5 Best Barbecue Joints in Modesto, California to Try

In the heart of California’s Central Valley, Modesto’s barbecue culture is as much about ingredients as smoke.

Local pitmasters make the most of the Valley’s famed beef and pork, seasonal produce, and a melting-pot history: expect everything from Santa Maria tri-tip and Texas brisket to creative fusion sauces and sides.

The result? Inventive, friendly, family-run joints that celebrate California’s rich agricultural roots while tipping a hat to BBQ tradition.

1. Doc’s Q’in Pit Stop

Doc’s is Modesto’s gold standard—a humble shack with a mighty smoker out back and a menu loaded with brisket, ribs, Polish sausage, and legendary tri-tip.

The signature sweet/spicy sauce is made in-house, and the sides—red beans and rice, cheesy potatoes, plus Southern-style greens—turn a platter into a meal.

Their burnt ends are thick, caramelized, and unforgettable.

2. Big Vic’s BBQ

A food truck local favorite, Big Vic’s does Texas-style brisket, pork ribs, and juicy, bark-crusted chicken.

Everything is slow-cooked, sliced to order, and topped with a choice of house sauces (the spicy is especially good).

Try the rib tip combo or the brisket mac and cheese—Vanilla pudding for dessert if you want the full comfort experience.

3. Scenic Drive-In BBQ

Scenic’s roots go back generations, serving classic pulled pork, chicken, and brisket sandwiches with a light, tangy sauce that nods to California’s citrus heritage.

The tri-tip and hot links are best sellers, and the cheesy jalapeño cornbread is a neighborhood favorite.

This is the spot for an easy lunch before heading out to the almond orchards.

4. Oak Barrel BBQ

Oak Barrel emphasizes Central Valley wood and local meat, smoking ribs and brisket “low and slow” in true traditional fashion.

The pitmaster is always happy to chat about smoke time, sauce differences, and his tried-and-true spice blend.

Beans, slaw, and deep-fried pickles round out the menu—don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert.

5. Taqueria & BBQ Don Cacho

Showing off that Modesto multicultural creativity, Don Cacho is a Mexican BBQ spot where al pastor is smoked over real wood, carnitas are as rich as any Texas pork, and brisket gets a mole-glazed twist.

Try a brisket taco with pickled red onions and a side of elote. It’s barbecue and taco culture united, Modesto-style.