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Founded in 2012 as a backyard, central-Texas style barbecue, Heritage Barbecue has grown a viral following. Years of successful brewery pop ups have led to the debut of a brick and mortar in San Juan Capistrano, one of Orange County’s most anticipated events of 2020. Heritage Barbecue sources only the highest quality meats from West Coast Prime including Pachamama pork, Duroc pork ribs, Creekstone farms brisket, and more. Menus are seasonal and market-priced and therefore change often.
Texas-style BBQ & a rotating menu of sides served in an easygoing eatery that has picnic tables.
Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–7 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://www.heritagecraftbbq.com/
Menu Photos
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Related Web Results
Heritage Barbecue
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Heritage Barbecue – San Juan Capistrano – MICHELIN Guide
Heritage Barbecue – a Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking restaurant in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide USA. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, …
Heritage BBQ – San Juan Capistrano, Ca $120 – Reddit
This fed my family of 3 for 2 meals: lunch, and leftovers for dinner. $20/person per meal is a good deal, in my opinion.
Reviews
Richie Urquizu
Heritage Barbecue is located on the corner of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano across the street from Mission San Juan Capistrano with paid public parking below/behind around The Station restaurant.
I first came across this place while scrolling through YouTube. Saw it on “48 Hours at Michelin’s #1 BBQ in California” video and had it flagged to stop in for a while. Well, I finally did and I wasn’t dissapointed!!
Stopped in on a semi-rainy and overcast day, which meant there was no line, good for me. Everything’s ala-cart on the menu, and with their decent options, it took me a bit to narrow down what I wanted. Also, everything’s priced by the 1/2 pound.
After ordering food and paying, there’s a separate drink area with bottled/can sodas as well as draft and canned beer. They have a solid selection of local beers.
Food came out quick on my visit and everything was nice and hot, and full of flavor!
There’s no inside area to eat, a few bar stools overlooking the sidewalk under a cover, then a few family/group picnic tables with a couple square 4-seater tables.
The food was excellent and the staff was friendly, so I obviously had to get some merch!! Hat and shirt to-go
… moreI first came across this place while scrolling through YouTube. Saw it on “48 Hours at Michelin’s #1 BBQ in California” video and had it flagged to stop in for a while. Well, I finally did and I wasn’t dissapointed!!
Stopped in on a semi-rainy and overcast day, which meant there was no line, good for me. Everything’s ala-cart on the menu, and with their decent options, it took me a bit to narrow down what I wanted. Also, everything’s priced by the 1/2 pound.
After ordering food and paying, there’s a separate drink area with bottled/can sodas as well as draft and canned beer. They have a solid selection of local beers.
Food came out quick on my visit and everything was nice and hot, and full of flavor!
There’s no inside area to eat, a few bar stools overlooking the sidewalk under a cover, then a few family/group picnic tables with a couple square 4-seater tables.
The food was excellent and the staff was friendly, so I obviously had to get some merch!! Hat and shirt to-go
B W
We recently visited Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano for a Saturday lunch. Arriving at 12:20 PM, we found ourselves behind roughly 200 people. While the line moved at a crawl, the atmosphere remained surprisingly calm. About an hour in, a staff member in a cowboy hat gave a brief speech explaining their ‘pay-before-you-sit’ policy. The menu is written on chalkboards and changes daily; unfortunately, by the time we reached the front, several items had already sold out.
At 2:40 PM—over two hours after our arrival—we finally reached the cashiers. After ordering, we watched the pitmaster behind the window expertly hand-cut the meat to order. We were given a number and escorted to a table on the outdoor patio. Though our group was reaching ‘hangry’ levels of frustration by the time we sat down, the first bite changed everything. The burnt ends were spectacular, and the brisket was incredibly tender with a perfect smoky bark. Despite the long wait and the inventory gamble, the quality of the food made the entire experience worthwhile. It is a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast, provided you bring plenty of patience!
