I want to be clear that I don't get any joy with leaving mediocre reviews for mom and pop shops. I have a massive respect for them and admire anyone with a small business. However, I also have to give my honest opinion when it comes to any place I visit. I read about this place as being the best place to get a sandwich in California according to Yelp. I read about how the owner begins roasting the meat early in the morning and how customers love this place. I had to go to Salinas for something (I live in the Bay Area) so I decided to stop by here on my way back. I got the tri-tip sandwich as well as a cup of split pea and ham soup. The soup was okay, nothing I couldn't make at home but it was decent. I was more looking forward to the sandwich. First of all (keep in mind that I didn't look up the details of what goes into this sandwich before coming here so I didn't have any idea of what to expect), I immediately noticed the chips when opening my box. I guess some people enjoy them on their sandwiches but I am not one of them. I actually put most of them to the side before eating my sandwich. The next thing I noticed was the BBQ sauce. I had a little bit to get a taste. Maybe this opinion is just a "me" thing but I don't like sweet BBQ sauce. However, even by that standard, the sauce was INSANELY sweet. I decided to finally go into the sandwich thinking that maybe the sauce would taste better when combined with the meat. The tri-tip was incredibly bland and tasteless. Even with my basic BBQ standards, I was shocked. I even tried adding a few of the chips as a last resort to make it taste better and still nothing. In the end, it was almost a chore to finish the sandwich. Even if I came here on a bad day when the meat didn't roast properly and was therefore tasteless, the addition of the sweet BBQ sauce and the chips really make no sense to me. Again, I'm no barbeque expert, but I've definitely had better tri-tip at places that did not make a "top place to eat" list. read more

Our Aunt Nita wanted us to try the Prunedale Market for its barbecue since it was best in the country a few years back. She knows we love barbecue and have eaten so much barbecue in Texas, Cleveland, Arizona, and California. Ribs are dry rubbed, no sauce. They were really good. Great smoked flavor, well seasoned, tender. Not fall off the bone but definitely tender. Sauce came on the side, not homemade but Sweet Baby Ray's. The only barbecue they offer is ribs (full or half slab) and Tri Tip. No sides. Soup is sold along with other deli sandwiches and chips. We went with the ribs. The gentleman behind the counter gave us some Corn Chowder to try and some bread. Both were good. Ribs came with a smoked potato, halved. Ribs and potatoes were delicious! Both have a strong, smokey flavor. I don't understand how they were ranked best barbecue when they only sell ribs and Tri Tip. Next time I come, I'll try the Tri Tip sandwich. It is ranked best sandwich in California since 2023. read more

Prunedale Market - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

The locals all go here right off 101 it really is the best BBQ join around........cash only ......worth it ...... closed Sunday & Monday read more

Prunedale Market - Tri-Tip Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Everything is amazing, Martin (owner) is a hoot! He's generous and willing to give samples of anything He's created, he'll also customize to your taste. It's worth the few side streets off the Hwy. CLOSED SUN & MON read more

Great experience! The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in--he even offered my fiancé and me chowder right away. The tri-tip sandwich was delicious, with a unique twist using Flaming Hot Fritos that added the perfect crunch. He was also so kind to my little sister and gave her an ice cream. When we went to pay, he told us it was on the house. Amazing food, great service, and a place that truly makes you feel at home. Highly recommend! read more

We were conflicted as a family on this rating. Right off the freeway as you head north on 101, it's a convenient stop for folks traveling to the Bay Area. The food was awesome and the guy who worked behind the counter was super amazing and helpful. He even let us have tastes of the corn chowder (which had healthy chunks of veggies and potatoes and was one of the best soups I've had in a long time). However, the place itself was the dirtiest gas station like environment that we've ever experienced. Makes you wonder about how they prepare their food when the back was so dirty and disorganized. Thankfully, none of us got sick so rounding up to three stars. CA dept of health - be warned. read more

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Everything g was great! Lovely and charming owner quite pleasant in person. Give us a taste of Some chicken, corn chowder soup, and it was super tasty Our tri-tip sandwich was ginormous and even though we split just one sandwich we are both really full and very satisfied The taste was scrumdiddlyumptious Next time we're in and around Prunedale will be sure to stop by read more

Great Tri Tip sandwiches and awesome owner! Plenty of parking. The price was well worth it. read more

Prunedale Market - Tri Tip!! - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Owner is amazing, great customer service and delicious food. Never have any problems, highly recommend

Again and again the bbq at this place is the best. Friendliest owner who will treat you to something special like his soup of the day. Don't torn it down. read more

