I chose Aptos St BBQ to cater my staff appreciation day. It was great and everyone was pleased. I will use again.

I recently used Aptos BBQ for a party for 30 people at my house. The food was delivered on time and it was hot and delicious, we even had some extra. The meat was fabulous, but the sides were really good as well, would definitely recommend. read more

Review from early August, I'm just a bit late in submitting! Aptos St did the catering for my husband's retirement party at a winery up in the mountains. Delivery was spot on time, food was hot and presented perfectly. They even brought all the plates & plastic ware, although we didn't need them as the winery was supplying all that. The young man who delivered it had all the food set up quickly and without any issues. Best part, everything was delicious and we had plenty to go around even after having more people attend then we originally planned for! We were sending people home with leftover plates and still had enough for us to enjoy another couple dinners. I highly recommend them for your catering needs. Thanks Aptos BBQ for helping us have such a great party! read more

Aptos Street Barbeque catered a very special event for one hundred seniors and their guests on August 26 at midday. They provided succulent and tender pulled pork and brisket, hearty baked beans, crunchy Cole slaw and the most flavorful potato salad to all our guests. They provided plenty of "hogwash" and Barbeque sauce to add to the tastiness of this hot and delicious feast. Tender and savory garlic bread was also available to those tenants who ate bread. The team serving were kind and gracious and made sure that this elderly community received compassionate service when providing assistance in loading the compostable plates (also provided by Aptos Street Barbeque) Our Board of Directors attended that day as well to take part in the celebration. We rarely throw an event like this one, but if we ever do it again, Aptos Street Barbeque will be my first phone call. All afternoon, members of the community came to our window to thank US for the party, but they really should thank Aptos Street Barbeque. They are my favorite on DoorDash, and now they are my tenants favorite too! read more

What can I say! My fellow yelpers did not let me down. Was looking for a bbq place on my way back home from Monterey/Santa Cruz and this gem came up. It was pretty cool and easy to find. It has outdoor and indoor seating. The food was amazing! The variety of meats were on point. You def need to try the burnt ends. Wow. However the baked potatoe was not cooked to its entirety. As for the service. It's pretty much self-serve from ordering, to picking up your food to clearing our own table and plates. Other than that. Def will come here again! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Baked potatoe - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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I have used Aptos Barbecue for catering several times and LOVED it! They bring the food and set it up and the food is delicious and it makes entertaining so easy! I highly recommend them to anyone planning a dinner or gathering. Yummy food and sweet, helpful staff. Win Win!! read more

Aptos Street BBQ is DA BOMB DIGGITY!!! If you like BBQ, this is the real deal. It has meat that is tender and smoky; there is homemade BBQ sauce; there is live Blues music (some days); there is fantastic local beer on tap; and fancy soda. It's a seat-yourself and clear-your-own-dishes kind of place, but that feels right for a true BBQ place. They have wet wipes and lots of napkins at the counter because you'll need them. Prices can be a little steep for the bigger plates because of the cost of meat, but I get the "mini" plates that come with smaller portions of meat, one side (your choice), and bread (your choice of corn bread or garlic bread). If you're lucky, they may remember to give you a little chocolate in your tray. (They don't always do this, for some reason - sigh.) The only downside is parking isn't the best here. It's street parking, but I've never had an issue. read more

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I'm from the Los Angeles area, closer to Long Beach, and I have no good local BBQ spots that I've found for myself yet. This place is always so delicious and such a treat for me when I come up to visit the Santa Cruz area. My go to is the Baked Potato with brisket and I get the sour cream on the side. One of the best baked potato's I've ever had! The service is always nice. You order at the register and wait for them to call your name when your order is ready. It's a very classic looking BBQ spot and they have live music some nights. It's always very clean but I've heard it can get super super busy during certain times of the day. I'd definitely check it out if you're in the area :) read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket Baked Potato (sour cream on the side) - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