… moreAt 2:40 PM—over two hours after our arrival—we finally reached the cashiers. After ordering, we watched the pitmaster behind the window expertly hand-cut the meat to order. We were given a number and escorted to a table on the outdoor patio. Though our group was reaching ‘hangry’ levels of frustration by the time we sat down, the first bite changed everything. The burnt ends were spectacular, and the brisket was incredibly tender with a perfect smoky bark. Despite the long wait and the inventory gamble, the quality of the food made the entire experience worthwhile. It is a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast, provided you bring plenty of patience!
Yuliia Pobedynska
I learned about Heritage Barbecue on Facebook. I’m always very wary of other people’s recommendations because American food is often overly salty, overly sweet, and those ribs are usually drenched in a ton of sauce and often topped with a burnt crust.
So this time I came prepared. I went to the website and read reviews on Yelp. Before my trip, I knew the place was popular and there would likely be a line. Knowing the restaurant is in San Juan Capistrano, which is significantly hotter than Long Beach, I decided that arriving at 3 p.m. was the best time. Yes, my decision was a bit risky, as they could sell out and close. But we took the risk anyway. I also knew about the bib gourmand award and how it differs from a Michelin star. Accordingly, I wasn’t expecting anything special, just well-cooked meat. When we arrived, we had to wait in line for about 30 minutes. The girl who took our order was sweet, helpful, and welcoming. They cut the meat in front of you behind a glass window and weigh it on a scale. If you think it’s too little or too much, you can change your order right away. We ordered only 0.5-1 pound portions. We even got half the chicken and chili to go. Our order for three adults and an eight-year-old child cost $222.94 without tip.
We brought half the food home because we were so full. Given this place’s popularity, every table was full, but a table opened up within three minutes and it was quickly cleared. Our order was also brought out very quickly. The atmosphere was picnic style and very pleasant.
So, about the meat. Everything was delicious. Everything was just how I like it: no burnt crust or burnt aroma–even well-rated restaurants are often guilty of that. This place had only perfectly cooked meat, juicy and flavorful. The marinated onions, peppers, and pickles all went perfectly with the meat. The seasonings didn’t overpower the flavor of the meat; it was juicy. My son liked the sausages best, my husband and I liked the beef, and my daughter liked both the pork and the beef. But everyone said all the meat was delicious. I don’t know what other reviewers were looking for and didn’t find. We came for meat, deliciously prepared, and we got what we wanted. Well-cooked meat, large portions, good service. The beer was delicious, and the bartender deserves special praise.
We had a wonderful time!
… moreSo this time I came prepared. I went to the website and read reviews on Yelp. Before my trip, I knew the place was popular and there would likely be a line. Knowing the restaurant is in San Juan Capistrano, which is significantly hotter than Long Beach, I decided that arriving at 3 p.m. was the best time. Yes, my decision was a bit risky, as they could sell out and close. But we took the risk anyway. I also knew about the bib gourmand award and how it differs from a Michelin star. Accordingly, I wasn’t expecting anything special, just well-cooked meat. When we arrived, we had to wait in line for about 30 minutes. The girl who took our order was sweet, helpful, and welcoming. They cut the meat in front of you behind a glass window and weigh it on a scale. If you think it’s too little or too much, you can change your order right away. We ordered only 0.5-1 pound portions. We even got half the chicken and chili to go. Our order for three adults and an eight-year-old child cost $222.94 without tip.
We brought half the food home because we were so full. Given this place’s popularity, every table was full, but a table opened up within three minutes and it was quickly cleared. Our order was also brought out very quickly. The atmosphere was picnic style and very pleasant.
So, about the meat. Everything was delicious. Everything was just how I like it: no burnt crust or burnt aroma–even well-rated restaurants are often guilty of that. This place had only perfectly cooked meat, juicy and flavorful. The marinated onions, peppers, and pickles all went perfectly with the meat. The seasonings didn’t overpower the flavor of the meat; it was juicy. My son liked the sausages best, my husband and I liked the beef, and my daughter liked both the pork and the beef. But everyone said all the meat was delicious. I don’t know what other reviewers were looking for and didn’t find. We came for meat, deliciously prepared, and we got what we wanted. Well-cooked meat, large portions, good service. The beer was delicious, and the bartender deserves special praise.
