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In picture: Parker rolls, chili, mac and cheese, fatty brisket, jalepeno cheddar corn bread muffin, charro beans, pulled pork, char sui pork belly, Santa Maria tri tip, seasonal squash, chicken, og pastrami sandwich, tri tip torta. Everything was amazing! From the food to the exceptional service and the vibe with the music definitely my so far favorite so cal spot! My favorite foods were 1. Santa Maria Tri tip 2. Bbq ribs 3. Cornbread muffin (jalapeño cheddar) 4. Seasonal squash 5. Chicken! 6. Tri tip torta
Revenge is often preferred to be served cold but I on the other-hand decided to serve it hot, piping hot. A few weeks ago I was in Austin, catching up with some friends and they decided to take me to lunch at Franklin's on a hot Texas July day. As someone who despises the heat and would rather not have something than stand in line for it, I was in for a long day. It indeed was a long day, a long day of standing in line surrounded by absolutely lovely friends, new and old with the end of this faster-than-expected line being a perfect plate of barbeque and fixings. No good deed goes unpunished, so when these Texan comrades flew into John Wayne Airport on a hot Sunday afternoon, I decided to enact my ironic revenge. I pulled up to the curb of their arrival at the exact perfect time, I jumped out of the car, hugged all of them and launched their luggage into my trunk as if I only cared about my belongings in life. We drove straight to Heritage Barbeque in San Juan Capistrano, which is an uncomfortably long ride for people who just got off an airplane. I didn't ask them what they felt like eating, or if they even wanted to eat, I just drove. When we arrived, parking was a real 'female dog.' "Yes! Perfect! My revenge is taking shape," I thought. After parking, we went and stood in what would turn out to be a two hour line. I did them one better than in Texas, not only would we have to stand in line for two hours, surrounded again by absolutely lovely friends new and old, here at Heritage you can drink while you stand in line. By the time we got to the front, we were all three sheets to the wind and loving every second of it but we had to gather our senses because this alcohol in our stomachs needed delicious food to soak up. I decided to order for the group and we ordered enough to sober up hours worth of drinking. It started with the meats, pounds of brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork, pork baby back ribs, pork belly, sausages and chicken Pollo A las Brasas style and the other style too. When I say pounds of meat, I mean pounds of meat, enough to make you want to make an appointment with your proctologist. In addition we ordered every side, which I think is the underrated part of their menu. Their beans, mac & cheese, chili, potato salad and the rest are the best of any barbeque institution and I should know, I've been to a minimal amount of barbeque establishments. Anyway, by the end of the meal, my friends were full, happy and still a little buzzed. My revenge was complete.... Stay thirsty for revenge my friends....
Honestly it was a letdown for me I came here with the expectation of it being the best bbq spot in OC. -Brisket can be a bit more tender and smokier, lack of wood tasting for me -pulled pork was slightly salty -pork ribs was dry and flavor wasn't anything special -tri tip was chewy -chili was like wet dog food consistency, I was thinking it would have chunks of meat but no it was ground meat -Mac and cheese was the best item here, creamy and perfect texture -banana pudding was basic nothing special about it. With the huge ass line that's moving slow it's best to order for pick up ahead of time. Definitely not worth the long wait, I waited almost two hours.
I'll caveat this review by saying that I usually go for ribs, chicken, pulled pork. I figured if anybody could make me fall in love with Brisket and TriTip, it would be this place. But unfortunately that was not the case. The TriTip was very chewy. The Brisket was a bit dry. The sausage was pretty good. The Mac n Cheese was good but tacky consistency. The beans were decent. The potato salad was not bad and interestingly blended smooth consistency. They open at 11am and there's already a small line of people waiting, even though this was a midweek not a weekend. No problem, the line moved quickly. You're greeted by a very helpful employee who guides you through placing your order every step of the way. Even though the menu advertises meats sold by the half pound, you can ask for a smaller quantity. If you want a variety of items then it's a good idea to get a quarter pound of each meat you want to try. You watch as the chef places the meat on the scale. You can request a bit more to be added or removed. Then the employee enters the weight into the ordering kiosk as part of your bill. Side dishes can come in 8oz or 16oz containers. But I also saw a 4oz container that I wonder if is an option. They have a full bar and indoor or outdoor seating. There's no air conditioning but there are fans that provide good airflow.
This is actually some of the best bbq sauce I've had at a bbq restaurant! It actually wasn't overly sweet like most bbq sauces are. We got a few things to try: - tri tip: insanely good! It was packed full of flavor and cooked perfectly - brisket: overcooked and average. Usually brisket is my favorite cut of meat, but this was underwhelming - garlic rice: literally white rice with dry garlic clothes. Not what we were expecting and it was disappointing - spicy cucumbers: these were yummy and very flavorful! Would come here again. Hopefully the brisket this time around was just a fluke.
We had a great meal at Heritage BBQ! We came on a Sunday during Labor Day weekend, our group of 6 arrived around 11:05 to a lengthy line and we got to the front to order around 12:45. They did have water for those waiting in line! You can also purchase refreshments from their bar to the left of the ordering area while waiting. I do like that they help you find seating instead of having to fend for yourself after ordering. As you order, they do show you the cuts of meat to make sure you're okay with the amount. Our food came out within 10 mins of ordering. My partner and I ordered 1/2lb brisket, 1/2lb char siu pork belly, mac and cheese, beans, dinner rolls, and the jalapeño cheddar cornbread. We loved how tender and flavorful the brisket was along with the pork belly - it was perfectly fatty without it being chewy. Their dinner rolls are small so most definitely order more. I wouldn't get the cornbread again it was good, but it was a pretty standard jalapeño cheddar cornbread. Don't skip the Mac and cheese - perfectly cooked pasta, incredibly creamy sauce! Our whole plate came out to be around $80, with tip $91. We also got to try their banana pudding which was delicious! Lots of vanilla, creamy goodness to top off a hearty meal. Overall, not sure if I would wait 1.5 hours again but would love to come back when the line / wait is shorter. The staff and crew are very hospitable as well!
