Foodie Alert! Joplin's Ojai is a Masterclass of Fire, Smoke and Flavor. Some restaurants serve food. Others tell a story. Joplin's does both. BBQ seems an understatement. Saw, the chef-owner, was raised in Burma with an Indian father and it seems as if he was blessed with an instinctive understanding of spice and flavor. His culinary journey includes 4 years at Tallula, (Mexican) in Santa Monica and today he's creating something uniquely his own in Ojai. Open-Fire BBQ with an artist's touch that makes even cornbread elevated. I promise- you'll be a fan too. The spiced compound butter with honey and flaked salt takes this dish over the top. I ordered the Smoked half chicken with lemongrass curry and rice. The meat was perfectly tender and smoked and complimented by the fabulous curry sauce. I wanted to lick the plate- it was that good. We shared the pulled pork with tamarind BBQ sauce and it too was a flavor bomb. The tamarind sauce was both Smokey, a tad spicy and just enough sweet to balance it. As sides we shared the beans and the garlic slaw. Each dish had its own garnish and flavor surprise in my mouth. Both were delicious. I can't say enough about the food other than -Do yourself a favor and eat at Joplin's. The setting is equally inviting with a charming outside patio with plenty of shade and Mountain Views. It's an ideal spot to linger over lunch. The indoor dining room is dark and dramatic with the bold rock-n-roll soundtrack playing in the background. The front of the restaurant is run by Saw's wife and you order before you're seated. They are gracious hosts and the service is good but remember- they are busy. Be patient and take your time to enjoy your flavor experience. read more

Disappointing experience. We stopped here after visiting a local art gallery and decided to share the pork ribs and cucumber salad. When we asked the server for a recommendation between the beef and pork ribs, she gave a vague answer about both being "bone-licking good," which wasn't helpful. The food itself was a major letdown. The portion was tiny (just three small pieces of ribs) and the meat was undercooked, greasy, and mostly fat. The cucumber salad was essentially a strange-tasting cucumber soup filled with soggy cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Glad we only ordered one dish to share, because this definitely ruined my appetite for ribs! read more

I was really excited to try this new restaurant, but unfortunately it completely missed the mark. We ordered right after they opened at 12:05, so there really wasn't a reason for the broccolini to come out cold. It honestly tasted and felt like it had been sitting out for hours. When I told the server, she took it back to the kitchen and brought it back less than 5 minutes later. The plate came back extremely hot, but it was clearly the exact same broccolini and same plate since I had added a little cheese on the side. They clearly microwaving it, but the whole situation felt disappointing, especially for a $15 side dish. It honestly ruined my experience because that was one of the dishes I was most excited to try. read more

Joplin's - Charred Broccolini - American Near Me - Ojai, California

Food.Drinks.Rock&Roll. That's their tagline and on Sunday The 805 Supper Club came to see what Joplins was all about. With a unique fusion of flavors, that is really what sets them apart. This is not your typical barbecue joint. It is very unique and isn't that what Ojai is all about? We had 16 members in attendance and not one of them had a complaint about their food! Great portions and amazing flavor and good quality. The weather was beautiful for patio seating and the rock 'n' roll was filling the air. Thank you to Brittany and Elizabeth for taking such good care of us. The majority of us had never been to Joplins before but I can guarantee you will have repeat customers. We appreciate you accommodating our large group! Congratulations to Millie for winning the gift card. if you've never heard of Joplins the drive is worth it I promise you! read more

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We are solid BBQ fans and Joplin's is the best we have had in SoCal. Granted, its not Texas or Carolina good, so keep it in perspective. The brisket was good, but could've used a little more smoke. The pulled pork is the real standout--moist, flavorful and pulled just right. Its a small place with good service and very good BBQ. Side note, get the garlic slaw but skip the fries--tasty, but a tiny portion. read more

Joplin's - Brisket. Get the full pound...it will go fast. - American Near Me - Ojai, California

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Love this place! If you're feeling bbq in Ojai this is the spot to hit! Amy is one of the most passionate people I've met and they also serve up food on Wednesday at the Ojai brewery if you're feeling bbq and a nice cold one with music. read more

