So I just ordered online & waited over an hour for my food. Called the restaurant several times no answer, drove 15 minutes get in line & then I receive notification that my order was cancelled. I understand there's a lot going on and restaurants are doing their best but come on better communication and faster response times so your customers don't waste their time, and answer your phone. read more

A follow-up rating is seriously in order for this outstanding place. Call it "bragging", but I take pride in shouting out to the rooftops that I am Old School Robert Earl's BBQ. I go way on back to before Robert & Co. were even a brick and mortar joint. Yep, I was hooked when they were still haulin' a$$ in the "Real Deal Mobile"--apparently, a converted ice cream truck. These good people were doing their amazing thing out in front of a Sam's Club in Gardena. The heavenly, wondrous smell of that outstanding authentic Barbeque was enough to force me to flip a u-turn and roll on up. What I was to experience blew my mind and changed my attitude about having outstanding "real deal" Barbeque in Southern California FOREVER. As if the food wasn't good enough, Tonia, the wonderful person I initially met with was one of the sharpest, funniest, sweetest and friendliest people I have ever met. When they finally went brick and mortar in my own beloved City of Long Beach, it was more than my sanity could handle. It is a point of pride for me that I have converted numerous friends and even several family members to the miracle that is Robert Earl's BBQ. Everybody would come at me with their own boasting and bragging about what they swore up and down was "authentic" "fall-off-the-bone" Barbeque" . . . then, Robert, Robert, Jr. and Tonia would DROP THE BOMB ON THEM and those poor fools would never be the same: Tender, succulent pork spare ribs; melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly smoked and seasoned beef brisket; tender and surprisingly juicy chicken; fantastic links and even beef ribs (weekends only)! That's not even mention their time and space-shredding RIDICULOUS sides: mustard greens, tender bbq beans, just-like-Mom's potato salad; sweet, moist cornbread muffins and some of the most criminally insane mac n' cheese you will EVER enjoy. If you say you love Barbeque. If you say you love Long Beach. If you say you're hungry . . . Get yourself over to ROBERT EARL'S BARBEQUE YESTERDAY and get down to it! Dine in, Take Out, Catering--they got you covered. Don't take my word for it. Roll on up, introduce yourself to the crew, lay down your order, take in the down home, easygoing ambience, and get ready to lose your Barbeque-loving mind. Damn, I totally envy what you are about to experience. Forget everything you know about not only Barbeque, but a true, family and friends-oriented dining experience and get ready for Robert, Tonia, Robert Jr. and the whole crew to show you how it's really done. I'd tell you to "Enjoy", but trust me, one delicious bite and you will not need anybody's encouragement. You will be HOOKED. Peace! read more

First time trying robert earls bbq and omg it was so delicious!!! i'm a picky eater but this food was so yummy and delicious. i got the pork ribs and brisket and it was amazing. will definitely be back!! read more

Amazing bbq. The owner and his wife are incredible, and beyond friendly. When you're told "welcome to the family" after eating a great meal, you know they appreciate you as a customer. The food here is amazing! read more

I wasn't really grabbed by this place. I ordered the brisket and the pork ribs with a side of beans. The brisket was a bit tough and did not have much smoke flavor. No smokey red bark on the edge either. The pork ribs were also a bit too chewy and lacked smoke flavor. The beans were the best part of the meal with a sweet/tangy sauce. read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Pork ribs, brisket and a side of beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

Went here for the first time a couple of days ago. First off, service is AMAZE BALLS. The owner's wife took our order as well as served us and boy, she's the definition of attentive and hospitable!!! Soooo friendly and threw in so many extra items for us on the house!!! We ordered the three meat combo: fatty brisket, chicken (dark meat) and beef links. The chicken was kind of dry especially for dark meat but the beef links and brisket was awesome. ESPECIALLY the fatty brisket. This totally takes the trophy and I'll definitely be coming back for that!!!! Craving it already :) read more

