Brisket was full of flavor and very tender! Same with ribs. Very happy! Baked beans were a little sweet and a little spicy - would get again. Mac N Cheese was pretty good - I will try a new side next time. Maybe coleslaw? The only bummer was the side of bread- there are so many good rolls out there, slightly disappointing, but not the end of the world. Overall the meat and barbecue sauce was so good, I will def be back to eat!!! Please give this place a try. (inside restaurant is pretty small, but I noticed they have a back patio?) I got mine to-go, so not 100% sure of layout of restaurant.

I was craving bbq and I love the Rib Shack. We got the meat sampler. With sides…read more I love that I don't live far from this place and this sampler feeds a lot of people. I usually buy 2 of these and feed my family. Everyone gets a little bit of everything. I definitely recommend coming to this place if you're craving bbq!

Indoor dining area, facing the front entrance and counter.

My bones praising their food!

See all

Indoor dining area.

127 West Social House

4.3(626 reviews)

0.2 km

I'd give this place 10 stars if it would let me. the food was delicious and it had great variety…read morefor any eater. The highlight was Gavin, our server. we have not experienced customer service that was so genuine in a very long time. he was personable and fun to talk to. Gavin also knew the menu well and gave us great suggestions for our meal. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

Service was outstanding and the food was better…read more We went on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. Parking was a bit challenging, but we were close by. At check in it was a 30 minute wait, but the bar opened up and we ate there within 5 minute

Sweet Sicilian Pizza

Brussel Sprouts- 10/10

See all

Bacon-wrapped dates

Nessy Burgers

Family-owned & operated

Fun spot to grab a burger, fries and eat outside. Luckily no flies today that were mentioned on…read moreother reviews. The portions were huge! Original Nessy burger and chilli fries was plenty too spilt between my husband and I. Great spot when you're in Fallbrook.

Used to like eating g here few years ago Until something…read morehappen to the burgers No flavor ! I don't k ow if there's a new cook Or recipe ?

Fallbrook is famous for abocado

Single Nessy Burger. 1/2 lb patty.... so delish!! Gorgeous view of the 15-Fwy while you enjoy your burger!!

See all

Outdoor seating only

The Coal Bunker

4.3(254 reviews)

0.2 km

I've left a 5 star review of coal bunker before but I have to leave another one! I was in Fallbrook…read morelast Friday so I just had to stop in and eat at Coal Bunker. The food was amazing as usual. Stephen was my server and he was one of the best servers I've ever had, both at CB and at other restaurants. He just went above and beyond, was really attentive, anticipated our drink refills, and he was super nice and had a very friendly vibe. Next time you're eating at Coal Bunker, ask for Stephen as your server!

A cozy, family-run California neighborhood gem serving up phenomenal scratch-made burgers and an…read moreimpressive lineup of local craft beers.

10/10 Buffalo chicken Mac & Cheese

See all

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Pala Mesa Pizza

4.2(157 reviews)

10.0 km

Best pizza ever. If you've been subjected to delivery chains for a while, this will taste like…read moreheaven. Even if not, I challenge you to find issue w their food. Salad is FRESH af. Ranch was delicious. And pizza slices are large, like 1.5 slices of a regular pizza. Lady at front was so sweet. Wish I could come back every Friday or something but I'm so far away.

I had a really good experience here. Don't be fooled by a little hole in the wall. They make…read moreeverything from scratch so things take a little bit longer as you see by some reviews but it's quality! When I went in I was just going to get a slice of pizza for dinner cuz I went to the market next door. I was surprised to see that they also did sandwiches and salads and she told me that she would make it however I liked it. I ended up getting the sausage sandwich on a roll and she asked if I wanted to have any extra veggies. I said make it the best way you know how. The tomato sauce was phenomenal it was full to the brim with cheese spicy sausage and phenomenal red sauce with onions spinach and red peppers added to it. Very flavorful! I will definitely be back. Shout out to Darlene for being so sweet on my first visit!