The unique ingredients are what sets these Tri Tip sandwiches apart from all others. So delicious & best customer service by owner Martin. It's obvious he puts love into his cooking!! read more

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I have been here many times, today I bought the chicken and corn chowder, it was fantastic. I also got the barbecue steak sandwich , which was so delicious.The bun was also quite fresh. The owner was so friendly. read more

Martin is the man. He is a one man every stuff guy simple runs the whole show, you will be pleasantly surprised at the generosity he gives . A cup of soup as he prepares your food with a smile and great conservation and on summer days he will give you an ice cream. Now a days with the world as it is, who does that ? This guy is just simply an amazing individual and the food is just as good as he is. read more

Great place to stop. Definitely put a different spin on the Tri Tip Sandwich! You need to bring cash no machines close!! We got to try the ribs and clam Chowder!! Martin the owner is a great guy!! Made us feel at home and went above and beyond what he should have done!! What a great place and I wish everyone treated there business like this! Ask for the Martin Special and how he likes his Sands you won't be let down!! They are huge bring your appetite!! Thanks to Martin what a great stop!! Please please remember no cards. We went to Safeway which is close! Worth going and getting the cash!! read more

Prunedale Market - Tri Tip Sand - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Best sandwich in Cali? Yes. Excellent customer service that it feels like you're right at home? Yes. Mom n Pop down to earth feel, that you'll feel special when you find this establishment? Yes. If you're driving along the 101, give this gem a try! People all over the world have come to this establishment almost like a Mecca. The famous tri tip sandwich is handcrafted by Martin, thinly sliced and with nice deep smoke. The sauce goes surprisingly well with the tri tip and the spicy Fritos lol! Martin gave us complimentary soup, which is his version of Pozole, with tri tip! Excellent flavor with layers of flavor! 5/5! The pork ribs were tender yet not flimsily falling off the bone, the way I love it! Martin is also supremely hospitable and caring for his customers despite how much notoriety he has! Again, give this place a try! Best time would be weekdays. Will come back every single time I drive along the 101! Bring CASH! read more

Legit bbq and sando place. Owner operator is a cool cat from original Joe's. Enjoyed interaction with him as well as the sandwich. Very much worth the drive from Monterey. read more

Great quality service and quality food! Thank you so much to the owner, took care of me and my family.

This was truly the best BBQ I have ever had! Everything was made fresh and in house in the morning! Everything was so delicious from the corn chowder to the ribs to the tri tips sandwich with the fritos! The hospitality was NEXT LEVEL AND AMAZING! The staff were super generous! They gave us extra food for free to take back and even complimentary ice cream at the end of our meal! Definitely coming back the next time I'm in town! Worth the hype! read more

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The food is awesome! I hit this place every time I'm on the way to SLO. Perfect lunch stop. The guy who runs the place is so nice! Always greeting people and super friendly. Works hard to serve everyone quickly. Food notes: Ribs (5 Stars) perfectly smoked, not overly done still a nice bite to pull the meat of the bone. Great BBQ Sauce. Soups (5 Stars, $10 large $5 small). He makes a different soup each day, closed Sunday and Monday. I've tried the clam chowder on Friday. It's one of the best I've had. His is not too heavy or thick, just the perfect touch of cream for a nice balanced soup. It has lemon zest, dill and basil which makes this one so unique. The rest is very good quality, clam, celery, bacon and large chunks of red potatoes. There is most likely onion in the base but no carrots. Also tried the Corn Chowder, Saturday. Awesome again, perfectly balance, chunks of red potatoes, corn, celery,carrot, onion bacon, ham, etc. Tri Tip Sandwiches (5 star). The bread is huge and so soft. Loaded with thin sliced tri tip, bbq sauce, mayo, hot corn chips, lettuce and tomatoe. The hot corn chips are a nice touch. Next time: Try to hit up on Wed for stew or Thursday for Pasta Alfredo Sausage Until next time... read more

