4. Restaurants

Bad to the Bone BBQ

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd,Ste E, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
  • (949) 218-0227
  • Store is closed

Bad to the Bone BBQ Menu

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  • David B.

    Incredibly tasty BBQ, more than a dozen micro brews on tap. Delicious fish tacos, BBQ fries, burgers, brisket and more.

    (5)

  • Jayson O.

    Very impressed this last outing. I've been to Bad to the Bone a handful of times over the years,and craving good BBQ, this place was a hit early on....but then seemed to lose a bit off it's flair and taste sometime back. Well, after last nights dinner, I am ecstatic to report B2TB is back!! I ordered a 2 meat combo ($17.95) and ponied up an additional $2.99 for the baby back rib sub-in, and it was well worth it. I had a nice protion of succulent Carolina style pulled pork, and the ribs were OUTSTANDING this time. Perfect char and taste on these bad boys and you could really taste the smoke this time (it was distinct without being over powering). Althought the steamed veggies were a bit bland and plain (I'll go grilled veg next time), the potato salad was surpringly good too...not heavy on the mayo, great texture, and good quality mustard made me a believer once again in mass potato salad. My guest had the grilled chicked sandwich and I was allowed a bite. Awesome! They finally got this right! The melted swiss with the chicked was good. The side of beer battered onion rings were super crisp, not oily or greasy in the least! Nice wedge of dill pickle to round it out. The premium side of Mac & Cheese was really good too...there was a hint of bacon in it, and the cheese super creamy and gooey! YUM! And we both give kudos to the bbq sauce. It has a real nice and hearty base to it with just the right amount of kick. You can tell Emeril was about to say "Bam!". Wow, we both concluded that the quality has gone up substantially from our last few visits many moons ago. I'm already thinking about going back and just getting a plate of ribs this time....they were that good.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey F.

    This is an above average BBQ place with a friendly family atmosphere. Not very fancy. Food was fairly tasty, and meat was not fatty, but not as thinly sliced as some other higher quality BBQ restaurants. Salads were very basic produce, nothing fancy. Baked beans are average. Wings were good. Tri Tip seemed properly cooked. Ordering occurs by standing on line and taking a number over to your table. You dispense your own fountain drinks which have a distorted flavor like the machines could use a little bit of cleaning. There is an old water smell near the back. The bathrooms are old. The tables are shellacked wood and wood floors make it perfect for your messy kids. Portions are not all that generous. The staff was friendly. They do have free wifi that worked OK for texts and emails but not very supportive of video. If you get a seat at the right table you can see the football game if you're in view of a TV. If you want better service and food with a much better and cleaner atmosphere I would suggest Wood Ranch BBQ which is about 15% more expensive but well worth it.

    (3)

  • Dub A.

    Consistently the BEST food, atmosphere and always great service! This place is one my fav all time spots- menu is so huge I literally ate here 3 times one week! Highly recommend!!

    (5)

  • Kayleigh L.

    Where to start Debbie The bartender is phenomenal. The food is giant it's crazy delicious. I would say this is the best happy hour in the world

    (5)

  • Mark M.

    Really bad to the bone.Very dry bay back ribs for 25 bucks with a spit cup worth of BBQ sauce after a half hour wait.....never again

    (1)

  • Rachel G.

    Food is way too high priced for the quality. Steak salad was $12.95... It was worth $3.00 Complained to a employee and they replied she would talk to the manager, yet manager never came out and apologized or anything. Not worth it.

    (2)

  • Colleen J.

    Finding a decent BBQ joint in southern california is like panning for gold, pretty much impossible, unless you happen upon this humble establishment at a nondescript mini-mall in San Juan Capistrano. The minute you step out of your car that familiar smokey smell overwhelms you. This is a rowdy order-up restaurant that will cost around $20 per person, is very kid friendly, and has an active bar area. The hubs and I split the 4 meat platter and an order of potato skins (oh yeah we're total health nuts j/k). Shockingly the baby back ribs were the major disappointment of the meal, although the host did try to recommend the spare ribs, so our fault on that one. The brisket and pulled pork were divine, while the tri-tip was a bit fatty and chewy in my opinion. Their baked beans are smokey and had a touch of vinegar, no sweetness there. The coleslaw is an absolute waste of stomach space, a little disappointed the chef didn't even try to be creative. The corn bread is fabulous too, dense, and delectable. Overall, the best BBQ your gonna have 'round these parts.

    (4)

  • Rachel K.

    A group of 8 came here after we had done a 6 mile hike with our dogs. We were wanting a dog-friendly patio so we could have lunch together. One of the men in our group also wanted to watch the game on TV. Six of us had never been to this restaurant before. We ordered the onion rings to start, and of course some pitchers of beer. I ordered a baked potato. A couple people ordered the steak salad, one person ordered the seared ahi, and one person ordered the pulled pork. Everybody agreed that the food was great. We plan to do this again sometime soon!

    (4)

  • Steve C.

    Pricy, but soooo worth the splurge, actually what BBQ place isn't a little pricy, especially if they are using high quality meat to start with. Here it's all meat and smoke, and worth every penny. Great tip, don't overlook the GREAT burgers here, they benefit from the great hardwood grill and the terrific smoke it imparts! The only thing I wish was better and keeps me from the 5th star, is I wish they had more variety and better sides.

    (4)

  • Greg V.

    We love this place - Amazing smell when you walk in the door! Amazing taste! To many favorites to list! Did the Chicken and Pulled Pork last night with Corn on the Cob and Onion Rings - Love everything I have ever had here!!

    (5)

  • Brandon V.

    A good friend brought me here a few years ago and I just can't stay away. Everything I've tried on the menu is AMazing! Everything is always flavorful, perfectly cooked, and so worth every penny. I recommend just about everything but the one thing that is a show stopper is the prime rib ( which I believe is only available on the weekends). Staff are friendly and definitely has a home town feel to it.

    (5)

  • Dre O.

    Had the tri-tip sandwich with potato salad and ranch beans. For just under $10 it more than filled me up. The tri-tip was smoked and flavored so perfectly it could have stood alone without any bbq sauce. High marks here justified

    (4)

  • Gee D.

    Amazing place! Awesome environment! Incredible service! Can't say anything bad about this place. Thank you Miguel for the awesome service and welcoming environment. Anyone in the area must make this place their stop! Incredible food!

    (5)

  • Lilly O.

    It was yummy! Maybe I was starved because I hadn't eaten a full meal all day, but it was delicious! Go. Now.

    (4)

  • Amanda P.

    My family and I came here about an hour before closing time on a Sunday and this place was still bustling! I ordered the prime rib dinner and the portion of meat that I got was HUGE. Add two sides and cornbread and I was stuffed. I literally took half of it home and had it for dinner the next day. The green chili lobster bisque was fantastic, although I wish there were larger pieces of lobster in it. What little lobster I got was almost the size of the corn kernels that were in the soup. One critique I have for the prime rib is that my piece had too much fat on it, I doubt it was trimmed before preparation. Of my large portion of meat, about 1/3 of it was solid, inedible fat that should have been trimmed away. Service was very attentive. Everyone seemed willing and happy to get us whatever we needed, from new utensils to an extra glass of water. I definitely cannot wait for my next meal here!

    (4)

  • Kris T.

    We came here on vacation and stumbled upon this bbq gem. My children are gluten free and all their bbq and most sides do not have gluten. This in itself was awesome. Girls said the ribs were the best they have ever had and the sampler proved that their other bbq was amazing as well. So good that we came back for lunch another day. Huge portions so all 4 of us shared a full rack of the st. Louis ribs and left totally stuffed. This place was wonderful just unfortunate we don't have one near us.

    (5)

  • John P.

    The BBQ is consistently good. The beer-tap selection is off the hook for a small bar. The bartender Hillary is the best in the west!! I love this little place for the happy hour and the food.

    (4)

  • Jay C.

    I went to this spot with no expectations, and was pleasantly surprised. I found the BBQ to be very good, and especially good for the price. Huge and tasty BBQ combinations for a little more than $20. There was good smoke on the meats and I must say you really get your bang for your buck. Or should I say you get the most carne for your currency. Forget the futile attempt at humor and go check this spot out. Next on my list, their aged prime rib...What!?!

    (4)

  • Scott T.

    Oh. Em. Efff. Gee. Someone else stated this is the best bbq in the country. Maybe he hasn't been to The County Line in Austin. But this place is better than any place I've eaten in St. Louis, Kansas City, Memphis, or Charlotte. Baby back ribs are amazing. The potato salad is made with red potatoes, like grandma did. Ranch beans are tasty. Cornbread tasted like the Jiffy mix, and if you know how good that is, you'll understand. One dude singing with an acoustic guitar is great for the atmosphere. Arrive hungry, because the portions are large.

    (5)

  • Tamara D.

    Best BBQ I've had out in a long time. This is about the 10th time I've been here and the food never disappoints. My new favorites are the pulled pork nachos and the prime rib melt (sandwich). The sandwich, 1 side, and a medium drink run about 10.95. Great deal for the quality of the meat, bread, and provolone. It comes with a pickle and a side of au jus as well. I love their side salad with ranch but their fries, beans, and potato salad are all delish. Kid appropriate for lunch and probably 12+ later in the evening because it's connected to Capistrano Brewing Company. On the flip side, The Brewing Co. serves their food so great for a casual night out with friends or a low key date night.

    (5)

  • Violet R.

    Came here based on other yelp reviews. I had the Ranch burger w/ side salad and my husband had the pulled pork sandwich and 50/50 fries and onion rings. The burger was just ok. Not bad, but not great. The meat had a great char flavor and the bun was soft and yummy. I just didn't feel the meat had any flavor (I had to add salt and pepper). The pulled pork sand which was pretty good. My husband enjoyed it. The fries were bland and needed seasoning. The onion rings were crisp and not greasy, which is good, but we didn't care for the cornmeal breading. Maybe it was just an off day from a seasoning standpoint. I will definitely come back to try the ribs. Oh! Forgot to mention that the staff was very friendly. :-)

    (3)

  • Jenny Y.

    How bad do you want bbq? Well, this place has it all for y'all bbq lovers! 1st visit wasn't so bad..but PARKING SUCKS! I can't believe how many big SUVs and big trucks are around here! Some must have the short man syndrome to drive big-a** trucks that takes up 2 parking spots! Yeesh! Small place. Can sit outdoors under the patio. Service is decent. The servers keep coming back to check on us (we had a large group). They could do better on filling up all the mustard and ketchup bottles. We had to keep asking for refillls. Price is decent. They have lunch/dinner specials. YUM YUM FOODIES: *Sweet potato fries - Crispy. It was perfect. (5/5) *Cornbread - moist, fresh and yummy. (5/5) *BBQ chicken sandwich - This was decent. The chicken looked dry but after first bite, it wasn't! Comes with your choice of 2 sides. (4/5) *Baby back pork ribs (BBQ plates) - Yummy yummy. Delicious sauce and the ribs was cooked just right and soft. (5/5) They have Family Feasts/Meals for take-out only! A lot of side dishes! They have catering services too! They also have seafood dishes...maybe will try that next time. So stop by this place and check it out if you're in the neck of the wood. =) It was definitely a good place to grub with my friends after a good long hike! Oink! Oink!

    (4)

  • David P.

    Very good BBQ especially for California since it's not like the south were real bbq places are common. Nice atmosphere i had 2 meat special chicken and brisket 2 sides were beans and sweet potatoe fries which were great, overall i like this place will be back for sure. Average plate is about 12-20 bucks per person. Seating inside and outside pation and they also have a small salon connected next door from main dinning area.

    (4)

  • Rich Z.

    No need for a long review. This place is just awesome. Real smoked meat and the flavors to go along with it. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Denise H.

    Pleasant surprise in a strip mall tight off Hwy 5. Excellent service, tender meat and good quality BBQ sauce. Will definitely be coming back

    (4)

  • Edward S.

    This place was just Bad. We waited in line for almost an hour, finally reaching the front to order. We were asked what our table number was. No one had told us we needed one so back waiting in line again. Maybe that is why we saw people squeezing past the others in line and going in. When we ordered I had seen the burnt ends and wanted to get them in the two meat combo with a rack of St, Louis ribs. The cashier said no---did not offer to ask a manager if it was ok. Strike one. My burnt ends were mediocre, some tender but others tough and chewy. Some pieces were not meat but only fat. Not the burnt ends I've. Had at other BBQ places. Strike two. One friend had beef ribs. They were cold, chewy and stringy. The sausage was good however. Another friend got the tri-tip salad. That was ok except also chewy. Finally after everyone else had food for five to 10 minutes, the last order arrived. Prime rib with a baked potato. The prime rib looked nicely cooked but the baked potato was cold. My friend asked for a hot one which came 10 minutes later. By that time the prime rib was cold. He asked if they could give it a bit of fire to warm it up. He was told, probably not, they are pretty busy right now. Strike three. They finally took the prime rib to warm it. When it came back 15 minutes later the potato was cold again. Everyone else had finished our food twenty minutes earlier. This was truly a Bad experience. Just to top it off there was no mention of how to get a beer or wine from the bar. It seems you have to be 'in the know' to get anything there. We won't be back to know again.

    (1)

  • Julian V.

    Just tried this place yesterday...beef ribs were overpriced (market value???) but they were very good - smokey flavor and the meet was tender. BBQ sauce was awesome. Mac and cheese was creamiest I've ever had. Can't wait to try the pulled pork sliders. Very casual ambiance, family friendly - will be back again soon!!

    (4)

  • Armine G.

    Get the brisket or brisket sandwich falls apart in your mouth. Attenive service and delicious food

    (5)

  • Irene N.

    Waited for my food for over 40 minutes. I thought it was taking a while, so I went up to ask about it and they said they didn't get the ticket order. It wasn't even busy day. You would think the servers would go around asking how everyone is doing, but there were about five of their employees busy counting their tips at a table instead. At least they had the decency to reimburse us for the food.

    (2)

  • Gary H.

    Best BBQ in South County. Pulled pork is my fav along with tri tip. Sides are solid and atmosphrte is a very relaxed western feel. Great place to bring family and friends with lots of choices and full bar if you like.

    (4)

  • Todd M.

    This place is fantastic. The meats there are all great, but I tell ya what, my favorite thing there are the burgers! They are amazing and I most definitely go out of my way to have one on occasion. I also want to compliment the staff, they are pretty awesome every time we go. Great service and super friendly, what else can you ask for! *ohhh, they have some great beers on tap as well.

    (5)

  • Bryce S.

    Great BBQ joint in SJC. Their pulled pork sandwich is a pretty consistent lunch choice for me. I work about a mile and a half from here and this is a pretty common destination when I meet a friend or want something other than fast food. Plus they've got a great bartender, Hillary. One of the best in OC. She makes it worth going in. A little pricier than I think is justified but their lunch specials are spot on. Worth going in for lunch.

    (4)

  • Pat A.

    Placed our order at the counter when we walked in. The staff at the counter were knowledgeable and really helped us order because there are so many choices. We ordered their Pulled Pork Sandwich - comes with 2 sides. Ordered french fries and potato salad. The sandwhich was great! Also ordered their appetizer Street Tacos. You get 3 tacos, and I had mine each filled with a different meat. Chicken, Steak and Pork. Loved every morsel. They give you a number on a stand and you find a table. You can get your drinks at the fountain. Sat by their TV. Order was ready in 7 minutes. Very very good to the bone - I am a fan. Meats are flavorful. Serving size is plentiful. Staff is happy and customer focused. Love the atmosphere. When you enter, the right side is the bar and seating area. The center is where you order and more table, and the left side is more tables but no tvs. There is also outside seating. If I want BBQ, this is where I will go.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    Five stars for service. Huge thank you to Oscar the manager and the staff. I didn't realize there was a 10% discount for checking in until after I ordered. They got everything taken care of and had me leaving with a smile on my face. Food-wise the brisket is much more tender than the tri-tip, the pulled pork is great but could use more vinegar in my opinion, and the St. Louis ribs were wonderfully tender but I wish the rub had more spices. Overall I like this place but I must admit that I don't detect much smoke flavor in the meat. Definitely worth a visit if I'm down in the area but not something I'd drive out for.

    (5)

  • Holly D.

    Great rustic atmosphere with a cool bar featuring live music. The food is some of the best we have had and the service was quick, courteous, and very accommodating!

    (5)

  • Micaela J.

    OMG..........I love this place. Everything is absolutely delicious . I had the Hickory Burger,, and onion rings. I was in heaven

    (5)

  • Trish R.

    I think we ordered the wrong thing. We ordered ribs. Apparently they are known for their pulled pork. We did not like the smoke flavor on the BBQ sauce on the ribs. Way too smokey. Just personal preference. Doesn't mean it's a bad place. Very down to earth, casual, fun, local hole in the wall. My kind of restaurant. I would probably go back and try pulled pork and write another review. : )

    (3)

  • Rorie C.

    Oh man what great food here. I love it..

    (5)

  • Brianna C.

    This is one of my favorite places! The sandwiches are amazing, great beer too! The employees are very friendly which you don't get a lot in Orange County.

    (5)

  • Mojo S.

    I was hesitant to try this place out because it seemed so tucked out of the way. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well everything turned out. Their St. Louis Ribs are on par with many of the best I've tasted. Their mac n' cheese especially was a highlight of the two sides I had, the other being plain mashed potatoes. If you're in the area and have a hankering for bbq, then you could definitely do worse than Bad to the Bone. I'll definitely be back to try out the rest of their menu.