Absolutely love this BBq... Lunch & dinner... fall off the bone tasty.. my first trip Here I was offered a sample ... it was an entire rib... and boy was it tasty... every Christmas for the past two years I order a couple of slabs of ribs...so If you love BBQ Robert Earls is definitely worth a try... read more

The Mac and cheese is really good, the corn bread is also a must as well... Portions are great

Mighty good pulled pork sandwich that they're just before they closed, very friendly and helpful

Great food... Fall of bone yummy... Great price. Will definitely come back with friends... read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

Oh my yes! Just what I needed. I'm from the midwest and missed good smoked meat, chains like Dickies are no comparison, to be good it has to be in there over 12 hours and Robert Earl's apparently does it for 14! I got the two meat combo with brisket and pulled pork on the 4th of July because I was really missing home. They were able to take my walk in order (Cat was so friendly), had to wait an hour but I don't care if I'm waiting on great food. The meat was perfect, the mac n cheese was more than expected taste wise. The potato salad I should have ordered that as my large side instead of the greens. They weren't bad just not what I'm used to. Overall totally going back and ordering ahead of time with larger side orders. read more

Great Smoked bbq. Ordered pork ribs, brisket, chicken sausage. Bbq beans. Mac and cheese. Very fast service.

Had to wait for over a hr for a big daddy earl . Not sure if this place is worth the wait . No do they care !!

This place is soooo fire I love them and their service. The people are some down home individuals and they BBQ sauce is on fleek!!! Definitely recommend! read more

We got the mini tex sampler because I can never decide what I want to eat. Everything was wonderful from the meats to the service. My order wasn't quite ready when I get there but the staff was super friendly and threw in some extra of the spicy bbq sauce for us. I would recommend giving them a try. I know I will be back to try all the things I didn't get in the sampler read more

The food was delicious and I enjoyed the mild BBQ sauce. The sides were really small for MEDIUM, and was not big enough for 2-3 people, recommend you doubling up on the sides to have enough to share, but we made it work. The service was overall good, but took awhile despite ordering ahead. I ordered on the phone and was told that it would take 10 minutes for my food to be ready. I arrived 35 minutes later and had to wait 15 minutes for my order. I would go again, but just probably would order MEAT ONLY read more

I always come here for my BBQ fix and they never disappoint!!! The staff are friendly and helpful. I was upset that they don't take cash but they have an ATM available. Anyways, the meats are always so succulent and delicious I swear I would come here more if it was healthy foods. read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

This place is next level, other places that are good, this place has great food and picnic seating during Covid

Went there for the first time and got a sampler platter which was delicious. Their fried catfish is so good omg!!! I love their spicy bar b que sauce. The reason i gave them four stars is because the second time i went they didn't have any thing. And i went around 1 they open at 12. Other than that the food is delicious and prices are reasonable. read more

BEST BBQ in LA and OC that i have tried. Can't go wrong with any of the meat or sides. Brisket is a standout! Order ahead or else you are in for a long wait. They don't take phone orders so order online. It's worth the wait!! read more

Good vibes and amazing BBQ. I had the brisket which was tender and tart with sauce, a rich and wonderful pork hot link and rib tips which I shot a portrait with and posted on here, overwhelmed with excitement and flavor. Robert is the man and welcomed me fully to his family. read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Happy studio vibes - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

If you're looking for high quality, delicious award winning bbq, this is the spot! They never disappoint! Every time we're in the area regardless what the plans are for, the hubby & I gotta always stop by & eat our usual ribs, brisket, links, & banana pudding! read more

The brisket is very good. And the rib tips very good BBQ. Just make sure you make your order early in the day. Because they do run out & will close early read more