I turned to Yelp for BBQ when in the neighborhood and it did not steer me wrong. If you're a first-timer, it's easier to pay mind to the menu that is across three boards on the ground vs what's posted above where you order. It makes things significantly easier, and explains what's what. I went for the jalapeño sausage and spicy cucumbers. He got three hefty pieces of brisket (for $20). The sausage doesn't mess around. It's got a little kick to it in a good way. The spicy cucumbers were reminiscent of the classic vinegar cukes I grew up on, with a little extra umph (they aren't as spicy as the sausage). His brisket was so soft you didn't even need a knife. It was incredible. The table has mustard and BBQ sauce. The mustard doesn't have the typical bite to it which may be welcoming to those wary. The BBQ sauce felt more tomato heavy but was still good in it's own way. *Drinks are separate and purchased/served around the corner at the bar regardless if they're alcoholic or not. I had to get the house michelada. Their own blend of spices gave it an almost Enchilada flavoring that made sipping the drink lovely. While in line, people kept ordering the Banh Mi so that may be my next try when I return. The only qualm I guess I'd have is that ordering everything Ala carte can really add up so keep that in mind and plan wisely. Oh! It gets busy here on weekends too. I guess we got lucky on a Wednesday afternoon with a slow pace.
Heritage has been on my list for quite some time, but between the notorious lines and drive down, I just haven't had a chance to try this place. That finally changed today, and I'm already thinking about how I can come back again. To put it bluntly, Heritage is the best BBQ spot in OC. Heritage is located in downtown SJC, with plenty of street parking around the area. They have a bunch of outdoor seating next to the ordering station, and it looks like they're also expanding to have some more seating soon. The staff are all super friendly, and take the time to thank everyone for their patience while waiting. On the topic of waiting, they tend to get very busy around lunch time and on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly (you can order stuff online in advance, so I'd recommend trying that too). I came about 15 minutes after opening and waited for about 30 minutes (the heat today sucked, but it wouldn't be a terrible wait on a normal day). On the food front, I tried the Tri-Tip, Brisket, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baby Back Ribs, Sausage of the Day, Mac & Cheese, and Potato Salad. The Tri-Tip was the best I've ever had (it was insanely tender and flavorful), and the Brisket was the best I've had in California (super flavorful and tender). The Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwich were excellent as well, along with the sides. The Sausage was a slight miss - the flavors were great but the meat was on the grainy side. Regardless, this was the best BBQ I've had in recent memory and it was absolutely worth the wait. I will say that this place is very expensive for BBQ, so come with some friends so you can try a few things. I'd recommend getting the Brisket, Tri-Tip, Ribs, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, and a piece of cornbread. I can't recommend this place enough, and hope everyone can have a chance to try it. If you're in the OC and craving BBQ, then this is the spot to try.
Did we wait three full hours? Yes. Did we get crazy sunburns? Yes. Did we contemplate bailing after 45 minutes? Also yes. But was it worth it? Absolutely. (We will be ordering ahead next time) Took Dad for Father's day and ended up having a nice long chat in line before the main event. I highly recommend getting around 1/2 lb of pretty much all of their main items. Every single item had a very cool and very interesting flavor! Everything was high quality but some items stood out among the rest. Mac and cheese--fantastic, loved it! Banana pudding was probably one of the best if not THE best I have had. The pulled pork was decent, but nothing too special, the rolls... I really should have grabbed about 46 of them to be commensurate with the meat consumption: note to self to smuggle a baguette and some mixed greens in to balance the meal next time! The chicken had an incredible flavor with the perfect amount of spice and sauce to complement the juicy interior. Brisket was excellent as expected, and the sausage had all kinds of unique and interesting notes in there--almost too much to identify but I was loving every bite. Finally the dark horse was the char siu marinated brisket--the clear winner, even for my father who is a die hard barbecue fan of the "classics". Truly mouth watering and marinated to perfection. I MUST know how they do it because wow I have been dreaming of it ever since we left.
I'll sell my soul for the banana pudding!! complete exaggeration, but you get my point. The brisket was a taste of heaven, i've never been a fan of the brisket. It's always undercooked dry or not flavored right but this one right here changed my mind. I'm sure to order it again next time I go. The chicken, which I'm a fan of, was juicy. Their sides were mouth watering. Everything was awesomeness. I met the owner. He was great. Took the time to talk with me and even asked about some recommendations of food restaurants that I liked. Next day: I cried when I ate plate the next day. The chicken was still moist. It literally brought a tear to my eye
Everything was delicious, but the corn bread. The corn bread was slightly dry, but everything else was really good. I'm very picky when it comes to bbq because normally it's too salty, but this was perfect. One of the best mac and cheese I had as well, creamy had a depth of cheesiness, idk how to explain it haha There was a line but it went by quick. The worker's were also really kind. 10/10 would come back!!
i recommend ordering online for pickup, the process was really smooth and no wait! the mac & cheese was delicious and i liked the brisket. i'd skip the sausage and chilli and try something else next time
Drove all the way from Chula Vista and it was a nice first experience. I'll be back but next time I'll be ordering differently. Arrived at 10:15 am the day before 4th of July and didn't get to the front to order until about noon. Tip: Arrive about 1 hour before it opens. We arrived at that time and there was already a decent sized line that just got longer as the minutes passed. The spicy cucumbers and potato salad were good but nothing special. The corn was cold. The chili looked strange and had the consistency of wet dog food. It was not appetizing. I took it home only to give it away. The jalapeño cheese sausage was okay, it reminded me of chorizo. It tasted better at home in the air fryer though. The garlic rice wasn't garlic rice and was literally just white rice with garlic on top. The winners were the brisket taco, Mac & cheese, and char siu. The tri-tip nachos were good too and a big portion. The Mac had a great flavor and texture, and it didn't harden and congeal like other Macs. The char siu had an amazing flavor and melted in your mouth. There's a water refill station, an outdoor seating area, and a to-go station to grab bags and boxes to take your leftovers home. I can't wait to be back so I can order the foods I enjoyed as well as try other menu items.
