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    Harper Barbecue

    4.3 (228 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Harper Barbecue Photos

    HARPER BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Harper Barbecue

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    A little bit of everything
    Felina V.

    Went to Harper Barbecue for the first time on a Saturday evening with friends. Is there anything quite as wonderful as dining with fellow foodies who are open to ordering a little bit of everything and sharing?!! I was in HEAVEN! The most memorable items for me were the beef cheek and the chili, but everything was truly outstanding. Attentive service, and a more elevated and polished vibe than you'll find in most BBQ joints, all while being super comfortable, cute, and enjoyable! Can't wait to return. :)

    Dark meat chicken, some ribs, and some Picanha Prime Rib! Complimentary pickled veggies
    Michael K.

    I got the ribs, Picanha and chicken from the staff recommendations. Honestly, the chicken was very dry and bland. I thought it would help to drown it in sauce, but their sauces were weak. The Picanha was the best and ribs were just okay. They really need to work on their barbecue sauces. Their sides are really expensive but the jalapeño cheesy honey butter corn bread was tasty!

    Maitake Mushrooms
    Jeffrey L.

    My girlfriend and I decided to come visit since they had a special going on for turning 1 year old for $1 ribs and all day happy hour! Parking is pretty bad around the area but there is a small lot that I got princess parking for so that was awesome. Mostly street parking. Line was pretty long getting there at 6pm but I feel like it moved pretty fast! I would recommend if you're with someone else they go find a seat while you order. Food: - TRI TIP WAS THE BEST - WAGYU melt in your mouth you HAVE to try this. 10/10 - Ribs - I loved the bark on them. However, maybe it was not as tender and some seemed a little dry but some were tender. 3/5 - Beef Cheek - 1/5 - I wanted to like it but it just felt like it had a weird aftertaste. It was VERY tender though. - Pork Belly Burnt Ends - These were delicious and super tender. Make sure to eat it while it's hot! 5/5 - Pickles - I loved the pickles they gave us. Some sweet and some sour. Good balance with the fatty meats. - Cole Slaw seemed a bit bland. 3/5 - Maitake Mushroom - We loved this and would definitely order again! 5/5 - Sauces were great too! We wanted to try the Picanha but maybe that will be for next time! I overheard the beans being very good as well. Pro tip if you are by yourself and want to skip the line you can head straight to the bar. You can watch the game and enjoy some great meats while being in a family environment.

    Shannan E.

    First time eating here and it was absolutely delicious. We picked a few meats we wanted to try and got the coleslaw, potato salad and cornbread as sides. The tri tip, beef cheeks, and ribs were our favorites. It is pricey but worth it. The restaurant itself is beautiful with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. It's spacious and there were plenty of tables to sit at. The staff were all friendly and helpful with choosing items from the menu.

    Jay W.

    This place is such a small hidden gem and if you ain't local you won't hear about it. Very cute and roomy place the bbq is a bit different, but it's amazing. The service is self checkout but they will bring it the made to order foods. The menu is simple but yet effective. Got the family platter that feeds 4-6 people, pork belly burnt ends, and Mac and cheese. The family platter consist of beef cheek, brisket, ribs. smoke chicken, pulled pork, sausages, 6 sides, cornbread and rolls. Each meat tasted delicious and the beef cheek stole the show for me. Super tender and it just falls apart and has so much flavor. Not a fan of the chicken, it was a bit dry. All the meats were perfect. 5/5. The side were various but I think the beans were the best. 4.3/5. The corn bread, forget about it.s the best corn bread I tasted. You gotta try it. 5/5. The pork belly burnt ends were amazing. That was the first time I ever had pork belly burnt ends and I would get it again. 5/5. The Mac and cheese, sorry I was not impressed. I wish I would have got the spuds fried in beef tallow. The Mac and cheese had hardly any flavor and was super liquid. 1/5. Overall this place is a must try.

    Pork Belly Burnt Ends
    Mary Anne W.

    This place has such a very welcoming and modern look to the restaurant. Plenty of tables inside, there is an outdoor and indoor section. First come first serve on tables. Everything is pretty much self serve. Came here Friday evening, their parking parking lot is small, so you will have to be prepared for street parking. You order first then grab any available table. The staff is very nice and the food was worth the long wait. My family and I waited about 25 minutes to order so it wasn't too bad and the crowd kept coming. We ordered the platter that feeds 4-6 people which came with chicken, pulled pork, sausages, brisket, beef cheek, and the six sides. Since it was our first time and we didn't really know what to order. For extras we ended up getting the Mac and Cheese, along with the Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Honestly, the flavoring was pretty good and moist. I wasn't a fan of the chicken though it was dry to me. The cornbread was pretty delicious, Pork Belly burnt ends with the sauce it had tons of flavor, and the brisket were our favorite dishes. I think for next time I rather just order certain meats individually to try out instead of the platter. I would definitely come back again.