Joplin's - Brisket and cornbread side with baked beans ‍ - American Near Me - Ojai, California

Absolutely incredible experience at Joplins in Ojai--this place is a must-visit. The smoked pork belly rice bowl was outstanding--packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and incredibly satisfying. Every bite hit. You can tell a lot of care goes into the food here, and it shows. And the banana pudding... next level. Easily one of the best desserts I've had in a long time--rich, balanced, and impossible to stop eating. What really elevated the whole experience was the service. A true 10/10. A special shoutout to the owner, Brittany, who was amazing--so accommodating, friendly, and clearly passionate about what she's built. This is one of those places you leave already planning your next visit. Highly, highly recommend. read more

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I came here with my husband to try out this new place. In particular, we tried their wagu, and I tried their brisket baked beans and the Thunderstruck milkshake (excluding nutella). At first, we were told all their ingredients were local, but I asked about the wagu, since I don't think we have a local source for that, and they checked and confirmed, it was Australian. Which is fine. We enjoyed it. The baked beans were nice, I didn't know there might be different sizes of sides so I got a small bowl and it seemed quite small but that was perfect for what I wanted. That plus the Thunderstruck was plenty for me. I'd get a different milkshake next time, this one... I didn't love the Namari I think. But the general idea was good, creative and attractive in appearance. The restaurant is small and intimate. A long time ago it was a small house, and some of the interior structure is still preserved. Prices were average I guess. Definitely not an inexpensive experience. Eg: my fancy milkshake was $16. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful with menu recommendations (at my asking). Definitely one of the highlights of our visit. read more

Joplin's is a new barbecue spot in Ojai, opened by the husband-and-wife team behind the Dutchess. It's a casual spot, with cashier service and self-seating, in either the dark, comfortable dining room or the nice patio, set up with picnic tables. There's a rock and roll theme to the decor, music, and general vibe. It feels like it was made by and for millennials (this is a positive, in my book), but the food should satisfy anyone. My husband and I spent a weekend in Ojai last month and Joplin's was our first stop, at 12:30 on a balmy September Saturday. We knew it was a new place from established local restaurateurs, and worried it might be crowded. We were pleasantly surprised when we found a parking spot in an ample lot. We walked past a guy operating a giant smoker, then waltzed inside behind the one other person in line for the cashier. Service was fast and friendly, and we had our choice of tables on the patio. The place got busier while we ate--it seems like a popular lunch destination for dads and sons, hungry after morning sports--but it always felt relaxed, with music I listened to in college playing at a reasonable volume. We enjoyed cold cans of Ojai Valley Brewery's refreshing Pixie white wheat ale. The food was outstanding, probably the best barbecue I've had in a very long time. We shared an order of spare ribs and a half pound of brisket, plus sides of corn ribs and mac and cheese. The meats were mouthwateringly delicious, rubbed with a house spice blend and smoked for four to fourteen hours. The ribs were hearty and juicy, glazed with a beautiful sauce with a fruity tang. The brisket was flavorful and meltingly tender. I loved both with the house pickles, a nice medley of jalapeño, onion, and celery. The Joplin's sauces were lovely too, both the Carolina gold and the tamarind barbecue. There were also three great house hot sauces, made with Fresno, habanero, and jalapeño chilies--red, yellow, and green, like a stoplight. Both sides were excellent, but I was particularly taken with the corn ribs, which were cute and fun to eat. The grilled corn was bright and sweet, served in little riblets with a side of aioli. The mac and cheese was rich and cheesy, baked bubbling hot with a crisp of bread crumbs. This was my first visit to Ojai since childhood, but my second is in a couple weeks, and I'm guessing I'll be back much more often going forward. I'm positive we'll be back to Joplin's almost any time we're in town. It's a stellar barbecue joint, perfect for an easy, meaty lunch. read more

My husband and I came in right when Joplin's opened, and instantly fell in love with the gothic rock-and-roll vibe. It's such a true reflection of the owners--cool, welcoming, and absolutely full of personality. This is the kind of place where you instantly feel safe and included, where all people are welcome (yes, even the pop lovers). Now, the burger... yes. It's so good I genuinely considered ordering a second while I was still eating the first. They know how brisket should be made, they know their sides, and they clearly know what they're doing in the kitchen. Ojai is lucky to have these two dedicated hospitality talents. They're bringing a much-needed edge to the community, and you can feel how much heart they're pouring into creating something special for everyone to enjoy. Highly recommend. read more