1 month ago
Ordered online to skip the lines, the site was user friendly however the downside there's a lot of items sold out online (even when they first open). I believe they put proteins aside, specifically for online orders so I was confused as to why everything was sold out. Fortunately, I kept checking the site and got lucky that the brisket opened up so I was able to order a lb of pulled pork & 1 lb of brisket with a couple sides. Pick up was super easy. Parking is free right out front. All you need to do is walk up to the pick-up window. They brought the food out pretty quickly. The food came with barbecue sauce on the side & pickles, chilies, etc. The wagyu brisket was extremely TENDER. Everything was perfectly seasoned. The Mac look bland but it's actually pretty flavorful. Overall, the place is good but it is on the expensive side. This order was for 3 people and I spent $140. The portion size was adequate enough to split between the 3 of us but not generous portions, it was just enough. read more
15 days ago
The best BBQ! I came with my husband, sister, BIL, and nephew on a rainy Sunday evening. We were lucky to have gotten seated in the new(er) covered barn area which shielded us from the rain and wind. The gentleman who helped us order was so friendly and helpful with making sure we got the right amount of portions for our party. I loved that when ordering, they slice the meat right there in front of you. We ordered a variety of meats with some mac and cheese and potato salad. All the meats were so tender and so flavorful! My favorite was the brisket which just melted in my mouth. The sides were also great and complemented the meats well. We will definitely be back next time we're in town and I've already recommended Heritage to friends who are visiting. Looking forward to trying the ribs next time (they were sold out already). read more
In picture: Parker rolls, chili, mac and cheese, fatty brisket, jalepeno cheddar corn bread muffin, charro beans, pulled pork, char sui pork belly, Santa Maria tri tip, seasonal squash, chicken, og pastrami sandwich, tri tip torta. Everything was amazing! From the food to the exceptional service and the vibe with the music definitely my so far favorite so cal spot! My favorite foods were 1. Santa Maria Tri tip 2. Bbq ribs 3. Cornbread muffin (jalapeño cheddar) 4. Seasonal squash 5. Chicken! 6. Tri tip torta read more
Revenge is often preferred to be served cold but I on the other-hand decided to serve it hot, piping hot. A few weeks ago I was in Austin, catching up with some friends and they decided to take me to lunch at Franklin's on a hot Texas July day. As someone who despises the heat and would rather not have something than stand in line for it, I was in for a long day. It indeed was a long day, a long day of standing in line surrounded by absolutely lovely friends, new and old with the end of this faster-than-expected line being a perfect plate of barbeque and fixings. No good deed goes unpunished, so when these Texan comrades flew into John Wayne Airport on a hot Sunday afternoon, I decided to enact my ironic revenge. I pulled up to the curb of their arrival at the exact perfect time, I jumped out of the car, hugged all of them and launched their luggage into my trunk as if I only cared about my belongings in life. We drove straight to Heritage Barbeque in San Juan Capistrano, which is an uncomfortably long ride for people who just got off an airplane. I didn't ask them what they felt like eating, or if they even wanted to eat, I just drove. When we arrived, parking was a real 'female dog.' "Yes! Perfect! My revenge is taking shape," I thought. After parking, we went and stood in what would turn out to be a two hour line. I did them one better than in Texas, not only would we have to stand in line for two hours, surrounded again by absolutely lovely friends new and old, here at Heritage you can drink while you stand in line. By the time we got to the front, we were all three sheets to the wind and loving every second of it but we had to gather our senses because this alcohol in our stomachs needed delicious food to soak up. I decided to order for the group and we ordered enough to sober up hours worth of drinking. It started with the meats, pounds of brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork, pork baby back ribs, pork belly, sausages and chicken Pollo A las Brasas style and the other style too. When I say pounds of meat, I mean pounds of meat, enough to make you want to make an appointment with your proctologist. In addition we ordered every side, which I think is the underrated part of their menu. Their beans, mac & cheese, chili, potato salad and the rest are the best of any barbeque institution and I should know, I've been to a minimal amount of barbeque establishments. Anyway, by the end of the meal, my friends were full, happy and still a little buzzed. My revenge was complete.... Stay thirsty for revenge my friends.... read more
Honestly it was a letdown for me I came here with the expectation of it being the best bbq spot in OC. -Brisket can be a bit more tender and smokier, lack of wood tasting for me -pulled pork was slightly salty -pork ribs was dry and flavor wasn't anything special -tri tip was chewy -chili was like wet dog food consistency, I was thinking it would have chunks of meat but no it was ground meat -Mac and cheese was the best item here, creamy and perfect texture -banana pudding was basic nothing special about it. With the huge ass line that's moving slow it's best to order for pick up ahead of time. Definitely not worth the long wait, I waited almost two hours. read more
I'll caveat this review by saying that I usually go for ribs, chicken, pulled pork. I figured if anybody could make me fall in love with Brisket and TriTip, it would be this place. But unfortunately that was not the case. The TriTip was very chewy. The Brisket was a bit dry. The sausage was pretty good. The Mac n Cheese was good but tacky consistency. The beans were decent. The potato salad was not bad and interestingly blended smooth consistency. They open at 11am and there's already a small line of people waiting, even though this was a midweek not a weekend. No problem, the line moved quickly. You're greeted by a very helpful employee who guides you through placing your order every step of the way. Even though the menu advertises meats sold by the half pound, you can ask for a smaller quantity. If you want a variety of items then it's a good idea to get a quarter pound of each meat you want to try. You watch as the chef places the meat on the scale. You can request a bit more to be added or removed. Then the employee enters the weight into the ordering kiosk as part of your bill. Side dishes can come in 8oz or 16oz containers. But I also saw a 4oz container that I wonder if is an option. They have a full bar and indoor or outdoor seating. There's no air conditioning but there are fans that provide good airflow. read more
3 months ago
