
Address and Contact Information
Address: 5440 Orangethorpe Ave, La Palma, CA 90623
Phone: (714) 752-6265
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Wholly Smokes BBQ | La Palma CA – Facebook
Wholly Smokes BBQ – Under New Management – Reviews, Photos …
Wholly Smoke Cafe (@wholly_smoke_cafe) – Instagram
Reviews
The smoked brisket was tender and flavorful, and the full rack of ribs—especially the Pork Belly was absolutely delicious. You can tell there’s real passion behind the smoke. Job well done to the team—I’ll definitely be back for more!
As we approached, the sign caught my attention: “Under New Ownership.” Outside, an employee sat scrolling on his phone. It was a quiet Sunday around 3 PM, and we were the only patrons in sight. Checking Yelp beforehand had been a bit of a letdown, as their menu featured items they no longer offer. No links were available either.
We ordered half a pound of pulled pork, half a pound of brisket, and four pieces of cornbread—all priced reasonably. Their tap selection turned out to be decent. The Cali Squeeze Blood Orange was a standout, and they also seemed to carry Firestone Walker products, including 805.
The staff were friendly and responsive, which was refreshing. While the brisket had cooled by the time we got home, it was still tender and flavorful—just like the pulled pork. The real surprise? The chimichurri that accompanied the brisket—an unexpected and delightful touch.
Overall, I’d rate the experience as average. While it’s clear they’ve got potential, a bit more effort could turn Wholly Smokes into a go-to spot. Leaning in on those small details would really elevate the experience.
A watering hole with wings.
This used to be my favorite BBQ spot in a 30 mile radius. Now after the owner change the interior is bland, the menu is stripped, the huge wood fired smoker outside has been replaced by a tiny Traeger, and the outdoor seating is gone. I swung by today, a Thursday, and they weren’t serving brisket and stated that pork ribs were only available on weekends. That left pork belly or chicken wings. We politely said that we would pass and found a different place for dinner.
If you want a beer and wings, you might like this place.
ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 2023:
Popped in around noon on a Wednesday to find that they were doing a soft opening for their brunch! Banana pancakes were fluffy and great tasting and the over easy eggs were cooked perfectly. Moving on, we ordered the breakfast burrito (and added pulled pork) along with the loaded fries (with pulled pork) and the pulled pork sandwich (you guessed it, also with pulled pork!) The burrito was hefty; I think I gained a couple pounds and couldn’t finish the entire thing. The fries were tasty, with seasoning and a jalapeno cheese that was just the right amount of spice. The sandwich was loaded with meat.
This was my second visit and I’ll definitely be back again.
Brisket and pulled pork are well made. Slight smoke taste and ready for sauce or straight.
Just opened so a few serving hiccups, but staff are friendly and accommodating.
Has a feel of a nice corner BBQ joint, which it is.
The sauces were nice but leaned toward spicy not sweet so be aware of that.
Cons: price to quantity.
Just check the menu and see then cost per pound. Not great.
The sides could have made up for that but they were small. This makes for an incomplete meal.
Ribs, while prepared well had a kick and it was just one note, pepper. No salt, sugar, etc…just peppery.
Will give it a shot in another month or 2 to see how it deals with feedback. At the meal price a little improvement is needed.