    Wagyu tri tip sandwich
    Jenna H.

    Harper Barbecue absolutely delivered. Came with a group so we could try a little bit of everything. The Wagyu tri-tip sandwich was the standout. Super tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavor without being overly heavy. You can really taste the quality of the meat. The turkey sandwich was also impressive -- smoky, moist (not dry at all), and really well balanced. We shared a half pound of tri-tip and half pound of pulled pork, both cooked perfectly. The tri-tip was sliced thick and flavorful, and the pulled pork was juicy. We also got the cheddar jalapeño sausage which was the perfect balance of smokey and spicy. The mac & cheese was creamy, comforting, and exactly what you want as a BBQ side. Sauce-wise, the Honey Bear and Cali Gold were our favorites -- both added the perfect extra layer of flavor without overpowering the meat. The space itself is trendy and welcoming, with great covered outdoor seating that makes it perfect for groups. The employees were genuinely friendly and helpful, which made the experience even better. For the quality of meat and portion sizes, the price point felt more than fair. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to.

    Mac and cheese side
    Angela B.

    Chicken wings $6?? 2/5 Happy hour menu. These came out crispy and glazed, not a huge fan of the glaze, little tangy for me and the inside was dry which is sad. Would pass Pork sliders $6?? 3/5 Happy hour. Small and cute. They were fine, but they also weren't woah. Would pass Smoked salmon fish plate $22 3.5/5 Good, but I think king ora salmon shines when it's served hot. The tartar sauce is quite good! Brussel sprouts $14 4/5 Very tasty! Not too sweet from the balsamic, it was super crispy the ends of the leaves. The lime on the side helps keeps things interesting, and the creamy sauce helped to quell any tanginess. Ate for 2.5 and am full

    Wedge Salad - packaged to go
    John S.

    Came back again, this time with my wife, trying to keep things a bit healthier with the holidays right around the corner. I ordered the wedge salad, and she went with the farro bowl with steak plus the jalapeño cornbread roll. The wedge salad was good, but noticeably smaller than last time (see photos). The farro bowl was just okay--missing that "wow" factor or any real pop of flavor. The cornbread is still solid, but no honey butter this time... which feels like a small but important miss. Overall, this landed as a 3-star experience for me. That said, I'm not giving up yet. I'll be back again and hoping they get the train back on the tracks.

    Menu 3/27/26 (ig: @cravingswithcat)
    Catherine N.

    Decided that it was finally time to try Harper for their 1 year anniversary where ribs were $1 each and happy hour was all day. We didn't get to try the happy hour menu, but everything sounded so good. Our favorite meat cut was the beef cheek, super tender and a smokey rub. My favorite side was the cornbread, literally so moist and flavorful. Be sure to get their banana pudding for dessert :) The staff were so nice and friendly, great spot for date night or family outing. It looks bigger than it is, with seating indoors and outdoors. There's a small parking lot, but street parking isn't difficult to find. ig: @cravingswithcat

    Frank P.

    Today was their one year anniversary. Happy hour was all day and you could get pork ribs for a buck each limit five. I got my five ribs, some beef cheek, fried pickles, and the bratwurst sandwich. Like my last review, the ribs had a bit of a tug. They need more time on the smoker. The beef cheek melted in my mouth. I love bratwurst, and theirs was really good. I also enjoyed the fried pickles very much. They were slammed today but service was fast. This is one of the best BBQ joints around.

    Teresa B.

    The ribs were good, great crusty bark, smoke ring. I think my boyfriend found the meat a little dry. I thought it was ok and decent flavor. The beef cheek ($19/half pound) was definitely fatty, but the flavor was a bit too strong, maybe too umami. My favorite meat item was the wagyu tri tip, it was good quality, definitely fat marbled. The maitake mushroom ($18) was delicious and nicely paired with the tahini sauce, not too overwhelming. Pork belly burnt ends were straight forward, not too fatty, but sweet. You order meat first, then hot and cold sides. At the register you pay or order additional items like happy hour. The service was more like fast casual. They have food runners, but everything else was self service like hot sauces, utensils, take out containers. It's a beautiful space inside with indoor and outdoor seating. They have bar seating with tvs, serving wine and beer. They have a parking lot, but it is easier to find street parking. I would possibly return and try the bbq picahna, that's a cut you don't see often at bbq joints.