This is actually some of the best bbq sauce I've had at a bbq restaurant! It actually wasn't overly sweet like most bbq sauces are. We got a few things to try: - tri tip: insanely good! It was packed full of flavor and cooked perfectly - brisket: overcooked and average. Usually brisket is my favorite cut of meat, but this was underwhelming - garlic rice: literally white rice with dry garlic clothes. Not what we were expecting and it was disappointing - spicy cucumbers: these were yummy and very flavorful! Would come here again. Hopefully the brisket this time around was just a fluke. read more
2 months ago
We had a great meal at Heritage BBQ! We came on a Sunday during Labor Day weekend, our group of 6 arrived around 11:05 to a lengthy line and we got to the front to order around 12:45. They did have water for those waiting in line! You can also purchase refreshments from their bar to the left of the ordering area while waiting. I do like that they help you find seating instead of having to fend for yourself after ordering. As you order, they do show you the cuts of meat to make sure you're okay with the amount. Our food came out within 10 mins of ordering. My partner and I ordered 1/2lb brisket, 1/2lb char siu pork belly, mac and cheese, beans, dinner rolls, and the jalapeño cheddar cornbread. We loved how tender and flavorful the brisket was along with the pork belly - it was perfectly fatty without it being chewy. Their dinner rolls are small so most definitely order more. I wouldn't get the cornbread again it was good, but it was a pretty standard jalapeño cheddar cornbread. Don't skip the Mac and cheese - perfectly cooked pasta, incredibly creamy sauce! Our whole plate came out to be around $80, with tip $91. We also got to try their banana pudding which was delicious! Lots of vanilla, creamy goodness to top off a hearty meal. Overall, not sure if I would wait 1.5 hours again but would love to come back when the line / wait is shorter. The staff and crew are very hospitable as well! read more
I turned to Yelp for BBQ when in the neighborhood and it did not steer me wrong. If you're a first-timer, it's easier to pay mind to the menu that is across three boards on the ground vs what's posted above where you order. It makes things significantly easier, and explains what's what. I went for the jalapeño sausage and spicy cucumbers. He got three hefty pieces of brisket (for $20). The sausage doesn't mess around. It's got a little kick to it in a good way. The spicy cucumbers were reminiscent of the classic vinegar cukes I grew up on, with a little extra umph (they aren't as spicy as the sausage). His brisket was so soft you didn't even need a knife. It was incredible. The table has mustard and BBQ sauce. The mustard doesn't have the typical bite to it which may be welcoming to those wary. The BBQ sauce felt more tomato heavy but was still good in it's own way. *Drinks are separate and purchased/served around the corner at the bar regardless if they're alcoholic or not. I had to get the house michelada. Their own blend of spices gave it an almost Enchilada flavoring that made sipping the drink lovely. While in line, people kept ordering the Banh Mi so that may be my next try when I return. The only qualm I guess I'd have is that ordering everything Ala carte can really add up so keep that in mind and plan wisely. Oh! It gets busy here on weekends too. I guess we got lucky on a Wednesday afternoon with a slow pace. read more
Heritage has been on my list for quite some time, but between the notorious lines and drive down, I just haven't had a chance to try this place. That finally changed today, and I'm already thinking about how I can come back again. To put it bluntly, Heritage is the best BBQ spot in OC. Heritage is located in downtown SJC, with plenty of street parking around the area. They have a bunch of outdoor seating next to the ordering station, and it looks like they're also expanding to have some more seating soon. The staff are all super friendly, and take the time to thank everyone for their patience while waiting. On the topic of waiting, they tend to get very busy around lunch time and on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly (you can order stuff online in advance, so I'd recommend trying that too). I came about 15 minutes after opening and waited for about 30 minutes (the heat today sucked, but it wouldn't be a terrible wait on a normal day). On the food front, I tried the Tri-Tip, Brisket, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baby Back Ribs, Sausage of the Day, Mac & Cheese, and Potato Salad. The Tri-Tip was the best I've ever had (it was insanely tender and flavorful), and the Brisket was the best I've had in California (super flavorful and tender). The Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwich were excellent as well, along with the sides. The Sausage was a slight miss - the flavors were great but the meat was on the grainy side. Regardless, this was the best BBQ I've had in recent memory and it was absolutely worth the wait. I will say that this place is very expensive for BBQ, so come with some friends so you can try a few things. I'd recommend getting the Brisket, Tri-Tip, Ribs, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, and a piece of cornbread. I can't recommend this place enough, and hope everyone can have a chance to try it. If you're in the OC and craving BBQ, then this is the spot to try. read more
Did we wait three full hours? Yes. Did we get crazy sunburns? Yes. Did we contemplate bailing after 45 minutes? Also yes. But was it worth it? Absolutely. (We will be ordering ahead next time) Took Dad for Father's day and ended up having a nice long chat in line before the main event. I highly recommend getting around 1/2 lb of pretty much all of their main items. Every single item had a very cool and very interesting flavor! Everything was high quality but some items stood out among the rest. Mac and cheese--fantastic, loved it! Banana pudding was probably one of the best if not THE best I have had. The pulled pork was decent, but nothing too special, the rolls... I really should have grabbed about 46 of them to be commensurate with the meat consumption: note to self to smuggle a baguette and some mixed greens in to balance the meal next time! The chicken had an incredible flavor with the perfect amount of spice and sauce to complement the juicy interior. Brisket was excellent as expected, and the sausage had all kinds of unique and interesting notes in there--almost too much to identify but I was loving every bite. Finally the dark horse was the char siu marinated brisket--the clear winner, even for my father who is a die hard barbecue fan of the "classics". Truly mouth watering and marinated to perfection. I MUST know how they do it because wow I have been dreaming of it ever since we left. read more
27 days ago