We had spent most of the day hiking and arrived a bit late to Aptos St Barbecue. Arrived at around 7:45 PM on a Sunday to a pretty busy restaurant with a band playing. We waited in line to place our food order. They were out of some meats including Beef Ribs. Even the pork ribs, we had to negotiate with the cashier. We asked for a full rack, they countered with 4 ribs, and then we finally landed on a half rack. By the time we ordered, the band was wrapping up since their set ended at 8 PM. The food: Pork ribs - tender, but not fall of the bone Brisket - medium slices from the flat - nice flavor and texture Mac & Cheese - my favorite of the sides - good cheese flavor with al dente pasta The other items were fine - coleslaw, potato salad, garlic bread, corn bread. Worth noting, the corn bread is a sliced of corn bread (not a muffin). We also got some pulled pork, but that was a bit too dry for my liking. My advice - definitely get there earlier in the day so you don't miss out on the meat that you want. Everything is self-serve including ordering, getting food, and bussing your table. read more

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This location is part of a chain that also includes Mission St BBQ. 4/5: Brisket is OK but a bit too salty, and not enough smoke flavor. It came room temp. 4/5: White mac n cheese pretty good 3/5: Cornbread They have live music daily 6-8 pm. It's a little over amped but OK. read more

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Amazing BBQ, absolutely classic Aptos spot. There's no better place in the Santa Cruz area for some high quality smoked meats. The burnt ends are typically my favorite here, but you can't go wrong no matter what. It's a regular spot for us, and for a good reason. We feel very lucky to live near Aptos St BBQ! read more

I am a vegetarian, and my friend is not. She loved everything, and I loved all the wonderful sides. I love the baked potato, especially, the mac & cheese, the coleslaw, the cornbread with the extra benefit of honey was delicious rather than dry. Live music was amazing. The band was incredible and we really enjoyed sitting outside and enjoying the breeze along with the warm cherry pie and cold ice cream companion which was a great way to celebrate her birthday. If you are anywhere near Aptos take a trip to Aptos BBQ you will find great service, excellent food that arrives not long after you settle into the seat of your choice and live music if you are lucky! read more

The best BBQ place you will ever be!!! The food is delicious and the brisket is not dry at all, they have live music and a new side that is sausage with jalapeno. The place is really pretty and they serve your food quite quickly. They have artesanal beers which is nice! They have seating inside and outside of the restaurant. Will be coming back! read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

I've been coming here for many years and it's always been good. Haven't been here for a few years since I don't live near by. Today was totally disappointed with my tri tip sandwich. Got a large one and it was $27 and I didn't even finish it. Nothing like they used to be. Expensive and not as good as before. Maybe it was a bad day for tri tip sandwiches. read more

I never thought I would find a tri tip sandwich I would like better than Firestone in SLO but I did at Aptos St. BBQ during the summer. The sandwich upgraded to a large for an additional $6 is loaded with tender meat sandwiched in between garlic bread is so flavorful on its own without the need to add BBQ sauce, which is rare. You can have the meats in a sandwich with one side or a meal with two sides and a choice of bread. We did one of each, large tri tip sandwich with Mac n cheese and regular brisket meal with baked potato (for an additional $3), beans and cornbread. Although they are known for their brisket, I fell in love with their tri tip. The sides were just okay, but it really is the meat that you're here for. Just be prepared that the tri-tip does sell out, even before dinner as we discovered recently. read more

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We ordered a very large to go order for 60 people. It was fantastic and we received everything we needed. Thanks so much.

Knew in advance I would be traveling through the area and after looking into a few places, I knew Aptos St BBQ was where I would be stopping for lunch and I am so glad I made the decision. The tri tip sandwich was exactly what I was looking for on that chilly afternoon - the garlic bread it was served on, the bbq sauce, and the tender meat was the perfect pairing. I ordered a side of mac n cheese which was super creamy and garlicky and also so so good. A really great menu of options that I had a hard time choosing what to get - the woman at the register was friendly and helpful when answering any of my questions and making recommendations. Lots of soda and beers on tap as well for those who are into that. The food came out quickly and was reasonably priced for the quality. The space itself is very casual and there was also a good amount of outside seating, though it had rained overnight so the seating was wet but on a nice day I can see how eating outside would be lovely. I would definitely come back if I ever pass through Aptos again and would be a regular customer if this were local to me. read more

