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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–3:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 125 Cabrillo St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone: (949) 264-2669
Website: https://www.harperbarbecue.com/home
Menu Photos
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Home — Harper Barbecue
We quickly became tired of traditional heavy bbq trays so we had the … Address: 125 Cabrillo St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Get The Hottest Smokin’ Info.
Harper Barbecue (@harper_barbecue) • Instagram photos and videos
125 Cabrillo St, Costa Mesa. Family owned defining “California Barbecue”. Prime beef, Heritage pork, Mary’s chicken, natural wine, and no seed oils.
Harper Barbecue | Costa Mesa CA – Facebook
Harper Barbecue, Costa Mesa. 345 likes · 3 talking about this · 54 were here. Barbecue Restaurant.
Reviews
jerry Z
Really good barbecue and I love the ambience of this location. I like their twist and their style of barbecue definitely worth a try. Note that barbecue is always expensive so you can’t rate a place on pricing when quality barbecue is going to have a cost.
… moreCarlita Cartwright
I stopped by on a Saturday evening around 6:30 and was able to place my order right away. The guys behind the counter were super welcoming and helpful, which made for a nice first impression. Most of the beef options were already sold out by then, but my boyfriend ordered a half pound of what was left, and I went with a half pound of chicken. For sides, we chose the Brussels sprouts Caesar salad, mac and cheese, and a cornbread muffin.
Unfortunately, the food just didn’t live up to our expectations. The meat was surprisingly cold, even though it was pulled straight from the warmer. Maybe it would’ve made a difference if it had been served hot, but either way, we both felt the smoked meat lacked the flavor and tenderness we’ve experienced elsewhere. The mac and cheese was a letdown too, under-seasoned and unusually runny, with a cheese sauce that didn’t quite hit the mark. The Brussels sprouts Caesar salad was forgettable, but the cornbread muffin was a small saving grace…moist, tasty, and well-made, even though it was also served cold.
On a positive note, the ambiance is great. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s definitely the kind of spot you’d want to hang out in.
It’s a real disappointment because we live so close and were genuinely excited to have a BBQ joint nearby. Unfortunately, with the food being so underwhelming, we’re not sure we’ll be back.
… moreUnfortunately, the food just didn’t live up to our expectations. The meat was surprisingly cold, even though it was pulled straight from the warmer. Maybe it would’ve made a difference if it had been served hot, but either way, we both felt the smoked meat lacked the flavor and tenderness we’ve experienced elsewhere. The mac and cheese was a letdown too, under-seasoned and unusually runny, with a cheese sauce that didn’t quite hit the mark. The Brussels sprouts Caesar salad was forgettable, but the cornbread muffin was a small saving grace…moist, tasty, and well-made, even though it was also served cold.
On a positive note, the ambiance is great. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s definitely the kind of spot you’d want to hang out in.
It’s a real disappointment because we live so close and were genuinely excited to have a BBQ joint nearby. Unfortunately, with the food being so underwhelming, we’re not sure we’ll be back.
eatingwithmeow
B [it’s aight / 還可以]
· i went for my friends suprise birthday party (they can seat up to 10+ people)
· ordered their prime beef cheek + signature cornbread muffin which was about 27$ USD total as of September 2025
· beef cheeks was tender and soft to bite (also came with free pickled sides)
· but portion size was too small for the amount (was not full)
· cornbread muffin did not taste good and was too dry
· i did like their soap in their outdoor sink! (helped washed off the grease after eating really well)
tldr: delicious but expensive bbq
… more· i went for my friends suprise birthday party (they can seat up to 10+ people)
· ordered their prime beef cheek + signature cornbread muffin which was about 27$ USD total as of September 2025
· beef cheeks was tender and soft to bite (also came with free pickled sides)
· but portion size was too small for the amount (was not full)
· cornbread muffin did not taste good and was too dry
· i did like their soap in their outdoor sink! (helped washed off the grease after eating really well)
tldr: delicious but expensive bbq
Kevin-Nam Phan
First time at Harper BBQ and overall a great experience. The place was clean, the vibe was welcoming, and the staff were friendly. The meats I had were flavorful and satisfying.
Recommendations: Beef Cheek and Sausages
The Mac & Cheese had great texture and lot’s of cheese, but could use a bit more seasoning. The potato salad felt like it was served warm and had a unique twist, no mayo or eggs like the classic version. Interesting, but not really my thing.
Place is definitely worth checking out!
… moreRecommendations: Beef Cheek and Sausages
The Mac & Cheese had great texture and lot’s of cheese, but could use a bit more seasoning. The potato salad felt like it was served warm and had a unique twist, no mayo or eggs like the classic version. Interesting, but not really my thing.
Place is definitely worth checking out!
Cap10Bill Nortman
Wow. Just wow.
My buddy T just put me onto this gem and I’m grateful.
A simply well-executed counter service barbecue joint that exceeds all expectations.
The smoked meat is phenomenal—flavor runs deep through every bite. Tender, juicy, and unforgettable.
The warm potato salad is unique and amazing. The chili is out of this world.
… moreMy buddy T just put me onto this gem and I’m grateful.
A simply well-executed counter service barbecue joint that exceeds all expectations.