I'll sell my soul for the banana pudding!! complete exaggeration, but you get my point. The brisket was a taste of heaven, i've never been a fan of the brisket. It's always undercooked dry or not flavored right but this one right here changed my mind. I'm sure to order it again next time I go. The chicken, which I'm a fan of, was juicy. Their sides were mouth watering. Everything was awesomeness. I met the owner. He was great. Took the time to talk with me and even asked about some recommendations of food restaurants that I liked. Next day: I cried when I ate plate the next day. The chicken was still moist. It literally brought a tear to my eye read more
Everything was delicious, but the corn bread. The corn bread was slightly dry, but everything else was really good. I'm very picky when it comes to bbq because normally it's too salty, but this was perfect. One of the best mac and cheese I had as well, creamy had a depth of cheesiness, idk how to explain it haha There was a line but it went by quick. The worker's were also really kind. 10/10 would come back!! read more
4 months ago
Drove all the way from Chula Vista and it was a nice first experience. I'll be back but next time I'll be ordering differently. Arrived at 10:15 am the day before 4th of July and didn't get to the front to order until about noon. Tip: Arrive about 1 hour before it opens. We arrived at that time and there was already a decent sized line that just got longer as the minutes passed. The spicy cucumbers and potato salad were good but nothing special. The corn was cold. The chili looked strange and had the consistency of wet dog food. It was not appetizing. I took it home only to give it away. The jalapeño cheese sausage was okay, it reminded me of chorizo. It tasted better at home in the air fryer though. The garlic rice wasn't garlic rice and was literally just white rice with garlic on top. The winners were the brisket taco, Mac & cheese, and char siu. The tri-tip nachos were good too and a big portion. The Mac had a great flavor and texture, and it didn't harden and congeal like other Macs. The char siu had an amazing flavor and melted in your mouth. There's a water refill station, an outdoor seating area, and a to-go station to grab bags and boxes to take your leftovers home. I can't wait to be back so I can order the foods I enjoyed as well as try other menu items. read more
Perfect food for half day metrolink family ride on a weekend... (better to use the metro deal on weekend than drive and park. Adults $10, kids 17 n under free) Short walk off the train station. Went for briskets, charsiu pork belly, texas chili, sausage (jalapeno cheddar this day) Brisket was our favorite. No teeth needed. Excellent bbq sauce on table Charsiu pork belly they said only burnt ends were left for the day. No problem I like burnt ends. But this wasn't as good as I was expecting. Texture showed potential but most of the bites needed more teeth than tender. Unless the regular cuts are more tender, I would skip the pork belly and go all briskets. Texas chili was awesime. So much bold flavoring and packed with meaty bites. Jalapeno cheddar sausage was of course delicious, but too spicy for us. Unless you like spicy I would wait for a day when its not the jalapeno:) Drinks are available at the Separate bar. Great selection of beers on draft and was perfect with the bbq of course! read more
I'll start by saying that getting in line early, and for a long time, and waiting for good @ss BBQ is all a part of the experience!! For the other poor reviews rating, based on the line/wait, "ya'll" don't get it & didn't get it. And here's a tip for you, save yourself the time if going to Texas for bbq ever crosses your mind. The lines are even longer and you'd wish for a 1.5 hr wait out there. And again, it's worth it for the bbq experience. Here's the thing, come prepared (we brought coffee & donuts) and get ready to get acquainted with your neighboring BBQ enthusiasts! It's a communal, fun time & well worth the wait. That being said, on a Saturday, I arrived at 9:45AM and it was good timing. The line got progressively bigger within the next 20 minutes. They shade the first 30 people with umbrellas, pop up tents, etc. Everyone else, unfortunately, sat in the sun. Bring a parasol. Again, preparation, be open & have a good time at this bbq experience. There is cold water available, the bar opens early, they make announcements every so often and they have two clean bathrooms. All that availability makes the waiting doable. They opened on time, but given they do fresh cuts per order, it takes time! It's also a part of the experience and if they did it any other way, just to save you time, it wouldn't be the same & a shame. Though they start on time, the line starts actually moving (slowly) at about 30 mins after opening. The menu slightly varies from time to time. Some standouts were the roasted corn (elote), potato salad (best I've ever had), and the pulled pork taco (where are they getting these amazing tortillas from?!). If you're lucky to get a beef rib - the best! The spare rib is also really good, followed by the jalapeño & cheddar kielbasa. The Cole slaw was great, as were the spicy cucumbers & you really need these types of dishes to cut the fat as you're making your way through the rich meats, even though they do serve all platters with pickled onions, jalapeños & pickles, you still need a side dish to help balance. The brisket burnt ends, brisket, pork belly & pollo a las brasas are also pretty good, as was the chili. I REALLY enjoyed my lavender seltzer as well! Not overly sweet by far, light, refreshing & just what I needed. Is Heritage BBQ "worth the wait"...yes, but be prepared for the long wait time & have fun in line, that's it. Also, try finding anything like this between here & Los Angeles. It's unique and we're lucky to have them. read more
Got off the train hungry!! And you could smell this place immediately!! We decided to brave the line... ( well worth it!!) staff was super friendly, saw we had a larger group so pulled a few out of line to sit with the kids. We tried the brisket sandwich, the corn, and the tri tip and brisket nachos. Had to pay for both meats, but wanted Torrey them both.... Those nachos. soooo good!!! I might have to take the train back up just to get those Don't let the line scare you and give it a try!!! Also a local ipa on tap from San Juan was amazing also!! read more
12 days ago
