I went to Slow Hand between 3 and 4PM to beat the dinner rush. The server was friendly and knowledgeable. I got my baby back ribs quickly and tried them with the hot and sweet barbecue sauces. They also provide accoutrements for making sandwiches with the rib meat. I thought the ribs were quite good! The meat fell off the bone and there was definitely enough food for my money's worth. The spice rub had a garlicky aftertaste, so it might not be a good idea if you have reflux. The place has a family-friendly sports bar-ish sort of vibe. They have a nice outdoor patio area, which is suitable for dogs. The bathrooms are VERY clean with all possible amenities provided, plus some funny signs. It's a good place to stop by if you're in the area (and hungry). read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

The staff was super friendly and honestly it came out super quick. Personally I'm not the biggest fan of how soft the pulled pork was I wouldn't say it was soft in a good way more mushy. The rest of the things were decent I personally would recommend a loaded baked potato with brisket. All together I would say the experience was alright but I've definitely had better BBQ. read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Mac & Cheese Beef Brisket Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potato Potato Salad (German style) - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I seem to feel the same as many of the recent reviews. I think they used to be better, but the last couple of times I went the meat was on the dry side and lacked flavor. We took some friends there last year and I was disappointed. I know there's nothing they can really do about it, but it's also annoying when people are waiting for a table outside that people who have clearly finished eating continue to linger despite multiple people hovering nearby. "People... they're the worst." I wonder if their Martinez location is the same. Since my sister lives in Martinez now, maybe I'll give it a try. read more

The food itself was average, had little flavor and the portions were quite small. We ordered the meal for 2 and in no way did it include enough food for two people to have an entire meal. It was definitely more of a snack and not worth $40 especially considering it had very little flavor. The mac and cheese had a good flavor but a very watery consistency, and the meat all just tasted like salt and nothing else. The one bright spot was the staff. Her name was Adriana and she was welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and lovely. Give that girl a raise especially if you're overcharging for subpar food. read more

Second time here, it's good and not great. I think the acclaim is only because bbq is lacking in the area. It's also overpriced and portions are small. Pass on the beans. It's worth a try, but can't give 5 stars :( read more

I've lived in Pleasant Hill most of my life and have driven past this joint many times. I finally tried it recently for takeout. I went with the brisket and baby back ribs. The BBQ was not bad but not the best I've ever had. The thing I liked the most was the tater tots! They were fried to perfection and it came with the sour cream sauce that tasted amazing. If I come back, it'd be to dine in with a beer since they have a great selection. read more

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Just had the slow hand turkey for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it!!! Smoke flavor all the way through. Just delicious. It's been requested for next time. Maybe smoked Prime Rib next year as well??? read more

We recently ordered catering for my daughters rodeo themed first birthday party and the food was such a hit! Everyone loved it!! We had so many people tell us how great the food is and wanted to know where it was from. We ordered food for 30 but there was plenty for everyone to go back for a second plate, and some even went for a third! My baby loved chewing on her St. Luis rib way more than the cake I made her. I would definitely ordered from Slow Hand again! Thanks Slow Hand team, for helping to make my daughter's birthday a huge success! read more

Slow Hand BBQ - This was the only photo I managed to take but the crowd had already took their toll on the delicious ribs and brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I was not sure if we over- or under-ordered but the combo for 2 was just right for us. We had the brisket and the baby back ribs, with the cole slaw and beans. We had a fairly thick slice of brisket, which was amazingly tender. The baby back ribs were also very tender. The cole slaw and beans were okay, but sides were always just okay here. I would love to see something like collard greens or corn bread, but the meats here are just awesome. read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Baby back ribs and brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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I came here for lunch one afternoon to slow hand bbq. When I came in I was seated immediately. The waitress was very friendly and very polite. I ordered the 2 meat combo with salad and sweet potato tots. The two meats I had were chicken and ribs. The ribs and chicken were smoked to perfection and the sauce was nice addition to the meat. The sweet potato tots were very tasty and very flavorful. The ambiance is very customer friendly and has a lot of parking. This is a great place to come get some good bbq. read more

Slow Hand BBQ - 2 meat combo with salad and Sweet Potato Tots - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