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Solid BBQ spot in Aptos CA. Lots of seating space and quick moving order counter. They'll give you a shout once your order is ready. BBQ sauce reminded me of Sweet Baby Ray's, eerily so... but, I do like SBR. The sandwiches are sizeable and a bit sloppy. As it should be if you're doing a big bbq sandwich. I did the 'squealing pig' which was their spicy pulled pork sandwich. Nice kick, nothing too crazy. I'd say overall a solid spot, I had my eye on dessert but they were all sold out by the time we rolled through. Live blues 7 nights a week, solid set from the boys up there! read more

What an amazing spot. They were so sweet to host a community fundraiser for our school Valencia. Great patio area for kids to be kids. We appreciate you! read more

Considering the reviews, I thought this place would be better. Got the brisket meal with the potato salad, beans, and cornbread. The brisket was too fatty, meat was tender but with all the fat there wasn't enough meat to enjoy. The sides were just ok, beans had a spice to it and the potato salad was average. The pickled cucumber and onion were good but minimal portion. The cornbread did not have any flavor. It's a crispy thing and that's pretty much it. I feel like they gave the honey and butter to give it something but that really shouldn't carry the flavor, it should enhance it.. The staff were nice and the food didn't take long to get at least. They also have an outdoor section if inside is too crowded or you want to step out from the live music (they had that when we were there) read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket Meal - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

I visited Aptos BBQ for the first time yesterday with a friend, and even though I've lived in the Santa Cruz area for years, I can't believe it took me this long to try it! The food was absolutely delicious, and I really appreciated the great selection of beers they had on tap. I also loved that the restaurant is dog-friendly, which made the experience even better. A special shout-out to the employee serving the beer! He was incredibly friendly, patient, and happy to let us sample different beers, even with a line behind us. I'm usually the type of person who rushes because I don't want to hold anyone up, but he never made us feel rushed and took the time to help us find something we'd enjoy. That level of customer service really stood out. Overall, it was a great experience from the food to the atmosphere and the staff. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu. Highly recommend! read more

This place is amazing! We ordered lunch for our office and everyone loved it. Stormy was such a pleasure to work with, super responsive. The food was delivered on time and the order was perfect. read more

The best BBQ I have had from a restaurant in a while, if not ever! A family member brought this home one day and it was so delicious. We had a variety of meat and sides but the ribs and mac and cheese had me and everyone at the house going back for seconds! Everything was absolutely cooked to perfection, seasoned well, meat was very tender and falling off the bone, (but not in the yucky way where everything is too soft). Additionally most places have good meat or good bbq sauce but this place had both. I can't speak for the service or the ambiance of the restaurant because I did get it to go. The cons of this place was that it is on the expensive side; however, you get what you pay for! read more

We recently used Aptos Street BBQ to cater an event, and they absolutely blew us away. The food was delicious, perfectly cooked, and packed with flavor. Every single guest loved it. On top of the fantastic quality, the portion sizes and overall service made it completely worth the price.We had an excellent experience from start to finish and would definitely cater from there again for our future events. If you want great barbecue that crowds will love, this is the spot! read more

Came in around 6:30 on a weeknight and it was pretty crowded, but we were still able to snag a table. Great BBQ. We really enjoyed the ribs and the mac and cheese. My nephew highly recommends adding BBQ sauce to the mac and cheese (his idea, not mine ). read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket, Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

We came late an hour before closing and they were sold out of a lot of things. If you want to get a good selection, come earlier! I got a brisket sandwich special - I think the last one that they could make for the day. I really appreciated knowing what's left because it really felt limited! We also got a half rack of ribs, meat was really tender. We also got a potato salad and Mac and cheese. Personally I prefer the potato salad, the Mac and cheese was just ok for me. Looking forward to coming back and trying more meats! read more

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Great bbq, and considerate staff. Ordered ahead and was told it would be ready in 15 minutes, arrived 15 minutes later, and there the food was, ready to go. I appreciate that they were true to their word even tho it was a busy day. I really enjoyed the brisket and Mac & cheese. Soda fountain had a delicious black cherry soda. Will be back when I'm in the area. read more