We really wanted to like Heritage.... We got in the line about 10 mins after they opened at 11am on Friday, June 19th (Juneteenth holiday). Figured we would get started early on Father's Day. The line was already pretty long, about 50 people ahead of us. The sun came out so it was starting to get warm. By the time we got to the head of the line to order, it was 1:34pm, so about 2.5 hours long. A nice guy in a cowboy hat came down the line with a megaphone to let people know how long the line is taking, etc. Let me preface by saying, my husband knows Texas style smoked barbecue. He started competing in bbq competitions for a couple of years in Arizona and was employee #1 at the best bbq restaurant in Phoenix. He also worked at the best bbq restaurant in San Francisco and smoked for Anthony Bourdain, so our standards are high. Overall the bbq was overcooked and dry. Not sure if it was because of the holiday weekend and they were having an off day or they smoked meat in advance, but the smokiness also didn't stand out as much as it should. Here's what we ordered: fatty brisket (2 lbs), pork ribs (1 lb), char siu pork belly (1/2 lb) and burnt ends (1/2 lb), 2 jalapeño cheddar sausage links, large potato salad, 2 cornbread muffins and 1 elote. The fatty brisket was the best in our opinion but it wasn't juicy like my husband's brisket. It was slightly overcooked and a tiny bit dry. No juice. (I almost want to upload of photos of my husband's bbq to see how juicy it is supposed to be) Pork ribs were the most disappointing...they were waaaay thinner than the pork ribs my husband smokes and it doesn't help at all when it's overcooked, leading it to be dry, almost like a jerky. (again, I almost want to post a photo of my husband's pork ribs as a comparison!) Burnt ends do tend to be overcooked anyway but these were pretty dry and stringy and just drenched in sauce, kinda like they were hoping the sauce would save it. The pork belly was not overcooked and tender but lacked flavor. I'm Taiwanese Chinese so I know char siu and I didn't taste any char siu flavor. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was also overcooked and dry and the cheese was solid, which is weird, when it should be melted. This doesn't indicate freshly smoked to me. The potato salad and corn muffins were my favorite! haha... The elote was also tasty with a nice char but I wanted more of the cream sauce all over the corn, not just a zigzag. I ended up cutting the corn off the cob and adding some mayo, elote seasoning and the mustard sauce and eating it out of a bowl. The regular bbq sauce was standard, a little sweet, but I really liked the brown/deli mustard bbq sauce! I dipped everything in that mustard sauce. The dining area was cool, with a mix of longer communal wood tables with benches and smaller metal 4 person tables. We ordered a bunch of food to take back to family so we asked to have everything packaged to-go but we wanted eat lunch there. They brought out some paper plates and utensils for us to sit down and eat a little first. The bar is also great and is where you get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade, ice tea or Arnold palmer. Not sure how this spot got a Michelin Bib Gourmand, but the other bbq spot in LA is much better. We were super disappointed to wait 2.5 hrs for overcooked and dry smoked meats and our bill was $280 with tip. I would only come here again if there was no line and I would get a burger, salad and nachos instead. It almost tasted like they smoked the meat a day ahead of time and kept it for the holiday/Father's Day weekend. read more
My wife brought me out to celebrate Father's Day I didn't know there was going to be a crazy A$$ wait!! We waited "3 LONG HOURS !!! Standing in the blistering hot sun felt like my face was melting off !! It was definitely by far the longest we ever had waited to eat in our entire LIFE !! So when we finally got to order I made sure to get a lot of food !!! I ordered brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, tri tip and sausage links for protein. For the sides. I ordered spicy cucumbers, green salad. Charro beans, classic Mac and cheese and some dinner rolls they had ran out of jalapeño cornbread which I was hoping to try out. I also got a large order of their homemade banana pudding for dessert. Hands down my favorite was the brisket and the tri tip. And the banana pudding !! Would I ever come back and wait 3 hours again ? Hell no !! Definitely not !! But I won't hold it against them the food is definitely delicious from one smoker to another it's definitely worth trying out at least once in your lifetime for for sure !! So for anyone that has never been here I highly recommend 1) expect to wait a very long time in line ! 2) bring a umbrella there's no shade! 3) wear plenty of sunscreen you will need it ! 4) wear comfortable shoes, there's no where to sit down but one small bench half ways to getting to the restaurant. 5 ) if you get thirsty try to avoid alcoholic drinks, they do allow you to drink while being in line. 6) stay hydrated they have complementary water in front of the restaurant. That no one mentions till you get to the front of the line. read more
We finally made it to Heritage Barbecue! We've wanted to try this place for the longest time, but every time we see that line, we chicken out. My son had a volleyball tournament nearby on Saturday, 10/10/26, so we stopped by around 4pm and to our surprise, no line! Perfect opportunity to finally eat here! Everyone was super friendly and the service was great but I wasn't ready to order so I kindly let a couple go ahead of me. Guess what they ordered? The baby back ribs!!! Ugh, I wanted to order that and regretted being nice haha. Still, we had a great first experience and really enjoyed the atmosphere and friendly service. The brisket was tender, the tri tip was also good, we enjoyed the chili and mac and cheese. We ordered the bread and they were tiny for $1 each. The banana pudding was delicious! Try to get there early as they sell out of menu items fairly quickly. They have plenty of dining space available. Parking on street if you're lucky or parking lot nearby. read more
5 months ago
Arrived to a very long line on Sunday. I think we waited almost 90 minutes. C'est la vie, but the food was awesome. There's plenty of water to grab if you're in the line and you can also have an adult beverage while you wait. Once you get your order in you are given seating so don't worry - you don't have to eat in your lap sitting on the curb! Food was delivered quickly. Great service all around. I'd come back just not on a weekend or at lunch time! Otherwise, excellent food and very grateful we had seating once we ordered! read more
8 days ago
My husband and I love it here. Highly recommend the brisket sandwich, the smash burger, the Mac n cheese, and the chips with queso. The quality of the meats are amazing. The staff is super helpful when it comes to ordering. read more
3 months ago
2 months ago
Overall:4.5/5 The tri tip was really good 4.7/5; I liked it more than the brisket 4/5 Mac and cheese was solid Chili and corn bread were also good; I wish the potato salad had larger chunks of potato I enjoyed the delivery of drinks while we were in line Would take off 1/2 a star because we waited over an hour starting at 2:30pm read more
3 days ago