Today, I had the pleasure of trying Slow Hand BBQ in Pleasant Hill, and it was a surprisingly good experience! This was a to-go order which I am usually hesitant because the food could become cold. We opted for the half-and-half ribs rack, and I have to say, they were absolutely delicious. Even without the sauce, the ribs were hot and moist, showcasing their quality perfectly. We ordered a side of sliced of tri-tip along with a side salad topped with blue cheese, which was incredibly fresh and satisfying. And I must mention the key lime pie; it was a delightful way to round off the meal--perfectly tangy and sweet! A special shoutout to Maddy, our host, who was incredibly friendly, efficient, and welcoming. When I called to follow up on my order, Maddy's cheerful personality truly added to my experience. I highly recommend Slow Hand BBQ for anyone in the area looking for delicious BBQ and great service! *I didn't have a beer, but the beers listed looked inviting. read more

They were able to handle a huge order on short notice, on a holiday. Great food and excellent service at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend. read more

Baby back ribs were excellent. Great smoky flavor, not overcooked and tender. I had this on takeout. Well prepared, tasted great.

Service was friendly and atmosphere was comfortable. My tri tip was juicy, tender and flavorful. Loved the original BBQ sauce. Best BBQ I've had in a long time. read more

Great service, amazing food!! Always come through with amazing Brisket!! Ordering is always easy, and they're super efficient and ready when we get there!! read more

We've never had a chance to visit this place. Only heard good things about them. We came in at 5:30 on a Saturday evening and it was busy but not packed. We received a friendly greeting at the counter. Place smelled great btw. We ordered the two meat platter with fries and potato salad. I got their version of a McRib with Cole slaw, a Cobb salad with chicken, loaded baked potato, and the brisket nachos. Food was really good; moist, not too Smoky, and good portions. The slaw was a tangy version with an Asian taste, potato salad was not too creamy. Fries were nice and crispy. All the meat was tasty. They had live music which went well with the vibe. Service was friendly. We'll be back- read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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Having moved to Pleasant Hill from San Ramon we have been exploring the restaurant options here and have been very happy with findings. That was until I tried Slow Hand BBQ. My wife was out of town and I have been looking for a good BBQ joint since I moved from the mid west. Welp I am still looking. The brisket was salty and dry. The loaded baked potato was big, but it was just a potato and a little over cooked. The sauce also was just ok. So, I am still looking. read more

So so good! I had the brisket sandwich and my husband had the tri-tip sandwich. Both were amazing, perfect amount of smoke. We both preferred the spicier bbq sauce. Also had the bacon wrapped jalapeños and they were delicious. Can't wait to eat here again! read more

Parking is very limited, but there's street parking. This place has a sports bar feel. We walked in and there was a group of people watching a football game, kids running around playing with the chairs. It's an order-at-the-counter and seat yourself sort of place. We got the combo which was $35, good enough to fill to people as the 2 sides were generous portions, but the portions of meat were meager. Meat was tender, BBQ sauce was a bit too sweet, but the spicy BBQ sauce was just right. read more

SHB has reputation for good BBQ products, and my family has generally had good results. My 7/19/25 order #5B86292F for 4 pounds of brisket was highly disappointing, especially when we got it to serve multiple guests. While flavor was good, I expressly requested (by phone with order taker, immediately subsequent to online submission where I found no place to designate) all lean meat. But what we got was larded with substantial fat; I gauge at least 20-25% was fat. As we live 5 miles from SHB, I was not going to return; nor will I take back now the remainder. But, see the picture showing chilled meat,, revealing substantial fat. It is wrong to charge $30 per pound for this. If non-lean meat has even more fat, this is gross! read more

Slow Hand BBQ - leftover brisket showing substantial fat - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I offer my opinion on Slow Hand as follows: *their BBQ may be some of the best in NorCal. I've tried E&J, All the Smoke, Sauced, etc...Slow Hand is OOM way better. * the ambiance is terrific * it's a sleeper local place. But the owners clearly are passionate about BBQ * I've eaten at all the premier places in Austin. Slow Hand rivals these. Go. Enjoy. Take your time...it's Slow Hand. read more