    (4)

  • Rick H.

    Great bbq in sjc and oc friendly staff always packet you need to try there are ahi tuna their catering service is pretty good too everything there is great the meat is slowly cooked for hours and hours

    (5)

  • Jackie S.

    Best BBQ in Orange County. I should just end my review there. :-) It really is a great place with great food and a good beer selection. Their pulled pork sandwich is to die for and their chicken is soooo juicy. I've come to the restaurant many times to just pick up a jar of their BBQ sauce. I really am a big fan. I visit this joint at least 4 times a month. :-) I'm all about racking up the the B2B point system! Discounts for being a loyal customer? Yes please! Ask one of the girls at the counter to tell you more. It'll be worth it!

    (5)

  • Michael B.

    Bad to the bone is excellent call it good to the bone. I love the pork nachos it has the liquid cheese on it that is liquid heaven. The pulled pork on top is excellent they also can cut up jalapenos for you that are fresh. If you sit at the bar they hire the nicest bartenders and they are always having fun. They have an excellent beer selection and are always rotating tap beers in an out to try new things. The pork ribs are excellent also I would highly recommend eating here.

    (4)

  • Terri N.

    Been here several times over the years. Today was at least the third time we received dried out brisket. We got two lunch specials -- the brisket plate and the combo plate. Unless you slather it with sauce, the brisket is very dry and today the chicken was even drier. The pulled pork was good, as was the cole slaw, onion rings, and baked beans. But we were looking forward to brisket or tri tip so our lunch was definitely disappointing.

    (3)

  • Jake F.

    Great BBQ place in south OC, if you want something different than a bigger restaurant like Wood Ranch. Very authentic, I mean they even have fried okra! Tri tip, brisket, ribs, it's all good! The mac n cheese is also some of the best I've had. Overall just a solid BBQ place!

    (4)

  • Larry F.

    Great BBQ Drove up from San Diego and this place was worth the drive The staff was great Oscar the mgr was terrific The food is the real deal! Go go go

    (5)

  • Chance B.

    This place was far better than I expected. The brisket was just ok...little too dry but their BBQ is awesome to go with. Really surpirsed they had fried Okra and hadn't had any since I lived in Kentucky and just my luck they were out. Def will be going again!

    (4)

  • Shannon Y.

    Been coming here for years. Food is fantastic! Drinks too. Order the orange blossom martini from Deb and the cinnamon toast crunch from Shantelle. Owen is new and when he heard that it was an off day for the soup he brought over a peach cobbler and ice cream. Everyone has an off day, and Owen made sure to make up for it. I highly recommend bad to the bone for friendly patrons, friendly service and great BBQ!

    (5)

  • Eric T.

    Delicious!!! A solid BBQ joint in So OC!!! Located in a nostalgic shopping lot, BTTB ambiance is very reminiscent of the No Texas / South Oklahoma panhandle...nice rustic wooden, cowboyish atmosphere with legitimate decorations (I haven't seen real saddles in a while)... Bar is situated off of the entryway with ample amounts of flat screens placed throughout the establishment. Got to try this place twice...all portions...ribs...rolls...cole slaw...fries were very plentiful...a rack of ribs was really enough for two...brisket as other Yelpers mentioned...was undeniably savory, soft, and very filling... - baby back ribs...ordered on my first visit...were a tick dry but did not take away from the wonderful dry rub flavor...meat literally falls off of the bone...ample amount of tangy, hickory sweet (w just a hint of vinegar) basted over and under the slightly glazed skin... - tried the St Louis ribs the 2nd time around...absolutely delicious!!! Again, like the baby back ribs, meat just fell off of the bones because they were so soft with generous amounts of bbq sauce painted all around...did not taste dry...so good!!! - brisket (got this on both the 1st and 2nd visit)...omg...soft and with a slight hickory taste...delightful...highly recommended...I couldn't get enough. Even though I slightly dipped the slices with bbq sauce...the naturally prepared hickory taste was already very good... - rolls had a slight buttery taste and complemented the meaty dishes well... - garlic fries were very tasty and like the ribs..were very abundant... - sweet potato fries were also very good...slightly sweet with complimenting sauce (though the best sweet potato fries sauce I've had was from now closed Edge Burgers in HI) - cole slaw was also very flavorful on par with KFC - ordered corn on the cobs, but wish the cobs were topped with garnishings like cheese, pepper, etc that I have experienced at fairgrounds Overall, a solid and filling bbq experience. Will definitely head back soon!!!

    (4)

  • Marlin P.

    Been working up in the LA area typically a few days a week and when I leave late to head back to San Diego this has become my go to stop for a bite to eat and stretch the legs a bit. I had been typically going with the pulled pork sammy with a side of baked beans and if I'm really hungry I'll add the mac n cheese. I usually sit at the bar (Capistrano Brewing Co) which is attached to the restaurant. The location itself is not far from the 5 and seems to attract a lot of locals. This last time I went with the Bourbon Pork Chop after seeing it a visit previously that a local raved about. I'm not a big pork chop guy...very rarely order it in a restaurant but it did not disappoint and I'll definitely order it again. The bar has a good selection of micro brews and there are tv's through the restaurant. Hard to find good bbq joints in CA - this is one of the better ones IMO.

    (5)

  • CK C.

    WARNING! If you are calling in an order for pick up make SURE you use the same credit card for the order & pick up. They charged us twice, once on order and again on pick-up. Way bad business and did not handle the double charge discovery very well at all. Boo-hiss. Also, the beans taste like they belong in a Mexican joint. Horrible parking situation to boot!

    (1)

  • Michael H.

    Great rib place family-style walk up and pay and then they bring the food to your table ribs are amazing ,hard to find good barbecue in orange county.

    (4)

  • J M.

    Some folks hit me up about my review. Don't get me wrong, the BBQ at Bad to the Bone is good and flavorful (I like it very much) and a 3 star review is "good" (and not negative) to me. The reality is simple: every place I "like" cannot be 5-star and certainly very few are going to rate as 4-star. Someone told me to try Chili's if I didn't like it (please, no need to get hostile folks - I wish no ill will to the owners or the staff or the patrons - quite the opposite actually). My experience that night was accurately captured in my review. I don't suggest you NOT go to Bad to the Bone. I suggest you go and try for yourself. It's good. And, I stand by what I wrote for that night's dinning. I have been there when the wait has been over an hour and I have been served plates that had larger portions. The last time I went, there were empty tables and plate was served with empty space where food should be. The price is the price (if you think $20+ just for dessert for 3 people is not too expensive than what I said doesn't apply anyway). The BBQ is good. Go try it and see for yourself.

    (3)

  • Steph L.

    not as good as lucille's but the baby back ribs and st. lois ribs were really good the bbq chicken was a flop .. very dry and tasted old .. really regretted getting that as part of the 3 meat combo deal portion of the sides were a bit small in my opinion .. other rib places give twice the amount for the same price of sides would stop by if in the neighborhood but wouldn't bother making the extra trip

    (4)

  • Jody E.

    Have eaten here twice so I have a little perspective. I am from Louisiana with family in Texas. Grown up around some of the best barbecue in America, and when I travel, I search it out like a man on a mission. I have discovered stunning barbecue in many places in our country... Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Missouri... the bastions of barbecue. Bad to the Bone is probably the best I've had in California (which is not saying a lot, sadly.) Terrific brisket, baby backs, St. Louis ribs, and tri-tip. Highly recommended. The beans are so-so. Onion straws are great. Fried okra very good. The peach cobbler was recommended by the order-taker, so I had some. It was a small-ish portion, with tax cost me just under SEVEN DOLLARS and was sub-average... mushy, gummy, and not fresh peaches. Truly a rip-off-- and a huge money-maker for them. (Should have been $3, max.) My biggest problem is with the service. It takes a LONG time to get your food. The first time, when the food did arrive, my friend got his about 15 minutes before mine, though we basically ordered the same thing. The next time I waited about 20-25 minutes for a sandwich (it was after the lunch rush.) On both visits I had to go to the counter and ask where my food was. Ridiculous. The food is overpriced... my lunch special brisket sandwich, onion straws, peach cobbler and a drink was about $18. Dinner is more. The environment is Texas-y... rough woods, great real smoke aroma (they're using hickory or oak right there). Authentic place. The downside of course is that there's an expectation that the desserts and prices will be reminiscent of the south... sadly an unmet expectation at Bad to the Bone. I'll go again when in the area but will make sure I have a LOT of time, and won't bother with the way overpriced, sub-par desserts. Fun place for good BBQ though. That's for sure.

    (3)

  • Tina S.

    Saw the reviews on Yelp, so had to try it, it was amazing, the meat was so tender, had the 3 meat combo, beef ribs, tri tip, & pulled pork. Best beef rib I ever had, my sides were potato salad, and the beans. Will be back for sure.

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    I love this place. They have really good bbq thats better than most of the higher end chains. It has a feel of being back in the country and overall,I'd highly suggest it. Ask the person there what to get if you're new, the tri tip and brisket are both my favorites

    (5)

  • Kathleen S.

    The greatest bbq house around and the nicest people there are and fabulous food and so close to my house and my husband takes me there for our date night

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Got the pulled pork sandwich! Wow bigger than I thought. Delicious tasty and juicy, Wasn't dry enough sauce. Bun was good and held together. Had a good time , Will go again.

    (5)

  • Stone C.

    Pros: Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Best potato salad I have had Cons: Pricey for the amount of food you get Really hot and humid inside The food was dry, especially the ribs I would say try it, just don't expect fall off the bone deliciousness and succulent bbq

    (3)

  • Sandy P.

    Sometimes a review is heavily swayed by the price you pay for the experience. Its a warm summer day and BF and I have spent the afternoon watching the horse jumping competition up the way. Theres nothing like hanging around horses to bring out the cowboy in you and start the craving for some good BBQ. I've been to BBTB several times and always enjoyed their food. What I never noticed before was how overpriced they are. Two pulled pork sandwiches, a side of onion rings and a pitcher of Amber Ale. $48 dollars. The service was lacking today and the food......mediocre. Seven dollars for seven onion rings? Eighteen dollars for a pitcher of beer that only arrived after chasing down the gal behind the bar? 75 cents extra for a teaspoon of coleslaw on my sandwich? I dont know. Next time I will read the receipt after I get home, not before I eat. It really influenced my expeience.

    (2)

  • Franky L.

    Just has the Santa Fe salad and I was delicious ! I've had other dishes here and they are all top notch . Tri tip, BBQ chicken . All good options

    (4)

  • N C.

    HUGE BAKED POTATO! I mean like a football. The pulled chicken inside of it was pretty good! Also had the pulled pork nachos, they were pretty good but not loaded enough with meat. The atmosphere had that enjoyable relaxed country restaurant feel. Price was about the same as any other decent restaurant .

    (5)

  • David H.

    Crowded little hole on the wall, but my oh my was it good! This place seriously needs to shed its shopping center shell and move into larger digs!

    (5)

  • Rolly R.

    The place is spacious. Great for family dining. The ribs taste very good, you can really taste the smokiness of the meat compare to other bbq place.

    (4)

  • Erica E.

    Yummy BBQ including the meats and sides. Also a cool, laid back vibe here. I like the chicken, spare ribs, beans, mac n cheese..... It gets a long lines on Friday/Saturday nights, but the servers save you a table when you stand in lines so you don't have to worry about not getting a seat. I don't like how they made some of the sides "premium" because a plate gets pretty pricey with the meats plus the sides. Overall, I will come back when I am craving some great BBQ!

    (4)

  • James R.

    New favorite place on Wednesdays! Wow

    (5)

  • Jack O.

    Came here today for the first time. Food was good. I had the "brisket" which i did not enjoy as much as i had thought I would. Was a little dry. I will be back for a second time and hopefully will be better..

    (4)

  • John C.

    this is honestly socal's best kept secret. ive been torn on whether to write the review for their burgers. thank god i have no friends on yelp otherwise i would be scared to share this burger gem. it amazes me that there are all these reviews and pictures, but i think i am the only one whose tried their burgers. i guess i shouldn't be too shocked because i have worked at a client site in the area since 2007 and i only recently discovered their burgers. id always gone to either las golondrinas or bravo burgers for lunch for the most part. since discovering the burgers this is the only place i go for lunch now. id previously come in 2007 a few times but always got their bbq since its a bbq place. i was never really wowed by the bbq so i stopped coming here. they do have a pretty good lunch bbq combo special that i recall. the burger patty is a proprietary blend of brisket, short rib and chuck. if you get the 1/2 lb patty you can get it medium rare. also comes in 1/3 lb. the burger is served on a toasted brioche bun. there are about 8 different set burgers but you can also customize. my favorites are the japaleno and smokehouse burger. love that you can get breaded jalapenos on the burger. ingredients are all very fresh on the burger. but what sets this burger from all others is the patty. when done medium rare, it oozes juiciness that the brioche soaks in but never falls apart. its a burger patty ive had like nowhere else before. it's not a dense patty like a typical burger patty. their burger come with your choice of 2 sides and i typically get the garlic fries and coleslaw. their sides are all amazingly fresh. fries are always piping hot. ive gotten the sweet potato fries and theyre also very good. my wife thinks their baked beans are amazing. this is definitely the place for the burger enthusiast and a burger you will never forget. i always try to get here before the lunch crowd, around 11:30am. at 12, be prepared for a line.

    (5)

  • Scott M.

    This is the best overall restaurant in San Juan Cap! The food is excellent, especially the prime rib on the weekends (it gives lawrys a run for its money). I would have to say the service was excellent. We have been here many times and recently one time the food took a while. The manager provided us delicious nacho appetizers and took care of making sure everything came out. The staff came by during the meal to make sure everything was great.

    (5)

  • Timothy J.

    One of the best bbq joints in the country. I can't give it 5 stars only because the service is a little lax. If the employees had a better attitude (translation TRAINING) towards customer service, it would be 5 stars. The food is in the top ten of any bbq I have ever tasted, and I've tasted a bunch.

    (4)

  • John S.

    Great BBQ. Best place in OC. Good beef ribs and baby back too. I've sent all my fiends here and had them cater a party.

    (4)

  • Jenna H.

    This is my favorite BBQ place hands down. Tri tip is amazing! Great atmosphere and great food.

    (5)

  • Debbie H.

    A nice little locals hang out and I love that it has a bar set up inside and nice outdoor seating too which looks like a fun place to come have a beer. I made the mistake of asking the guy behind the counter what was a good choice to order. He told me to get the Pork Briskett and I didn't love it nor did I care for the BBQ sauce that came with it either (too tangy). The Mac and Cheese though.....I was licking up that stuff it was so creamy. I don't know why I didn't go for the ribs, who goes to a BBQ joint and not get the ribs? I would most likely be giving this place a higher rating if I did. You will have to be the judge for yourself but I wouldn't recommend the pork briskett it wasn't tender, I really had to jab at it with my knife.

    (3)

  • Suzy S.

    This place just catered a wedding that I attended... They are freaking amazing!!!!! I was stuffed in this tight little pair of spanx and all I wanted to do was continuously stuff my face which was very difficult because if the spanx... I can't wait to visit the restaurant on a day where I can wear my thanksgiving pants and order 10 lbs of their brisket with a gallon of their BBQ sauce!!! All joking aside this is the best BBQ food I have ever had!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    Great place to go for good food and nice people. My favorite place in town. The wait staff and the bartenders are the best.

    (5)

  • Todd A.

    Don't want to take away from the food here, it was really really good. The corn muffins are absolutely divine and the meats are cooked to perfection. Prices are a little steep, but the quality makes up for it. Plenty of TV's around so great for a football Sunday with a couple of guys as they have a fairly good beer selection (maybe 15 on tap). Where my issue came in was in the service. We used the 10% Yelp deal that they offered and we showed them the deal as we were placing our order to which the guy taking our order said, "make sure to go and leave some feedback about us". So after the order was complete, and paid for, we noticed that they did not remove the 10% from the bill. When we questioned it, we were offered a free desert or 20% off next time we come in. Well the person buying lunch didn't want that and wanted the credit back which they clearly did not want to give letting us know several times that it would be several days and probably 120 bucks in transactions that we would see prior to the credit hitting. We didn't care. So the person helping us gave us a big *sigh* and then stormed off. He came back with $5.50 in cash and said he had "rounded up". Not sure if maybe he was having a rough day or something, but not sure we needed to be the target of that day. They made right on the price, but I think they could've done a little more service oriented behavior.

    (2)

  • Mike M.

    BBQ is my thing, favorite restaurants, BBQ, favorite weekend activity, BBQ. Have sampled many a BBQ dive all over. Have actually been to The Bone several times. First the frosty adult libations are just that, frosty cold. Their fridge must be set perfectly. I have tasted several of their yummy meals, on this occasion I had the two meat meal. I had some brisket and pulled pork. The brisket was super tender, truly flavorful and juicy. Just the right amount of rub and smoke, perfect balance. The pulled pork was delicious too. Had to be about 15 to 18 hours in the smoke. The garlic fries were absolutely delicious, might be the best fries I have ever had. Now this little hidden spot is good and folks know it. Parking can be rough so come early.

    (5)

  • J C.

    One of the best BBQ places I have been in a long time. The beef ribs were tender and a bit fatty and the smokiness was cooked into the meat. The BBQ sauce is tangy and flavorful. My sides were fried okra and sweet potato fries. The corn bread muffins with honey butter was delicious. Top it all off with a cold IPA from draft. It was a great meal and I will be back! My hubby had a full rack of baby pork and he enjoyed them very much. Portions are big and food looks and tastes fresh. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Richelle D.