Heritage Barbecue is a Texas-style BBQ restaurant located in San Juan Capistrano. It's right across the street from Mission San Juan Capistrano. It was recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand which results in long lines even before open. We went an hour before open and there was already a line forming. As we stood in line we saw Daniel (the chef and owner) cooking chicken on the grills outside and the smell permeated all over. Once you order you get a number, grab a table, and they will bring your food to you. There's a separate area for drinks where they sell beer, wine, and seltzer. What I thought was really good were the char siu pork belly and mac and cheese. What I thought was good were the brisket, pork spare ribs, Texas chili, and potato salad. What I thought was okay were the brisket burnt ends, jalapeño cheddar sausage, and garlic rice. Note that you can get meats from as little as 1/4 pound if you want to try a variety. I was really hoping to try the beef rib but unfortunately they didn't have it. I want to come back to try it along with some of the other things I liked from here. The staff were friendly and the food was solid. I would come here early though to avoid the long lines. read more
I have had Heritage BBQ at various events over the past few years but never dared to stand in the line and eat at their outdoor tables. But, as I was driving by around 1 PM, there was no line. Yes, I said no line. So I immediately found a parking spot and walked right over. I think I waited for less than two minutes, so don't hate me. It was just pure luck because by the time I was done eating, there was a giant line. When I ordered, they showed me the half a pound of tri-tip that they were going to serve and asked me if it looked OK. It looked delicious. I ended up ordering a half pound of tri-tip, one of their cheddar jalapeño sausages, side of mac & cheese, and a FKN cornbread biscuit. This was not cheap as it was over $50 for just these items, but that did include tip. I also went to the bar and ordered a beer. They had a nice selection on tap, and I ordered one of the local Mexican lagers to go along with the meal. The tri-tip was tender and delicious (5/5). On the table came their barbecue sauce, which I used liberally, and it elevated the flavor up even more. The sausage was OK (3/5). It was a little tough, and I didn't think the mustard paired particularly well with it. The mac & cheese was creamy and so good (6/5). The FKN cornbread biscuit was soft and tasty (5/5). The beer paired perfectly with the meal. It also came with a side of pickles, onions, and jalapeños, which were a nice pairing with the meats. Overall, terrific experience. Will definitely come back, but will probably never have such a short wait again. read more
Good barbecue is hard to find but look no further than Heritage! This place exceeded my expectations, and they were high. We came on a Friday afternoon and there was a line but we got through within 20-30 minutes which was great. They're super quick with taking your order which helps the line move. They also had someone grabbing people from the parties in line and sat them. I was able to grab a seat and wait for my friend to order for us which was nice and alleviated us worrying about finding a spot. Now for the most important part... the food. We went big (go hard or go home, right?) Here's what we ordered: - Tri Tip: excellent flavor, nice and smokey flavor, tender and not too fatty like tri tip can be at times. Possibly my favorite meat we ordered. - Brisket: also bursting with flavor and paired really nicely with their BBQ sauce - Pulled pork: tender, flavorful, delicious -- enough said. - Jalapeño cheddar link: likely tied for first place since I love a good sausage. Great combination of spicy and cheesy and smokey. - Mac and cheese: absolutely incredible 10/10 you have to get this. The fresh scallions are a nice addition - Potato salad: honestly some of the best potato salad I've had out at a restaurant. It was fresh and they use homemade buttermilk ranch in it and it is to die for! - Banana pudding: I'm not a big banana pudding person but for this one... I am. The nilla wafers were a fantastic complement to the banana and it wasn't overpowering. All in all, if you're even thinking about coming here, I can guarantee you will not go wrong! read more
6 months ago
TLDR: It's another shot at breaking the glass ceiling of Texas BBQ within California. Although the line may suggest that this place hits (or even cracks) the clear barrier, I feel that it fails to hit that mark. Brisket: Smokey, salty, meaty, and occasionally fatty. It's everything you want in a brisket. Is it the best? No. Is it the softest? No. Does it taste unique? No. It's another brisket in the mountain of restaurants that claim that they've successfully brought Texas BBQ to California. You get it because brisket has found itself as a pillar within the wave of artisan Texas BBQ, but I'd had at least 3 that are better. Tri-tip: Maybe we got an older batch, but it was on the dryer end. I had a hard time differentiating the taste of this, compared to the other meats that we got, something that I didn't have a problem with when ordering tri-tip elsewhere. Pork Ribs: I've been lucky to have never had a bad rib from establishments that give a damn and that streak continues here. The decision of making a spare rib that isn't fall off the bone is respected, as the meat is soft once you bite it off the bone. Pulled Pork Sando: Knee jerk reaction.... It tasted like Pork Adobo. Upon further mulling and consideration...... It's good Pork Adobo. Mac n' Cheese: It's the best Mac n' Cheese in a Texas BBQ spot that I've had. I love how the noodle, sauce, and panko breadcrumbs complemented each other. I thought the watery cheese sauce was gonna give me an ick, but the taste was good and shook off the negative thoughts. Ambiance: It's good outdoor dining. The area is a quiet and "posh" neighborhood, so you don't really get the drawbacks of eating outside. The non-city nature of the region also provides this sense of calmness within the location. Service: The line will be long, but the employees have a good process. Order taker rings you up, "pitmaster" (who really just cuts the meat for you) proves you got what you ordered, and you're seated after you pay. read more
6 months ago
I first saw this place on my favorite YouTuber's channel, and after watching them try the barbecue, I knew I had to check it out for myself. After waiting about an hour and 45 minutes, I can honestly say--it was completely worth it. Yes, the line is long, but there's a reason for that. I tried a little bit of everything, and every single item was packed with flavor. The barbecue was outstanding--tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly. Don't let the wait scare you off. This spot absolutely lives up to the hype. If you're thinking about going, do it--you won't regret it. read more
