Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Capelo's Barbecue

    4.4 (862 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Southern, Tacos
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Capelo's Barbecue Photos

    Business Info

    CAPELO'S BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Capelo's Barbecue

    Recommended Reviews - Capelo's Barbecue

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    menu
    Amy Y.

    Capelo's Barbecue gets around the bay, and it is quite a delicious, clean, and consistent barbecue from a Central Texan native! The prices are very reasonable for the meats, and they have a variety of limitless sauces you can grab. The only negative is that the sides can be better, but that's fine - totally into going pure meat for them! We typically get the 3 meat plates because it's a great value and can feed two. I sometimes can even share one with my parents. All their meats taste equally good. Our favorites are the beef brisket and pork ribs, but their pulled pork and smoked chicken are very moist, tender, and flavorful as well. We sometimes get a hot link on the side, as it's smooth with a good snap and spice. You can request it to be sliced. The grilled chicken breasts are not as tender as the other meats, but still has a good barbecue flavor - I imagine you'd get this if you need to eat lean. For sides, the mac & cheese, baked beans, and corn muffin are our favorites. The mac has a chunky and thick Velveeta-like coating, the beans have a strongly sweet and smoky robust flavor, and the corn muffin has a soft texture. The slaws are more vinegary, and the other sides are something you'd expect from your local grocer's prepared food section. Another thing that Capelo's Barbecue does well are the sauces - they have four types that escalate in heat. They all have very different flavor profiles and are on the sweet and tangy side, but I like them all. Their spiciest sauce is not that bad and does have some natural sweetness, but you should have water ready anyways because it's the spice that slowly grows on your tongue. The employees are extremely nice and efficient, both from the food truck and brick and mortar in Redwood City. One day when we came in for a pickup order, they were celebrating an employee's birthday and offered everyone a slice of cake! I wouldn't be surprised if I went to the South and had better BBQ, but we're in Northern California so I'll note Capelo's as amongst the best I've had in the bay (I've tried a lot of them). It seems they sporadically have live music at their dine-in location (which closes late for a barbecue place), so I hope to join them sometime in the summer for that! Their schedule is posted on their website, and they also have both indoor and outdoor seating, and a beer garden. Parking is not that bad, since they're away from downtown and have their own small lot. Their food truck roams around the entire bay, but I especially love partaking when they go to my local Off the Grid.

    David S.

    Carpelo's BBQ is a solid 3 stars. Overall, everything was decent, but nothing really stood out or wowed me. We ordered a mix of meats and sides. The ribs were a bit of a letdown--they were too burnt in some areas and had quite a few overly fatty parts. The brisket was okay, but on the dry side and slightly hard, which took away from what you'd hope would be the highlight of a BBQ spot. For sides, we tried the mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. Unfortunately, none of them really stood out--they all felt pretty average, almost like something you'd get in a cafeteria rather than a specialty BBQ restaurant. One thing I did enjoy was the free pickled onions--they were a nice touch, and I personally love pickled onions, so that was a win for me. The staff was really friendly and welcoming, which definitely added to the experience. There was also a live singer while we were there, and that created a really nice, relaxed vibe. Overall, it's a solid spot if you're in the area, but not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again.

    Mariam T.

    I cant believe I never realized this gem was here! Cool art, live music, great seating, and ofcourse, the best food. We tried grilled chicken tacos, hot link sandwhich, mac, slaw, and corn muffins. I was tempted to try the peach cobbler cheesecake but will save that for next time. They were out of brisket so I look forward to getting to try that next visit! Its a great atmosphere and you can come in friend groups, with your family, date night, it all goes!

    3 meat with peanut slaw and Mac and cheese. Mac and cheese was meh, if I'm being honest.  But that corn muffin was on point.
    Tanya M.