New Year's Eve is always a somber time for me as I usually reflect on a lot of things in life. Instead of heading out to party it up with friends and loved ones, I always stay home and ask myself the hardest questions in life: the why, the how, and the what (is next). I reflect on significance, dreams and hopes, and what I can take away from the year that is about to end and determine what will be carried over to the next year and what is to be left buried. In terms of Yelp and my continued passion to write shout outs as objectively as possibly, I find it appropriate to give this place a shout out. I've always heard about this place. It's been on my list for a long time but somehow, I've just never made the effort to visit. I don't have a proper reason why but it's possibly that I will always attribute the best BBQ to places outside California (and for good reason). So it was on a cold morning when the soul felt lost that I decided it was time to just get on the road and visit a place long bookmarked to try. Did I expect the world's best BBQ? No. Come with expectations and often it will lead to disappointment. Rather, I just came to experience and see for myself what this place had to offer. I was early and so Martin was still working the grill outside when I showed up. We had a chat about his style of grilling and talked about temps, wood, meats and pretty much life itself as a culinary peep. For food nerds or foodies that actually cook, the words exchanged gave me insight before the first bite and I could honestly say that I was excited to taste his take on BBQ. He went on to ask what I was interested in ordering for the day and my only reply was...money is not an issue so give me a sampler to feed three hungry goons. You should have seen his face lol. Not something someone says any day in Prunetucky. Since I'm really early and he's still getting ready to bring the meats in for sale, he does his signature move of giving me a cup of soup and toast (with housemade potent garlic spread) to "try" as I wait for my order to be prepared. It definitely was a delight to a rather cold morning to have hearty clam chowder on fresh bread covered in spicy garlic butter. Damn. It was some potent stuff on soft bread to start off my day. But it was good. And then to his next signature hospitality move, he passed me a plate of meats to try - a rib and a chicken thigh - right off the grill. Moist, tender, wet, and gosh darn amazing. So what's the verdict after such a long winded narrative? Best BBQ? Totally debatable. Here, intense smoke flavors. Light on salt within meats. Use of store bought BBQ sauce. Typical stuff that BBQ snobs frown on. Worth a pilgrimage? Maybe. But why the 5 stars? Martin. He made it to my reflections this year as how I want to proceed into the next year. I may be one of the friendliest peeps you'll ever know but something about his attitude made me feel like the grinch. And that really got me thinking. A LOT. I was meant to meet him that day and I've grown in my own way quite a bit since. Funny how that works right? Anyways, Martin, thank you. I wish you good health and prosperity. I'll see you around again soon and best wishes in 2022 and beyond. Cheers! read more

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Really good tri-tip sandwiches enough for two people. With tax $18.50. Owner will say he doesn't think these are the best but he just enjoys doing what he's doing and he gets the good reputation from potheads according to him. He doesn't do the internet or social media so if you tell him anything about Yelp or Facebook he has no idea what people are saying. But people are saying great things read more

Prunedale Market - Tru tip sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Outstanding service, we ordered the ribs and great flavor and they fell off the bone. Highly recommend this place.

Adding my 5 stars to the list for good reason, the BBQ is exceptional! The tender flavorful tri-tip on the fresh soft roll is as good as it gets. The clam chowder is packed full of clams, and soft tender potatoes, one of the best we've ever tasted. We adored the gentleman behind the counter, who gave us the clam chowder to try and would not accept the well earned tip. Will never pass without stopping again, next time-the ribs! read more

Everything about this place is 5 star Got the full Tri tip slab and a full rack of ribs and they were very very good. Smokey, moist, well seasoned on the peppery side. Generous cuts of meat for the price that will feed many people. Friendly and kind owner. Google map directions are accurate. Cash only. We will definitely come back. read more

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The food and the service was amazing. Great customer service and the food for price was def worth it. Definitely worth the drive. read more

Prunedale Market - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

The tri tip sandwich a must try delicious a d the cream of broccoli delicious, and very generous portions, a d friendly service.

Sandwich was incredible, the potato corn chowder was excellent but the highlight, talking to the owner. And in the end I almost got a meal free. He wanted me to try more and more. I fun, generous guy who loves what he does. Worth a drive if you're visiting the Monterey area like I was. read more

The owner was super nice and welcoming. The Spanish soup had garbanzo and was well seasoned. The tri tip sandwiches are big enough to share, and the flamin' hot Fritos were the cherry on top. read more

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What an incredible place and best Tri-tip sandwich we have ever had. What makes this place is the owner, Martin, who is a happy go lucky guy! BTW, , best chili we have ever had as well!!!! It is worth the drive, but note, you will be driving through a neighborhood and think you maybe lost! GO CHECK IT OUT!!!!!l read more

Prunedale Market - Look at dem tri-tip sandwiches!!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

9/12/2025 hands down best sandwiches best clam chowder soup on fridays great customer service this dude deserves an award lol read more

Everything at Prunedale Market is OUTSTANDING. Not only is the food killer, but what really stands out is the hospitality and premium service of the owner. He has a heart of gold and you can tell that love is a key ingredient in his food. We have come time and time again and we're never disappointed. He'll make conversation with a smile on his face and generous soup samples in hand (his soup is bomb ). We came in ordering a rack of ribs and 2 sandwiches and walked out with an extra half of a sandwich, another plate of chicken wings and drinks on him. When you're at Prunedale Market you're family and that is irreplaceable and invaluable. read more

