Every time we drive home from Monterey, I always see the big red Yelp sign that reads best BBQ. That sign did its' job and it got me intrigued and grabbed my attention. We finally got the chance to check it out. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The Prunedale Market is located along side the highway 101 freeway in the small town of Prunedale. It just takes a few long right turns to get there. Parking is easy and accessible out in the front parking lot. From the front, the market does not look like a popular BBQ spot. It looks like a simple small market store to grab quick snacks and drinks. Once inside there is a BBQ and deli section to your right. A small dining area is to your left. The decor is old fashioned and quaint. The 2 gentlemen greet you with friendly hospitality. We ordered the Tri tip sandwich, half slab of ribs which includes 2 potatoes and a cup of corn chowder. The pit master/owner Martin, who use to work for Original Joe's, was kind enough to also include a quarter chicken leg, a sausage, and extra ribs. It was so much food for our party of 3. Everything was delicious and hearty. The Tri tip sandwich was scrumptious with the flaming Fritos adding a nice crunchy texture and kick with every bite. The ribs were juicy and smokey. Potatoes complemented very well with the rest of the meat and chicken. Corn chowder was so tasty and creamy. I did not know corn chowder was that good. Overall we enjoyed our experience at the Prunedale Market. The staff were super nice and accommodating. They even offered for our son to grab some free ice cream to go. We politely declined. The prices were very reasonable. All that food fed us for the next 2 days. Lol. We hope to be back when we are in the area with other friends and family. read more

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Passing thru Prunedale on regular basis, I always see the barbque sign on the hill. I always like to support local businesses (being from Morgan hill). Now this place is a bit difficult to find, and they only take cash, but DAMN! What a find! And Martin, the owner, amazing. Had the tritip and he gave me sausage sampler, delicious! We will be regulars!! read more

Update: still THE BEST BBQ Tri tip sandwich in town, hands down. Quality is top notch and service is so welcoming as it always has been. We've been coming for years, but yet to try all the soups of the day. Next time will have to come on a Friday to get the clam chowder. Make sure you bring cash!! read more

Prunedale Market - Chowder of the day (ribs behind!) - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

WOW, WOW!!! So, let me first say this place is not easy to find, is it worth the journey? My answer...heck to the YES!!! This very unpretentious place is all about the food. The Owner, Martin is the nicest and funniest guy ever and a former Chef at Original Joe's in San Jose. Martin started us both with a FREE sample of the Cream of Broccoli soup which also contains meatballs and bow tie pasta. It was crazy delicious, and so flavorful with just a small hint of heat from the habanero that's in it. I have to tell you that was the " largest" and most generous sample of soup I have ever received!!! We absolutely found the tri-tip sandwich to be delicious to eat with the flaming hot Fritos, the bbq ribs were out of this world meaty and so well seasoned, and the same goes for the chicken and sausage. And a bbq potato? Thank you very much!!! Martin unknowingly discovered my potato passion. This is not only a fantastic place for bbq but a great stop for travelers looking for food, drinks, snacks and sweets. Thank you so much Martin for making our first time visit so memorable!!! You're a BBQ Top Chef!!! read more

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Completely off the beaten path. A total find. Brisket sandwich is the main attraction but the chicken is amazing too read more

Absolutely fantastic place for really good bbq. The owner is so friendly and generous. The tri-tip sandwich was out of this world, definitely recommend getting it fully loaded with everything and it is large enough to split between 2 people. We also ate a sample of the chili, which was insanely good too. 10/10 recommend stopping by here, keep in mind it is cash only read more

Best place in town . Always good food and great customer service!!!! Been here since I was a kid

Wow! From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome like family! Martin is so friendly and personable. His market has just what you need, let's talk about the BBQ! Uuuf! The soup of the day was split pea, I've never had a better one! With chunks of ham and vegetables, it was the perfect amuse-bouche! Next comes the Tri-tip sandwich! Tender, juicy and full of flavor! Last but never least, the ribs! Tender, fall off the bone, smoky! We got the full rack for four of us, we each took home ribs for the family! We stopped here on our road trip and I suggest it to anyone looking for a lunch stop! Will be singing Martin's praise for years to come! read more

Prunedale Market - Try-tip sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

. He uses Jared BBQ sauce. a medical worker went there yesterday because I suggested it , DONT GET THE CHICKEN, she said. she gave the chicken to me for my dogs. The ribs were good read more