    The BBQ was delicious! Two of us shared the 3 meat plate with two sides, and it was more than enough for us. I am always skeptical of brisket, Smoking Woods set a high bar for great brisket, but this brisket was tender and tasted great. The burnt ends!! They added some ends and i couldn't get enough of them. The perfect meat to fat ratio- soooo good! The ribs were good, but I couldn't taste much of the que on the ribs. Again, Smoking Woods has set a high bar! The peanut slaw was so tasty. I wanted to get it and the ends as a takeaway after we were done! Don't sleep on the pickled sides either- pickles, jalapeños and onions. Great addition to the meal Great atmosphere, music was on point, and the team was super hospitable. I travel for food, and would definitely visit over and over again.

    Shella P.

    Definitely must try for bbq lovers! Located in the industrial area. They have a nice outdoor seating. Bar area has couple tvs. That leads to open space to another outdoor area with tables and chairs. Staff were attentive and helpful. The brisket was for me and man I could have kept eating but had to stop myself. It was nice, tender and juicy My man loved both the ribs and brisket! Already told family members about going here next time with them & they can't wait to try!

    Dee B.

    Food is fire! The grilled chicken and the beef brisket are my go to. I get in line for it at the foster city off the grid every time I'm there. Their cornbread and mac and cheese is so good! A must!

    List of their beers! Sounds yummy
    Priscilla L.

    Excellent taste of Texas BBQ. We came on a Saturday in August near dinner time. The food was so good that I forgot to post in Yelp. Parking was difficult as their small lot was full. There was outside street parking around the restaurant, warehouse and train area. But go early before those spaces are gone! Other than that this reminded me of my time in Austin, Texas. And I can see the Texas influence here. Redwood City perfect to be that Texas outdoor eating as the warm summer heat warms you with live music . Or you can eat in at the small inside area by the bar. My friends got 2 meat combo with 2 sides. I decided to splurge to get a beef rib that was pretty pricy, but they were sold out and instead they replaced it with pork ribs! Wow! That's a lot! All the different sides we got were all good we agreed on. I said although the meat is tender, it just can't beat the cattle down in Texas where the meat will fall of the bone like magic. Texas got their longhorn cattle for a reason and yummy they are! Moo! moo! Overall it's an excellent experience and I would love to go back. I believe my first experience with Capelo was a black food truck in one of the events in San Francisco maybe it was Presidio tops? Other than that they are yummy good . Two thumbs up! I had to get takeout box to bring rest home for dinner number 2. lol Yummy in my tummy! Yes I would need to come back earlier to get the beef rib eventhough it's expensive, but I want to relive my Texas trip. I love Texas food and miss it! if you know any other Texas or Texas Mex in San Francisco Bay Area let me know.

    Outside
    Mumtaz P.

    The service was great. I came when they opened so the food was hot and fresh. I ordered a two meat plate with brisket, smoked chicken (dark meat), mac n cheese, kale salad, corned bread muffin, and brussel sprouts. The brisket was tender, chicken juicy, the sides tasty. The cornbread needed butter but I toasted it up at home and it hit the spot. It was a lot of food so I took half home. I ordered banana pudding to go. It wasn't bad but $11 is kinda a lot.

    Kimberly N.

    Note, we did order for delivery so maybe it would have been better eaten there. Out of everything pictured, we enjoyed the corn bread, vegetables, potato salad, brisket, ribs and hot links. The brisket had a very good consistency and was tender. We did not like the two BBQ sauces that were given. The Mac & cheese had a weird taste to it. The chicken was a bit dry. The pulled pork was also dry.

    Vincent L.

    I would say this is easily one of the top three barbecue spots in the Bay Area. I got their three-meat combo: ribs, cheddar jalapeño sausage, and brisket, with cream of corn and mac & cheese on the side. The ribs were super flavorful, tender, and fell right off the bone. The sausage was really good--great flavor, not too spicy, just a nice little kick. The brisket was super tender, fatty, and packed with flavor. The mac & cheese was amazing: super cheesy, thick, creamy, and full of flavor. The cream of corn was solid--not a ton of flavor, but still a good side. I definitely want to come back and try the beef ribs, which I've heard sells out really fast. I tried to get them this time but they were already gone, so you definitely need to go early if you want those. One thing I really like about this place is there an all-you-can-eat pickles and pickled red onions. They also have homemade barbecue sauces that are really good--the spicy one and the sweet one are my favorites. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place for the flavor, quality, and tenderness of the meats. The only downside is the portion sizes are on the smaller side, but the prices are okay. Ambiance is nice, mostly outdoor seating, and I think on weekends they have a band that plays, which is a cool touch. Service was good and everyone was nice, but parking is limited and the area isn't the greatest.

    Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
    Jon Z.

    I had some friends absolutely RAVE about Capelo's, and I've somehow never heard of it before then! So I knew I had to go check it out. I got the 2 meat plate with brisket and sausage, and sides of Mac n cheese and beans. My favorites were the sausage and the Mac n cheese. The sausage was very unique--absolutely loaded with cheese which made it really good. It was however very greasy and heavy, so if you don't like that I wouldn't recommend it. But it was great to me. The mac n cheese was very gooey and tasty as well. The beans were good. The brisket was just okay in my opinion, nothing to really write home about personally. A bit dry. I also got a slice of the peach cobbler cheesecake which was delicious as well. Loved the graham cracker crust, and the cheesecake was very rich without being overly heavy. We went on a Sunday and they had plenty of TV's playing football, which make it a great spot to watch games as well. All in all, some of the best barbecue I've had in the Bay though, so I would definitely come back.

    10/17/25 - Dad pigging out while our Beast waits for dropped food.
    Dexter D.

    In a case of wishful thinking, I brought my Dad to Capelo's Barbeque for one of their fantastic Beef Ribs. Sigh. Reading the specials board, no Beef Ribs. Somehow, I thought they were available on Fridays and Saturdays but unfortunately, it's only Saturdays and Sundays. So, I pivoted and switched to a pound of Smoked Brisket (Juicy), along with a Slab or Pork Ribs, and containers of Cilantro Peanut Slaw and Creamed Corn. Paid for our order, got our Table Top order number and went to get our drinks, set-ups, BBQ sauces and pickled onions and pickles. We chose a table and got the Beast settled. That's one of the things we love about Capelo's, the outdoor dining is perfect for well-mannered dogs. Soon, our food was delivered to our table. Time to feast! Smoked Brisket - 5 - Not chopped, not sliced, but cubed. Well, there were three small slices but everything else was cubed, juicy and delicious. I might occasionally take a drop or two of BBQ sauce but the meat is always good enough to eat by itself. Pork Ribs - 5 - Individually sliced for your dining convenience. Also tender and tasty. Cilantro Peanut Slaw -5 - one of my wife's favorite salads from any BBQ restaurant. Creamed Corn - 5 - Crack! Addictive and ridiculously yummy! Service is always excellent from the order taker to the person who delivers your food to the table to the guy who went to each table to make sure that everyone was enjoying their food. Consistently great!

    Aftermath
    Bart B.

    Nashville, Austin, Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, etc. Your boy has done some traveling in the South and tasted the local fairs. This place is top 3 bbq all time. I'd put this up there with Martin's in Nashville and Franklins in Austin. That's rarified air. Definitely on my Rushmore of bbq. You must get the brisket, beans and banana pudding. If you're going for another protein the sausage with jalapeño is my go to. The Mac n Cheese, Coleslaw, Cornbread and bbq Chicken not as good in my opinion so I stick to the order above when visiting. Wife usually opps for the brisket tacos which are also very delicious and worth a try. Highly encourage you to give this place a try it doesn't disappoint.

    dino ribs $94 (1/2 gone)

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian M.
    11
    126
    429

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole C.
    4
    621
    107

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R S.
    0
    195
    62

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee B.
    1
    20
    11

    8 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kris C.
    572
    129
    555

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cari C.
    0
    49
    70

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jas W.
    0
    135
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria F.
    23
    92
    46

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 22

    Capelo's Barbecue Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Capelo's Barbecue

    Where is parking in this area? It doesn't look they offer a parking lot. Thanks.

    The parking lot can be accessed from MacArthur Ave, to the left of Capello's if you're facing the front. Or you can find street parking on Middlefield or surrounding streets.

    Do you cater?

    They definitely do and they are really good at it!