I'm gonna say this loud, proud, and with my chest: THE SMOKED CORNED BEEF RUBEN IS MY FAVORITE SANDWICH IN THE EAST BAY. Sandwich supremacy is not to be trifled with. I am a sandwich GIRLIE. I take them SERIOUSLY. The confluence of perfectly tender smoked meat, melted swiss, homemade sauerkraut, strong mustard, and marbled rye?!?? Eaten after a long hike around Las Trampas?!!(*@ It's enough to make a sandwich girlie levitate. I have like 12 pictures of this sandwich across 3 phones but I've only included the most recent. TBH I've had a bbq plate from here before and it was p good, but this sandwich is where it's at. read more

Slow Hand BBQ - my favorite sandwich in the east bay! - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I really want to like this place but I gotta give feedback. The ribs are dry and tough. The hot links are so hot as to be almost inedible. The Mac is actually the best thing here and it's still only ok. When you're paying so much for bbq you want it to be good and last time we had it I was too disappointed to want to come back. Hoping they can work on those ribs! Would like this to be a go to neighborhood option but it's not. read more

Had the loaded baked potato and I forgot to take a photo! It was all that a loaded potatoes should be! Full of yummy brisket and toppings of cheese and sour cream and chives! Amazing! I ordered to go and the person who took my order and gave it to me when I picked up was super sweet! I came in right when they opened for lunch so no crowd yet! Very cozy place! read more

Best BBQ and Team ever! Everyone is so kind! Maddie is the best and the family that owns the business are the amazing! It's a must stop spot and in the cutest neighborhood in the Bay Area! read more

Slow Hand BBQ is always a place I recommend. Not just because I personally know the owner, but because the food is great. If you'd like to experience a southern type of bbq joint where you receive your food on a tray (family style) this is the place to check out. Dan puts a lot of hard work and hours into perfecting his bbq items. It's all wood smoked, they use the old school method - brick pits. It's hard to put into words, but it's juicy, tender, and melts in your mouth. I highly recommend it. Also, for the holidays you can always order things off the menu as well as a fully cooked Turkey or ham. It's delicious! read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Yummy goodness - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

Great food and the service was amazing!!! Thank you for making fathers day amazing!!!!! We ordered about everything on the menu and it was all amazing like usual! read more

We almost always buy bbq at back forty, but was disappointed to see they changed their menu and eliminated rib round up and some other choices we always get. Decided to try slow hand bbq and we were more than satisfied. Ribs great, sauce supreme, chicken(only my sons is better than theirs) Brisket was a little fatty but taste was good. Potato salad tasted homemade and beans were really tasty. Amount more than feed 8 people. I think back forty lost loyal customers. Too bad so sad read more

Good bbq that's very reasonably priced and service with a SMILE! Two of us split a beef brisket sandwich with side and drink. I had the ribs. $13.50 for 4 spareribs (baby back or St. Louis) with a side of coleslaw w/o mayonnaise, side salad, German potato salad, picnic potato salad or Mac n Cheese and a 16oz drink. Another had three pulled pork sliders with side and drink. All four of us shared a Cobb salad. Excellent salad made with crunchy romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bacon, cheddar , avocado and sliced hard boiled eggs. Brought home 2 ribs, some pulled pork from the slider and half of the salad. Huge portions for $70 which included tax and tip. Definitely will return next time we're in the East Bay. read more

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My experience here was during March right after St. Patrick's day. I ordered the brisket, cornbeef, BBQ beans, and Mac n cheese. The Mac n cheese was good and cheesey. The Brisket was dry but full of flavor. The BBQ beans were undercooked. But the reason I will continue to go back is the SMOKED CORNBEEF!! This is a STAR! I highly recommend it. read more

Food is really good. We took the risk though we saw the low star reviews and Slowhand did not disappoint. Must try! Especially on Sundays. Place is clean especially the toilet. Staff are friendly and fast service. We will come back. We are 45mins away but all worth it! read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

The best meats and even better service and atmosphere. Love the wings, ribs, tri-tip sandwich, corn beef. read more