    Macaroni, chicken, tri-tip
    Natalie C.

    Harper bbq is the spot! Located in Costa Mesa, Harper bbq serves up fresh and delicious meats and sides. Lots of seating inside and outside, a great place for big groups and families. Park on the street or in the small lot. Meats: I've been a few times with friends and family. We've ordered the ribs (fan favorite), pulled pork (yum), tri-tip (yum), beef cheek, chicken, and sausage. Sides: definitely get the Mac and cheese! The beans and potato salad are also good, they are just vinegar based so if you're not into that then it might not be for you. We also tried the banana bread pudding and it was delicious! I'll go back just for that. Overall a great addition to Costa Mesa and can't wait to go back.

    Platter for 4-6

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    3 hours ago

    Unbelievable food and service. Wide variety of barbecue. Lines tend to get very long, but the server for the line knows exactly what's good.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Harper Barbecue

    How does it compare to heritage in San Juan?

    Harper is much better. Heritage is overpriced and overrated. .My favorite BBQ however is Hickory and Spice.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Holé Smokes

    4.1
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    Fantastic for breakfast or lunch. The veggie burrito with spinach, mushroom, avocado, onion and…read moreeggs - super delicious. Our server was Bella and she was AMAZING! There is a bar, good for happy hour and game watching as well as restaurant seating area, inside and outside good for groups and families to sit and enjoy the food and beverages. Burnt Ends are a great appetizer, the tacos of all kinds but especially enjoy the brisket. All the smoked meat is good brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork and sausages, choose your sides French Fries, Baked Potato, salads, Mac and cheese, etc. there are plenty of great options.

    I'd probably give Hole Smokes somewhere between 2 and 3 stars…read more I ordered the brisket, tri-tip, links, mac and cheese, and baked potato. Unfortunately, the brisket was extremely dry--to the point where it literally dried my mouth out while eating it. The tri-tip was actually pretty good and easily the best thing I had. If I came back, it would definitely be for the tri-tip. The link was basically just pure spice to me. I didn't really get much flavor beyond the heat. The mac and cheese was whatever--not very cheesy and tasted more like plain pasta. The baked potato was literally just a potato with butter, nothing special. They also had three different table sauces, but I wasn't really a fan of any of them. I will say the service was good and the staff was super friendly, which definitely helped the experience. Another big positive is the price. It wasn't expensive compared to a lot of other BBQ restaurants, so that's definitely a plus. Overall, based on the food, price, and good service, I'd put it around 2.5/5 stars. The tri-tip and friendly staff were definitely the highlights for me.

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    The bar
    The bar
    Smash burger and Mac n cheese
    Smash burger and Mac n cheese
    Brisket, links, ribs, pulled pork and chicken were all on point.  Not to mention the service with a smile.  Thank you Holé Smokes.

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    Brisket, links, ribs, pulled pork and chicken were all on point. Not to mention the service with a smile. Thank you Holé Smokes.
    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa

    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa

    4.1
    (957 reviews)
    3.3 mi
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    I got the Premium Omakase, and it was hands down the best Japanese BBQ I've had. Every course was…read moredelicious, and the quality of the Wagyu was amazing. I swapped the edamame for the mushrooms and shishito peppers (there was a small upcharge), and it was definitely worth it. My favorite course was the Sukiyaki Wagyu. The garlic fried rice was also really good, and I loved trying all the different Wagyu cuts. We also had the spicy beef soup and finished with the matcha mochi. Overall, it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was incredible, the portions were perfect, and I can't wait to come back.