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Delicious BBQ, 90s rock and a nice patio makes this place hard to beat! I'm in love with the brisket sando and the potato salad. Add some fries, they are crispy, crunchy, and irresistible! read more

To start, fun vibe, friendly service. But most importantly..... BEST BBQ WEVE HAD IN YEARS! Seriously the most delicious ribs, coleslaw was perfect and not too sweet, literally no complaints about anything we ate. We also ordered broccoli, the ceasar, the burger and the mushroom sand. All impeccable! Definitely will be back!! read more

Such a gem. Unique rock n roll ambience and menu with chef Saw's take on BBQ. Loved the brisket noodles with garlic chili oil, sausage and fries. Excited to come back next time we're in town! read more

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I tried Joplins recently The experience was not good in multiple ways. The food was dry, flavorless and the two ribs I received were so lean I had to gnaw on the bone to get any meat. There was no service. I ordered and paid at the door. I found an open table and sat down. I did not order anything special to drink and the water was self service as were the utensils in a box on the table. When the food was ready it was placed in the table and the waitstaff ignored me after that. What I got, 2 ribs and small containers of sides, was very expensive. The 'meal' was overpriced and worse, it lacked flavor. Probably the most expensive ribs I've ever had and the worst I've had at a restaurant (see my reviews of Terry Blacks and Wayne's Smoke Shack, I know great BBQ). There is no ambiance and the staff does not seem interested in their customers. I wouldn't recommend Joplins to anyone and I won't eat there again. I think Joplins is the worst dining experience in Ojai. read more

Exactly what I want in a BBQ restaurant. Funky fun decor, always love a Pink Floyd poster, comfortable outdoor picnic tables, dog friendly and the food is amazing. The hostess was very knowledgeable and helpful with food choices, she also had a sassy attitude which we enjoyed. My sister got the Caesar salad with barbecue chicken and I got brisket Ramen. The Caesar salad was delicious, a tangy dressing with crispy lettuce and chicken was perfect. I am still thinking about the flavor profile of the Ramen from the jammy soy egg to the best BBQ brisket, noodles with the chew I love and oh the broth. We were doing our food happy dance and talking about our next visit to Joplin's. read more

Joplin's - BBQ Chicken Caesar salad and BBQ Brisket Ramen. - American Near Me - Ojai, California

We had the best bbq food here!! We got the platter for 4-6 people and it was beautiful! The ribs were fantastic! The pulled pork with the delicious corn tortillas. We got the tallow French fries and the coleslaw and they were both delicious!!! The coleslaw had a great citrusy taste that I loved! The tallow French fries were crispy and perfect! The service was great the girls working were All super friendly!! read more

Came in for opening night- it was FANTASTIC. We will be going back again soon to try the rest of the menu! Reservations (RESY) Recommended! We sat in a booth in the smallish inside dining room, which was nice, but look forward to trying the patio as well! Tonight we did the Korn Ribs, Joplin's Burger, The Salmon, Cardamom Glazed Carrots, Collards, and Baked Mac n Cheese. The flavors are unexpected and off the charts. It's not just a good burger. It's a burger that you bite into and start asking yourself, "What is that wonderful flavor going on there..." (think I would've appreciated the bun toasted, but that's me); the Carrots were a flavor-bomb revelation; the Salmon was House-cured and then broiled to perfection, the corn was spicy salty savory and delicious. The standout hit was the baked mac & cheese, sprinkled with perfect crispy breadcrumbs, it was the creamiest, tastiest, most comforting homemade Mac I've had in forever. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, the whole staff seemed really nice and were having a great time. Music overhead was classic hard rock which was a really fun vibe (Bowie, AC/DC, Janis, Korn, Ace Frehley, Zep). Bathrooms are decorated to the teeth with classic band bills, flyers and posters. Welcome to Ojai, Joplin's! read more