    Does the peanut slaw have milk?

    Skip the slaw No milk

    Do you still have ribs?

    Yes. They have ribs.

    No tritip here? For real? What's up with that?

    Tritip is not southern barbecue.

    Are there good places to eat around the To Go counter (like a park)?

    No, it's on Middlefield in a commercial business district. There's nothing walkable. However they might have outside seating in nice weather.

    Where is Capelo's today?

    Hello Daniel, We are in Oakland, Lake Merritt tonight from 5pm-8pm.… Read more

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Barbeque 29,041 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    El Paisa By Los Alegres - Tacos Al pastor $3.25

    El Paisa By Los Alegres

    4.7(136 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I was in the mood for some street tacos and this was the highest rated place around. And now I know…read morewhy! It is a truck, but has a consistent set up in this parking lot. There was no one else there when I arrived around 8pm on a weeknight. They have the typical mexican fare on the menu and I got a burrito and some carne asada tacos. The food was ready pretty quicky and even though they had some tables set up there, it was too cold so I took it back to my hotel 10 minutes away. The food was still piping hot and the meat was amazing! You could really taste the smoke and that's what did it for me. The size of the burrito was huge and I couldn't finish it, shifting my focus on the tacos as those were better. They come with cilantro and onions and packed with limes, but you need to grab your own salsa before you go from their salsa bar. I highly recommend this place!

    We found this place since it was near the Costco we were headed to while visiting my nephew…read more Literally in the parking lot. The reviews looked good so we decided to make a stop. Pleasantly surprised by what we would find. My nephew asked if the beef tongue was good but they weren't understanding so we just ordered one. He also got a carne asada taco and I got a mulita. They have a sala bar with cucumbers/radish, pickled onion and salsas. I had to try them all. They call you when it's ready. The beef tongue looked very interesting so we were skeptical about it. But after trying it, we were pleasantly surprised and he enjoyed it the most of the 2 tacos he got. The multia was only grilled on 1 side and the other tortilla was just slapped on top. All the other places we go to they grill both sides. It did have a nice cheese layer on it though. Good but would have preferred both sides grilled. Salas were good as well. I didn't get my receipt though but oh well. SYOY!

    Photos
    El Paisa By Los Alegres - Salsa bar

    Salsa bar

    El Paisa By Los Alegres - Nicely loaded nachos

    Nicely loaded nachos

    El Paisa By Los Alegres - Quesobirria Tacos

    See all

    Quesobirria Tacos

    La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana - Tallarines con Mariscos Family

    La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana

    4.3(2k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Great tacos and ceviche! I understand why it received Michelin Guide recognition now…read more I ordered the ceviche trio, which included cóctel verde de camarón, dorado, and pescado. I also ordered the pescado taco and the cochinita taco. The food was flavorful and fresh. To end the meal, we ordered churros with some chocolate sauce, which were piping hot. I wish this place were closer to me because I want to try everything on the menu!

    Had a reservation for 7pm on a Friday. The inside of the restaurant was full, but we chose the…read moreoutdoor seating option. Lighting wise - it's a bit dark at the outside seating. They have heat lamps outside if needed. We ordered: - ceviche trio: tortilla chips with three types of ceviche (camaron - shrimp, dorado - mahi mahi, pescado - fish) - pulpos salteados: octopus and calamari, potatoes, arugula, butter and saffron sauce - asado mixto: skirt steak, pork chop, chicken breast, prawns, chorizo, cactus, zucchini, onion, peppers, and tortillas The service is relatively quick, with food arriving around 10 minutes after we ordered. The fish and shrimp in the ceviche were super fresh and had a perfect level of tanginess and spiciness. The mango and avocado were great additions. The pulpo salteados was filling and comforting, with the octopus and calamari being tender, and the potatoes being boiled down to be soft. The garlic butter sauce was delicious! The asado mixto, in my opinion, is the best dish to get, since there's a bit of everything on the menu, from beef to pork to chicken to shrimp. Everything was cooked to be tender, and it was a delicious bite to wrap everything in the corn tortillas. The molcajete salsa had a perfect kick of spice. I always enjoy a dish with veggies as well, and the zucchini and peppers were great with the molcajete. While on the pricier end for Mexican food, everything was tasty and service is friendly and fast. I was stuffed this time, but definitely want to come try the churros next time!