Supreme minus 2 pieces. Plus extra toppings.

See all

The entrance

Rainbow Oaks Restaurant

4.1(1.1k reviews)

9.4 km

We had a great experience . Been here 25 years and never tried this little place . Portions are…read morehuge ! (Share if you are not very very hungry ) Jake was our server and he was great ! He was attentive and so kind !! Going to try it for breakfast next !!

The worst sight in the world is pulling up to the Rainbow Oaks on a Saturday morning and seeing the…read moreparking lot full and people waiting outside. But the breakfast gods where with us, and we got an outside seat for four right away, it was a miracle! OMG my wife and I ordered the corned beef hash eggs benedict, she with home potatoes and me hash browns. This is to die for, yum, the corned beef hash was homemade and really good, the hollandaise sauce was delicious the hash browns were cooked perfect. My wife loved the home potatoes. Good coffee, and mimosas too. Our friends ordered something with eggs, pancakes sausage, bacon, there was soo much food on those plates. The pancakes were as big as my head, I thought it was two meals each plate. I'm gonna get that next time. Service is really good, quick and friendly people. They added more seats outside, which is good, I don't like the inside, it really loud and its impossible to carry on a conversation. So if its nice outside, I'd recommend it.

Bar area with a few tables inside

Side salad

See all

California omelet

Casa Estrella

3.8(454 reviews)

6.7 km

Amazing food and amazing staff! They just did a full upgrade to the building and it looks amazing!…read moreHighly recommend the mole enchiladas.

Pros: Beautiful outdoor seating and relaxed casual ambiance. Friendly staff…read more Cons: The food was bland, out of our party of 7 only 2 would go back for the food alone.

Carnitas next to Bar... menu , Take cash , there is an ATM next to restaurant.

Chips best thing there

See all

El Parque

4.0(254 reviews)

4.7 km

We were looking for a quick bite and a beer. Nachos and Rolled Tacos were fabulous…read more Overall, great food, great service, great prices. Will be back!

Breakfast was subpar. I had the guevos rancheros,my sisters ordered a burrito each…read more They have a very limited (4-5 items) breakfast menu. I think this is more of a night time hangout place. Service was good. Not many people from 10-11 am. Very relaxing environment to hang out, nice breeze outside overlooking the Fallbrook park.

See all

Village Roots Deli & Taproom

4.6(112 reviews)

0.1 km

we will miss you Courtney! you have the magic & have made…read morethis spot great! great food & sangrias!

Excellent t food and service. Fresh! Homemade dressings & nice selection of food and drinks. Local,…read moretasty and friendly. Recommend!!

Causal environment

Prosciutto pesto pizza

See all

The Zombie ‍

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Frank A.

12 years ago

The BBQ in this place was FABULOUS!!! I had the brisket platter with mac&cheese and cole slaw as my sides. It comes with delicious hot corn bread. I am pretty sure they use cream style corn in the mixture. The brisket with there sauce, very tasty, on it was so tender it was hard to pickup with my fork so I used my personal ones, MY FINGERS!!! I also tasted the pulled pork and the St. Louis style ribs and was NOT disappointed. read more

Brad V.

15 years ago

We had the pulled pork and the ribs at a back yard party they catered first. So good we ordered a rack of the ribs to go - they went great at the water ski weekend. Son in law said "Where did you get these ribs? Got to have them at the baby shower next month." And so we will. You have missed it if you haven't tried them. Holy smokes! Pulled pork, ribs, cole slaw, and beans for everyone soon. read more

Blake E.

16 years ago

Saw Holy Smokes at the Welks farmers Market last Monday. Like before the BBQ was over the top. Orderd 2 smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving. I can't even go into how wonderful they tasted. They also made me wild rice stuffing and the best gravy I have ever tasted. Can't wait till Christmas to order something else. If you are reading this you need to get over and try their BBQ, its simply the best!!! read more

Jeanie H.