    Still love this place. It's consistently good. The basball cut top sirloin is so good. I would say its as good as a fancy steak house. 16oz with two sides and cornbread $20.. enough to feed two people. The baked potato was big enough for 4 people. The grilled corn on the cob is delicious was cooked perfect, we added the steamed broccoli without the cheese. Awesome dinner!!! DONT FORGET TO YELP FOR 10% OFF YOUR BILL!!!!

    (4)

  • Rochelle N.

    Can't get enough of this place. You can't go wrong with anything pulled pork but the tri-tip sandwich is another one of my favorites. And the Mac-n-cheese is to die for. Every time I go there, the staff is super friendly and helpful. Lots of great beers on tap to go with the delicious food. The only thing this place could do better is to open one closer to me!

    (5)

  • Amanda R.

    I travel frequently for work and have yet to find a BBQ spot that compares to this one. I will guiltily admit that I stumbled upon this place because it's close to my gym. After a major sweat session, I love to come here to load up on protein (and maybe some carbs -- Shh.) Whether you're choosing something small from the starters like the Carnitas tacos, indulging in a pulled pork sandwich, or keeping it light and healthy with salmon -- Bad to the Bone does it all -- and very well I might add. The order and seat yourself process works out well for the patrons picky about their dining locale. I typically choose a quiet booth off from the main dining area. The cashier, food runners, and bus staff are all very helpful and speedy. Just because you don't have a table side server doesn't mean you can't leave a few bucks in tip! The only drawback here is the parking lot. Very narrow parking spaces and typically crowded as there are several other places of business and restaurants in this shopping plaza. I usually park extremely far away to avoid any door dings or difficulty backing out. If you haven't tried this place you are missing out!

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    So Bad it's Good! Real BBQ is really hard to find. This isn't cooked meat with bbq sauce slapped on it, this is seasoned BBQ'd meat slow cooked the right way with all the fixins. We came to the restaurant after a softball tournament and had at least 8 kids and 11 ravenous adults (I lost count) and the ordering was super smooth despite having just the 1 counter and the menu painted on the wall. They brought the food out fast too! The bowl of chili was fantastic and just the right portion for my growing pre-teen son, the corn muffins were the perfect accompanying flavor. The 3 meat plate was a great way to sample many flavors. We got a succulent pulled pork, a sausage that was just savory enough without much spice, and BBQ chicken. The sides we ordered were corn - delicious, served with cilantro - and onion rings! The flavor seemed beer battered but I'm not sure. We witnessed people who ordered the rack of ribs and we instantly wished we'd done the same. The tri-tip sandwich was delicious and everything was perfect for noshing. I hate it when you get a delicious sandwich but then can't bite through it and next thing you know, the whole meat piece has come out in one piece and your sandwich has been gutted. Here, that wasn't an issue. With inside and outside eating, plus tv screens on the inside, it was great for the kids and a little noise from them moving around was not a bother to the other diners. Definitely going to return next year during tournament season!

    (4)

  • Jewel A.

    This place usually has GREAT customer service & great food. I'm only writing this review because I'm annoyed. My boyfriend got a dinner but I just wanted an appetizer, so I ordered the 'cheese fries.' They're supposed to be topped with cheese, applewood smoked bacon & green onion. I also asked for jalapeño on top. I was halfway through when I realized all I got was jalapeño & cheese on top of fries. At this point it wasn't worth saying anything, although it was a rip off for $6 cheese fries. I'm assuming the kitchen was so focused on adding my dumb jalapeños that they forgot the things that were supposed to be there. It's unsatisfying when you're jonesin' for something particular. What are cheese fries without bacon?! End of rant. I still love u bad to the bone.

    (2)

  • Jon M.

    Excellent BBQ. We usually get their burnt ends dinner. It comes with 2 side orders and corn bread muffins with honey butter. You can call ahead for take out or eat in. The full bar has many craft beers on tap too.

    (5)

  • Stephen S.

    Definitely one of my favorite BBQ spots. Capistrano Brew is always on tap which is huge plus. You can't wrong with happy hour deals! I recommend the pulled pork sandwich. Staff is great!

    (5)

  • Barbara S.

    My family has been into BBQ Bigtime with years of competition of who makes the best BBQ. Next time it's my turn to compete I'm going to bring um "Bad to the Bone". I'll win the ole family competition hands-down! They cook from scratch not from a freezer bag.

    (5)

  • Stefanie M.

    Just made my first visit yesterday after a friend raved about their giant baked potatoes. I went the sandwich route instead, choosing a pulled pork with sweet potato fries and coleslaw on the side. Huge portions, delicious BBQ, and the fries were thick cut and lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar. Perfection! I liked the casual atmosphere and large menu selection. I didn't like the fact that our table had to ask 3 times from 3 separate servers to bring ranch and ketchup for our fries (my only complaint so far). I'll definitely be back to try the happy hour, which boasts a 32 oz beer on tap for $6 and $1 pulled pork sliders. Sweet deal!

    (4)

  • Coby J.

    Came here twice. 1st visit was great. Food came out hot and fast. the ribs were juicy and perfectly cooked. sides tasted amazing. worth every penny. me, my girlfriend and her mom all said that this place is better than phils bbq in san diego. we were sooo wrong. 2nd visit we came back the next day cause we had such a great experience the first time. as we were ordering i noticed that cook in the back was complaining about something and relayed his frustration to his boss. the boss shrugged it off and so did i. we all sat down and a server brings us biscuit and told us its complimentary every time, but we didnt get any on our first visit. whatever. took a bite of the ribs and it was COLD and DRY. not going back. not willing to spend $100 a night to hopefully get good food. Also, you might want to be careful of possible racism. I saw some swastikas carved into furniture in the bathroom.

    (2)

  • Dave p.

    The beef ribs are huge here. I feel I need to donate them to the LA Natural History Museum afterwards.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth R.

    Love Bad to the Bone! My favorites are the baby back ribs, cornbread, and sweet potato fries. Their barbecue sauce is amazing. I also like the tri-tip salad when I'm feeling like not being as much of a fatty. My husband's family gets large amounts of takeout a lot from here for family parties and that has always been a great experience as well. We have always had prompt service when we go to pick up the food and everything is fresh and hot.

    (4)

  • Michelle S.

    I have been chomping at the bit to get over to this place after seeing it on an OC's best list for barbecue. I LOVE beef brisket! Well, the time had come, and my mouth was watering for the whole 35 mile drive. I got there a tad before noon and ordered the beef brisket dinner plate. It came with 2 sides and I got potato salad and ranch beans. When my plate arrived (rather quickly) the brisket looked pretty good, but when I couldn't cut it with my fork, I knew I was in for disappointment. From my first bite, it was chewy, luke warm, and lacked flavor. If it hadn't been for the pretty tasty ranch beans to dip the dry brisket in, I would not have eaten the three slices that I did. I suspect I was eating last night's leftovers, better suited for Au Jus sandwiches. However, if that is the case, they should only serve dinner plates when the meat is freshly prepared...What a huge disappointment. I gave the restaurant 3 stars because the sides were most excellent!

    (3)

  • Angela B.

    Yay for coupons!! $10 off of $20 thanks to Restaurant.com + a certain code!! :) Took the trip with 3 other friends, and stood outside for a good 10 minutes staring at the large array of food options available. A lot of the appetizers sounded very good.. but friend 1 and I just decided to split a full rack of baby back ribs, along with the two sides that they give you. (+1.99$ for the premium sides). Our other friends decided on burgers, onion rings x3 and sweet potato fries. We sat down and placed our number on the stand, and waited for our food to come. The ribs came out pretty fast!! Like 5ish minutes of sitting and bam, meat in front of your face! Next came the sweet potato fries and later on the massive burgers would come. The bbq sauce that comes on the side of the baby back ribs - no me gusta, it was super tangy and yah, not my style.. the ribs were kinda fatty but it was still good. They weren't fall off the bone, but kinda pulling was all right too. The bones themselves weren't that big, but there was a lot of meat, so it's all good. For our sides, we decided on the sweet potato fries+garlic bashed potatoes. Those garlic bashed potatoes, VERY garlicy. Good stuff though! Same with sweet potato fries :) fries were served with a mayo mustard sauce, wee. $26 for a full rack and sides.. not horrible but a decent price as opposed to other places. The burgers were super huge but one of our friends managed to finish hers, yay! I think she liked it..yes.. we had quite a bit of leftovers though! They gave us a free soda cup, that was cool. Cute bathroom. Pretty clean, which is always nice. Phil's onion rings reign supreme over BttB onion rings though.. like by soo far

    (4)

  • Michelle G.

    The only thing I don't like about Bad to the Bone is that it's not close enough!!! We've been here many times and take as many people as we can. The BBQ is awesome! The pulled pork nachos are so incredibly good that I get them everytime we take someone new. The pulled pork sandwhich is really moist, great bread and plenty of meat. The tri tip sandwhich and brisket are another favorite. We've never had anything bad there, nor have we ever had a bad experience. We often times will sit at the bar and always get great service. They've got some good beers too. Prices are great, service is awesome and the food is the best. And, the portions are huge! If you're like me, split a meal. And get the nachos to share!

    (5)

  • Casey Q.

    Trip tip salad and a beer. Healthy and tasty. Been going to this place for years. Don't make it as often as I'd like but it's always great. Never had anything but great food and friendly service.

    (4)

  • B P.

    Great BBQ, helpful and courteous staff...doesn't get much better. I ordered the pulled pork plate with the garlic potatoes and steamed veggies. It was so yummy! The staff was great at circling the restaurant asking if you needed anything and just being down right friendly. This is for sure our favorite BBQ joint in the area:-)

    (4)

  • Patricia D.

    .

    (1)

  • vivian n.

    I took my 3 gfs here for their birthdays. Great service! The portions were kind of small but the girls loved the food overall. We ordered baby back ribs, brisket, and the tri tips. For the sides, we got bashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, beans, fried okra, and steamed veggies. The potatoes were my favorite and I can't say much for the meat because I don't eat meat, but my girls loved the tri tips the most! Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area

    (4)

  • Craig C.

    Soo bummed! We loved this place for ever and my son picked Bad to the Bone to have his 14th Birthday dinner. Ordered his favorite Baby Back ribs, steamed veggies and sweet potato fries. Steamed veggies were "frozen" veggies. The Sweet Potato fries were cold as well. Oh ya, the Tri-Tip was very chewy too. Sooo bummed.

    (3)

  • Courtney R.

    Good bbq in California always seems to be the one that got away... Not here..I'm a believer! Bad to the Bone is unreal. Everything I've tried (which...is like, everything on the menu -- I'm not ashamed, haha) has been delicious. Favourites would be the pulled pork sandwich and Santa Fe chicken salad. Plus, I love the decor. Yeehaw!

    (5)

  • Lily T.

    My my my..... on my way home from San Diego, CA and was hungry....decided to pull over at this BBQ resturant and what an awesome choice. Here are my reasons..... 1) ribs and mac & cheese - authentic and taste homey....yummmmm....the baby back that I had was tender. 2) price is reasonable 3) atmosphere is nice and cozy for BBQ 4) service and servers are attentive and nice 5) bathroom and resturant is clean Overall...love this place and will definitely find time to come back.

    (5)

  • Marcelo B.

    best prime rib on the planet!! only offered for dinner on weekends though. love all their steaks and ribs. i'm a soup lover and they have the best green chili lobster soup that i have ever tasted. lots of sides to choose from, my favorite is the ranch beans. you have to line up at the cash registers to order and pay which sometimes is a pain if you want to order more food or drinks.

    (5)

  • Robin L.

    I thought this bbq joint was pretty good. I am picky when it comes to bbq. I wish The had collard greens. I think they are a bit pricey too. Overall I was pleased with the food.

    (4)

  • krystle s.

    Great food! Filthy restaurant! Seriously though, probably some of the best BBQ I've had in OC. The mac and cheese is definitely one of THE BEST I've ever had!!.. It is that good! Everything came out hot and looked fresh, very generous portions! Sweet potato fries were perfectly crispy and very flavorful, which I loved bc most places still dont have it quite down yet. The only reason they get four stars instead of five is due to the dirty, littered floor, sticky everything and general ick factor of the whole place.. I wasn't expecting that grimy of a place and it really just crushed my expectations right when I walked through the door :( Thank goodness the food made up for it though! I'd just like to see this place a little more cleaned up when I come back.

    (4)

  • Kayla L.

    Absolutely loved their food! Was looking for a quick to go bbq joint and boy did u find the right place! They have inside seating along with a full bar where u can watch any game. Great Price for amazing food! The mac n cheese u have to try sooo good!! I give you two thumbs up Bad to the bone!

    (5)

  • live life love l.

    I am drooling as I write this review by the way... My family and I come here at least once a week, we have become addicted. I always order the prime rib dip and I am very high maintenance with my customizations but they always get it right. My sides always include the onion strings (which is absolutely out of this world good) and a salad with ranch. The garlic bashed potatoes are also outstanding. Oh and the honey butter with the cornbread is what dreams are made of. I think one of my favorite parts it that it isn't waiter service, but the staff will still bring your food to the table or get anything you need. I love being able to fill my drink whenever I need to as well as grab a to-go box at my own pace but it really does feel like a restaurant and not fast food by any means. Negatives include long wait times, not so cheap prices, and I did once order the tri-tip baked potato and red velvet cake that I did not like it at all.

    (5)

  • Barbara S.

    Went for the first time with a group of 5. So busy we had to wait for a table but...worth the wait. Ribs great. Sweet potato fries sweet. Cole law just OK. Garlic fries great. Well worth the price. A must go or everyone.

    (4)

  • Janelle J.

    B2B is great. Best BBQ place in orange county. Beats Phil's BBQ in San Diego. I always order the pulled pork sandwich. It comes with two sides of your choice. I get the sweet potatoe fries (ask for honey mustard dipping sauce) and a side salad. You will be stuffed and your tummy will be full after you eat at this place! Ambiance is great and is decorated to look authentic. Slightly noisy though due to large groups. Highly recommend bad to the bone BBQ

    (5)

  • Ryan S.

    I really wanted to like this place since I love BBQ and the restaurant is so close to home. Unfortunately I have found the food lacking. Everything I've tried has been overcooked, tough, and sauce covered. I went 3 times hoping for the best but never left happy. I've recently been forced to go to lunch meetings here and it was more of the same tasteless dry meat. Look elsewhere for great BBQ. Not a bad atmosphere, sauce is good, decent beer on tap.

    (2)

  • Robert V.

    Great service. Food was pretty a-ok. Tato salad - Too much mayo (don't get it!) Tri tip - THE BEST! Bash potatoes - Not bad Baby back ribs - not bad Pulled pork plate - Meh.. Soft but very, very fatty.. Mac N Chz - I've had better Corn bread - THE BEST If I came back.. I'd only get.. Tri- Tip Corn bread That's it.. Tried to think of something else but nothing really came to mind. Great tri tip.. My goodness.. & Cornbread... Droool*

    (3)

  • Sheena M.

    My husband and I were staying in Dana Point nearby, and I had a specific craving for good BBQ. We hopped on Yelp and chose Bad to the Bone based on user reviews. He brought food back to where we were staying and we dove right in. My husband had brisket and ribs, while I had chicken and ribs. The meats were all fantastic and hit the spot. The macaroni and cheese, however, was terrible. It tasted like Velveta and didn't stay warm in the to-go container. my corn-on-the-cob was perfect, grilled till perfectly sweet. Overall, a pretty good BBQ meal, but didn't knock us off our feet.

    (3)

  • Patrick D.

    This is the best you're gonna get in California. I'm from the South and this is good BBQ.

    (4)

  • Leon B.

    Some of the best BBQ I've ever had and I have been to Oklahoma Joes in Kansas City. Just about everything on the menu is excellent. Would highly recommend getting the tri-tip or if you want to try as much as possible in one sitting get the sampler plate. Friday nights get a little crazy so I would stay away then. Otherwise they do have great a great happy hour.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    I was very disappointed in the barbecue chicken. The legs were so overdone they looked like pigeon legs. The manager apologized when I pointed out how dry they were and in response brought me another helping of the same dry chicken legs. I looked at him and told him to take them back I was leaving. He explained that they had a problem with the smoker and they were all overdone. I asked him why he would serve something so awful if he was aware how awful it was. He had no reply. Fortunately he brought me a serving of baby back ribs that were very good and then graciously comped my meal. Unfortunately, I was so annoyed and stressed by the time they got there I had little appetite left.

    (2)

  • Rebecca W.

    They should call this place Good to the Bone.... seriously. Some of the best BBQ I've ever had-- and I'm from the South! The baby back ribs were the best. Tri-tip, brisket, pulled pork- yum yum yum. A couple of the items I'm wasn't huge on are the hot links & chicken (I'm not a big fan of legs or thighs). Their sides are also to die for, and from what I understand, are made from scratch daily. DO NOT NEGLECT THE CORN BREAD. They will bring it out with you meal, which may be distracting.. but eat it while it's hot. You will be glad you did; It's fricken delicious. Also, the mac and cheese ranks amoung the best I've ever had ( and I'm white ).. If you've never had it before, get the fried okra. It's awesome, and not very many places here in California serve it. Everything else on the menu is pretty much what you would expect. Get the BBQ platters instead of the sandwiches- because the only good thing on the sandwich will be the BBQ.