This place will meet the highest of expectations!!! The Bbq can't be beat and the people here are the salt of the earth. I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Earl on a couple of occasions and he might be the nicest gentlemen around but he certainly is a bad ass around the smoker. read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Order here at Robert Earls!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've lived on the East Coast and in the Mid-Atlantic area and now live in CA and I LOVE bbq! I've had TX style, Carolina style, Memphis style BBQ and the vinegary taste of the Carolina style is my least fav. However the tasty sides dishes also add to the experience of great BBQ and this place has it down. Damn! I would eat here once a week if I could. I like how simple the menu is...not too many choices. The only reason I didn't give it all 5 stars is that 2 hours before closing they often run out of Mac & cheese. I guess that is the most popular item. If u love the mix of sweet and smoky taste and mouth watering, so good wanna slap ur mama Mac & cheese then this is the place to go! read more

I was looking for a bbq spot for catering since i was having a get together. I looked around and found this little gem. They offer a catering guide but i went ahead and ordered everything sepreatly. I got half Chicken links, half pound of pull pork, pound of rib tips, half smoked chicken, xl Mac n cheese n xl greens. I only was planning to have 4 of us but the amount of food I got it can feed at least 6. The xl sides were perfect if your feeding more the 5 people I would add more. Everything cost about $84.00 which isn't to bad of you compare prices to other bbq spots. Food was really good. Rib tips, Mac n cheese, greens and the bbq sauce was my Fav. Pull pork was cool to. read more

One star for the food and inconsistency. 4 stars for the service... It has taken me over 2 months to even attempt to write this review because I was so traumatized by what we got for supposedly paid"$80.00" for. To begin with, this was ATG's idea since I am a Bludsoe's fan 100% I was reluctant from the beginning. We are REAL LIVE BLACK people that happen to live in Anaheim Hills and have been around the BBQ rodeo more than once. Being Black and haven eaten ALL over LA, our expectations are HIGH! First red flag was that we came on a Sunday afternoon and there was no customers in sight, it was completely empty! For a BBQ/soul food establishment on a Sunday after church is unheard of! Secondly, $80.00 for BBQ is insane! I never complain about the costs of a meal if it is worth it but this one was HORRIBLE! I hate giving bad reviews, I sit on it for awhile and think about it but in this case I have to share my experience! I LOVE rib tips, but the presentation of the food itself was so UNAPPEALING! The sauce was very heavy I could not decipher from the rib tips and the little pieces of chicken that was apart of my combo. They gave me a lot of rib tips but they were stale and hard as rock! (They were so hard I'm still chewing on them!) As nice as these people were, the disappointment of the product was far reaching. On a Sunday afternoon, you are supposed to have everything in stock especially for just opening up, unless you don't have enough customers and don't bother making the food FRESH! Though ATG is willing to give them a second chance, she will be solo on this one! I am sorry for being so harsh but how does one eat their BBQ without SIDES?! You guys were not busy and had no customers but managed to leave out HALF of our order! -_- We do not causally come into the city without coming for a purpose and this visit was definitely not fulfilled. I wish this establishment much luck in the future, but from the customers advantage point the quality of the food needs work. We had to go to the grocery store to pick up potato salad and spend more money on top of that! All I can say is I hope they fix the quality of the food and how to take orders properly without forgetting peoples food especially people that travel far -_- read more

These ribs are to die for!! I usually get them at the Bixby Knolls Farmers Market on Thursday night but I just couldn't wait that long I made the mistake of sharing them with my friends and now I end up buying them for all my dinner parties A favorite food done right. read more

I had the brisket and greens which was amazing. I tried a hot link and it did not disappoint. This is a place I will be going back again.

Ok, it's official now. The big dawg has spoken. Robbie E's is legit. Y'all all can go there now. You can thank me later. I measure a good BBQ joint from one way -- is it good MINUS the sauce? Rob Boogie put it down and there it stayed! I'm not a sauce man as most people are, so I tend to want a light amount drizzled on my meat so I can taste the meat. I got my sauce on the side ....and never used it. THAT'S how good the ribs were. The pork ribs and the beef ribs. Next up, I'm gonna try the chicken! Great seasoning. Robbo, keep doin' your thang, my man! And like "Ahnold" said...."I'll be bahck!" Oh, and everybody...You're welcome ;) read more