15 years ago

if you are in the So. Cal. Area (Fallbrook, Escondido to San Diego to Orange) get this BBQ if you can. It's the best we've had! We found out they cater all kinds of events from weddings to parties to the Marketplace at the Welk Resort (which is where we had it)'. We had both the pulled pork and the ribs and they were incredible!!! Top notch quality and quantity! read more

Kelli T.

15 years ago

OK! This has got to be some of the best BBQ west of the Mississippi. I'm a southern girl and these people know their BBQ. Their coleslaw is probably the best I've had in quite a while. It has a very unique, spicy flavor that just tastes great. Try them out. You won't regret it. read more

Jay S.

16 years ago

Everything these guys make is great. The ribs are my son's favorite; he eats a half rack in one sitting! My husband likes the pulled pork and baked beans, but it's worth it to try a little of everything. ;-) read more

Cynthia S.

16 years ago

They have simply the best pulled pork ever, their other items are right up there too. Their baked goods couldn't be better. You have got to try them out!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Harold C.

2 years ago

I'm not sure they are still in business. I can't really review them because I can't contact them. The phone number is disconnected.

Frank V.

15 years ago

Wow, is their food good or what! If you want to really to excite your taste buds, give them a try. Frank from Fallbrook read more

Mary D.

9 years ago

This is by far one of the best places out here in this town I highly recommend anything on the menu location exceptional

Holy Smokes BBQ - catering - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Holy Smokes BBQ also viewed

Carnitas Paracho Garibay

5.0

(24 reviews)

Sergio is the nicest guy ever. He was so nice to put aside some chicharron for me since I kept…read moremissing it. I've been trying to catch him every Sunday but you really gotta go early to get everything you want because things sell out fast by 10-11 am. The chicharons are meaty & crispy. Both chicken & carnitas tender & flavorful. The red salsa was so good & has a nice kick. He has a food truck that he puts up every Sunday in Fallbrook. He has canopy's, tables, & chairs if you want to eat there. And easy parking near his setup. Looking forward to have him cater my next party.

The carnitas here are so good and flavorful! I suggest coming early because they run out quick…read more I wanted Chicharron and it was gone. Next time I'm coming early. I got the Family Special $29.99 11/2 Ibs. of Carnitas Rice, Beans Tortillas and Salsa And Pollo echo en Carnitas / Chicken $9.99 The chicken was so good! My family loved the flavor of the carnitas! We will definitely be back here.

Party Burger by Booze Brothers Brewing

4.5

(101 reviews)

Best chocolate milkshake I've ever had. The buffalo wings were also so so so good…read more Our daughter was able to run around in the patio area! They had a sand box with sand toys. Employees were sweet! Definitely coming back!!

We visit Fallbrook often for lunch and a day out. We tried this place out as we had a visitor from…read moreout of town who only eats burgers. She is 94 years old and never finishes a whole burger, until yesterday. Ate it all. We were thrilled with the food as it was delicious. Tasty, juicy and full of flavor. Best burger we have had in a long time. We will be back. Kudos to the host cashier for turning the music down a notch and his courtesy!

Grandma Dee's Home Cooking

5.0

(15 reviews)

I cannot wait to chow down on this chicken Parmesan. It just smells so good and looks so tasty. If…read moreyou have not tried her cooking. You're really missing out. It's Authentic homeCooked meals! Service is amazing! And the Catering is a MUST!!

I work in the neighborhood and when I work nights I always think of Grandma D's. I've had it twice…read moreand both times have been overly fed and satisfied. Grandma Dee knows how to cook!! Just looking at the pictures will make your mouth water. She offers both delivery and pick up. I would give her a try if you are around during dinner hours!

Amigo Restaurant & Bakery

4.4

(29 reviews)

This bakery makes the best conchas I've ever tasted! When u shared them with my family they said…read moreWHERE DID YOU GET THESE? :) It's cash only and worth it. Was hard for me to find, door is open but no huge sign outside. Forth the find in so happy, excellent service too. Very kind. Ty amigo bakery!