    (5)

  • Ada B.

    Great tasting ribs.. Rack of baby back ribs are $24.00. You go to the cash register place your order. They give you a number you put it on your table until they bring the food. Jeans attire friendly.

    (5)

  • Aaron P.

    Very good bar-b-que. I looked this place up on Yelp for a quick place to eat after a day out at San Juan Capistrano and found this. Bar-b-que sauce is awesome. Sweet potato fries with honey mustard are a must-have, as well as anything with pulled pork or brisket. Food A+ Service A (Self order, self service drinks) Price B Overall A

    (5)

  • Bettie H.

    Lots of Compliments and Seconds! We just had Bad to the Bone BBQ cater our daughter's wedding reception and it was just delicious!! We had several compliments about the food and guests going back for seconds! We had passed hors d'oeuvres of Beef Brisket Quesadillas and Bruschetta, with a buffet of BBQ Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mac n' Cheese, Jalapeno Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad and scrumptious Corn Bread, it was fit for a King and Queen!

    (4)

  • Patti B.

    I was looking forward to trying Bad to the Bone after reading such great reviews, but boy was I disappointed. The sliced brisket was dry and the BBQ sauce left a lot to be desired. The mashed potatoes were good but would have been a lot better if they had put butter on it. Seriously, who serves mashed potatoes with no butter? My hubby had the BBQ Po' Boy which was another huge disappointment. Besides the BBQ sauce being sub-par, the meat had absolutely no flavor. He also had a side of onion rings which were probably the worse onion rings we have ever tasted. I don't know how the heck anybody could mess up onion rings but they certainly figured out how to do it. I also had the garlic fries, and they were the only thing enjoyable about this meal......and the only reason I am giving 2 stars instead of 1. I would definitely go back for the garlic fries! Oh, I almost forgot the sweet tea. Someone needs to tell them that the word sweet is included in the name for a reason. Customer service is definitely lacking as well. Don't expect a 'Hello" or a smile from any employee here and you won't be disappointed. If you want garlic fries, then this is the place to go. If you are looking for a good BBQ place, then I would suggest bypassing Bad to the Bone and going to Johnny Rebs or Lucille's. They may be more expensive, but at least the food is good.

    (2)

  • Aubrey H.

    UPDATE: we have since been back several times and they have been accomidating and kind. I really love this place and always did before too so I was bummed for the bad experience. Everyone has bad days however so ill chalk it up to that. We eat here all the time actually and have for a long time and will continue to do so. Sorry bout the bad review but thanks for being kind, considerate, and accomidating every time since. The bussers here are the friendliest and most helpful. Love them.

    (5)

  • John T.

    I went to drop off my rent at my property management office, Port Street Realty and they recommended this for lunch. Absolutely the best BBQ. Thanks Port Street!

    (5)

  • Jack G.

    I had lunch here last Tuesday and was, once again, impressed. They either did something different to the beans or my taste buds were dicked up the last time, because I wanted to order a quart to go after finishing the small bowl that came with my sandwich. I ordered the Chopped Brisket, served on a brioche bun with sauce on the side. I ended up dumping the whole thing of sauce on and wanting more, it's so damn tasty. Sides were beans and onion rings. I swear I can taste beer in the onion rings batter, as can Joan. Good stuff. This place is perfection, and I hope they stay in business, especially after the San Clemente store shut down.

    (5)

  • Janelle W.

    I enjoy coming here. The food is delicious even though they recently raised their prices. I enjoy their all meat plate ( a little bit of everything BBQ). The wait for food is never very long once your order has been taken at the counter. Even during lunch hour they don't seem to be stalled. So I keep coming back.

    (4)

  • Shannon G.

    Try the garlic fries yum. This place is tasty it's an order at the counter type place and thy bring you your food. I tried the fish salad it was really good I would go back for it. But the garlic fries my dad got were just amazing!

    (4)

  • Matt T.

    The baby back ribs are soooo good! The service is astounding! What else is there to say? Oh, and all the sides were very well done too! I think the ribs were better than Phil's BBQ.

    (5)

  • Madde J.

    We took the kids here on a friday night. We got there around 6 and there were plenty of tables to chose from. We got a kidsmeal (hamburger w/ fries), tri tip plate w/ veggies and brisket plate w/ coleslaw. The kids hamburger was just so-so. Nothing special, I think the kids would've liked a happy meal better. The tri tip was pretty good, tender and you get a big portion. I had the brisket and it was very tender and juicy, I liked it and would go back for it. I think my husband would prob opt for my brisket instead of the tri tip if we went back. Im a coleslaw lover and their version was pretty good, a little dry, but good flavor. The veggies were boooring and tasteless, my hubby didnt finish his plate. A BIG part of good BBQ is good sauce and the bad to the Bone sauce didnt disappoint, not to the point that I would go out and by a bottle of it.. but actually pretty good. The only think that could've been better wouldve been if we had more than 1 sauce to choose from.. most BBQ places has 1 sweet, 1 peppery.etc. But they just had 1 and they dont have extra sauce on the tables (I think they give you some if you ask for it). An overall good experience, we wanted a sit down restaurant and not a hole in the wall.. and this place is def. not a super swanky 5 star restaurant, but its a nice family restaurant where you can sit inside or outside for an hour or two and enjoy a good meal. thank you.

    (4)

  • Roxie H.

    This is the bbq spot of South OC. Mac and cheese is delicious! Ribs are good too! Great spot for some local bbq.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    Best BBQ in South OC! Great food, service is usually above average. Prices are decent.

    (5)

  • Brian K.

    Fantastic BBQ. I remember when it first opened and my friends and I went twice a week during lunch. The pulled pork and brisket are both great. The sweet potato fries and the slaw are my favorite sides.

    (5)

  • Robert L.

    Went here for lunch today...it's alright, I guess. Had the combo plate ($10 for 3 meats & 2 sides...good deal). Strange...you gotta order food at the counter, and walk 6 feet to the bar to get your beer or cocktail seperatly. Anyhow, cool little place with country music in the background, and a small bar. There were a few locals at the bar with me. The bartender (pretty blonde girl) was talking to them and seemed cheerful, but never said a single word to me. Its not like she was busy...there were only 6 at the bar. I think I could have fallen off the barstool dead, and she wouldn't have noticed. Not a bad experience....maybe for a quick bite, but dont expect old fashion southern hospitality here.

    (3)

  • Lilia P.

    I had the best BBQ yesterday at "Bad to the Bone BBQ". The restaurant is decorated in an old western rustic decor. several TV's on the football game, families enjoying their food. As I entered, the my nose was teased with the smell of smoked meats. The smell reminded me of my previous visit, which I enjoyed just as much as today. I had the 3 meat combo plate, tri tip, brisket, ribs, garlic mash potatoes, coleslaw and a cornmeal muffin with a heffen. Their prices are reasonable I will visit again!

    (5)

  • rhodyram o.

    Love this place. The baby back ribs are super, and the mac n cheese is one of the top 3 ive had ever. also love their brisket. i go to this place every chance I get. its right up there with Phil's in Mission Beach.

    (5)

  • Danielle B.

    Everything is delicious, especially their brisket sandwiches, smoked salmon salad, corn, & sweet potato fries . I have been coming here since they first opened ! Their bbq sauce is delicious as well!

    (5)

  • Tonya B.

    Keep going until you find another place... Food was good but not great and expensive! Service didn't justify the prices either.... Wouldn't go back

    (2)

  • Jeff O.

    I love me some good BBQ and good quality beers. And this place has them both. If you're looking for some solid tasting BBQ in South Orange County. Don't pass this place up.

    (5)

  • Ryan R.

    Sampler platter unreal ! Pulled pork is amazing, sweet fires are really good as well. Brisket and chicken cooked to perfection ! I'll be back soon

    (5)

  • Dan V.

    Got the 3 meat combo. Tri-tip, brisket, and baby back ribs. Everything was really good and the BBQ sauce was great. The french fries were amazing. Fast and courteous service.

    (4)

  • Monique K.

    I am almost positive Heaven smells like the inside of Bad to the Bone BBQ. This stuff is soo good, it's bad... If you're in the mood to be bad, do it here! Fall off the wagon, cheat on your acai bowl, take a day off your diet, and get down and dirty with some BBQ - it's just so good to be bad. There really is nothing bad here! The only bad thing I can really find about this place is that the smell of it is intoxicating - it's made me do things I would never ordinarily do and eat very baddd amounts of wonderfully cooked, fall off the bone, its THAT good kind of BBQ. So good that I almost feel bad for the chicken - and then feel really content with my decision to give up veganism. Bad thing #2: messy & heavenly BBQ smell sticks to you, which could get you in trouble. If you're going to be bad, always have an alibi and make sure you wipe that BBQ sauce off your chin before meeting with your trainer. Yesterday was a good day to be very bad, so I braved the smell of pure BBQ bliss to pick up some trays of chicken, pulled pork, and brisket at Bad to the Bone. Knowing how good it is, and knowing that everyone at the Western-themed party I was headed to would agree, I picked up A LOT more BBQ than these cowboys and cowgirls could possibly eat. Needless to say, I'm glad I got my 3 plates full of the sinfully delicious trifecta of meats because there was NOTHING left by the end of the party - not a bite, not even the bones! I'm pretty sure people loved it down to the bone, and then some. So that was good.... Bad for me and my hopes and dreams of that lingering smell of BBQ from leftovers waiting for me in the fridge. Bad to the Bone is good - like goood, good. And, like any good BBQ place, this spot has a wide array of menu items to choose from (another bad thing - too much good stuff). Get their Carolina pulled pork and "famous" BBQ chicken. They take their time and slow cook these bad boys in wood burning pits. Definitely gives the meat that wonderful smoky flavor that melts in your mouth in your mouth and makes you believe you've died and gone to BBQ heaven. Bad to the Bone is so good and gives the word "bad" a whole new meaning.

    (4)

  • Ian N.

    Great cowboy vibe, ribs were dank, and I came out very satisfied!

    (4)

  • Jen Y.

    So great to find a laid back, non-chain BBQ place. We went with a group and tried almost all the meats -- St Louis ribs, tri-tip and chicken were our faves. Brisket and baby-back ribs were just a little dry. Fried okra was awesome! Also had a great spinach salad. All in all a positive experience. Service was also fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Robert L.

    Bad to the bone BBQ had some great reviews for their St Louis ribs, so we decided to try it out on our way down to Dana point. I started having doubts when I first ordered at the counter. When I asked which type of ribs the cashier liked the most, she had no answer and said they were all kind of the same. Then when I asked if they had sweet tea, she said yes when they didn't. Luckily she let me try it before I bought it, so when I realized it was just iced tea I got water instead. We ordered a full track of St. Louis ribs with fries and corn. The ribs were honestly pretty bad and disappointing. The bulk of the ribs were dry and tough, with the thinner end being a little better. I had to really work at the ribs to get at the meat, which did not come off the bone cleanly. There was no caramelization or bark either, and most of the flavor came from the overly vinegary sauce. I don't know if we just got a bad rack that wasn't cooked properly or what. The fries were ordinary, though they lacked flavor and were not crispy enough. The corn on the cob was pretty good -- grilled and buttery. I was hoping to find some good ribs somewhere closer than Phil's; unfortunately this place wasn't it.

    (2)

  • Scott E.

    Look, FIRST you know you want to go there simply because the name is so awesome. I remember going years ago on the second day it was open. Marty, the owner, was there running around like a crazy person. He is the SECOND reason you want to go there. Its comforting to support people that you like. He is a genuinely good guy. The THIRD reason you want to go there is the meat. No to downplay the sides, the salads, the desserts, etc, but ... c'mon ... its BBQ. There is something wrong with a person that goes to a BBQ joint for "coleslaw". Thats like going to an ice cream parlor for soda. Silly ... The meat at BTTB is smoked. "Well duh .... of course its smoked Scott its BBQ. What are you smoking?" No, no ... there are a lot of other BBQ places that "smoke" their meat for a little while and then grill it to finish the cooking process. Marty's meat is COOKED in the smoker. ALL OF THE TRI TIP is pink. Its not pink a quarter of the way through. Its ALL pink and smoky and wonderful and making me drool. The pork, the ribs, the chicken, the beef, the sausage, the ... EVERYTHING is great. More importantly its cooked like BBQ SHOULD be cooked. If that were NOT ENOUGH the FOURTH reason you want to go is the price. Somehow the BEST BBQ meat is the cheapest BBQ meat. I have no idea how this works, but it does. Recap: One ... name ... awesome ... has its own song. Two ... Marty ... awesome ... still working on song. Three ... meat ... awesome ... has its own song ( youtube.com/watch?v=6ubT… ). Four ... Price ... low ... needs no song, you can create your own. Final note: if they have smoked prime rib ... TRY IT ... Its a little bit of wonderful.

    (5)

  • Lauren R.

    one of the best bbq's I've had in southern california. Definitely recommend the sweet potato fries, mac and cheese and corn biscuit sides. Tri tip and bbq chicken are marinated so well.

    (5)

  • Steve S.

    Top notch BBQ & good selection of drought beers. Only bad thing is there's usually just 1 bartender serving during happy hours. U'll need some patience with ur order... Awesome place where locals go to grab theirs drinks too.

    (5)

  • Rudy L.

    I went here hoping for good BBQ. I was disapponted. But, in all fairness, I have to say that I am a BBQ snob. I have had some of the best, mostly in Kansas City and Memphis -- I think that the Texas BBQ I've had has been good, but not great. By those standards, the BBQ here was barely passable. OK, but not amazing. Almost no smoke flavor, and certainly not falling off the bone. It's better than the other BBQ places I've found in Orange County, but I wouldn't call it good by any stretch of the imagination. That said, the hamburgers are about the best I've found in Orange County. They are smoky, and the meat is always moist and cooked perfectly. Also, I do love their coleslaw, beans and onion rings. So, this place gets a good number of stars for that -- not for the BBQ. We'll be back here every couple of weeks for a burger, or for the cheap happy hour specials. Servers are friendly, and the place is relatively clean.

    (4)

  • Linda J.

    I have gone here twice now. I was so hoping this place would be good, but each time we went and got the ribs they were too chewy; they weren't left on the smoker long enough. The beans were fair, potato salad ok. BAR needs to be so much larger. The flavor of the meat was pretty good but they need to leave their ribs on longer so they pull off the bone instead of you struggling to get it off the bone, I just hate that. So with that said, my second visit was my last.

    (2)

  • Dom T.

    oh so good! This place is great! I work nearby, and bad to the bone is definitely a favorite of most people in the office. I'm currently trying to eat healthier, and the salads here are great! The tri-tip sad is the best. 'the only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that most of the time everything is perfect, but sometimes the service or food can fall below expectations.

    (4)

  • Wendy S.

    Worst to the Bone I've been going to Bad to the Bone a few times a year for the last 10 years or so and I have never had a bad meal there - until yesterday. I stopped in and bought a full rack of baby back ribs and 2 sides for take-out and a glass of wine while I waited at the bar. The bartender poured my glass of wine and it sat there in front of me for about 5 minutes until she handed it over to me. I asked for a glass of water and never got it. They brought my meal to me right away so I hurried up and gulped down my wine and went home. My fiance and I shared the meal - and it was horrendous! The ribs were raw - certainly not falling off the bone tender like usual. So I put them in the oven to warm up to see if that would help. They were steaming hot - but undercooked and inedible. We crave bad to the bone and don't go there often so we were both really disappointed and threw away the ribs. I called the restaurant and the manager pulled up my bill and offered me 20% off on my next plate of ribs. After a bit more discussion I told him he could handle it anyway he wanted but suggested I deserve a free meal. His solution was to offer me free ribs but he refused to comp the sides or wine "since they were fine." Bad to the Bone - we won't be back. That's a shame because we used to love your ribs. But we can find other ribs in South County.

    (1)

  • Alf M.

    First time visit, food and service was great. More Expensive than what you would typically pay for lunch.

    (3)

  • David C.

    On the recommendation of friends, went there a few days ago. Probably some of the most bland tasting barbeque I've had. I saw an earlier review comparing it to Phi's BBQ in San Diego. Not even close. The onion rings had a funky, freezer-burned/stale taste. Ugh. The pulled pork sandwich wasn't any better. There was simply very little flavor to the meat and the sauce didn't help either. The two sides I got were the cole slaw (mediocre) and the baked beans (had the consistency of paste, they were mushy and the taste was pretty bland). All in all, I would not go back to this place

    (1)

  • Joshua J.

    Kids say the darndest things! My son, 12, and daughter, 9, loves Marty's BBQ kid's menu. We ordered to-go tonight. Sitting at the dinner table my son, eating a chopped beef sandwich, mouth covered in BBQ sauce, was so involved with his food he paused, looked and me and said "I love this so much I want to call him Uncle Marty". Just wanted to share:)

    (5)

  • Lylene S.

    The pulled pork here is ridiculously good. So good that while you're eating you can't stop repeating "oh my god, this is soooooo good. Sooooo good!" Yep.

    (5)

  • Sylvia C.

    Great food, only problem is that the parking is horrible! Never can find a place to park! Atmosphere is pleasant!

    (4)

  • Elizabeth C.

