Santa Ana’s food scene is famously diverse—thanks to its vibrant Latinx community and creative young chefs—which means you’ll find a melting pot of smoky flavors at every barbecue hotspot.
Here, California cuisine meets Southern barbecue, and even classic ‘cue gets a SoCal upgrade (think street tacos stuffed with smoked meat, or tri-tip with tangy salsa verde).
Whether you’re into traditional brisket or Asian-fusion barbecue, Santa Ana serves up surprises with every plate.
Tulsa Rib Company
A mainstay for over three decades, Tulsa Rib Company is beloved for its “fall-off-the-bone” baby back ribs and tangy, secret-recipe sauce.
The menu covers the classics—tender tri-tip, drool-worthy pulled pork, smoky chicken—and their cornbread is a must-have.
The casual setting feels like a family reunion, and the friendly team welcomes everyone.
Don’t miss their banana pudding for dessert—locals swear it’s a hidden star.
Smokewood American Grill
Nestled on Main Street, Smokewood brings a modern, Southern-inspired approach to barbecue.
They’re big on technique and fresh ingredients—brisket comes as juicy slices, paired with creative sides like bacon Brussels sprouts and loaded mashed potatoes.
Their smoked turkey sandwich gets rave reviews, as does their house-made spicy BBQ sauce.
With craft cocktails and live music nights, Smokewood has become a weekend staple.
Bad to the Bone BBQ
Although they have locations around Orange County, the Santa Ana spot delivers standout, low-and-slow Texas-style barbecue—think massive beef ribs, classic pork shoulder, and a quirky, Texas-style chili.
The atmosphere is cowboy-casual and perfect for groups. Their house pickles and spicy jalapeño cheddar bread are cult favorites.
Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream & BBQ Pop-Ups
Known mostly for ice cream, Hans’ hosts a monthly barbecue pop-up with local pitmasters—they feature everything from maple-smoked brisket to pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw on soft potato bread rolls.
These events sell out fast (check social media for dates!), and the contrast of smoky barbecue followed by a scoop of fresh ice cream is pure Santa Ana magic.
Taqueria El Campesino (Barbecue Tacos)
Bringing Mexican barbecue traditions into the mix, El Campesino is famous for their barbacoa plate—tender beef or lamb slow-cooked for hours—and their wildly popular smoked-meat tacos (try the brisket or chicken tinga with house salsa).
It isn’t traditional American BBQ, but if you want something uniquely Santa Ana, this fusion is unforgettable.
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