The Best BBQ Joints in San Jose (Hidden Gems!)
San Jose boasts some of the best barbecue joints in the Bay Area. The smoky, savory flavors of slow-cooked meats paired with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread have made barbecue a local favorite. There are a variety of options to satisfy any BBQ craving, ranging from Texas-style brisket to Carolina-style pulled pork. This article will guide you on where to find the very best BBQ joints San Jose has to offer.
South Winchester BBQ
South Winchester BBQ is easily the best BBQ spot in San Jose and it’s still one of the places that still feels like a hidden gem in the city. South Winchester BBQ has some of the brisket and trip tip in the area and the pitmaster is always on the side of the building so you can smell this place even before you get into the parking lot. While the prices are on the higher side the tender meats and amazing sides make this spot a must-visit!
Each of their meats is tender, with a delicious smoky flavor. South Winchester’s BBQ sauces are a perfect complement. Our favorite sides are the white cheddar mac and cheese, the coleslaw, and the garlic bread. They changed the recipe of the potato salad and it’s not as good as it used to be and now tastes too much like vinegar.
South Winchester BBQ has an amazing brisket breakfast taco on their very limited breakfast menu. They also have a robust selection of beers and IPA’s. if you can get to South Winchester BBQ at a time when it isn’t insanely crowded, take the time to dine inside the restaurant.
Address: 1362 S Winchester Blvd San Jose, CA 95128
Mesquite & Oak
Mesquite & Oak is a smaller spot located in downtown San Jose. This restaurant serves delicious BBQ in the Texas style where they carve the meat after you order. Each plate comes with a good portion of brisket about 6 oz of meat and 5 oz of sides plus a triangle-sized cornbread. The ribs are pretty large, longer than the ribs that you’ll usually get served at other restaurants. The BBQ sauce is like a ketchup-based sweet-style BBQ sauce. One of the best options at Mesquite & Oak is the brisket sandwich that comes with a side. Try the creamy mac and cheese or the tasty coleslaw.
Make sure to drive slowly on North 13th Street, otherwise, you will miss this great place. There is street parking and a small lot around the corner shared with the Mexican restaurant
Address: 856 N 13th St San Jose, CA 95112
Smoking Pig BBQ
The brisket shines at Smoking Pig BBQ, another Downtown San Jose establishment. The Smoking Pig is a no-frills restaurant and the prices have risen since the pandemic and you can get a tasty plate of BBQ meat with a side for around $24. Try their brisket or their pull pork sandwiches and pair them with creamy mac and cheese or a slice of their buttery soft cornbread.
We also recommend you try the appetizer sampler that comes with potato skins with meat, wolf turds (jalapeno poppers) and burnt ends. Each item was cooked well and was a great starter to share with a family before our combo plates arrived.
Street parking on 4th can be tough and Smoking Pic has a small lot that is constantly filled. Bring some patience and hunt for a spot on the street if the lot is full.
Address: 1144 N 4th St San Jose, CA 95112
Sauced
Sauced at Santana Row is a BBQ restaurant for ribs in Silicon Valley. Sauced is located in Santana Row right next to Maggiano’s, a popular Italian food restaurant chain. Seating inside is very spacious and it is a great place to eat while watching local San Francisco football and basketball games on their big screen TVs.
The ribs are great and Sauced. The meat just falls off the bone and several choices of sauce are on the table. We also really like their burnt ends and while their sides can be mediocre, two standouts are the fritters with jalapenos and the potato salad. Sauced has desserts like fried apple pies and banana pudding that are excellent.
Since Sauced is located in the very busy Santana Row, try parking in one of the large parking garages onsite.
Address: 3055 Olin Ave Ste 1005 San Jose, CA 95128