Be sure to get here early! The lineup is long. We came at 4pm and still ended up waiting 30mins. The BBQ is good. This tastes just like the kind you'd find in Austin, Texas. We decided to go all out, since we were here with family and tried everything. The tri-tip, was juicy, the brisket was flavorful (albeit a little drier than what I personally like), and the ribs were by far my favorite. The sausage was also good, but was clearly everyone's last choice. The Mac n Cheese was a big hit, but I loved the mashed potatoes. They also have spicy cucumbers (this must be the Asian/Mexican California influence, because this ain't an Austin thing!), and the taste was not quite what I expected but I'd recommend you give it a try. The house salad is exactly that. No surprises there. I like that everything is à la carte, bc you can mix and match to your heart's desire. There is also a bar on the side that serves a variety of beers, as well as limeade and iced tea. Note: this place will easily run you $50 per person with taxes and a drink. read more
Food- brisket was decent, not great because it is a restaurant. The flat was a bit dried, but had that great beefy flavor that I look forward to. It was not overly smokey. The garlic rice was perfectly cooked with a hint of gain? Cleanliness- well kept and organized. Bathroom - didnt use. Ambiance- rustic and welcoming Price - south county prices. I may stop by if im driving through the area, but wouldn't go out of my way for it. Service - attentive and super friendly. Parking - street only. Not easy to find unless you walk a bit. read more
9 months ago
Every BBQ fanatic has either heard of Heritage, been to Heritage, or are actively planning their trip to Heritage. My brother is completely obsessed with searching for quality BBQ in the SoCal area and has been talking about Heritage for what feels like forever! We finally made our way to SJC just to try it and got an assortment of brisket, tri trip, sausage, and burnt ends. For sides, we got baked beans, cornbread, and Korean cucumbers (was super surprised to see this on the menu!). Overall, everything was pretty good! I will say things erred on the saltier or drier side, but, nonetheless, it was pretty dang good. They nailed the flavors and the cuts of meat were super generous! read more
The food is so good. Service is walk up n order food. Then go to the next counter and order your drink. They have beer, wine, and Coca-Cola. Then you take your number to your bench outside of choice. They have some drinking water in a white yeti if you want It's definite picnic style fun read more
This place always has a ridiculous line and I've been wondering what the value was if I were to wait for a long time... today was the day for a visit, a Wednesday at 11:30, still busy but not uncomfortably so. We opted for pork ribs, garlic rice, and a smash burger (no bun). They give you a number then they'll go find you. Mustard and bbq sauces and tons of heavy duty napkins on the benches/tables. Food doesn't take long to arrive. The pork ribs are very tender, fall off the bone, comes with pickled veggies (technically fruit)... I really enjoyed the garlic rice, cooked well and a nice hint of garlic went really well with the meat. It's a busy place and definitely only gets busier, as I've seen so my suggestion is a weekday earlier in the day when the meat is fresh and less people are on their lunch break. Cute atmosphere, rustic and bbq style restaurant! read more
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More info about Heritage Barbecue
31721 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
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http://www.heritagecraftbbq.com
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Ask the Community - Heritage Barbecue
Is the sausage beef or pork?
It's the sausage of the day. So it's always changing. Best to call ahead before you go.
What time does same-day online ordering open?
I believe it's 11 am, and they are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Is it possible to order 1/4th lb portions? I'm interested in trying the tri-tip but considering I'm definitely ordering 1 lb of brisket, I'd rather not commit to half lb of tri-tip.
When we were there in May, this was possible. And, btw, brisket is AMAZING.
Looking to pick up food on a Friday for a 5pm gathering. Should I get it early (FOMO) and preheat with fam or place an online order for a 4:30 pick up and still be okay?
get there early!!! the line fills up fast, & if i'm not mistaken, they're only open until supplies last
Can we order online ? I tried but page does not let me .
Yes! We ordered online to pick up since some items sell out quickly. Follow the link here and click order: https://www.heritagecraftbbq.com
Wanted to see if you guys are open December 23rd, Saturday or if it will be closed for the holidays?
Best to contact them directly for their holiday hours
Is it dog friendly?
Yes. Leash. Outdoor seating. Might have seen a water bowl or 2.
Is there a trick to ordering? I go to your website under Ordering and it only ask for my email. I go to your Menu, and it takes me to Ordering? What am I missing?
Not sure what happened. The site is available when they are open and not out of food. Pre-orders are Ava for holiday stuff - but not for the day to day. You cannot phone it in.…
Are there Gluten Free options here?
Is it just beer and wine or is there other alcohol served?
I'm pretty sure it's a brewery with just beers and maybe a cider or 2
Is this place still halal?
Saw a video online that they did and everything was cross-contaminated
Are Beef Ribs only available on Saturdays/Sundays? Are there other limited options between weekday/weekend?
There has been a few times beef ribs are available on weekdays - they post the menu on Instagram (last week was one of the first times I've noticed it). There are also several other options each day - especially the brisket which is amazing!
Do y'all offer dine in or just curbside pickup?
They have both. But the "Dine in" is all on picnic tables outside. So no inside seating but a lovely patio with tables and a beer and cider bar.
Are you open on July 3 and 4?
How do you place an order?No phone number and can't order on website?
The Heritage BBQ Website has a link to "curbside pickup" online ordering. Takes you to a site called cashdrop where you place your (minimum $100) order. Otherwise, just show up and stand in line.
How soon should i get in line on a Saturday?
We got there an hour before they open at 11. Third in line. At 11 line was about 30 people. Worth the wait!! Had the beef rib. Amazing. Get some bread across the street at FKN bread. Soooo gooood
2 questions, first can you drink in line while you wait and second can you bring your own alcohol to drink in line like in Texas?
Yes you can drink in line
Two questions: 1) Do you have to order $100 worth of food to eat here? Or can you just order enough for one person?…
Not to dine on site. The minimum only applies to curb side pick-up and only on certain days.
How early can you place an order online ( before business hours ?). Online I was reading in the review that often things sell out. Want to make sure I understand how the system works with covid to Blaine only orders
I read they open the site at 10:30AM. We witnessed two pick-ups arrive shortly after 11AM. There is a wait once you get there, as much as 20 minutes.
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