5 Best Barbecue Joints in Irvine, California to Try

Irvine might be best known for its master-planned communities, diverse international food scene, and sun-drenched SoCal vibes, but there’s a quietly strong barbecue undercurrent here.

With so many transplants from the Midwest, South, and across the US, the city’s pitmasters draw on a broad spectrum of influences: Central Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, Korean-inspired ‘cue, and a healthy SoCal penchant for quality meats and fresh, creative sides.

Irvine does BBQ with a touch of upscale polish, but you’ll still get smoky, napkin-staining classics and family pride. Whether you’re craving old-school comfort or a fresh, local twist, these are the spots to know.

1. Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Though a regional chain, Wood Ranch has become an upscale-casual anchor for SoCal barbecue aficionados.

Their Irvine Spectrum location is always lively, family-friendly, and reliable for fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, tri-tip glazed in signature house BBQ sauce, and tangy sides like smashed sweet potatoes and peanut coleslaw.

They marinate meats overnight and slow-roast over oak wood, so the smoky notes are always well-rounded—not overpowering.

The vibe is polished and contemporary, perfect for date night or group outings.

2. Smokewood BBQ Cafe

This modern BBQ kitchen operates as a low-key counter service joint but turns out beautifully smoked brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with an eye toward balanced flavors and upscale comfort.

Their St. Louis–style ribs are especially beloved, and the Texas-style brisket gets high marks from both traditionalists and BBQ newbies.

Don’t skip their house pickles, creamy mac and cheese, and buttery cornbread.

The chef-owner’s commitment to small-batch smoking and scratch-made sauces gives this place a true hometown feel, even if it’s nestled in a business park.

3. Honey Pig Korean BBQ

While not an American barbecue joint, you can’t talk about Irvine ’cue without mentioning its thriving Korean barbecue scene.

Honey Pig is at the top of the local list—here, diners grill pork belly, marinated galbi short ribs, and spicy chicken tableside, with a riot of banchan (side dishes) and tangy, savory dipping sauces.

The experience is social, interactive, and a fun fusion of Korean and California barbecue cultures.

4. Wild Goose Tavern (nearby in Costa Mesa)

Worth the short drive, this tavern-style spot gets raves for its smoked meats menu—particularly the brisket sandwich, rib tips (served after 5 p.m.), and a stellar bourbon peach BBQ sauce.

The atmosphere is part dive bar, part smokehouse, with vintage Americana decor and a devoted crowd.

Here the pitmasters aren’t afraid to experiment, and specials rotate seasonally—think smoked wings tossed in house buffalo BBQ or a barbecue take on mac and cheese.

5. Georgia’s Restaurant (Anaheim Packing District)

For barbecue with soul, locals head to Georgia’s, which brings a taste of Southern family tradition to North Orange County.

The ribs, sausage, spicy wings, and pulled pork are the stars, smoked low and slow, then sauced with sweet heat in true Georgia style.

Collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and bourbon bread pudding make the perfect sidekicks, while the warm, Southern-welcoming hospitality sets an unforgettable tone.