The smoked meat is phenomenal—flavor runs deep through every bite. Tender, juicy, and unforgettable.
The warm potato salad is unique and amazing. The chili is out of this world.
Brion Nantista
Visited at 4:00 on Friday 3/28. Approached the counter and was told the kitchen was closed untill 5;00 so I can only order meat and sides. This was disappointing since I wanted a sandwhich. I ordered tri tip and it was served cold and close to being rare. I guess they forget to turn the warmer on. The mac and cheese was a good sized portion for $8 and the crispy bread crumb topping was on point. The potato salad is served warm and in the style of classic German potato salad. I waited till the kitchen was open and ordered a salad and key lime cheesecake to go. They served the salad for dine in but politely apologized and placed it in a cardboard container for take out. The salad was dressed and soaked through the container. At $24 the salad was underwhelming and he portion was undersized. Thats what I get for ordering a salad at a BBQ joint. I was expecting a slice of key lime cheesecake but received a teeny tiny mini pie that was not worthy of the $8 I paid. They obviously have some kinks to work out and serving cold meat is a pretty big oversight for a BBQ joint. Ill wait 4 to 5 months before I try it again. Note – They have a bar with Coors and Busch on tap as well as a cozy outside dining area.
… moreDavid Theriault
What are you waiting for?!
Harper’s is my favorite spot for BBQ in the area for several reasons:
1. The meat is fantastic. I mean fantastic and they have cuts of meat you don’t see at other BBQ joints.
2. The vibe and location is perfect. I rarely wait in line. I get my food right away and the setting is absolutely on point.
3. Tons of BBQ places use smokers made by Harper’s. Cut out the middle-man and trust the experts.
4. It’s way closer than Heritage and I don’t want to wait 45 minutes in a line for BBQ. I mean what are you waiting for when Harper’s is RIGHT THERE!
I can’t wait to see what new sides and flavors they create and I love their seasonal specials. If you haven’t tried Harper’s…
If you haven’t tried Harpers yet, what are you waiting for?!
… moreHarper’s is my favorite spot for BBQ in the area for several reasons:
1. The meat is fantastic. I mean fantastic and they have cuts of meat you don’t see at other BBQ joints.
2. The vibe and location is perfect. I rarely wait in line. I get my food right away and the setting is absolutely on point.
3. Tons of BBQ places use smokers made by Harper’s. Cut out the middle-man and trust the experts.
4. It’s way closer than Heritage and I don’t want to wait 45 minutes in a line for BBQ. I mean what are you waiting for when Harper’s is RIGHT THERE!
I can’t wait to see what new sides and flavors they create and I love their seasonal specials. If you haven’t tried Harper’s…
If you haven’t tried Harpers yet, what are you waiting for?!
Cindy H
The first time we went it was amazing! The meat was flavorful and so tender! We couldn’t wait to go back, so the following week I went with a friend who had never been, this time was a different story, the tri tip was so tough and flavorless…..such a bummer! I’d love to try again in hopes it would be like the first time, but also bit worried that it wont. I dont mind spending $40+ if its great, but that’s a huge waste of money if its not good again.
… moreSteve
Great atmosphere but parking was a challenge at 3:30 on a Friday. Lot was full and street parking was tough.
Arrived and waited 15 mins in line for only 6 people in front….
Got to the front only to learn they were out of Ribs and Pastrami and then told nothing from the kitchen as it’s closed from 3-5. Very odd. Disappointing.
When you are out of food and serving left overs – Post it out front. Don’t make us wait in line and waste our time only to find out you are barely open.
Tried the Tri Tip it was inedible. Too fatty and tough.
Chicken was dry white meat breast. Would have preferred dark. Hard to tell if it was brined but lacking flavor.
The rib bits were good but dry as they ran out of ribs.
Sides were all decent.
Bill was $80+ for 2.
Which is a lot of coin for what we got.
They Just barely opened this week so will try again. Never go late afternoon otherwise you can’t order half the menu….and most of the BBQ items are gone or you are getting leftovers.
But the kitchen should be open…..C’mon guys figure it out….you can do better.
… moreArrived and waited 15 mins in line for only 6 people in front….
Got to the front only to learn they were out of Ribs and Pastrami and then told nothing from the kitchen as it’s closed from 3-5. Very odd. Disappointing.
When you are out of food and serving left overs – Post it out front. Don’t make us wait in line and waste our time only to find out you are barely open.
Tried the Tri Tip it was inedible. Too fatty and tough.
Chicken was dry white meat breast. Would have preferred dark. Hard to tell if it was brined but lacking flavor.
The rib bits were good but dry as they ran out of ribs.
Sides were all decent.
Bill was $80+ for 2.
Which is a lot of coin for what we got.
They Just barely opened this week so will try again. Never go late afternoon otherwise you can’t order half the menu….and most of the BBQ items are gone or you are getting leftovers.
But the kitchen should be open…..C’mon guys figure it out….you can do better.
Michael Headley
Very tasty BBQ in Costa Mesa. Good variety of different meats and sides. Items will run out during the day. A bit pricey, but worth it for some good BBQ that is lacking in OC. They were a little slow behind the bar getting us drinks, but it’s was all good. Go check em out!
… more