Martin, the owner/chef is delightful and truly wants to provide a satisfying homemade meal to his customers. With the proliferation of BBQ places these days, several of which in this region are owned by the same company, Market stands out because it is different. Nothing fancy, just honest , simple and delicious. Maybe not quite as smoky as other places , but the meat is tender and very flavorful. I'm not usually up for soup at places like this, but martin's are particularly good. The day i was in it was a milk ( not cream, thankfully) based meatball soup with oregano and just enough heat to make it interesting. Dont go for the ambience, just food and service. It is worth winding through the residential neighborhood to get there. Thank you Martin! read more

This location was a perfect stop on our drive to Monterey! I had heard such good things about the tri-tip sandwich and it was delicious! The owner Martin is so so lovely and so friendly even giving my husband some soup to try and a roll! He's the man running the show as he has no employees so I could imagine on a weekend. It could get very busy! The only reason I'm not giving this, a five star is due to the cash only policy (and no ATM on the property). We went into the shopping area and found several banks to grab cash. Other than that, the food was exceptional, and the service was amazing ! read more

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I'm not from the area, but my friend, who is a local, recently brought me here to try what he claimed was one of the best tri-tip sandwiches in California. The trip was completely spontaneous since we had been in Big Sur earlier that day, but it ended up being well worth the drive. I never would've expected this market to be tucked away at the end of a residential street, but once you get close, you can smell the food before you even arrive. The sandwich was incredible...huge enough that we had to share it. The meat was so juicy it was literally dripping down my fingers, and I made an absolute mess eating it. I would definitely return. It truly feels like a hidden hole-in-the-wall spot run by hardworking, down-to-earth people. The owner was personable, engaged in friendly banter, and made the experience even better. Plenty of locals stopped by during our lunch, and what really stood out was that he even remembered my friend despite him not having lived in the area for the past three years. read more

Delicious BBQ and GREAT service! Highly recommend the Ribs and Clam Chowder! Absolutely worth the drive..we will be back! read more

Prunedale Market - Tri-Tip Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

Food is amazing, especially the Clam Chowder. Very friendly vibe when u walk in. All food is done outside on the BBQ. The owner is amazing & very good w/his public in the area read more

Prunedale Market and Deli has been consistent with being the best sandwich in California not only with Yelp but in alternate lists as well. And there's only one man who's worthy of the acclaim. Kudos to this guy. Martin ("me, myself & I", a direct quote), who runs this shop by he who smokes, cooks and creates excellence. Here we are one Saturday morning after an hour's drive from San Jose. Navigation led us to a dead end. Parked at the cul de sac and saw the unassuming shop. We were happily greeted by Martin who then asked what he could get me. I just answered, "the famous sandwich and whatever soup you have today". After a quick minute, out came the generously portioned masterpiece and a cup of corn chowder. First, let's critique the soup. Having had corn chowder many times, I could honestly say this was the best so far. The meatballs add to the flavor of this creamy celery soup. Lastly, the sub. The Flamin Hot Fritos Corn Chips topping isn't the first time time I've seen crisps mixed with regular food items. This concoction however, won us. The smokey tri-tip, veggies and barbecue sauce combo was worth the ballyhoo. Simply, a flavor explosion. This lunch was generously portioned and priced right. We even got a succulent and tasty rib sample from Martin. It was a worthwhile side trip on our way to Monterey. Planning on getting the ribs next time we're headed to the Peninsula. read more

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Overrated Only takes cash, overly political and not even top 20 tri tip sandwiches I've ever had. read more

This place is cheeks. Went in there because of the hype. Got the tri-tip sandwich. It was terrible

On our way down to LA to start our Labor Day weekend vacation, we stopped by what is known as California's BEST sandwich place. Upon parking, you immediately get hit with the smell of smoked bbq being made on the side. Upon entering the store, you're greeted by the nicest person at the front that immediately makes you feel at home. We ordered the tri-tip sandwich and half rack of ribs. Come hungry as the portions to the food is massive! The tri-tip sandwich was smoked and cooked to perfection that's served with a generous handful of spicy frito chips, tomato and lettuce, served with a nice fresh toasted bread. The rack of ribs were huge and tasted amazing. It was served with a spicy sausage which I believe he provided for free. Throughout our lunch there, Martin the owner walked around to talk and provide free samples of his bbq experiments as well. After lunch, we tried tipping which he wouldn't accept and even walked out to our car to provide us more food and ice cream. All in all, a great start to our trip which will be so hard to follow up on with Martin's generosity, being so relatable, and genuine. If you're reading this Martin: I hope your gout gets better and hope that we run into each other when you're back up in the Bay Area from time to time! From one gout brother to another! Epic 10000/5. Come for the food, stay for the vibes, and return as a friend and long time patron. Love ya, Martin! read more

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I have heard so many people talk about how good this place is so on the way back from Laguna Seca my co worker and I stopped and brought cash because it's cash only. We walked in and the owner Martin welcomed us in and we told him it was our first first time there and he suggested the trip tip sandwich with spicy corn chips. While waiting he gave us some clay chowder which was very tasty!! As we ate our sandwiches which were generously big Martin brought us over some chicken and potatoes on the house!!! We had a good conversation and thanked him for his great tasting food and hospitality....we will definitely be back!! read more

This place has the BEST tri tip!! Plus his homemade soup is delicious. The bbq chicken, potatoes and vegetables are also superb. Highly recommend stopping here for lunch or dinner. read more

Always amazing food, great service, fun staff. Can't go wrong with their tritip sandwiches!