Robert Earls came along way from selling off the cart at the Food 4 Less on South and Cherry. I almost gave Robert Earls a low rating a few months back but I thought I would just wait a while and give it another try before rating. There's one thing about Robert Earls that can't be denied and thats: Robert Earls make deliciously flavored BBQ! I've had beef ribs, brisket, links, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and peach cobbler on previous visits. The stand out is the BBQ sauce and the mac n cheese for me. There are some things that turned me off about Robert Earls However, I never had a complaint about the food. In some of my earlier visits the order was always incorrect or they would not have items in stock that was on the menu. Moreover, most of this can be worked on for improvement. I have high hopes for the business especially since I like the owner and I like the new remodel they did. I feel like Robert Earls has the potential to be the best BBQ spot in Long Beach hands down...right now their the best but some hands are up.....to be continued read more

This spot was sold out of most stuff. I ordered the beef ribs and the beef hot link. When I got home there was no hot link! I paid for it and didn't receive it. I was pissed because we were the last customers and they closed as soon as we left. Beef ribs had good flavor but they were soooo tough. BBQ sauce was good. read more

Stopped in on the spur of the moment as we were driving through the area after read the yelp reviews. And, it was deliciously awesome! If you're in the area definitely stop in you will not be disappointed! read more

New business Met Robert & his wife of 28 years, today. It is apparent that this is their first business and since it has not been open long, they are suffering some start up issues. I ordered the 3 meat plate - ribs, brisket and links with sides of greens and potato salad. BBQ sauce on the side. The best of the meal was the brisket - it was very flavorful and moist. However, they didn't take the cap off (fat) and sliced it with the grain of the meat instead of against. It was also still pink and many pieces were still attached to each other. Since no knife was given, I had to separate it with my fingers. Most of the moistness was due to the fat. Tried it with a touch of BBQ sauce and it did improve the flavor. The BBQ sauce is tomato based with liquid smoke present. The ribs were overcooked and dry. There was no hint of a rub or any other seasoning on the meat and it had to have the BBQ sauce to eat it. The link was a typical store bought one, nothing exciting. The potato salad was also not exciting, but it helped down the ribs. The greens had a nice flavor, but still just a touch bitter. The pot liquor appeared clear, so I would surmise that it didn't have any meat in the broth. There is no access to a bathroom, or any wet napkin given, so I had to wash my hands in my glass of water. They have about 5 tables for 2. For drinks, they have a choice of Shasta products and water. It is also not the place for a first date. As you can see in the photos, there is no high-end equipment, just Robert doing what he loves. I hope he can quickly fix the items that I caught and start making some barbecue as good as some others that you can find on my list. read more

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A BBQ joint in the Long Beach area with a higher rating than Bludso's?! Of course I have to check it out! Two of my friends and I made our way over this past weekend to celebrate one of their birthdays. We all love Bludso's, but we wanted to check this place out to compare. We ordered two separate 3 Meat Combos, one with Beef ribs, Spare ribs, and Brisket, and the other with Baby back ribs, Brisket, and Sausage. They both came with beans and potato salad, so we added cole slaw and mac and cheese. In order from favorite to least favorite: Baby back ribs - Fall-off-the-bone, smoky, and tender meat with the right amount of dry rub that's just delicious. I'd give the edge to Robert over Bludso's for this. Enough said. Spare ribs - I usually prefer baby back over spare ribs simply because the latter is usually drier and less fatty than baby back ribs, but that's not really the case here. The spare ribs are, as usual, meatier than baby back ribs, but they're just about as juicy and fall-off-the-bone as the baby backs were. Next time I go, I'll get these two options and I'll be one happy camper. Beef ribs - These had the perfect amount of fat on them to make it flavorful and tender. They could have toned it down on the pepper in the rub, but other than that, this was very good as well. Beef links - Tender and juicy with just the right amount of spice. Brisket - I was most excited to try their brisket, but I was very disappointed. We had two orders of the brisket because that's how much we were looking forward to them, but they were old and dry and they looked like they had been sitting out for hours. They were tough, chewy, and didn't have enough fat on them. I know I've mentioned Bludso's a bunch of times already in this review, but the brisket here simply does not compare. I consider Bludso's brisket the standard for brisket (at least in CA), which is why I keep bringing them up. Regarding the sides, the beans and mac and cheese were great. The cole slaw was really good, but only if you like mayo (which I do), because it's pretty heavily mayo-ed (I know that's not a word. Calm down.). The potato salad, however, wasn't the best potato salad I've ever had by any means. We forgot to get their banana pudding, which Robert reminded us of as we were leaving, so I'll definitely have to get that next time. Come here to eat some excellent BBQ and to hang out with Robert and his awesome staff! read more