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Best. Burger. Ever. Joplin's brisket burger is pure flavor perfection--no condiments, just house-made pickles and expertly smoked brisket turned into a smoked burger. I've eaten burgers from NYC to Texas to all over the USA, and nothing comes close. Worth $30, but somehow not priced that way. 5 stars, no hesitation! read more

Joplin's - The Brisket burger that ruined all burgers for me. - American Near Me - Ojai, California

Great atmosphere, the banana pudding was amazing and the vibe was the best. I had the brisket and the noodles everything was amazing will definitely go back. read more

The food here is absolutely delicious but the price tag is intense which is why I only gave 4 stars instead of 5. I highly recommend eating here or getting take out if you're willing to spend money. Live music on Tuesdays, too! read more

My husband and I visited Joplins on Saturday and let me tell you how amazing it was. We ordered the burger which was out of this world. The flavors and smoke of the burger was something we hadn't had before. We also got the fries and Mac and cheese and were happy we did. We can't wait to come back and try other items. The owner came over to check on us and she was so lovely. Can't wait to visit again soon. read more

I and my family went to Joplin's Ojai CA barbecue for lunch on 09/05/2026 which was Saturday?we order a lot of food which means brisket, one and half 1/2 chicken. when the food come, we realise that the burgher was very dry impossible to eat. The most unpleasant situation was when they bring the chicken, and when we started to eat it, we found a hair inside which stopped us to eat it. when we did told the waitress about this things, she probably went to the chef to tell and to take out from our bill at least the chicken..they Wanted to give us Banana pudding, which we refused. I will not recommend this place, but anyway, if you are going there pay attention about this place if will answer to your Expectation. read more

Meh. The pulled pork was good. It was served with no bbq sauce. Had to ask for it, and got the about a tablespoon worth for 3 people. Got fries- no ketchup. Had to get up to find some. If you're from the south- don't order their sweet tea. It looks like water with some sugar. You'll be very disappointed. They serve beans with curry. I love food with curry but this was really weird for a bbq place. The cornbread isn't that great either so overall, disappointed. read more

This spot is a BBQ lover's dream! It's counter service, which I actually loved, you pay upfront, dig in, and when you're absolutely filled to the brim with BBQ, you can just box up what's left and roll out. We started with the tallow fries, and wow crispy, golden delicious perfection. But the real star of the show was the pulled pork. It was so tender and flavorful it didn't even need sauce. And the giant beef rib was Juicy, smoky, and massive enough to feed two people easily. If you're looking for incredible BBQ this place is a must. I'll definitely be back. read more

The food was divine and made to perfection - shoutout to Chef Saw! Brittany was so nice and very funny - that lady has got some jokes up her sleeve. Music was banging and the projector was a nice touch! Loved seeing all the pictures and records on the walls. Joplin's is the place to go for tasty BBQ! read more

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I went to Joplins's when I was in Ojai last week. My friend and I really had a delicious meal there. I had the ribs and loved them. My friend had the Brisket. We also got a side of Mac and Cheese. I would recommend Joplin's to anyone wanting BBQ. Loved that they played classic rock and roll music at the restaurant. The staff was very nice. read more

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Quite literally the best tri tip sandwich I've ever had. People say "melt in your mouth" and I thought I'd had that experience before... until now. The tri tip... bathed in my mouth? Dissolved? Became one with? I don't know if there's a better verb but the point is, it rocked. Cole slaw also achieved "best ever" honors from the taste buds of my wife. And I agree it's up there. The cabbage is super fresh and crisp, and though initially I was worried it was over dressed, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it complimented the dish. The pulled pork was excellent, the corn bread delectable. Honestly we didn't have a miss this night. Oh the mac and cheese with brisket was also top notch. The mac was actually somewhat firm which I love, usually it's just mush relying on the breadcrumbs for bite. But not here. I haven't read the other reviews so I don't know what the complaints are but there are none from us. Service was super fast. Will be back! read more

We were looking forward to trying Joplins. Cool vibe and very nice people running the place. 1 smash burger. 1 brisket burger. 1 beer. 1 coke. 1 coleslaw. $70 including tip. $70 takes the fun out of the whole experience. We won't be going back. read more