    I have tried lots of BBQ and I think Bad to the Bone is really good for the price. I haven't eaten at the Bad to the Bone restaurant often, so I am writing this review solely based on their food and catering options. My family and I often go to Bad to the Bone to cater small parties. The price is unbeatable for what they offer... (approx. $12 a person which includes meat, sides AND all of the paper goods which is what I really find impressive). We are choosing Bad to the Bone for our daughters 1st birthday party this weekend (a back yard party). They have been very accommodating to all of my wishes. Every time I have used Bad to the Bone for parties in the past, all of my guests have raved about the food and later told me that they enjoyed going to the restaurant as well. Like I said, I haven't eaten at the restaurant, although the atmosphere has always seemed very welcoming and fun... But try the catering at your next event and you won't b e disappointed.

    (4)

  • Enid H.

    Delicious and a fun place to eat! Was driving back down from Orange County to San Diego and stopped to have dinner here. It was recommended by some friends. We wallked in to live music playing and the wondeful smell of bar-b-que. Service was quick and friendly. Atmosphere is casual and the prices were reasonable for everything you get. Of course the best part was the food. Their Bar-b-Q sauce is amazing. Had to take some home!

    (5)

  • Mike D.

    It's ok for CA BBQ but would not cut it in the south

    (2)

  • Glenn C.

    Good, but not great. Sides are really good and the pork nachos are fantastic. Baby back ribs were cooked perfectly, but the dry rub they use is way too bland. Brisket (had this on each visit) is overcooked and underwhelming in flavor. If there is a line to order (which is normal Thurs - Sat) make sure you bring ear muffs for the kids while waiting in line. A lot of colorful language coming from the bar that is only a few feet from the ordering line.

    (3)

  • Kathy H.

    We had a father's day get together at Bad to the Bone BBQ this past weekend. I should start by saying that BBQ joints just aren't my favorite type of food, but knowing that my dad likes BBQ I gladly went along with the plans. We were a big group and ordered many different things like BBQ chicken sandwiches, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, onion rings, salads, sweet potato fries, cornbread, and mac and cheese to name a few. I sampled a couple of different things; sweet potato fries - really good, potato salad - not very good, onion rings - to doughy and salty, pulled pork - really good, corn bread - have had better, chicken sandwich - pretty good. The place is very casual with a bar in one corner with a handful of people drinking beers, large screen for viewing sports, a walk up counter for ordering food, and the noise level was loud. The service was also very good. As always, after eating this type of food it is definitely an energy zapper, but it's all worth it to spend time with my dad.

    (4)

  • samantha s.

    This is a review for lunch and catering (BTTB catered my wedding in July). This is absolutely the BEST BBQ I have ever eaten in California. Here's a run down of what I've eaten: Brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, ribs, mac n cheese, basked beans (which has brisket in IT!), corn bread, fruit skewers. People still talk about the food from our wedding. You may be thinking BBQ, isn't that too casual for a wedding? Not at all. Marty and Mary (the owners) did an amazing job, they personally handle your big event. There was a slight misunderstanding with the "bar", but everything else was just perfect. Of all of my wedding day vendors, BTTB impressed me the most. I still have dreams about the beans and pulled pork, I only wish I didn't live 400+ miles away, I would eat there every day.

    (5)

  • Alison M.

    I don't eat a lot of red meat, but I will here! The brisket melts in your mouth and I don't think it's possible to get better baked beans. I just wish the cole slaw was vinegar based instead of mayo but I still ate it! We will definitely eat here again!

    (4)

  • Tamara T.

    This is our favorite BBQ place to go. The ribs are out of this world and the hamburgers !!! WOW

    (5)

  • Tina C.

    The ribs are mediocre. I like bbq ribs where the meat falls off the bone. I found the ribs to be dry. I tried both the baby back and the St. Louis ribs. They were both disappointing. What I liked were the shreded onion strings, fries, pulled pork, and the tri-tip. I've only been there once, so I haven't tried the burger. I may go there again to try the burger since I can't resist a good juicy burger.

    (3)

  • Brynna R.

    Ehh, this place was a total cluster eff on a Saturday night. It's one of those walk in, look at a menu on a big TV, then order kind of places. Which I guess on a weekday may be ok but on a Saturday it was a confusing mess. There's no waitress/waiter which is strange because this place is embarrassingly over priced for BBQ and I feel like if i'm going to pay $60 for two adult meals and two kid's meals someone should at least ask us if we are enjoying our food. The food gets an even bigger EHH, the BBQ sauce was really good but there was no variety of BBQ sauces like you'd typically find in a AUTHENTIC BBQ place and the sweet tea was horrible! There are little Southern grandmas rolling in their graves at that impostor of "sweet" tea! The employees were all kind of strange, I asked one guy if they had a baby sling for my baby's car seat and he asked me if I meant a baby SWING lol, yes, yes! I need a baby swing right here in this restaurant! Silly. Anyways, I'll make the drive to Famous Dave's or Lucille's next time and at least have someone to check on our table to even verify that our food came out correctly. But hey, we may be back if you guys invest in those baby swings haha.

    (1)

  • Laura Lu M.

    We really like the BBQ here. The brisket, tri-tip and pulled pork were really good. We try to go there everytime we head that way. It is a tasty treat for BBQ lovers.

    (5)

  • Marla G.

    2nd time here for lunch. Had a lunch special that came with choice of 2 sides. I like the price. Very good BBQ Brisket. I like the French Fries as my side and the green salad was fresh, unfortunately I got the wrong dressing on it. I should of gone up to exchange it but at a little of the salad. I'm just can't stand the taste of blue cheese. I tried. Service was good. The restaurant is spacious. Just read that they closed their San Clemente restaurant. Sorry to hear that.

    (4)

  • Emily R.

    Atmosphere is awesome. Went on a Friday night and was greeted by a gentleman on a guitar singing some good ol country. Place was pretty busy but the service was fast. Got the 3 meat combo of brisket pulled pork and ribs (can't remember which kind) with fries and macaroni and cheese. Thought me and hubby could share but unfortunately their prices don't match their portions. That is the only thing that holds them from 5 star status. Otherwise the sauce is great, meat is tender, but the macaroni and cheese was to die for!!!!! Def must have!

    (4)

  • Sara L.

    Wow, this place is great! I was looking for something quick to pick up (as my grandma was staying across the street at Emeritus) and I happened upon Bad to the Bone. I had the BBQ Po' Boy with potato salad and a side salad. Everything was delicious. The BBQ sauce is not overly sweet, more tangy, which is exactly how I like my sauce. Only giving it one less star because the pulled pork was a little dry, but adding a little BBQ sauce made it fine. I would definitely come back here again!

    (4)

  • Tet W.

    I came for dinner tonight after my dad had a BBQ craving. I had the three meat combo (brisket, beef ribs, and pulled pork) with a side salad and onion rings. The beef ribs were huge and the meat well smoked and tender. Just the way I like it. The brisket and the pulled pork was fork tender and very flavorful. There is no doubt, they can BBQ! The side salad was a big disappointment. It's as if they took no care into their salad or presentation of it. Coarse lay chopped ice lettuce that included a lot of the core and end bits...basically serving the pieces most of us toss away with some cheese, cherry tomatoes and purple cabbage. The ranch dressing it came with wasn't nothing special. The onion rings were also a disappointment. It was dry and didn't have much flavor. I'm use to the thick greasy onion rings which is full of different dipping sauces. Anyway, it's a great place for a family gathering. Not the place you would bring a date unless you both have no shame in embarrassing yourself with your lips and cheeks salt and peppered in BBQ sauce. I definitely recommend this place for anyone who is in the mood for great BBQ.

    (4)

  • Jane C.

    Good: fall off the bone meat; onion strings Not so good: Where to start? You order at a counter, and the food is brought to your table. The cashier didn't ask us what we wanted on our baked potatoes, and we didn't know any better that we should say what we want... and one came with sour cream and the other with sour cream and chives (huh?). The food was 'thrown' down on the table by the server, not placed nicely. The bbq sauce is not a sweet kind at all - and nothing like our favorite, Lucille's. Pass on the coleslaw - barely any taste and dry. Beans are not the bbq kind - not bad, but not what we like. When our food came, we asked the server for more bbq sauce and for butter... then never saw him again in the next 15 minutes, so I had to go up to the cashier to ask. The two corn muffins came with one serving of butter. We had to ask for a steak knife to cut the ribs, since the table knives were extremely dull. Cheap napkins on the table - expect to use a half tree's worth if you have ribs. Would we go back? Nah. Maybe other items are good, but the service and overall experience was so-so. I like Lucille's except for their sides, but at least the service is much better - and I'd be paying the same price for either location.

    (1)

  • Doug M.

    Ok, this is the best BBQ west of TX and Southwest of MO ! But, only if you stick to their very best dishes. They are in this order: 1. Cowboy Ribeye 2. Baby Back Ribs 3. any of their Burgers side salad with ranch on side (mix in some BBQ sauce with the dressing) and sweet potato fries are the two best sides. You must request extra BBQ sauce (they stopped putting it in large bottles). The Sauce is great with everything they serve, including mixed into the salad dressing.

    (5)

  • FIONA M.

    4.5 stars I never understood why people love Lucille's BBQ. I've given the place plenty of tries and I am just not impressed. Why wait in such long lines for some mediocre BBQ? All it took was one bite and I fell madly in love with Bad to the Bone. This place is a total hidden gem! The place is never too crowded. The ribs come right off the bone. The meats are so tender and juicy. There is absolutely no need for BBQ sauce! I have tried all the meats - tri tip, brisket, pulled pork...and they are all made to perfection every time. My go to sides are the fried okra and sweet potato fries. If Bad to the Bone was just a little closer to where I live, I would definitely come here once a week.

    (4)

  • Jim H.

    Since I'm the Duke, I guess I should review this place. Simply put, this is the best Barbecue in Orange County. It beats Lucilles by a mile (I've gotten food poisoning the last 2 times I ate at Lucilles) and it's more consistent then Johnny Rebs. The brisket has the perfect pink smoke ring under the lightly charred crust. The pork ribs fall right off the bone. The sausages taste homemade, and are just spicy enough. I can't speak about any of the other meats. The onion rings are awesome, the fries good, the slaw just tart enough. The only thing they have that I don't really care for is the potatoe salad. It was just... meh. I go back as frequently as I can afford to.

    (5)

  • Nestor N.

    Many years ago, I did a road trip from Dallas to San Antonio. Along the way I sampled Texas style beef brisket from smokehouses recomended by locals and guidebooks. The beef brisket smoked by Bad to the Bone is tender, moist and full of flavor from the dry rub and smoking. Its such a blessing to have great beef brisket without having to go to Texas. My favorite among the sides are the onion rings and sweet potato fries. If you are in San Juan Capistrano for the day you can't go wrong having breakfast at Ramos House and dinner at Bad to the Bone.

    (4)

  • Christine M.

    They catered our event in the park and we were so delighted. They brought their food trucks, all the fixings and servers. They did a fantastic job. Not only was their food delicious, these guys did an awesome job making sure that nothing was empty, everything was tidy and people got what they wanted. Awesome!

    (5)

  • Rob K.

    The food here was pretty good, the ribs were very tender and full of flavor, but the sauce left a lot to be desired. It's a shame because they have some great ribs and good side dishes, but the sauce is a deal breaker for me and I didn't care for it... I guess I'm spoiled with my PHILS BBQ in San Diego. :)

    (3)

  • Kattie M.

    AMAZING! First time tonight...and I cant wait to go back! Best bbq in OC

    (5)

  • Brooke P.

    Update from my last review. The food was cold, and both my husband and I weren't impressed with our meals. Too bad because this is one of our favorite places for BBQ. I am hoping it was just an off night. Will try once more!

    (2)

  • HR Coach F.

    i was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of the cuisine at bad to the bone. the atmosphere was nice and the service was friendly as well. had the st. louis ribs and tri tip. the mac and cheese was yummy as was the cornbread muffins. will definitely go back....we r fans. great place to watch your favorite football game too!

    (4)

  • Jason K.

    I went to Bad to the Bone the other night I go once or twice a month and I went to use my Yelp coupon and they told me I had to Print it out to use it . If you have to be at the place to check in how do you print out the coupon , I was very upset with this .

    (4)

  • Stefan D.

    Really good ribs the best and awesome burgers

    (5)

  • Tina B.

    We have now eaten here several times. By far the best BBQ in South OC we have had yet. I cannot give them a 5 star though, due to inconsistency. Sometimes the meat is dry. Love the brisket..sliced and as a sandwich. The BBQ beans are like a chili and super good.

    (4)

  • Brian L.

    Good burgers, good BBQ, huge nacho portions, great beer. We venture to this place during our work lunches and they have really good lunch specials. Their BBQ sauce and sweet potato fries are also really good. I haven't tried all the meats yet, but I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Ryan K.

    Any place that plays country music, has a full bar and serves great BBQ starts with an automatic 5 star. Boys and girls variety is the spice of life! Normally I get my usual Thai takeout or Carl's Jr. or just eat leftovers at home. Recently though I've been wanting to do things I've never done before, go places I've never been and meet people I've never met before! For many of you this comes natural but for me not so much. I'm used to going to my usual bar or restaurant and knowing everyone; staff and patrons alike. Not so much here I knew nobody felt kinda out of my comfort zone and second the notion of coming here in the first place. I was the only asian dude there. But in a way I actually felt like I fit in. No hipsters, wannabees, haters there. Just good people and regs having a good time enjoying great food. They serve one great Amber Ale. The brisket sandwich was amazing. The beans... Fuh-get-about it...and the potato salad....;) See I've been craving BBQ and am going to Nashville next month. Gonna go to Joe's and get all the BBQ and country music I can bear. "Add in longer hours, a dance floor rocking country music and this is a total 6 star review. Add in longer hours and it a no-brainer 5 star establishment." Can I get a takeback? Forget the dance floor and longer hours. Great BBQ and beer is all one needs to die happy ;)

    (5)

  • Jim B.

    Baby backs are the bomb with Mac and cheese.

    (4)

  • Logan A.

    Solid BBQ, some of the best I've had in CA! Highly recommend on your road trip between LA and OC or SD. Will be back.

    (5)

  • Jeffrey S.

    Had dinner there on May 25tn for the first time. Definitely going back! I had a three meat combo with the St. Louis style ribs, Crolina pulled pork, sausage, cole slaw, and garlic bashed potatoes. The portions on each were a bit small to the eye, but all three together, it made for a fantastic amount of food. Full but not bursting! Everything was delicious. The cole slaw ws flavorful without being soggy or runny. The potatoes were also very flavorful and not overpowered by garlic. Our table also had a tri-tip sandwich, cheeseburger, Mac and cheese regular fries and garlic fries. The trip tip sandwich was incredible. The only downside ws that there may be too much roll to the roll. Never got a bite of the cheese burger because the 7 year old inhaled it! She also loved everything from my plate! That is high praise there. The Mac and cheese was very good. A nice creamy sauce with a good amount of melty cheese on top. The fries are very good as well. The garlic fries were tossed in the garlic coating not just topped with it like some places do. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere. We missed the live music for the night, but look forward to going back again sometime. One thing they should offer at every table or make more readily available, wipes! After picking up the ribs, you need something to de-stick the fingers.

    (4)

  • Julian F.

    Our family had an event at Zoomar's petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano. We ordered food for 30 people, Ribs, Chicken, BBQ Corn, Ranch Beans, Corn Bread, Mac n' Cheese. Our order was for 11:00AM, today. I got there a little early, paid the tab and my food was ready exactly on time. The food was nicely wrapped in sturdy aluminum. We got all the plates and utensils we needed, including some good quality serving utensils. At the party, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food. It was excellently prepared and nicely seasoned... delicious! It was also reasonably priced. Great job all around. It's very rare to enjoy a process so carefully executed without any disappointment at all.

    (5)

  • Joey P.

    Had this for lunch the other day. I had the baby back ribs - not bad but the meat was a little chewy. My friend had the Pulled Pork which was good, Onion rings were excellent, Fried Okra was great The food here i heard was hit or miss. Overall a good experience.

    (4)

  • John L.

    First off i would love to say that this is my NEW BBQ PLACE!!!!! i found a new home. Great food, Great beer, the only thing i found odd about it was that there was no servers, its a order up front and they will bring your food out.. Didn't bother me at all!!! Loved it , ill keep going!

    (5)

  • Mike W.

    Smokehouse burger with ranch beans and fries, enough said. Let us not forget the pulled pork nachos are amazing. Western decor for a western style town. Some of the best BBQ I've had!

    (4)

  • Yvette U.

    Great BBQ place! Food was made to order. Service was great, very friendly staff. Although, it would have great to know that there was a kid's menu before we ordered. Way better BBQ place to eat at then Lucille's. Can't wait to come back and try other items on the menu. Had the Carolina Pulled Pork, sweet potato fries, & ranch beans. Family ordered beef ribs, baby back ribs, brisket burger with fries & fried okra. Everyone was happy and full.

    (4)

  • James S.

    Living now in South Orange County for just over 8 months, finding local independent places with personalty and quality food that stand out can be a challenge. Bad to the Bone delivers on both those fronts. First off, the service is excellent, they went out of their way to help our group of 5 find a table, make sure our orders went to the right place, and kept checking on us multiple times. Second, the level of BBQ is very good to great, to go along with a full service bar and brewery. Third, even though it seems like a silly thing, often times being with a group and having one check can be a bit of a mess. Bad to the Bone is the best of both worlds, you order first and pay on your own, but never feeling like its fast food or lesser the quality or service of a full service restaurant. If you are in the south orange county area and are looking for something other than a chain restaurant in a mall or shopping center, definitely give this place a try.

    (4)

  • Tina G.