This is the BEST BEST BEST place to get BBQ in Southern California. This is an honor that I do not bestow lightly. The food is as good as Bludsoe's (in some cases better), the people are about 1000x times friendlier, and there is a place to sit down. This little café is on the north side of Artesia Blvd., just east of Atlantic Avenue. The front is not much to look at - they are working through issues with the city regarding signage and the landlord should be repainting the inside soon. Find yourself a street spot and come in, because the interior is darling. Wooden chairs and tables with vinyl red checked tablecloths and cute little signs (e.g., don't cry over spilt milk, it isn't beer, etc.). You order through windows that are cut through the wall that originally divided the spaces - one side is the kitchen and the other is the café. They have a tremendous selection - ribs, chicken, brisket, links - and great sides/dessert. We had the Spare Rib Dinner ($13) with Coleslaw and Baked Beans and the Beef Rib Dinner (Weekends only - $14) with coleslaw and greens ($1 extra for greens), both of which are served with two pieces of white bread, a medium mac and cheese ($3), cornbread ($1/piece), a can of lime Shasta ($1), a bottle of water ($1) and banana pudding (can't remember). Here is the 411: Spare Ribs: 3 meaty spare ribs are smoked to tender perfection and fall off the bone. Most people do baby backs, which are a more tender cut. But, spare ribs just need more attention - more cooking at lower temperatures. The result is perfectly smoked meat. We got the mild sauce on the side, which was perfect over these meaty ribs. Beef Ribs: 3 meaty beef ribs (angus beef - the good stuff) are again smoked to tender perfection after being seasoned with an incredible dry rub. Very few people do beef ribs, and these were outstanding. So good, in fact, that you should skip the sauce. Trust me. Coleslaw: crisp green cabbage in a tangy, creamy dressing with celery seed. Simply executed, excellent flavor. I highly recommend adding a little of their BBQ sauce. I got the mild, which is smoky and slightly sweet. I should try the spicy next time for a comparison. Baked Beans: now this is what I am talking about! After being recently disappointed by another BBQ joint, these are what baked beans are supposed to be. Little white beans cooked until they are tender but not mushy in a smoky and slightly sweet sauce. On point! Greens: the classic blend of collards and green beans where the bitterness has been cooked away and seasoned to perfection. Again, I recommend a little BBQ sauce. The greens don't need it, but the sauce is on point. Mac and Cheese: holy mackerel! The best that I have had outside of my own kitchen. Cheesy and creamy while being well seasoned (thyme, perhaps?) - this is an absolute flavor EXPLOSION. I don't like mac and cheese (it's for DH and the girl) and this is OUTSTANDING!!!! Cornbread: some of the best that I have had outside of my own kitchen. In fact, the Earls' might be better than mine. :/ The little muffins (the diameter of a standard muffin and about an inch thick) taste as though they are cooked in butter. They are served hot and are a little crisp on the side. SOOOOOOO good. Banana Pudding: Mrs. Tanya Earl brought us some of her OUTSTANDING, HOUSE MADE banana pudding. It will bring a tear to your eyes. Even if, like me, you don't care for pudding. A thin layer of white cake is over the creamy, sumptuous pudding. If you order the golden nugget, it comes over cornbread. I never would have ordered this without prompting, so you must get it. Robert and Tanya Earl will make you feel like FAMILY. I love these people and their lovely restaurant. I can't wait to come back! Maybe they will adopt me? :) Everything was delicious, everything was homemade, everything was perfectly seasoned. We were so HAPPY! Please come to support these wonderful people - there should be a line out the door! read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Best beef ribs! Sauce on the side because the rub is awesome. - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

