If you’re craving slow-smoked meats, tangy sauces, and hearty sides, you’re in luck—Monterey and Santa Cruz counties offer a wide variety of BBQ joints, from Texas-style brisket to island-inspired ribs. Since BBQ is the perfect Father’s Day meal, we rounded up various restaurants with in-house dining and to-go meals just in time to celebrate Dad.
MONTEREY COUNTY
- BEAR + FLAG ROADSIDE
- 7152 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel, 93923
- (831) 293-8608 | bearandflag.com
Offering a casual roadside setting, Bear + Flag serves Texas-style barbecue with California flair, featuring brisket, pulled pork, and house-made pickles.
- BON TON L’ROY’S LIGHTHOUSE SMOKEHOUSE
- 794 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, 93940
- (831) 375-6958
Bon Ton L’Roy’s serves the big flavors of the southern United States and features BBQ and sandwiches. A “family feast” plate with four meats and two side dishes makes a great take-out option.
- THE CROSSROADS BBQ
- 241 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, 93923
- (831) 250-7616 | thecrossroadsbbq.com
A sister restaurant to Salinas City BBQ, this location offers slow-smoked favorites, scratch-made sauces, and a selection of local wines and craft beers.
- HULA’S ISLAND GRILL
- 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 93940
- (831) 655-4852 | hulastiki.com
Not your typical BBQ joint—Hula’s fuses tropical flavors with classic barbecue, including their Bali Hai Ribs coated in a mango-infused sauce.
- LITTLE CHICKEN HOUSE
- 1193 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
- (831) 655-1704
If you’ve passed by this restaurant in Pacific Grove when their smoker is going out front, you may crave barbecue! This unassuming little place offers a choice of BBQ combos and “feed a crowd” offerings like a whole rack of ribs for takeout. Open daily until 8:00 p.m.
- PRUNEDALE MARKET & DELI
- 17515 Orchard Ln, Prunedale, 93907
- (831) 663-2083
Who knew you could find the best sandwich in California (according to Yelp) in Prunedale? Known for its tri-tip sandwiches and the customer service from the owner, Martin, this out-of-the-way, Prunedale restaurant is well worth a stop. Served open-faced, the best-in-California tri-tip sandwich is garnished with lettuce and tomato. The kicker? It’s topped with Flamin’ Hot Fritos. Note: Prunedale Market is closed on Sunday, so if you’re planning on serving for Father’s Day, order ahead and pick up your order on Saturday.
- SALINAS CITY BBQ
- 700 W. Market St., Salinas, 93901
- (831) 758-2227 | salinascitybbq.com
Known for its Gaucho sandwich with grilled onions, provolone, and chimichurri, this popular spot serves up smoked meats, hearty sides, and a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
- APTOS ST. BBQ
- 8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 95003
- (831) 662-1721 | aptosstbbq.com
With a constantly rotating tap list of craft beers and live music, this local favorite offers mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and tri-tip in a laid-back setting.
- BRUNO’S BAR & GRILL
- 230 Mount Hermon Rd., Suite G,
- Scotts Valley, 95066
- (831) 438-2227 | brunosbarandgrill.com
This family-friendly spot features traditional BBQ dishes, a rooftop deck, a sports bar, and a private party space—great for casual dining or events.
- COLE’S BBQ
- 2590 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, 95062
- (831) 476-4424 | colesbbq.com
A long-standing local favorite, Cole’s serves no-frills, flavorful barbecue classics like tri-tip sandwiches and BBQ chicken with all the fixings.
- FREEDOM MEAT LOCKER
- 160 Hi Grade Ln, Freedom, 95019
- (831) 724-4355
Freedom Meat Locker is a family-owned and operated butcher shop that’s been in business for over fifty years. They specialize in custom cutting, smoked meat, and retail meat sales. They also have a deli and a patio area for dining. They offer various sandwiches, including housemade turkey, bacon, and avocado, or a marinated Tri-Tip sandwich heated up in your marinade of choice. They have delicious macaroni and potato salad made in-house. Closed Sunday and Monday, so call in your order on Friday for Saturday pick up if you’re planning your Father’s Day meal.
- MISSION ST. BBQ
- 1618 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- (831) 458-2222 | missionstbbq.com
A lively, blues-filled eatery known for its tender meats, generous portions, and family-friendly vibe. Arrive early—favorites like brisket and ribs often sell out.
Leave a Reply