    Went with the family and had a great time .... prices reasonable, large portions, and friendly staff. Normally we will eat downtown SJC however my brother told us to follow him and try his BBQ place - we loved it way better then some of the other "Famous" places - we will be back!

    (4)

  • susan p.

    Great ribs !! Chicken was excellent too !

    (5)

  • Jay P.

    Me and my friend went there for lunch and had the sampler lunch special and all the meat was soooo dry! The potato salad was mediocre at best. I will never come back to this establishment again!

    (1)

  • Debbie T.

    Still a favorite - don't get the huge monster burger (too big and makes you look like a complete carnivore - Joey tried today), but get anything else you want.

    (5)

  • Casey B.

    This place has the best BBQ that I've had in a restaurant. We got there early, and there was only one group eating there, but decided to try it anyway. By the time we left, the place was packed. We tried the chicken/pulled pork, tri-tip sampler, and it was all great. Wife got the baked potato with pulled pork, and the thing was monstrous (and delicious). Garlic fries are awesome, and same with the sweet potato fries. I live in Carlsbad and found this place by accident, but will definitely go there whenever we're in the area.

    (5)

  • sybril s.

    At this location, you order at the cashier first and they'll seat you after. Love the briskets and homemade pepper sausages!! The briskets were tender and juice (but they're not marbled every time). I eat them without the BBQ sauce and they were still good. The tri-tip is also good but I guess it depends on how cooked your slices are... I like them med. rare... Also went to the other location in San Clemente, which is less crowded and the waiter/waitress comes to your table to take your order. I had a tri-tip salad there. The sald was loaded with meat and veggies! I seriously only finished about 15% of it and I was already full. Highly recommend the salad. I had the italian dressing and it was super tangy... Would definitely go back again to try their steaks :)

    (4)

  • Jd G.

    AWESOME FOOD! Fun employees and a great atmosphere. Food prices are average but I though the beer was a little overpriced.

    (4)

  • Linzy B.

    I'm a southern boy who's lived here for a year and I've been searching for respectable BBQ. I've lived in most of the great BBQ regions (sorry Missouri.. I still haven't had the pleasure) and I know whereof I speak. So far this is the best I've found here, but I'll keep looking. First, I was annoyed that the guy at the front stopped to answer the phone in the middle of taking our order and just left us standing there for a couple of minutes - poor form, but only worthy of a yellow card. My daughter ordered the pulled pork sandwich and I ordered the St. Louis ribs/ brisket combo. The pulled pork was pretty solid.. but that's slow pitch.. it's hard to screw that up if you own a smoker. Nice fresh baked bun. They gave me a half rack of ribs and 4 tiny (1 oz slices) of tri-tip - I hope it was just a mistake on their part and not them thinking they pulled a fast one. I know brisket. Brisket is a good friend of mine. You sir, are no brisket. The tri tip was solid but predictable... basically BBQ flavored steak. The ribs were decent - nothing to write home about, but they were fairly tender and I'd order them again in a crisis. Good sides.. the beans were a pleasant surprise... kind of a western spin with cumin vs. the standard BBQ baked beans. I didn't leave hungry, but it was expensive (California standard) for what we got. As I left and looked around at all of the people enjoying their lunch I just wanted to teleport everyone to Austin or Memphis or Carolina and show them what real BBQ tastes like. My quest continues.

    (2)

  • David P.

    I have had barbecue all over the country and I can honestly say Bad to the Bone can hang with the best of em. After having the half chicken, and the pulled pork sandwich, I would argue both dishes were easily comparable to the best places in St. Louis, Kansas, and Memphis. The service was good and the atmosphere is to be expected for a barbecue joint. Would have given five stars if they weren't so expensive.

    (4)

  • Scott F.

    I was thrilled to fine a great BBQ restaurant after a long hike with my wife. Mind you, I'm vegetarian, but I love fish and they advertised fish on the window of the place (and my wife LOVES meat). I was mildly satisfied with the food. I had the Catfish Po'Boy - it was so-so. Needed a great deal of sauce. The Caesar Salad was great. Sweet potato fries were good. My wife's gumbo was so-so too in my opinion. So why a 2 star? The service was medieval. I could almost get the guy who was taking our order at the walk up to acknowledge our presence. He was staring at the TV behind us and I had to repeat myself several times to get him to take the order correctly. I had the sense that if I complained I would have creative food delivered to my table. The people who brought the food were absolutely devoid of any charm. They may as well have tossed the plates on the table. I now know why you pay first!! So that you don't have an opportunity to give them a bad tip! I got the sense that the entire staff that worked there hated the boss because they all seemed like they were serving a sentence. I won't waste my time going back to this restaurant.

    (2)

  • Ken W.

    Another of my used to be favorites has removed it's self from the list of places to eat. I used to think this place was great - after the last visit - it was less than okay. Seriously disappointed. They had changed the BBQ sauce - to a more watery version with much less flavor,..more vinegar than anything else. Smoked flavor was gone,..instead just a burned burger with loads of crusty burned food from previous grilling on the burger. The place was not even super busy - yet - people who where sat 10, 15 minutes after us got served first - - our order had been forgotten or something,.. Here is the Scoop- Smoked House Burger with Bacon and cheese and typical burger stuff. Got the burger - the piece of bacon was about 1 inch long and - I am afraid to say where it came from - left over from someone's plate,..it wasnt even a strip of bacon - the cheese - crap it was like it hadbeen leftout - for hours before it was used. Bun was dry,..burger was flavorless and - well pretty bad,.worse than Johnny Rockets, worse than Red Robin, worse than a Burger King Burger. These guys have fallen fast,..when will places realize - that they need to produce items that are consistent - quality needs to be up there. Because of bad service, bad food,.. poor quality - the whole works,..we will not be back. This makes me sad.

    (1)

  • Sabrina G.

    Almost everything on the menu is good. Ribs (meatier and more flavorful than anywhere else), burgers (juicy and flavorgasmic), garlic fries, pulled pork, mac n cheese, corn on the cob are particularly special. The Cowboy Ribeye is perfectly aged and well-marbled .... the best steak I've ever had. Cole slaw and ranch beans are both too sweet for me. Onion rings are mediocre. Great selection of tap beers. Full bar available from friendly bartenders. Service is usually good, but can be slow when they are busy. For me, the most exciting thing is the ever-changing soup menu ... spectacular offerings of green chili lobster bisque, chicken and dumplings, jambalya, ect ... If your timing is right, all you need is a mind-blowing, perfectly scratch-made soup. If you eat in the bar, the company tends to be friendly and amusing. Enjoy.

    (4)

  • Yuki M.

    I'm sorry. I plain out did not like any of their dishes. This place was recommended by a fellow Yelper who is also a chef. I was on a BBQ hunt in south Orange County and took any suggestion that came up. From the moment I received news of this restaurant, I was walking through the doors 3 hours later. To get a fair sampling, I ordered one of the combination plates with 4 different meats: Sliced brisket, St. Louis Ribs, Smoked BBQ Chicken, and the House Sausage. Sliced Brisket: Tough. Dry. Flavourless. St. Louis Ribs: Tough. Dry. Too much sauce. No meat. Smoked BBQ Chicken: Tender. Good flavour. Too much sauce. House Sausage: Dry. Decent flavour. Slightly spicy. I also ordered another combination plate so that I could give the Pulled Pork and the Tri Tip a go. Pulled Pork: Dry. Flavourless, yet salty. Tri Tip: Same as the brisket. Side items included were cornbread, beans, fries, and garlic mash. Cornbread: Dry. Flavourless. Tough. Beans: Salty. Fries: Soggy. Mash: Dry. Flavourless. Ordered the onion rings as well because I've been on a hunt for good onion rings (so far, Salt Lake City has the entire nation beat). Onion Rings: Decent. I was told by a fellow patron who apparently eats here a lot that the burgers are good. Uh...yeah. They might be, but I don't see myself coming back again to test that suggestion.

    (1)

  • Michael A.

    This is an awesome BBQ joint. I had the St. Louis Ribs and my girlfriend had the tri-tip. Both were amazing. Very good selection. I was surprised it wasn't crowded on a Saturday night. Hadr to find a good quality BBQ place!

    (5)

  • Tara P.

    This might be the best BBQ I have ever had in the OC. Way better than Lucille's. Their BBQ sauce is amazing as well. I love the BBQ chopped brisket sandwich.

    (4)

  • Lisa M.

    Tasty, authentic BBQ. I always get a mixed grill plate when I try a new BBQ place so I tried the tri-tip, ribs & sausage. Everything was cooked to perfection, the tri-tip looks more rare than it really is because their smoking process makes everything look pinker. The sauce is smoky & sweet with just the right amount of spice. Sides were delicious and tasted fresh & not out of a plastic container. The restaurant is spacious and offers the perfect western BBQ vibe.

    (4)

  • Christine V.

    I only wish I lived closer. The BBQ here was PHENOMENAL! Today I had the chopped brisket sandwich....O.M.G! The sandwich was just the right size (although when I was done, I seriously contemplated getting another)...and the sweet potato fries were perfect! I look forward to going back next week and seeing what kind of trouble I can get myself into.

    (5)

  • John C.

    If I could give this place zero stars I would! Brought 10 people in. Tried to order bulk food so we could eat family style. They refused. Purely a greed play. Ruined what should have been a great night. I used to eat here monthly. I am done as it cost $25+ each without drinks. Way too expensive for just average BBQ!

    (1)

  • Russell S.

    As someone who does not eat meat it's hard to believe I'd be a fan of a bbq joint. Yet here were are. I'm the world's worst vegetarian. To be fair I ordered the catfish po' boy. The bun was a little bit dry, but it was breaded perfectly. Not surprisingly their house bbq sauce went well with it. Sweet potato fries were good, but I've had both better and worse. Their micro brew porter was definitely enough to have me coming back for more.

    (4)

  • Mitchell T.

    OK, what happened to my great barbeque? We can't eat here as often as we'd like, the recession has munched up our finances. So, when we go, it's after a long period of anticipation. That's one reason why this review is so negative. We ordered the salmon, beef ribs, and pulled pork nachos. I had wanted to try the nachos for over a year. Thas nachos were OK, the pork was moist, but not particularly flavorful. Then my wife noticed that the cheese tasted a lot like 'cheeze whiz'. Yikes. It may not have actually been, but it had the same bland flavor. Next, dinner. The salmon and ribs came pretty promptly, The sauce did NOT taste the same as we remembered. Watery and flavorless. My wife usually would lick this stuff off her hands. Tonight, she used a napkin. My ribs were OK, but again, bland. No smoky flavor. My daughter and wife said the same about the salmon. No barbeque flavor. Bland. Did they change the head chef? Are they now cutting corners on ingredients? What's going on? Bad to the bone now seems like a place that old people would like. Bland food in a western setting. Those of us with functioning tastebuds should look elsewhere. Boy, I'm sad about this. Bad to the Bone was LEGENDARY. All sorts of people would drive to SjC to eat there. Now, it's just another theme place. Sort of like Chuck E. Cheese. Very, very sad.

    (2)

  • j h.

    still waiting for our refund and an apology from the owner...we got take out and received raw chicken on New Year's Eve ...I called and they argued the "all their chicken is smoked so it can't be raw"...meanwhile my 6 year old has a puddle of blood on his plate from the under cooked meat and my husband found his half chicken breast completely raw at the bone :( after 7 years as loyal patrons we are appalled at this establishments lack of concern about health concerns associated with Serving RAW Chicken....we now can't eat there again and have to share our experience with evey single person that I had previously advised to "check out" their great BBQ....simply unprofessional at how this situation has been handled.

    (1)

  • Christopher A.

    Great hole-in-the-wall style BBQ with delicious smells as soon as you walk in. The pork and tri-tip is fantastic and spend the extra $1 for the sweet potato fries, they are totally worth it!!

    (5)

  • Philip L.

    I ate at this place twice this weekend. It is just down Ortega Hwy from the Oaks polo fields where we were attending a soccer tournament. If you are at the Polo fields for an event this is a great place close by for lunch or dinner. I tried a combo plate of tri tip and chicken with cole slaw and fried okra the first day and a pulled pork sandwich the next day. I also tried a couple ribs. Their sandwiches look to be the best deal. I think they actually have more meat then the combo plates at a lower price. The tri tip salad looks really good. I might have to try that next time. The ribs had good flavor but were a little dry for my taste. The beer is from the Capistrano brewing company and is really good. Their honey pale is great and the Hef is good to. The staff is almost to attentive. I got up to use the bathroom and came back to find my 1/3 sandwich and okra gone. I let the manager know and he was very apologetic and willing to make things right. Almost forgot that they have great bar tenders!! No complaints and I plan to come back often!

    (4)

  • Jessica R.

    The ultimate comfort food. I could happily eat here once a week for the rest of my life and never get sick of it. Thankfully this place is right down the street from my in-laws' house, but even if it wasn't, we'd still make the hour+ drive for the best BBQ in SoCal. Here are the menu's highlights: Tri-Tip Pulled Pork Sandwich Baby Back Ribs Ranch Beans MAC N CHEESE!!! (just order it, you can thank me later) Sweet Potato Fries Hefeweizen (locally brewed, kind of like Blue Moon but better) We love BTTB so much, they even catered our wedding! Yep, we convinced them to bring their magical food all the way up to LA. I HIGHLY recommend them if you ever need an event catered, the food was perfect and Katie is so easy to work with. Our guests couldn't stop talking about how delicious everything was! Get on their e-mail list and they'll send you coupons... my husband and I just used one the other day and got 20% off our meal.

    (5)

  • Michele J.

    Seriously, this place is ok. I mean I don't really see how it differentiates from like Lucille's in Lake Forest or anything like that. This place has better beer, but it's not like I crave the place.. BUT I'm not a rib person. I understand how me not being a rib person can totally discount this review because I know my Chinese food having a mom that is Chinese and when people tell me Panda Express is awesome I want to cut their head off.

    (3)

  • Jennifer M.

    Wow! What happened! We have always loved Bad to the Bone, but we were even more pleasantly surprised last Friday night when we arrived during their big dinner rush. GREAT SERVICE! That's what we got along with their typical outstanding food. We thought it was too busy for a table, and before we got a chance to walk out, someone nicely greeted us and asked if they could find us one. That was only the beginning of the continuous great service throughout our meal. Even when they were at their busiest, they stopped and got a sauce my husband wanted in less than a minute. We saw someone in a wheelchair come in; and there were no appropriate tables to conform to their needs. So we asked if we could move so that they could take ours since it would work for them. The server was so thankful that they gave us a piece of their ridiculously good mud pie. Certainly not necessary, but a nice gesture. All in all, we were just amazed that our old haunt was even better than we remembered food and all!

    (5)

  • Bri L.

    Delicious and authentic southern BBQ -ed meats with a ton of scrumptious sides! I have been here several times and the staff is always extremely helpful and friendly. The first time I came here with my family, my dad wanted to know the difference between two types of ribs; we not only got a sample of each but at the end of the dinner we got a slice of pie on the house! I recommend getting the braised brisket - it's the most tender and moist of the meats (some of the others can be dry), while the mac n cheese, beans, and sweet potato fries are the best side dishes. Ask for extra ranch and they give you a bowlful ! ......They also have IBC root beer which I am a fan of......

    (4)

  • Daniel T.

    I'm not sure if this counts as an actual review but they catered for my work down the street. There weren't any ribs but there was BBQ chicken. The chicken itself was dry. You have to add more sauce to it. The cornbread was fairly bland. I've had better from the mixes you get at the store. The baked beans though were actually really good. I did like the sauce but its unfortunate that it wasn't accompanied with good meats. I've had better BBQ elsewhere, but I can't complain, my meal was on my company.

    (2)

  • stephen p.

    this place is awesome!!! been here a few times now and whenever i want me some good BBQ!!! bad to bone is the place to go!! BEEF RIBSSSSSSS!!! must try and its hard not to get that everytime because its so good!! plus the price pretty decent!!

    (4)

  • Christine T.

    Best bbg since I've moved to California from Kentucky. Brisket was awesome. Mac and cheese yummy

    (4)

  • Vicor D.

    to me was excessively smokey and smelled overall inside the restaurant....seemed to be over priced.....service was below average, food was also in my opinion below averaage---ordered the ribs--very little meat seems like they bought a very cheap cut----won't go back

    (2)

  • Paul K.

    Just a heads up - the San Clemente location of Bad to the Bone is now closed so the SJC location is the only one left.

    (4)

  • Mucio V.

    The go to BBQ restaurant for me. Price is fair, I ever steer away from getting the pulled pork dinner plate. I have tried other options but they just make me miss the puled pork. The BBQ sauce is tangy and delicious, i drown my food in it. The cornbread is worth the cheat carbs and the decor is very fitting. They have tv's on, it gets crowded at lunch hour so calling in advance might help those busy ones.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Awesome BBQ! Pretty much the best I've found in OC. We're actually having them cater our son's birthday party which should tell you how much we like the food. The only reason they don't get five stars is that the service isn't great. Not bad either, just not great.

    (4)

  • Alex P.

    Southern Orange County does not have enough non franchise independent restaurants. Bad to the Bone is a great find for great BBQ in a sea of chain restaurants. There can be a wait, mainly because they wont cook it until there is a seat in the restaurant available, which makes sense.

    (4)

  • Patrick B.