    Photos
    La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana
    La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana - Tallarines con Mariscos Family

    Tallarines con Mariscos Family

    La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana - Sangria

    See all

    Sangria

    Los Carnalitos - Tacos

    Los Carnalitos

    4.5(279 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Let me tell you, first and foremost, Los Carnalitos is anything but "just another taco truck." No…read moreway! This is literally the best hidden gem off the El Camino Real. Truly! I have experienced many a taco spot... and nothing compares to the utter freshness, flavor and bang-for-your-buck type of value that is offered here. Due to the Lenten season, my hubs and I were looking for a place that offered seafood tacos and this place was rumored to be the best. After stopping by on our way out of town recently, we knew instantly this was true. The aguas frescas are served iced cold and 100% fresh. My agua de guayaba and my hubs' agua de tamarindo were absolutely to die for. You could absolutely taste the fresh fruit for each. Now for the best part. On Friday's they have a special: $5 fish tacos with tortillas made fresh and by hand... complete with all the fixings. The fish is hand battered, made to order and served piping hot, dressed with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a combination of mayo and chipotle aioli. The picture simply doesn't do it justice, folks. Hands down, the best fish tacos in the area. 100/10. The team aboard this truck are friendly, quick and serve every dish up with a smile. Truly elevating the unique experience. While I was only lucky enough to stop for fish tacos, I look forward to future trips to Los Carnalitos for a sampling of their many menu options, especially the fried banana for dessert!! Note: this truck accepts both cash AND card... and they do honor door dash orders!

    One of my favorite places but.... we usually order our food…read moreto eat there. This time I asked for it to go. I happened to check the bag and no hot salsas were added so I asked the lady for some. Please check your bag before leaving,! Not sure if they are trying to save... I was so hungry that I decided to eat my Torta in the car immediately, to my surprise the torta barely had any cheese, the meat was in tiny little pieces and dry:/ the bread was not toasted as usual so it was not warm or taste the same! Who likes cold bread... It was probably a different person cooking that day.

    Photos
    Los Carnalitos
    Los Carnalitos
    Los Carnalitos

    See all

    Carnitas El Rincon - Redwood City

    Carnitas El Rincon - Redwood City

    3.9(68 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I'm honestly surprised that this place doesn't have 5 stars. Carnitas el rincon is a special…read morerestaurant that serves only carnitas in family style packs or tacos with hand made tortillas. They do only speak Spanish but they do accept credit card. If you order the tacos they'll ask you if you want everything or meat only. We chose meat only and it came with the juiciest and most flavorful carnitas I've ever had. The tacos were a great price and filled to the brim! The portion size was great. 3 tacos could fill you up pretty easily if you're hungry. I cannot recommend eating here enough!! Some of the best tacos I've eaten ever. It even beats out some taco places in Southern California. We decided to take it togo but they do have indoor and outdoor seating. They also take credit card which is nice. Parking is their own private lot with a good amount of spaces. Overall, I've been itching to come back! And will be coming back whenever I want carnitas!!

    Canritas el Rincon has been around since '04, and they have multiple locations throughout the bay…read morearea - They are known for carnitas, and we had heard about this from a fellow passenger on the CalTrain, stating that the president of Mexico stated that this was their favorite restaurant of all time. HA. You can purchases these by the lb, but they also have plate and combo specials, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. We went for a few orders of tacos, where the carnitas were piled high. Portions were generous and could be easily shareable. Staff were friendly. Super casual type of a place, most patrons seem to get their orders to-go. +known for their carnitas +super casual +friendly staff

    Photos
    Carnitas El Rincon - Redwood City - Small place with no restroom

    Small place with no restroom

    Carnitas El Rincon - Redwood City
    Carnitas El Rincon - Redwood City

    See all

    Capelo's Barbecue - bbq - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...