I stop by Aptos BBQ whenever I'm headed to Santa Cruz. Aptos is at the top of my list for brisket. I've been here at least 6 times. I will say I'm not a big fan of the sides but the brisket makes up for it. Once in a while we get lucky and get live music. Service is quick and friendly. Enough seating inside and outside. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Brisket was beautiful, good flavor, great smoke ring, very tender and juicy. Coleslaw is more vinegar based which is how I like it. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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I have eaten here a few times and have had varying experiences. This time, I never received a text, and my food was waiting inside... cold. They were difficult, but eventually reheated it. Still cold. That being said, it's a fun place to be, and the best bbq place nearby. I hope the food is not cold next time. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Great food, great place. Yummy bbq. The beet salad though... by far, my favorite! I will be coming back for that salad when I'm in the area. On weekends, there is a jazz group that plays live music. Nothing better than live music, bbq, and a beer read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

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The food is amazing, absolutely love this place. We order their food from DoorDash and it's always delicious considering it is takeout.

I'm not usually a bbq meat fan but this place was really good!!! The bbq chicken was insanely juicy inside and the tri tip was perfectly cooked for juicy goodness also! We had the chicken and tri tip meals - really enjoyed the meats - flavorful and juicy! For sides, we had the Mac n cheese, coleslaw and potato salad - I particularly enjoyed the coleslaw. Portions were generous and overall good value for Bay Area. The salad was quite large with plenty of extra accompaniments. There is plenty of inside and outside seating - very dog friendly. Service was friendly and prompt - it is counter order/pickup. The unisex restroom was clean and there is a good sized self parking lot. Definitely would recommend and plan to return! read more

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After camping we stopped by for some bbq. Easy street parking. Went inside and ordered and the. Grabbed a table. Brisket: 3.5/5 a bit fatty and could use more flavor. Fine if you dip in bbq sauce. Tri tip: 4/5 good texture and better flavor than the brisket. Mac n cheese: 3/5 saucy Coleslaw: 4/5 good Garlic bread: kids liked it Cornbread: 3/5 not much flavor, probably better if I put butter and honey on it Each large meal was approx $25. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Brisket fatty and chewy. Waited only 5 minutes for fat read more

Aptos St BBQ - Disappointment this time. Waited only 5 minutes for my brisket but the whole plate is fatty pieces. Chewyyy grainy - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

Food and service were great the person who took my order was willing to substitute and work with me the food was tasty I've had three different meats and there were all very good read more

My brother in law recommended this place, and it did not disappoint. My husband and I shared the pulled pork plate with mac and cheese for the side and the garlic bread. It was amazing. The pork was so soft and flavorful! The mac and cheese was heavenly. The employees were very helpful. They also had live music going on which was awesome. Super great spot to hangout. Lots of beer options. The have stubborn soda and offer a draft cola zero sugar but I haven't tried it so I'm not sure if it is comparable to Diet Coke. read more

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I came here around 6pm on a Saturday during the Memorial Day weekend. I wanted to order the burnt ends and they ran out!! I was so sad but we moved forward with the other meats they had. I got a 4 meat combo that included the hot link, brisket, tri-tip and ribs. Service was nice and nothing special but I thought that the ribs were bland out of everything else. The brisket was not super dry but I would recommend for people to eat the brisket first because it did get dry overtime, especially at the end. The hot link was really meaty but not really chewy, which is different. read more

Aptos St BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Aptos, California

We ordered Aptos St BBQ catering for takeout for a family reunion. The process was super easy, service was great and the portions were generous. We did pulled pork and tri tip. Would order again. read more

This afternoon I rediscovered my new local favorite casual restaurant, Aptos Street BBQ. If you don't know it, try it soon. We had the best experience and can't wait to return. Great pork ribs, cole slaw and beans. And I always get extra to take home. Great atmosphere (check out the cigar box guitar on the wall) and very welcoming and attentive staff. Thanks read more