    Bad to the Bone BBQ makes some of the best baby back ribs I've had in Southern California. You can tell the ribs have been smoked for hours because they are pink inside from the smoke permeating into the meat. They aren't dripping and over-sauced to give them flavor either. I've eaten here twice, both times ordering the baby backs and pulled pork combo. I would eat there a lot more if they weren't all the way in South Orange County. I need to find more reasons why to head down to San Juan Capistrano so I can eat here. For sides, I've tried their bean, cole slaw, sweet potato fries and mac n cheese. All of them have been pretty good.

    (4)

  • Justin C.

    The smoke hits you when you walk in and that is a very good thing. The most authentic Southern BBQ in South County. I used to work at a BBQ joint out of state. Trust me, I know what I am talking about!

    (4)

  • Phil V.

    Let me preface this review with how may day went. We went down to San Diego for a birthday lunch thingy. We ate at Phil's BBQ. By the time we made the trek back to the big bad OC, it was dinner time and we were hungry again. So we decided to swing by and get some BBQ from Bad to the Bone. We have been meaning to try this place due to all the great things we have heard about them. They even catered BBQs for my work, and I always happen to miss them. It's one of those things like, "Hey everybody, Phil's not here, let's do BBQ." Just kidding. But on to the meat and potatoes of this review. We ordered the full combination with 4 beef ribs and 6 baby back ribs under the guidance of the cashier. Initially all we wanted was the half, which would have been one beef rib and three baby back ribs, which probably would have been a good idea. But he was recommending that a half would not feed two. But he threw in an extra beef rib for us because you usually only get three. Thanks man. As our sides we got mac and cheese and garlic mash. The meat was somewhat dry and not as tender as other BBQ places, like let's say Phil's in San Diego. They were a little on the stingy side with the sauce also. But it was good BBQ. But by no means great. The mac and cheese was really good tho, very home made-esque quality about it. The garlic mash was good also but they don't really need any explanation.

    (3)

  • Dylan M.

    The food is great. Well cooked, and tasty. Your mouth waters as soon as you smell the place. The Carolina BBQ isn't traditional Carolina style but it is tasty. It has a red sauce that was good, but not smoky enough for my taste and it certainly wasn't true to style. The service was bad. Meals were forgotten, no silverware was given, and after the third time asking for ketchup I got up and grabbed it from an empty table. The staff was friendly, just not very well organized or helpful. Bottom line, good food at half decent prices, but the service is sub par.

    (3)

  • Marjorie M.

    Back today after too long.. happy- no, delirious to say Bad To The Bone has NOT changed one iota! It's excellent, down home howdy partner, Texas country REAL BBQ. I couldn't finish my $8.95 Sliced Brisket of Beef Sandwich which came with fresh coleslaw, and the most fabulous BBQ beans I've ever had. Huge plate. My service both times was excellent, but it may be because I give my order at the cash register where they take the orders.., I don't wait for them to come to me at the table.. That may be the secret.. Anyhow, still good, still the best, most authentic BBQ in OC..YaHoo, Cowboy!

    (5)

  • Kevin F.

    This place has a good vibe, good ribs, good beer. What else do you want?

    (4)

  • Jeff S.

    Been here many times. People line up to eat here because...there is not much else in terms of BBQ in San Juan. Beans, slaw, pulled pork...good. Ribs, tri tip...the worst. Not sure why. I have tried it a few times and its always crap. Goes right in the trash. I believe part of the problem is the owners rely to much on young Mexicans to run this place.

    (3)

  • Annie K.

    The best BBQ in south O.C.

    (5)

  • Anese J.

    The food is OK. The service is not ok. It seemed as if everyone working was miserable and hated being there, but the prices are decent for very generous portions.

    (3)

  • Christi P.

    My first time here! It smelled amazing just walking in the door. There were five of us so we tried quite a few things. The great stuff: tri tip, brisket, pulled pork, sweet potato fries, onion rings. The good stuff: regular fries, garlic bashed potatoes, Mac n cheese. The not so good? The ranch beans. Def going back though!

    (4)

  • Isabella O.

    This place is alright. I work very close to this restaurant so I have been there many times. I usually get one of the lunch special sandwiches. My favorite is the chopped brisket sandwich. Isn't the best I've ever had but not bad either.

    (3)

  • Mark E.

    This place has the best smoked meats and the Pulled Port Nachos paired with the Capistrano Honey Blonde Ale is a winner! The hot links are very good as is the brisket. I like the large TV's and the general rustic feel of the place. Great for family dinner/lunch.

    (4)

  • Hey G.

    Looking for a BBQ place on our drive from Aliso Viejo to San Diego using the Yelp app. WOW! What a nice discovery! I was going to stand in line at Phils BBQ in SD if nothing came up, but BTTB came up and we headed there. Great beef ribs, the sauce is just right, the sides were generous and well prepared, and we ended up taking a lot home. 10% discount if you use the Yelp app! I will come back here next time we have a road trip!

    (5)

  • Mike J.

    I've been there twice and really like it. My wife would probably go there every night if we lived closer. We both had the onion straws, pulled pork and tri-tip. All were excellent. I felt comfortable even though it impressed me as kind of a local hang out. The service was good and the people friendly. The servings were generous and well worth the price. We will definitely be back many times in the future.

    (5)

  • Rob C.

    What a scene that place is. Went in there for lunch last week, only to be greeted by a Drunken mess that pukes all over the bar area. Mind you its only 1130am. The bartender is like "oh he does this all the time and its ok cause he rides his bike there" They barely cleaned up the mess leaving chunks on the floor. I have eaten there before and the food is delicious, but i highly recommended take out or dining room area.

    (2)

  • Larry F.

    Ehhh at best. I'm quite an accomplished home BBQ'er and on my worst day, I can out BBQ BTTB with little effort. Not sure where to find good BBQ in OC but this ain't it.

    (2)

  • Jodie W.

    This is one of our favorite restaurants. Our favorites are the pulled pork and the brisket. The sweet potato fries are AMAZING. I haven't ordered it, but I've been with people who say the tri-tip isn't great. Great for families. I would love the outdoor seating except that you can smell horses outside. We eat here once a month or so!

    (5)

  • Brian W.

    Simply AWESOME! I have to admit when I first went there several years ago I thought it was okay but My wife and I recently went there for take out and it was excellent. The baby back ribs, brisket and puled pork sliders were all extremely good. The best around. Thanks B2theB for killer BBQ! Brian W Laguna Niguel, Ca.

    (5)

  • Edgie T.

    Went here with hubby and parents in law; was really looking forward to it since my mother-in-law raved about this place. I was impressed with the portion size, big & generous. Since I'm a huge fan of BBQ pork ribs, I ordered myself half a rack...yup I LOVE food. Hhhhmmm, I thought the BBQ was ok. The thing is, when I bite into the ribs, I want to see the meat fall of the bone...that didn't quite happen to my so-called "melts in your mouth like butter" feeling. Instead, it almost seemed like it could've used a little bit more cooking time on the pit. Will probably not come back soon, given there are plenty of American BBQ joints in the orange curtain.

    (2)

  • Ara D.

    While I'm not a BBQ expert, Bad to the Bone is a definite must. I had the intention of going all out and came out very pleased, despite a massive ensuing food coma. The full rack of baby backs completely hits the spot. They're meat packed, ultra tender, and slapped with a nicely seasoned BBQ sauce that adds flavor without overpowering the quality of the meat. Plus, the sides are great too, especially the ranch beans, which are thick and infused with great flavor. The only downside, which is relatively minor, is the atmosphere. The country music adds a nice touch, but the place is a bit too quiet, although this might've just been that particular night. A louder place with more commotion seems to make for a better environment when having BBQ. The food comes out fast though, which is a plus. Otherwise, Bad to the Bone should more than satisfy your carnivorous desires.

    (4)

  • Rich n Nancy C.

    Best BBQ in South OC. It used to be quite small and due to the long wait time for a table, we usually ordered take out. They have since expanded. Its still crowded but finding a table is usually not a problem. Better than the chains (Lucille's and Memphis) Rivals Johnny Reb's in Orange. It' all good - the poor boys, the baby back ribs, the pulled pork, and the chicken. I also recommend the onion rings - very tasty!

    (4)

  • Ava R.

    Reading through the reviews AFTER I went to Bad to the Bone, I learned that "Carolina Style" means lots of vinegar. Wish I had read that before I went. I did not like the barbecue sauce -- and they only have the one. That being said, I had the pulled pork which was tender and flavorful. Thankfully, they don't over sauce the meat but put extra on the side. Even the little bit of sauce that was on the meat was almost too much for me. Next time I would order with NO sauce or order something that doesn't "require" sauce. They had wonderful looking salads and burgers. I enjoyed my sides far more than my meat. The grilled vegetables were fabulous and the garlic bashed potatoes were tasty. I ordered wine in the food line -- didn't have to go to the bar for it. The peach cobbler a la mode was just like Mom used to make. Best part of the whole meal. The servers were friendly and efficient. We were there to present an award to a club member and one of the servers saw us start to take pictures. She ran right over and offered to do it so we could all be in the photos. Overall a very pleasant evening.

    (4)

  • mo m.

    Love the san clemente location much better! I like the tri tip, as well as the pulled pork sandwiches.

    (3)

  • Jackie G.

    I have been here many times, we went friday night before a long 4th of july weekend. It is sunday night and I am just starting to feel better, it was the beef rib, barely any meat but the taste was off, I only ate 2 or 3 bites and over 24 hrs ofetting sick ( food posioning!) I will never go back!!

    (1)

  • Rod H.

    I happen to be a two to three times a week regular and I have found that Marty always tries to better the food he prepares, for instance ,take his chicken tenders ,where the prepared flat and usually over fried type,and now that he has instituted his own breading technique,and. Improved the chicken tenders he gets ,OH, what a change, large ,plump,moist,and well worth trying if you have not...As for the breading he uses now ,also improved his onion rings,and any batter,breaded item on his new menu. His new menu includes many new items as well, He has added new hamburgers to die for,and my favorite the BLT,with avocado,on grilled sourdough bread,is great. His new fresh cut French fries are an improvement over the old ones. What a lot of folks. Don't know ,he prepares a daily special menu,that changes each day,and gives one a great variety of choices daily.just ask for the daily specials menu. I truly enjoy coming in on a regular basis,and will continue to do so as long as Marty keeps up grading ,and doing a great job...Thanks Marty...

    (5)

  • Austin C.

    I miss the old happy hour with $3.50 beers, but I still love this place. I wasn't impressed with the sandwiches, which I tried first, but then got the brisket and tri tip on a different occasion and fell in love. Throw in some sweet potato fries and some capistrano honeys and you have a perfect meal

    (5)

  • Ron T.

    Great sliced brisket sandwich! And the barbeque sauce is not all sticky sweet like Lucille's.

    (5)

  • Waterman J.

    Going here tonight. Honestly, I don't know yet... "Star Rating" Only based (at this point) on friends, Neighbors and colleague opinions. We'll let you know.... BBQ is tricky. What do you like here?

    (4)

  • Britt H.

    So impressed. Had them cater our wedding. AMAZING food (US Southern Family approved), professional staff, and affordable pricing (we went with general catering menu, not the wedding options). We love Bad to the Bone!!

    (5)

  • Kevin M.

    Clean and Neat, great beer and booze selection. Adequate Barbecue, not the Best I've had, not the worst. When in the mood this will work. Quite a few friendly locals and custmer service was outstanding

    (4)

  • Chris T.

    My brisket looked and tasted like a grey sponge. All the meats had very little flavor, and all were overcooked. Sides were mediocre. Only thing saving them from a 1 star was quick service, and good selection of beer on tap. I will not be coming back.

    (2)

  • Darrell P.

    'Before relocating back to the "Bay Area," and making my OC exodus, I had to make one more visit to the immensely popular, local hotspot, none other than Bad to the Bone BBQ. I was making the rounds to my favorite places... 'And Bad to the Bone was mandatory. Happy Hour: "Yes, please... 'Let's make a few friends!" If you haven't been here for Happy Hour, you're missing out. "WTH do you think sick days were created for?... 'Use 'em!" (Don't you ever have days where you're just sick of work & people's soap operas?... 'And whenever I'm feeling ill, a med-rare ribeye & locally brewed beer is the perfect prescription.") True story. 'And speaking of unnecessary drama, crazy @ss/unstable people & Vacaville, I could use a Bad to the Bone Rx about right now... 'Feeling an OC road trip coming up. I've been gone for a about 5 1/2 months now and I'd be lying if I didn't say I miss the great eateries, gastropubs, bars, activities, beaches, parks, the scenery and of course, my friends. What can I say, some people just "get me," & there are others who simply get pissed @ me... 'And to those people I say, "Have a f*k'n drink, relax & get over yourselves." 'And speaking of drinks?... It was Happy Hour! So, we naturally took up residence @ the bar where Melissa was taking care of the crowd... 'And like an ol' glove, it was awesome! Note: Happy Hour rates are for the bar area only. Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… The locals were friendly as usual... Hell, I can be just about anywhere & strike a conversation up with just about anyone. Fellow yelp*er & good friend, Mike W., is the "Duke," for this place & rightly so, the amount of time he's here & the $$ he spends... He's there so much, I think I pays half their lease. (True story) **Hey, Braddah Mike, if we go together, will I get the royal treatment?... (Sound royal trumpets) Ahhh'loha! Since this was one of my last stops before HAPA Boy & I made the final drive north, I was going out in style. "Final drive," at least for now... 'BUT, that may all change. (Raises eyebrow) The Libations: Jalapeño Margarita ($10.21) x2 - 'Very good! Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… Long Island Ice Tea ($5) x2 - 'Good! Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… The Grub: Street Tacos ($2) - Good; nice portions; tasty Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… Pulled Pork Sliders ($2) - Good; nice portions; tasty Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… Cowboy Ribeye w/Garlic Potatoes & BBQ Ranch Beans- Med rare ($29.95): Awesome!; perfectly cooked; great flavor Photo - yelp.com/biz_photos/bad-… BBQ Ribs ($4.50) - Great! ('As usual) Bad to the Bone BBQ is one of those local places you find & know it's going to be a good time once you do. Overall, great food & nice portions. However, I've had their weekend special, Prime Rib several times and all I can say is it's worth trying once. I've ordered it several times, the first time was great but every time after was "M'eh." (*See my previous yelp*views for details.) By the time we left, we made a few new friends... 'And I'm going to miss this place, a lot. Thank you OC, for a great run!... I'm currently in Vacaville where fast food is considered fine dining, the liquor stores, cash checking & smoke shops provide the rest of the trailer park ambiance. I know what you're thinking, "Vacaville?! Where the hell's that?" Someone asked me if I lost some kind of sick bet?... LOL ('Just say, the, verdict is still out but the judge is is one blink away from making a ruling.) 'Forget turning the page to the next adventure, maybe it's time to burn the entire book... 'Slow cooked, low fire over mesquite, for 10-12 hours. If there's one thing you MUST-TRY @ Bad to the Bone BBQ, it's Happy Hour! Their weekend prime rib is alright, the past several times that I've tried it, the order was hit & miss... 'And for the money it should be hit & hit, that's no bueno. 8/ - Big Aloha! Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 4

    (4)

  • Sarah P.

    I was here on Saturday for an early-ish lunch. It wasn't busy and the place is huge so we got a nice booth. I ordered the pork ribs plate and my mom ordered the beef ribs plate, and we had beans, fries, and potato salad for sides. The food is really, really good. The meat is tender and I like the bbq sauce. I wish there were an option to get beans without shredded meat in them, but they were still good, and I loved the potato salad. Because there are no prices listed on the online menu, I was expecting to spend between $40 - $50 for the two of us, and instead it was closer to $60 (we did not order any alcohol). I did get a HUGE PORTION of baby back ribs (full rack) but I guess I just wasn't expecting to spend *quite* that much, meh. And is it normal to put "Market Price" on beef ribs??? Anyway, I've already told one of my friends and we are going to go back the next time we are in town!

    (4)

  • Alex C.

    More like a 2.5 star, but I'll round up. Ordered online ahead of time, with a proposed cook time of 20ish minutes. Despite the place being almost completely empty when we arrived a couple minutes after it was supposed to be ready, they told us the food wasn't quite done, but that it'd be right out. 15 minutes later, we were told that the food still wasn't ready and that it would only be a couple more minutes. They offered us drinks, but never clarified if they were complimentary or if we'd still have to pay for them, so being not quite in the mood as is, we declined. After a total of 20-25 minutes after the original proposed wait time, we were finally given out food. It almost seemed like they never originally processed our order, since it honestly took twice as long as they had told us it would. Unfortunately, this made us late for other plans, further fueling the disappointment. Food-wise, the place is pretty good, and there aren't a lot of places like it in the area, so it's a shame our experience was so annoying. If I ever go back, I'll be sure to free up my plans for that day and order in-store as opposed to online.

    (3)

  • Kittyy M.

    This is one of my go to bbq spots when I'm in the area. I love coming for happy hour because they have great deals!! Their drinks are delicious and the food is fantastic. Tacos are only 1$ each for happy hour and they have other stuff on the menu like ribs and nachos for a great deal. Every thing that I've had here so far is excellent. The santa fe chicken salad is pretty amazing. The chicken is cooking to perfection and they use cilantro dressing which is definitely one of my faves. But my absolute fave has to be the tri tips. Tri tips are so moist and soft. You can get trip tip tacos and use their super hot sauce to top it off and it taste that much better. Definitely one of the finer bbq restaurants in orange county.

    (5)

  • Daryl C.