TLDR: Bring Cash! Eat the Tri-tip and Chili. Try your hardest to tip him. If this isn't the best sandwich in California it's damn near the top. The tri-tip sandwich is the reason you go here. The owner, who's name I woefully forgot, is very very kind. Here's my story. My wife and I didn't know he didn't take card and we showed up with just under the amount of cash needed for two sandwiches. He overheard us talking, asked how much we had, and then said "well that's exactly what two sandwiches cost!" Spoiler alert. That's not what two sandwiches cost. We talked while he made the food and he have us both a free cup of chili and a rib. I tried to pay him the difference on my next visit and he wouldn't accept it. I tried to leave him a tip. He wouldn't accept. We had plenty of money the second time and he still under charged us. Then he gave me two ice cream bars in the way out. I love this place. The owner is very kind and generous. read more

Prunedale Market - Tri-tip sandwich with hot fritos. - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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I haven't been here in 13 years. Caltrans blocking the ability to exit from the freeway has made it not so simple. But coming back and tasting the food was awesome! The service has not changed, so laughs and conversations are still great! I like having the ability to eat in the little store because it just makes everything better! If you're driving through here, you have to stop. It's worth it. read more

This hard to find Gem is worth the extra effort to get to. My chicken corn chowder soup was delicious. If it's on the menu, I recommend it. So hearty, I didn't have room for my sandwich. My tri-tip was uniquely garnished with spicy chips and loads of tasty tri tip . For me, this sandwich is easily 2 meals worth. After the chowder, I only could eat a quarter of it. I would say, bring your appetite and make the effort to get there. read more

Local review here This place is an absolute star of the area, local favorite hole in the wall with homestyle, unbelievable food. From soups to chicken and ribs, tri tip sandwiches are unfinishable due to their massive size. But none of this is the reason to stop, the differentiator, is the owner, and the differentiators name is Martin. He's literally a 1 man show, the nicest, most welcoming , most generous, humble and gracious man ever. Will over load your order, insist if you getting a free cup of soup while you wait most times, will refuse 1 extra penny if you attempt to tip him, and constantly smiley and laughs while you're there. There are not places like this anymore. Feels like going back in time. Bless you Martin! We love you out here brother read more

I'm a traditional tri tip sandwich guy but the sandwich that Martin makes is amazing!!! The service couldn't have been better! Friendly, courteous and genuinely nice. There is seating inside and picnic tables outside. I will definitely return when I'm feeling the need for a delicious tri tip sandwich!!! read more

Going or leaving Monterey or passing thru via 101. A must stop if you enjoy BBQ ribs or Tri-Tip sandwich. Well priced for the amount of food. Very delicious food, lots of locals eating takeout. Well worth the stop. Friendly dude running the place read more

Prunedale Market - This is a half slab!! - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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Incredible tri-tip sandwich. Also tried the ribs and roasted potatoes which were great. Worth the drive. Martin was super cool, chatting with us while preparing the food. Will definitely come back again. read more

Prunedale Market - Tri-tip sandwich and rib - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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This is home to Yelp's 2022 best sandwich in California, and was written about earlier this year in the SFGATE. It so happens it's a small jaunt away from my hometown, and so after our most recent visit, we finally took the opportunity to stop off on our way home. You travel to a dead end right next to the 101 & come upon an old building. I just love the specialness of humble, unassuming places like this. Martin, the owner, found behind the counter in a cap & apron, is a presence. He was so chatty and more like a congenial host, sharing his story & asking about us since it was our first visit. Obvious regulars came in while we were there, and he checked in with everyone. We ordered the famous tri tip sandwich and a full rack of ribs. But in his generosity, which apparently many other reviewers have experienced as well, he also added in sausages and potatoes to pack for us. Bless him & his kindness!!! We took our food to go, but there are a few high tables inside to sit and eat there. The food--fantastic. Food just tastes better when it's made with obvious care to feed you well. The sandwich, loaded with its thin strips of tender meat and fixins, is hearty and delicious! The Fritos are a fun crunch & the bread is soft but substantial. The bbq sauce is super tasty. The ribs were the meatiest EVER, tender but with bite to chomp on, and a smokiness that's not overpowering. The potatoes were creamy inside. The sausage was flavorful. We'll be back, and not just for the food, but for the wonderful hospitality. read more