    Last night, my wife, daughter, and I celebrated my wife's 37th birthday, and what an incredible…read moredecision this turned out to be. While searching for reservations, I came across Manpuku Japanese BBQ. I honestly didn't know much about it, but a handful of photos immediately caught my attention. Something about the presentation, atmosphere, and quality of the food made me curious enough to give it a shot. I was fortunate enough to secure a reservation the day before and sent the restaurant a message letting them know we would be celebrating my wife's birthday. Right away they were accommodating, responsive, and excited to help make the evening special. Parking was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience. We happened to get lucky and grabbed a spot just as another car was leaving. If not, I believe there is additional parking available nearby, but thankfully we didn't have to worry about that. Walking into the restaurant was my first surprise. For some reason, I expected a large bustling dining room. Instead, Manpuku felt intimate and welcoming. The soft lighting and wood accents created a cozy atmosphere that felt perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant was also spotless, with clean and organized dining areas and grilling stations. Instead of seating us at a traditional table, we were escorted to a private-style dining area where we removed our shoes before stepping into the seating space. It immediately made the evening feel unique and added to the intimate atmosphere. Now let's talk about our server. Hannah was outstanding. Since it was our first visit, she walked us through the menu, explained the different cuts, discussed preparation methods, asked about allergies, and provided recommendations throughout the evening. She was knowledgeable, professional, and personable, making us feel genuinely welcomed. Her attention and care helped make my wife's birthday dinner memorable. For our meal, we selected the A5 Wagyu Omakase. The experience started with beautifully presented appetizers, including Uni and Beef Sashimi, Seared Beef Sushi, Japanese salad, kimchi, and several small bites. The seared beef sushi was rich and buttery, while the Uni paired wonderfully with the beef. The A5 Wagyu selections were the highlight of the meal. Chuck short rib, culotte, chuck roll, and inner skirt each offered distinct textures and flavors, all showcasing the richness and tenderness that make A5 Wagyu special. The quality was evident in both the presentation and taste. And then there was the A5 Umami Rice. Despite being part of a Wagyu-focused meal, it stood out as a flavorful and comforting dish that kept everyone reaching for another bite. The drinks were refreshing and paired well with the meal. One thing that made the evening even more special was being able to share the experience as a family. Between the intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and excellent food, it felt like more than just dinner. To top everything off, the staff surprised my wife with a birthday dessert presentation complete with a candle and thoughtful decoration. Seeing the smile on her face while celebrating alongside our daughter made the moment even more meaningful and reflected the hospitality we experienced throughout the night. For anyone considering the A5 Wagyu Omakase, come hungry. While the presentation is elegant, the experience includes multiple courses and a generous amount of food. By the end of the meal we were completely satisfied and felt that the experience justified the price. Exceptional service, quality ingredients, excellent food, and an intimate atmosphere made for a memorable celebration.

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    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Costa Mesa
    Seared Beef Nigiri | $7.5/ea (2pc min.)
    Seared Beef Nigiri | $7.5/ea (2pc min.)
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    Smoke Queen Barbecue

    Smoke Queen Barbecue

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    9.5 mi
    $$

    I feel like a yelper that's been living under rocks. Can't believe I never heard of this place…read moreuntil I recently saw my fellow yelper Van D's review. This is western BBQ with an Asian flair. I think the flavor is better and slightly less heavy than a traditional American BBQ. Everything was so packed with flavor, can't really pick a favorite among so many great proteins. Smoked Brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a nice smokey taste. Green Curry Sausage was definitely unique with a really nice Thai infused flavors. Was slightly spicy with strong green curry and lemongrass flavors. Canton Bowl, which comes with smoked pork belly char siu, siu yuk (pork belly with super crispy skin), and coconut rice, was excellent as well. The siu yuk was really good with super crispy/crunchy skin. House-made BBQ sauces were quite good. I really like the gochujang bbq sauce. It has decent amount of heat with a sweet & spicy taste. The regular house BBQ sauce has a tangy, sweet taste with a very subtle heat. It's located at Cottage Industries. Not exactly sure what to call it. It's somewhat like a small community of restaurants and shops with a garden and a play area for kids. Parking is very limited so will most likely need to park on the streets along residential area. Service is minimal. You order at the counter and they give you a buzzer to let you know when the food is ready. Seating is only available outside in the covered patio area but you can also pick any of the community tables and chairs within Cottage Industries.

    Tried out this new spot in GG, and seems like a nice area to enjoy a casual hangout. There is a…read morelarge patio in the back with other shops as well. The staff were friendly and the food came out pretty quickly. The food was OK, I was pretty excited to try BBQ with an Asian Panache. I got the bowl that came with one out of four choices of meats, to which I chose brisket. Cornbread with butter, coleslaw, and a side of rice. Unfortunately, the brisket was a bit disappointing because it wasn't tender and pretty dry. It tasted pretty good and paired with their gochujang bbq sauce made it taste better. I also asked for a leaner cut of meat but my meat were really fatty. I liked the cornbread and their butter was really good! The coleslaw was ok and the rice was dry with pork bits.

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    Doors open for the day ; picture of the order counter
    Doors open for the day ; picture of the order counter
    Pork Belly - Skin was nice and crispy
    Pork Belly - Skin was nice and crispy
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    Harper Barbecue - bbq - Updated August 2026

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