We had a wonderful time!
Jeff VanderSlagt
This was a great find. Driving by and saw a line up of people which was intriguing. Got in line and ordered brisquet and mac’n’cheese. Both were amazing! The brisquet was mouth watering and the cheese had a uniquely different taste that was delicious. Great outdoor seating area, friendly service, and clean washrooms. Would definitely go out of my way to eat here.
… moreElias Jimenez
Best bbq I ever had so far we (party of 14) arrived super early around 9:13AM Sat (first in line) from Oceanside via train (Metrolink) all the food was amazing. The chicken and tri-tip was mouth watering. Definitely going back for more. The owner and workers were super nice thank you for the wonderful hospitality
… moreDr. RL
This is a unique experience. The barbecue is amazing in the atmosphere is even better. It’s outdoor seating, but they have someone who finds a seat for you. The brisket, burn ends, ribs, queso, and chips are to die for. Save room for the amazing banana pudding.
… moreCraig Duerr
Hard to go wrong with a meal at Heritage. You most likely already know the que is top notch, if you don’t, it is. We had tri-tip, brisket, spare ribs, sausage and burnt ends. All were very good. The potatoe salad was amazing. Best I’ve had. As for proteins, I’d go brisket, tri-tip, and ribs again, the others are not my usual go to anyways. We arrived at just after opening on winter holiday break weekday and waited in line for two hours. The beer selections were excellent, nearly worth the trip on their own.
… morephamtruax
Came all the way from Montreal Canada to taste. Just as good as Franklins in texas! The best tasting texas bbq outside texas, legit. Get there early cause theres always a lineup!
… moreChristopher T
Took out-of-town folks to here to experience a fine, damn delicious bbq that OC offers plus experience the town. The line is long on weekend of course (as always) but you can get drinks while you wait. Took us about 45mins to get to the front for ordering. And got the foods within 3-5mins. Great selection of craft beers and sodas. Outdoor seating only (small not big and some are shareable. Friendly, cheerful, funny and helpful staff. Parking can be tough. Street parkings are free but limited time, there are couple parking lots and garage (5-10mins walk) with pay and free. You will enjoy the foods, drinks, and the services for sure.
… moreJay Ess
Heritage BBQ in San Juan Capistrano is one of those places where you have to accept a few realities before you go. The lines are long. Yes. The prices are high. Yes. Parking is limited. Also yes. If you park a bit farther away and walk it makes life easier. Once you accept all of that the experience becomes much more enjoyable.
Is it worth it? I genuinely believe it is. You are not going to get Texas level barbecue in Orange County at Houston prices and expecting that would be unrealistic. What you do get here is very good barbecue that is clearly made with care and attention.
The food is solid and satisfying and feels worth the wait. Portions are fair for the style and quality and everything tastes properly prepared. The line may look intimidating but it moves steadily and efficiently so you are not standing around wondering what is happening.
The key is to come prepared. Expect to wait. Do not rush the experience. Once you sit down with your food it is easy to forget about the line and focus on enjoying the meal.
Overall Heritage Barbecue delivers good barbecue that justifies the hype as long as you go in with the right expectations.
… moreIs it worth it? I genuinely believe it is. You are not going to get Texas level barbecue in Orange County at Houston prices and expecting that would be unrealistic. What you do get here is very good barbecue that is clearly made with care and attention.
The food is solid and satisfying and feels worth the wait. Portions are fair for the style and quality and everything tastes properly prepared. The line may look intimidating but it moves steadily and efficiently so you are not standing around wondering what is happening.
The key is to come prepared. Expect to wait. Do not rush the experience. Once you sit down with your food it is easy to forget about the line and focus on enjoying the meal.
Overall Heritage Barbecue delivers good barbecue that justifies the hype as long as you go in with the right expectations.