My husband is the big bbq guy; but then I spotted the tallow fries (and the rest of the genuinely interesting sides) and knew we'd found a great late lunch we could agree on Warm, cozy space; friendly, helpful service Delightful smashburger, the fries I was longing for and a textbook delicious pulled pork sandwich Will definitely be there again read more

Consistently amazing across the board- Best new addition to town in years. Metal and BBQ. What else do you need???? And dare I say it's sacrilegious to order vegetables at a BBQ restaurant? I promise you won't be disappointed if you do!! read more

Really good food!! My husband had the brisket burger and I had the brisket stir-fry. So yummy!!! Service was top notch- Brittany was so friendly and informative. read more

Shanna and I went to Ojai and we were going to try Joplins. It's an order first then sit-down place. The hostess / server greets us and we tell her it's our first time, she goes through the menu then tells us she will be right back because she's the only person there and a big group, (6-8 people) just sat down and she had to get their drinks. We asked if they have coffee and she responds with attitude, no only cold drinks. While we were deciding what to order another customer asked for her beer and the server kinda snapped at her and told her she's the only one and it will be right there. This is in Ojai on a beautiful weekend and it seems like the owner didn't properly staff and only had the one server who seemed overwhelmed. Attitude was kind of understood but completely uncalled for. We ended up not eating there and it smelled really good, maybe some other time. read more

So great!!!! Make sure you get the banana pudding- best I've ever had and super unique Brisket was excellent read more

Got into Ojai late for a wedding weekend, famished. Pulled into Joplin's, ordered food and were eating within 15 minutes. Caesar salad, kimchi bok choy and smash burger were so delicious we ordered more (pulled pork and a banana pudding shake). Brittany chatted with us for a while and brought the whole experience together. Ojai is lucky to have them, and we will come here every time we're back. read more

I don't usually write reviews, but I have to for Joplin's. We've eaten here three times now, and somehow it just keeps getting better! We've tried the Joplins burger (crazy good) , mushroom burger (super tasty if you're a vegan), and the brisket burger (outta this world good)--and the ribs are packed with so much flavor and fall off the bone. The cornbread is "Slap-yo-mama good," as we say in the South. And the baked beans could seriously be a meal by themselves. The vibe is super fun, and the music makes it even better. Brittney, one of the owners, is so welcoming and kind--it really feels like they care. (Which is so refreshing nowadays.) I'm an Ojai local, and honestly, the prices feel right for the quality of food you're getting. These dishes aren't simply thrown together- they're real recipes and have clearly been perfected by well trained chefs. read more

The restaurant is very simple, but cozy and clean. We got a sampler platter so we could try a little of everything. It was more than enough for 3 adults. Everyone loved it. Especially the brisket! We also enjoyed one of their famous shakes. They are a little pricey but worth it. Joplins is a great addition to Ojai. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

The service, the vibe, and the food are all top-notch! The owner has really crafted an atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. The brisket was incredibly tender. Plus, the live music really brings the magic to this dining spot. And don't leave without trying their "life changing banana pudding". read more

Incredible food. Had the brisket sando today, it was so delicious. Had an incredible smash burger there before also. Really excited to try out the rest of the menu read more

We went opening week and the food, service and vibe were outstanding! Extremely high quality product: the pork chop and burger were exceptional. We met some of the team: Brittany and Cargo couldn't have been nicer. The place has a classic Hollywood Rock & Roll theme while cranking great rock and punk music. They're still waiting for their smoker BBQ to get permitted, so there's no BBQ items available yet. Highly recommend! read more

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I decided to try this place because of all the hype. Service was good and the ambience was ok, but the food was very underwhelming. The "brisket" burger isn't actually brisket--it's just brisket-flavored, which should really be clarified on the menu. For almost $20, the portion was tiny and it didn't even come with fries(they don't have) only plain lays-like potato chips. I left hungry after spending close to $50 for two items. They also add a 4% fee for healthcare, which I don't mind, but it would be better if it were disclosed clearly the way other restaurants in town do. Overall, not worth the price. read more

Joplin's - Brisket burger.. - American Near Me - Ojai, California