This will be the best pan dulce you've ever had (not including Mexico of course )…read more The conchas and cuernitos come out fresh every morning. I recommend getting there early for the best bread.

Chespiroz Food Truck

4.5

(19 reviews)

Chespiroz burritos not what they used to be. Ordered three Gobernador (surf and turf) burritos and…read morereceived some very overpriced RICE burritos with a couple shrimp and green pepper bits. This is after a switcheroo order last time. Done with this food truck.... At least try to fake out a customer with a scrap or two of carne asada . Chespiroz Food Truck

Everything I have tasted is delicious! I hosted a party and…read morehad Chespiroz provide the food and everyone was commenting on how great the food was! Highly recommend!!!

Dominick's Delicatessen

4.0

(318 reviews)

Dominick's is the best delicatessen! Nothing more to say. They are always busy so order over the…read morephone for pick up if you want to skip the wait. There is nowhere else in town for a sandwich this amazing!!

This Deli is one of my favorites in Fallbrook. Sad that I…read moremoved out of town now, but I will forever be a customer! The red sauce is now my favorite (previously was not a fan on my last review over 9 years ago). Everything else is still great and you cannot beat the customer service! If you want authentic deli sandwiches, this is your place. Not to mention the little grocery selection that they have. Please support your small businesses!

Tacos El Jalisience

4.2

(31 reviews)

Seriously thought it was a restaurant. We drove around and couldn't find a structure that has the…read morename... until we saw a taco truck! How fun was that, it was raining and we got hot tacos off a truck. There's a short line and waiting time. We ordered and it was made infront of us. Food was good, the salsas were available. Wish it wasn't raining that time! Happy to get our order done quickly!

Tacos are delicious! They have never gotten my order wrong. Lady taking orders is super friendlyread more

Pedro's Tacos

3.6

(221 reviews)

The BEST breakfast burritos! My favorite is the eggs, beans…read moreand sausage, so delicious, and enough to share with another person, unless you want it all to yourself, which can be a lot....but it could be worth it's definitely a lot of food! I've also tried most of the menu and everything is good. The green sauce is the best part, flavorful and fresh. I've never parked and ordered, only through the drive-through, but everyone is always friendly! There's seating outside in the shade where you can some breakfast and people watch...It's really nice to have a Pedro's in Fallbrook.

We got two burritos at or around dinner time a couple months ago, 6-7 pm. The beans were really…read moredry in the burrito. The whole burrito was awful. We are not going back. Pedro's used to have really fresh food. I don't know what happened. Their prices are not cheap, like everywhere else.

Cafe Des Artistes

4.6

(84 reviews)

Really enjoyed my visit to Café Des Artistes! I ordered the ham and Swiss panini along with an açaí…read morebowl, and both were delicious. The panini was perfectly toasted with great flavor, and the açaí bowl was fresh, well-balanced, and not overly sweet. Prices were decent for the quality and portion sizes, which I definitely appreciated. The servers were friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience feel relaxed and comfortable. Overall, a great spot for a casual meal or light brunch. I'd definitely come back to try more from the menu! There is also a museum entrance! Admission is based on exhibit.

I always eat at the bar seating. It is so comfortable and welcoming. The music is great and I love…read moretalking with Scott, Lori and Andy. Today I enjoyed the "Beef Dip Panini" on herbed focaccia with horsey sauce. Very flavorful. The Au jus was a little thin but plentiful for the focaccia. I also enjoyed my usual mini Caesar salad and a (few) Fallbrook Chardonnays. The current art show at the adjoining Fallbrook Art Center was spectacular. The 9th Annual American Impressionist Society presents "Impressions: Small Works Showcase". So beautifully curated! I do drive a distance to enjoy this. But, enjoy it... I DO.

Pala Mesa Market

4.1

(82 reviews)