Prunedale Market - Whole Rack of Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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Great tasting tri tip. I could eat it on its own! You should definitely stop by if you're craving a trip tip sandwich. I split the sandwich in half and was pretty full. read more

Prunedale Market - Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Proprietor Martin Muñoz may very well be a genius of customer appreciation and service. The man beams with warmth and welcoming. Go for the food, eat and enjoy. Stay (and return) because it feels good to be there. Having only recently learned of this off-the-beaten-path treasure in Salinas, and with my appetite and curiosity sufficiently whetted, I made the trek from San Francisco the very next Saturday. Upon entering the market, Martin immediately greeted us with an ear-to-ear smile as if he were seeing close friends again after a long absence. From there the visit just kept getting better. The tri-tip sandwich was fun and filling. I loved how smokey Martin's tri-tip was. (It was great to see Martin's smoker in action. He had been tending it since 5 a.m. in preparation for the day's hungry visitors.) A major bonus during our visit was the opportunity to sample Martin's other smoked goodies: chicken, potatoes, ribs, and links. Hot damn! I will be back asap with a friend in tow... A friend who lives and dies by chicken, and must -- must! -- taste Martin's smokey, tender, and crispy-skinned bird of paradise. read more

Prunedale Market - Tri-tip sandwich. The calling card. - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Food BBQ Ribs fall of the bone and Famous Tri Tip Sandwich it's voted best for a reason It's Delicious!!! Service Coolest Owner Martin we've met He welcomes you and immediately gives you a cup of hearty soup of the day before you even order. Staff Eli super friendly and helpful. They need their own podcast Hilarious guys. Ambiance The shop is tucked in a dead end of a residential street. You'll smell the aroma of the BBQ once you parked. Highly recommended this place!! Thank you Martin and Eli read more

Prunedale Market - Smoked bbq ribs sauce on the side - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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The owner is the chef and he just blows it out of the water. Amazing sandwiches, amazing ribs, and really good chowder. I usually dont believe it when people say something is the 'best' but in this case its true. Exceeded all my expectations by far. Ill be stopping by everything I'm in the area. read more

I kept hearing about this place from friends over the years and I drive past it all the time but recently I saw the article on a local news station about how this market had the best sandwiches in California on Yelp and had to try for myself. I visited this market and was not disappointed. The owner is the friendliest person you could hope to meet. He really makes you feel welcome and at home. Pricing was really good for fresh BBQ. We had a couple of tri tip sandwiches and a full rack of ribs for $65. The portions are good size and the taste is fresh and delicious. This is one of those places I would highly suggest you try if you are passing through the Salinas or Prunedale area. I know we will be back for sure Thanks Martin read more

Prunedale Market - Full Rack of Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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Unbelievable! They only accept cash and I didn't have any. But the guy (Martin) gave me this huge, delicious ham sandwich on the house! I'll be back to try his tri tip for sure. read more

Finally back here after more than a year - it takes us an hour long to drive down here, and were so happy Prunedale Market has survived the pandemic! The owner, Martin, is as super nice and humble as always - we wanted to get corn chowder but he all out but gave us the last cup for free and also some free pasta salad (so yummy, and we wanted to order that but he ran out as well). We got a full slabs of ribs (potatoes and a free sausage on the side - the sausage is spicy and flavorful and so good) and a tri-tip sandwich (my favorite sandwich ever). FYI cash only (no ATM), and come earlier on a Saturday or else you won't get any corn chowder or pasta salad! Love this place so much! Note - if you're a couple, don't just assume you're going to go halfsies on the sandwich #fastereaterwins read more

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Came here for the first time on Wednesday October 4th on the recommendation of some coworkers. First, let me say that the owner, Martin, is extremely welcoming and friendly. He takes very good care of his customers. The food is nothing shy of amazing. We were greeted with a large bowl of chile con carne that was a good a chile as I've ever had. Good portions of chunky meat and beans, and just the right spice. The fall-off-bone pork ribs were smoked to perfection, and the half rack order was more than I cold eat in one setting. Great leftovers! Great customer service combined with great food is often hard to find. You get both here from Martin. I highly recommend this establishment. I hear the clam chowder is amazing, along with his tri-tip. I will try these on my next visit. Thank you Martin! read more

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We were greeted when we arrived, nice owner welcomes everyone. The TriTip sandwich is what I had. It was delicious! He added some hot frito chips for some spice. Also had a bowl of corn soup and was very tasteful! I really enjoyed my lunch , will come back when in the area. Highly recommend ! read more