If you eat here and you don't get just how darn good it is - then you don't know nuthin about great bbq. This bbq is top notch. Every sauce every side every meat - simply perfectly executed. The juicy brisket just doesn't get better. It doesn't. Kind smart enthusiastic kids working there. read more

The brisket is killer! Along with Friday night music, you can't go wrong! If you plan accordingly, you must get the beef rib - it is KILLER! Friendly people and excellent food and fun atmosphere. The best BBQ in the Contra Costa area. Check it out. read more

Superb bbq with a friendly staff to match! This location is great, but the parking is minimal. However, right across the street there is a nice parking lot with a few other good restaurants too. Lots of good beer choices! The ribs were awesome, the chicken was cooked perfectly and the sides of beans and potato salad were spot on. The vibe in the restaurant was very mellow, but I could imagine it could get rowdy with the right crowd. A few TVs to watch the game on and a nice bar to hang out at. I will be back! read more

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**Catering Review** This is my second time doing a large catering order for work (approximately for 100 people). I will try to break it down. First of all the online ordering is user friendly and straight forward. Both times I sent a catering inquiry online to ask a few questions about picking up the food before their opening time and received an immediate response. Both times they accommodated the earlier time (1030 vs 1100). Pick-up was a breeze. Everything was ready to go and they double checked with me there, the food, condiments, and everything in between. They do not skimp on plates, napkins, or BBQ sauce. I have done a lot of catering over the years, especially BBQ, and the concern is will you have enough food. With Slowhand, there is no concern, my team loaded up and many went back for seconds. The food itself was great both times. I work in the 510, so many were unfamiliar with Slow Hand. Not anymore, they all know Slowhand well and prefer over the other BBQ spots we have frequented over the years. Brisket, ribs, and chicken have been the go to meats, and all were extremely moist and well seasoned, with good level of smoke flavoring. The Mac b Cheese is a crow favorite and the potato salad is not far behind. We round out the order with BBQ beans, and they include a generous amount of Hawaiian roles. Overall, catering with Slow Hand is a great experience. Dan, Maureen, and Maddie run a great family operation, and I will not hesitate to use them again for any future events. read more

The 30-minute drive was well worth it. The experience started with a super-friendly and helpful guy at the register, and was capped off with a dinner for three consisting of brisket, which was juicy, tender, and delicious. The dinner also included both baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs, both of which were falling-off-the-bone tender and flavorful. There wasn't much for my vegetarian wife, but a cob salad (bacon on the side) and the vinegar-based coleslaw were perfect. read more

Great bbq spot for a family day out on a Sunday. They had a Sunday only special slow roasted beef rib which was my favorite. It was soft, fall off the bone & fatty goodness. The St. Louis ribs and brisket were also fantastic and our 11 year old cousin ate just as much as the grownups. The sides are ok, they could be better but overall the meats made up for the sides. Will be coming back for more! read more

Slow Hand BBQ - Slow roasted Beef rib (Sunday special), Brisket & rib platter - Barbeque Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

As someone who's lived in TX for many years I fully admit I have very high BBQ standards and Slow Hand BBQ sorta lived up to them. All of their meats, sauces, and sides were "just OK". The brisket, corned beef, tri-tip, and St Louis ribs were all fairly lean, somewhat juicy, a bit overdone, and tasty enough, but really nothing special. Though I will say the corned beef was somewhat unique for a BBQ place at least. The bread were just plain dinner rolls and the picnic potato salad, beans, and mac n cheese were also all just OK, not super flavorful and just kinda bland. The spicy sauce was pretty good but the sweet sauce was so fakey honey smokey sweet as to be inedible. The back wrapped jalapeño poppers were again, just OK, a bit overdone, but the pimento filling was a highlight. The loaded nachos were pretty good, but again, not great. All-in-all this place was a perfect "OK". read more

Nice place. Clean. Food very good - big ribs, tasty coleslaw, sweet tater tots vg. Only thing I didn't like was their molasses tasting BBq sauce. Will bring my own. Marcus was very nice, so was the nice young woman at the bar and checkout. My friend had a gigantic brisket sandwich. Loved it. We will be back again very soon. read more