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We drove out to long beach from the inland empire for almost an hour for my husband's bday . He loves BBQ so , I searched & searched here on yelp for the best BBQ place. Robert Earl's had one of the best ratings & let me tell you , 200 some people were not exaggerating when they said this place was the best. Yes, the food takes some time to be served, but I'd rather wait for perfection than food which sits under a heat lamp & that arrives in lightening bolt time to the table. The meats were seasoned just right & the ribs fell right off the bone! Their BBQ sauce was just as delicious . Hubby had the mild & I had the spicy one, which was just spicy enough to be enjoyed & not set your tongue on fire. The only thing that we were bummed out about was that they had ran out of cornbread & rib tibs, but that's expected of a real BBQ mom & pop type of places. The girl taking our orders was very sweet & helpful too. This place isn't pretentious , but it is clean & you can see the kitchen from the window that you order your food from. So, if you're looking for fancy & valet parking this isn't the place for you, but if you're looking for a place that you can get down & dirty & stuff your face with the best BBQ around, this IS the place for you! Enjoy it & let me know when you're going so I can come with!!! Lol :P read more

Robert Earl's BBQ - Don't forget to wear your stretchy pants & Thank God for such yummy BBQ! - Barbeque Near Me - Long Beach, California

By Far the Best BBQ in town! I am not a big fan of BBQ but this place is Simply Delicious! The BBQ Ribs were Tender and the Sweet and Spicy Sauce was definitely the BANG!!! My order came with two sides which consisted of Sweet Beans and Potato Salad, I switched the Beans for Mac n Cheese for an additional $1. Overall it was a Great Choice, I was completely satisfied with the Food and most importantly the Customer Service! The staff was really friendly and very helpful! You won't be Disapointed! read more

2 words... L.E.G.I.T. B.B.Q. If you're craving some BBQ.. I'm talking about THAT kind with a 90% meat : 10% bone ratio, THAT kind where the spicy BBQ sauce requires a big ol jug of da juice of your choice sittin ready at the table, THAT kind with sweet, tangy BBQ baked beans, THAT kind with Mac n Cheese that ain't made with no gov'ment cheese.. THIS is THE spot! Robert Earl and his boys put they foot ALL up in the food.. And I do mean all up in it! So glad my bf and I ran across this joint.. We will be back.. That is a certainty! Some tips: 1) street parking, 2) small, quaint spot, but don't let that fool ya, and 3) try their cornbread with banana puddin... Booooyyy, woo-wee!!! To Robert Earl & staff.. Please please please don't let the white man take over this fine establishment.. Joints like yours are hard to find and we appreciate you. To everyone else, support! Just look for that lil black smoker out front.. And ull know that u found it!! See u there!! read more

****YES, THIS IS THE SPOT!!!****EAT HERE!!!**** ********************************************************** Your search is over. Take it from a guy who has eaten BBQ in several states throughout the south AND has eaten at every single local BBQ spot in the Long Beach/South Bay area. Robert Earl is bold enough to state that his BBQ can be eaten WITHOUT sauce (as in dry rub BBQ style like in Tennessee)... his statement is 100% true. Most local BBQ spots will cover their meats in sauce to hide whats really missing, which I personally believe is the LOVE & PASSION that goes into real cooking. You CAN NOT get real BBQ from a chain restaurant. How could someone possibly go to one of those fake ass spots with peanut shells purposely thrown about the floor to eat true American Southern BBQ? Without going into too much detail, just go here and try it. You'll be happy. And give those TURKEY NECKS a try! They are excellent! Try his BBQ with sauce on the side! read more