5 Best Barbecue Joints in Tustin, California to Try

Tustin, set at the heart of Orange County, is a crossroads where suburban cool meets SoCal flavor and a quietly growing barbecue scene.

While OC is better known for surf and tacos, Tustin’s best pitmasters wow locals with a mix of Texas, Kansas City, and West Coast flair: slow-smoked brisket, creative pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ fusion tacos, and lots of bright, bursting sides.

Here’s where the OC ‘cue crowd lines up when the craving hits.

1. The Smok’d Hog BBQ

Beloved as a hidden gem, The Smok’d Hog BBQ is a family-run spot serving up big Texas vibes—massive brisket sandwiches, fresh-off-the-smoker ribs, and daily-made sauces that range from sweet to seriously spicy.

The burnt ends are the star here: juicy, blackened, melt-in-your-mouth. Friendly, casual, and with generous sides like jalapeño-cheddar cornbread and smoked mac.

2. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

For a sit-down, Southern-comfort BBQ experience, this mini-chain is OC’s gold standard.

Lucille’s pulls crowds for St. Louis ribs, hand-carved brisket platters, and a sauce caddy that lets you sample various flavor profiles.

Their sweet tea and biscuits with apple butter are worth a trip. There’s often live blues on weekends and a sprawling, family-friendly patio.

3. Meat Up BBQ (nearby in Placentia)

Locals swear by this place for a modern take on barbecue—pulled pork grilled cheese, brisket street tacos, and beer on tap.

Don’t miss their tri-tip, smoked chicken, and the fun menu mashups that reflect SoCal’s creative culinary energy.

4. Heritage Barbecue (nearby in San Juan Capistrano)

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, Heritage is OC’s national darling: Texas-style craft barbecue dreamed up by pitmaster Daniel Castillo.

People drive hours for juicy brisket, house sausages, smoked turkey, and market-inspired sides (elote, collards, potato salad).

Get here before noon—it sells out daily.

5. Rutabegorz

Not pure barbecue, but Tustin’s beloved family spot cooks up a BBQ chicken salad and sandwiches with local cult appeal—think fresh, bright, smoky flavors the SoCal way and plenty of vegetarian, healthful options for the BBQ-adjacent crowd.