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Such a nice owner, and just trust he will make you something delicious even if you are vegetarian. Top it all off with some spicy Fritos and Hell Yeah! Cash only FYI read more

Prunedale Market - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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Drove here all the way from San Francisco which is about a two hr drive just to try the best sandwich in California(according to Yelp). It felt like a long journey to come here so I was starving before I got to try it. The owner lets you sample the food items before you decide on what you would like to purchase. We ended up with two tri tip sandwiches as that was the most popular thing on the menu. Honestly the tri tip is very soft, but I felt sick after eating it. I don't know if it was me being in the car too long, but I threw up after eating less than half the sandwich. The flavors itself were good, just scared since I threw up after. Next time I would just get the tri tip if I was to ever come back. read more

Prunedale Market - tri tip sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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I love this guy his food his endeavors his hospitality. My only regret is I don't do the north / south drive often enough and get there. I rarely take I5 anymore always 101 and Martin read more

Anybody and everybody that rates Prunedale market, 'needs' to rate Martin a 1000 out of 100!! He makes the whole trip and meal worth it! The eating areas are very casual, but personally that is to my liking ~ laid back kinda ambiance.. The flavors of the smoked meats are awesome - the portions are epic, and Martins positive & welcoming attitude makes the whole 'feast' even better. We purchased a sandwich to share & also a half rack of ribs.. both totally enjoyable. We ate ribs for 3 nights... thank you Martin for doing the yummy cooking for us :-) We will definitely be back!! read more

This place located in Prunedale, has been deemed in a few articles to be "the best sandwich in California," and I absolutely agree! Everything was sold out so we ended up getting the Tri-tip. It was smokey and had a really bold flavor to it! The bonus was the Fritos haha. I loved snacking on it. Chips goes SO well in sandwiches. The ambiance is really inviting and service was fantastic! Martin was beyond kind was great to talk to. He's such a great person (: read more

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Delicious food, and amazing service by Martin! I love how he always hands us his soul of the day to enjoy while he makes his sandwiches! He runs his business from his heart. I tried tipping him my change, and he denied my tip and instead he exchanged it for lottery tickets for myself! read more

The sandwich is good. The conversation is well-worth the visit. The Market is nestled at the end of a cup-de-sac that was previously accessible by the highway. The menu is simple, but changes in a whim. Today's special was chicken corn chowder. The owner lives in the attached house & opens when he's ready and closes when he's out. Even though there are picnic tables outside, plan to eat inside as every new customer is a new adventure in conversation! read more

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We drove about an hour to try this place and left very disappointed. We arrived about 45 minutes before the posted closing time, but when I said we planned to eat at a table inside, the owner smugly said, "Oh no, you're not... I'm closed." When I pointed out the hours said 6pm, he replied, "I close whenever I feel like closing"... yet he continued serving others after refusing to let us eat inside. The shop felt grungy and poorly lit, with a few flies buzzing around, which didn't make it very inviting. My husband tried the ribs anyway and said they were "just ok." Between the food that was just ok, the rude service, early closing, rundown atmosphere, and overall lack of hospitality, it just wasn't worth the drive. We won't be back. read more

I read that this place had the best tri tip sandwich in California. Horribly wrong! Firstly, there was not a bag of chips that was not expired in the place. Very strange I thought at first. The place was dirty and gross. Then the sandwich was given to us and it was $20! It was covered in flamin hot fritos and subpar bbq sauce, along with not so fresh produce. On top of that the tri tip was overcooked, under seasoned and way too thin sliced. A well cooked tri tip will be thicker slices and juicy. The sandwich was not good and way overpriced. And the location is awkward to get to. If you want a good tri tip sandwich- check out Dunneville Market in Hollister. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Or Smoke Point in San Juan. Skip thIs place at all cost. So disappointing. Waste of my caloric intake. read more

Worth the stop for an amazing sandwich and friendly interaction! Down a little side street close off of the freeway, into a cult a sac to park. read more

Prunedale Market - Tritip sandwich.. huge! - Barbeque Near Me - Prunedale, California

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You have to try it! This place is a gem. The tri tip sandwich is the best I've ever had. The owner gave me the soup of the day and it was delicious the owner Martin is one of the nicest people. The only problem is the location of the place but it's worth going to this place. read more