    BAD, BAD to the bone Ordered 3 meat option, brisket, pulled pork and sausage, sides okra and mac & cheese. Also got some carnitas street tacos. Total bill $37+. Got our sodas and found a nice sticky table to sit at. Realized that I had not used my Yelp 10% coupon !! Went back up to the cashier and mentioned my mistake. She got the manager and he said he would gladly give me the credit to my card, which would take 5-7 days for the bank to process, and re-ring up my order. I suggested that he give me a side instead, which would be cheaper then my $3.70 credit. He said, no, can't. So, back to my table I went. After about 5 minutes, the cashier brought my side and apologized for her manager. We accepted and congratulated her on her excellent customer service. I noticed on her shirt that there use to be 3 locations - now the website only mentions one. I wonder why... Food arrived in about 10 minutes. Potato Salad (extra) excellent, okra good, then we go down hill quickly. The strongest flavor on the street tacos was the corn tortilla. The "carnitas" had no flavor, nor were they carnitas, they were pulled pork. The sausage was weak - I have had better from Ralph's. The pulled pork wasn't bad. The brisket had dried to the point that it was inedible. The mac & cheese was one step above Kraft. Lastly, the BBQ sauce didn't enhance flavors, but made them worse. Finished gagging down what we could and left. Most around me were eating burgers. Maybe that is what I should have ordered?

    (2)

  • Richard B.

    Top shelf bbq. The brisket was perfectly cooked, with the red agate band and char next to the succulent inner meat. It was both moist and flavorful. The potato bun held its shape. The sides were superb. You expect this quality in Austin, not SJC. A nice find.

    (4)

  • Danny M.

    This place is delicious. I just had their tri tip sandwich for lunch. It came with one side and a drink for only $8.99! That's a very good deal for a BBQ place. Normally they're about 13.99 or so for this meal. Anyway unfortunately they don't have any locations by my house in long beach otherwise I'd definitely go back to it. They've got TVs with sport center in the background and the staff is friendly and helpful. Coming back here for lunch when I'm around SJC!

    (5)

  • Shawn S.

    After reading the other reviews, we thought we lucked out with a good bbq joint in South OC. Nope, couldn't be more dead wrong on this one... We got: 1. A full rack of the baby back ribs = They were dry (felt like it was left out overnight), minimal flavor (some smokiness but nothing else), did not fall off bone. Had to dip every bite into a side of bbq sauce just to get it down my throat. 2. Corn Bread = So stale and dry, no flavor at all. One bite and I was donezo. When I asked the cashier if their corn bread was any good, his response was, "well, it's bread." I wouldn't have ordered if it didn't come with our meal. 3. Sweet Potato Fries = Good flavor, crispy. Best thing we ate. 4. Cole Slaw = didn't even touch it. Grossed out by how 'plasticky' it looked. Maybe I'm a bit spoiled from Phil's BBQ (San Diego native here), but man oh man, I will never step foot in this place again...just not worth it.

    (1)

  • Micah H.

    I have been going to this place for the past year and I have never had anything that I didn't like. The BBQ ribs and Tri-Tip are always great. The brisket is a little dry for my taste but my friends like it. If you are getting a side try the mac and cheese, you will not be disappointed. Also the beer selection is great, so grab yourself a cold one to wash down the red meat, just plan on not doing much for the rest of the day after this meal.

    (5)

  • Prudence M.

    The tri tip is very good along with their sides. What I don't like though is the price. The two meat plate and the portions you get of meat should be more in the one meat but you have to go up to the two meat to get an adequate size. You are basically given five small slides of beef for the price of a whole tri tip you can buy at a store. Lucille Bbq is better and more proportioned. I also don't like when you order to go your food is never ready when you arrive. I've ordered out multiple times and every time I'm waiting fifteen twenty minutes after the time they told me to arrive.

    (3)

  • Caty V.

    I got the pulled pork platter dish with veggies and coleslaw. The best thing was the coleslaw. I was astonished at the price to food ratio. I personally would not recommend this place.

    (3)

  • Javier C.

    Kinda fee like I'm being generous here but I'll give 2 stars. I ordered the half rack of ribs which, the ribs were pretty good. I ordered the Mac and cheese which was pretty good also, it has a different taste to it than I'm used to but nonetheless, pretty good. The onion rings were decent, they came out really hot so they were fresh which I appreciated. The brisket which was our meat of choice was very chewy and were cold when they arrived. I was beyond starving so I decided to just eat it. Caesar salad was good, not overpowering anchovy taste which is common so I appreciated that. The sweet tea was great, not too sweat just right, their beer selection is pretty impressive as well. The main reason for the 2 stars is mostly because I asked to have one of the TVs changed so we could watch the baseball game... I had to ask 3 times to 3 different people and no luck, our group finished my meal and still, no game. This to me is a huuuuuuge pet peeve considering the amount of effort it takes to change a TV, literally less than 30 seconds. So when I asked to speak to a manager about that upon my way out and was told, "he'll be you in a minute" and he's not, I just decided to leave and share on Yelp. Probably not a big deal to them but I won't be back, I come from a background of customer service and I know that the customer is not always right, however. When simple (and simple almost seems to be almost reaching) requests are not met, it's hard to be pleased with results. I'm sure some of you will think that being upset about not having a TV changed to a channel of your choice is overreacting or being picky, but before you think about jumping to this conclusion, think about the amount of effort it takes to press a few buttons on a remote. Exactly.

    (2)

  • David B.

    Well it started off a little rough... I won't get into details but we got over charged for a few items... And then there was a slight miscommunication on one of the orders but it was all taken care of once one of our servers realized what had happened, she then brought over Steven the manager who was very helpful and understanding... He went above and beyond and took care of everything. We ended up having a great experience! A+ for great customer service

    (5)

  • Drew R.

    What a let down... My wife said she would only go back for the great beer on tap and the ranch dressing. I ordered the 3 meat combo that consisted of DRY brisket, DRY st.louis ribs and sausage **cough cough** kielbasa. Sides were fine with onions rings and the Mac and cheese being the highlight of the meal. It's tough to find legit BBQ in the OC and we were hoping this place would become our go to spot. Sorry to say but we will stick to the chain Lucille's or Famous Daves for our BBQ cravings. Lastly it took 15 minutes for our check to be processed.

    (1)

  • Jeff S.

    This place is pretty amazing. The barbecue is delicious and well smoke but not overly done. The macaroni and cheese and the try tip are some of my personal favorites Meals will run between about eight and $12 a plate unless you get something more than a sandwich which could run you about 15. They also have Capistrano brewery there so there are choices for drinks if you're in the mood for that to go along with your barbecue

    (4)

  • Carmela M.

    I have to review this place. I asked for a Trip-tip plate and it was really good. I enjoyed. I loved their mash potatoes. I would definitely come again. Great service, we were not ready to order at front, but the lady at front was really helpful and patient. I recommend the place.

    (4)

  • Allison W.

    Big portions, delicious bbq sauce. Worth the drive.

    (4)

  • Matthew K.

    The kids are loving their Ribs and Mac n Cheese! I'm tearing up a half chicken, garlic mash and a Ballast Point Sculpin beer.

    (5)

  • Rhonda K.

    Bad to the Bone is one of my favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, best BBQ around. And live music in the bar. Service is always great. Our 8 year old son claims they have the best burger.

    (5)

  • Alan D.

    Love these little hole in the wall treasures. Great food, good service, clean environment. We'll be back.

    (5)

  • Robert D.

    Being from Georgia it is hard to find good BBQ in California. Bad to the Bone is one of the best BBQ restaurants in SoCal-Orange County. I recommend the pulled pork plate or sandwich. The potato salad is good; don't care for the beans (not bad just my cup of tea).

    (5)

  • Ryan M.

    Bad to the Bone is a great place to go for some relatively fast and good BBQ food. It's the type of restaurant where you order at the counter and then take a number to your table and wait for the food to be brought out to your party. The food takes a little longer than your typical fast food restaurant, but the food is much better than a typical fast food type of restaurant. I've had the smoked turkey sandwich here a couple of times. It is not too big nor too small for me - I don't eat a lot generally at meals though. I would also say it is slightly on the oily side, I don't know why - I think it has something to do with the bread. But overall it is a good sandwich :). Nothing I would write home about. Oh, they put more than enough turkey on it for me. It's located in a convenient place to get to both from the 5 freeway and for someone who lives in Ladera. I'd recommend it as a quick meal for someone who driving through town or for someone that wants to get a quicker and maybe a little more inexpensive meal than a total sit-down restaurant at an "A-OK" place. I give it 3 stars, Cheers =)

    (3)

  • Warwick L.

    Always popular BBQ restaurant. Great ribs done in 3 styles brisket steaks and seafood. We had a mixture and all was great. Service is a feature.

    (4)

  • Shea R.

    Foods great. Bar was awful. Snobby waitresses. Short boy with Chinese eyes kept questioning my ID after giving it to him. I am a 34 year old woman and I sure as hell look over 21. I had to get my husband to buy the drinks because the young man would not service them to me. Never going back again. .5 stars only because the baby back ribs were delicious.

    (1)

  • Cassidy J.

    Well shoot the food at this place was great. We sat outside and the seats were not comfortable at all. The experience didn't seem to be as fun outside as inside. But it's okay because it tasted good. I had the tri tip with steamed vegetables and both were very good. Had a great flavor. We weren't given corn bread so I cannot say how that was. I'll give it 4 stars because of the great food! I wouldn't give the service that high however.

    (4)

  • Aaron D.

    Service: Outstanding service and a friendly staff. No issues here. Food: No problems here either. Food was delicious and arrived to our table in a timely manner. Some of the best BBQ I've had in the area. Drink : We ordered a couple of beers from the tap and they were good. Decently sized, and reasonably priced. Other: The interior has alot of character. Very western looking. There are several booths, smaller tables, and a couple of large "picnic style" tables great for large groups. It's usually crowded but they're pretty efficient as far as getting people to the register, then to a designated table where they will deliver your food. Overall: A great place, worth a try if you're in the mood for BBQ. The prices aren't too bad at all either.

    (5)

  • Tim T.

    Good BBQ and the beer is cold. Cannot ask for more than that. Music most nights that add to the fun level. They have great take out or if you prefer eat in.

    (4)

  • Reed H.

    Not only GREAT food, and one of my favorite BBQ sauces out there, but the best neighborhood clientele and ambiance in SJC! Don't miss the Nachos, the mac and cheese, the beans and the sweet potato fries!! If you're looking for a lot for your $$ go to Bad to the Bone! Lots of rotating beers on tap, and the bar staff is the BEST! Solid management and ownership- always out to make sure you're 100% happy!

    (5)

  • Jason G.

    This used to be a 5 star. But today was not good at all. Ordered the 2 meat combo - side of onion rings and beans. My meats were brisket and ribs - both dried out completely. Ordered the sausage but apparently they were out. I used to LOVE this place and always stopped when driving through the OC. Something changed. Sat at the bar... The bartender was pretty pathetic as well. Some brown haired girl with glasses - couldn't take the 30 sec's out from slicing her limes to take my order - instead, I had to shout it out over the bar noise. Did not even ask how the meal was, when she finally did, I said you know to be honest it is much drier than I remember and not as good. She shrugged and walked away. What happened with this place???

    (1)

  • Darlene J.

    The food here is hit or miss! I've had the brisket which was really good, then I tried the tri tip & that was over cooked & tough. The few times we have gone in I always forget about my yelp discount & going back to the cashier after it's been rung up get's you no-where with management. They give you a long story of how you used a credit card & the refund could takes day's! You know what? Just figure out what the savings would have been & offer the client a free side dish! Now that would be good customer service!

    (2)

  • Rocky H.

    They call it Bad to the Bone because your cheek bones ache from all the salivating your mouth is doing, your nose bone (does that even have a name??) hurts from your nostrils trying to catch another whiff of the smoke and your legs bones hurt from standing at the door with everyone else waiting for your turn to get your order in while watching those ribs get turned. All those aches are soon forgotten when you get that first taste of whatever you chose from the menu. I started using the enie-menie-mynie-moh methodology for choosing my dinner since everything is so good. Use the coupon on Yelp and save, save, save! It's 10%. Awesome. Check out their happy hour specials and live music. And last, they have Capistrano Brewing Co beers on tap.

    (4)

  • Sabine S.

    I love this place! I love nearby, so my family eats and takes out regularly. All of the salads (especially the tri tip), the stuffed potato, and the brisket are all winners. It's easy to take kids to, has fast service, and the menu pleases everyone. I even come here with my gluten free and vega friends, and they can find yummy things on the menu. That's saying a lot for a BBQ place!

    (5)

  • Jacqueline W.

    Amazing food! The place was packed, but the service was great, the staff are always friendly & upbeat. We had ribs & chicken...delicious. We also ordered onion rings & corn on the cob...both were wonderful! We will definitely be coming back again & again

    (5)

  • Gerry B.

    Not a bad BBQ experience but we have had better. Maybe it was our selection - tri tip and BBQ chicken combo. The chicken was a little boring and the beef was a little too done. We had steamed vegetable sides that were the completely unseasoned. You would expect a little salt or butter on the generous portions of broccoli, carrots and green beans. The baked beans were good but the garlic mashed potatoes were a little cold - which is how the meal left us. Not to say there aren't some good points. The bar selection is good, with local craft beers and decent wine. Our party also had a slab of ribs, which got rave reviews. The atmosphere is good, it feels like a BBQ place, with the right aromas wafting about. It jut felt like something was missing after dropping $55 on a meal where you order at the counter and find your own seat. Being in a strip mall does not add to the atmosphere, but in the SJC area that is all you can do.

    (3)

  • Jesse B.

    I can only say that this place offers up some of the best BBQ in southern California.

    (5)

  • Mark D.

    Outstanding. One of my favorite places. The BBQ is top class, the prime rib is excellent and they have the best baked potatoes I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Jack L.

    Weird that there are 4 new reviews all in one day on here. That is unheard of...fishy to say the least. Anyway, I went here today unlike the fake reviewers below and wow, are those reviews the FURTHEST from the truth! I'll be honest and say I did have a few good experiences here, but today topped the worst experience at ANY restaurant I've been to. Dry meat, cold fries, unattentive and unfriendly staff...this place needs to disappear or figure out how to actually run a restaurant. Most of the staff is very young, so I guess you can't blame them too much for lacking customer service skills. Maybe the owners/managers need to spend a bit more time training or find people with actual experience. Food wise, what happened?? Used to be pretty good, but they hit a roadblock somewhere. I wont be going back.

    (1)

  • Cindy S.

    Pork ribs are excellent. Onion rings were amazing. Highly recommend, great place to eat!

    (5)

  • Taryn J.

    Absolutely love the Mac and cheese here! You cannot go wrong with the tri tip or the chicken either! I have visited this place countless times and have never been disappointed. For the past three years I have worked with a company that has Bad to the Bone cater. Every year they amaze us, the staff is so accommodating and helpful!

    (4)

  • Christina M.

    We are from Australia here visiting and the food here is delicious. Very generous servings and sides offered, beautiful cut of meat and a delicious juicy steak, very friendly service. We left full and happy.

    (5)

  • Kara F.

    Found this little gem through Yelp while driving south on the 5. It was time for dinner so we jumped off the freeway to eat. The menu is big and everything looks amazing! I went for the Rib Combo and got baby backs with brisket. My sides were onion rings and I sprung an extra $1.99 for a premium side: mac n cheese! Pros: The ribs had a delicious smoked flavor and the macaroni and cheese was TO DIE FOR. Totally worth springing an extra $2. Not to miss! Also, BEER! They have a great beer selection so there are plenty of choices. I got a grapefruit Sculpin and it perfectly complimented my meal. Cons: I wanted the ribs and brisket to be a bit more tender, but that's not saying they weren't good cause they def were! Moral of the story: If you're hungry and in the area, go here!

    (4)

  • Justin B.

    Pros: BBQ sauce, brisket Cons: Chicken was kinda dry Went here for lunch today with some coworkers. I ended up ordering the lunch sampler plate ($11.95). It came with chicken, brisket, and pulled pork. You also get your choice of a side. I thought the brisket was pretty good. Their BBQ sauce is pretty tangy but it tastes good. The pulled pork and chicken were a little dry. The pulled pork tasted better after I drenched it in BBQ sauce haha. Definitely not the best BBQ I've had, but it's good. Worth trying out if you're in the area and you're craving BBQ.

    (3)

  • Michael S.

    I never knew about this place until someone I worked with suggested it. So today I decided to give it a try. The girl at the counter did a great job taking care of me and the others in line. I had the pulled pork sandwich with garlic fries and a soda. Everything was really really good. I also ordered the potato skins and they were also very good. I will be back and will tell my friends and bring a few with me soon.

    (4)

  • Marlana M.

    Had been craving barbecue so bad and this just didn't hit the spot. I had the choose two combo and got the pulled pork and sausage. The bbq is Carolina bbq so it vinegar based, but this was smothered in vinegar to the point to where I couldn't eat it. The sausage tasted like a hot dog to me. I like the steamed veggies. Husband had the pulled pork as well. We got the as an appetizer and they were cold, got our food right after our appetizer, so we couldn't even try to enjoy them. We got to combos, two drinks and a appetizer and paid $60. Just thought it was way over prices. They are military friendly though which was nice and offer a discount! Not my kind of bbq place and don't think we will be going back.

    (3)

  • Stefanie V.

    My husband loves to go to this place. He always gets the ribs. I haven't quite found my favorite item here because the portions are so big I want to eat everything but I can't. Don't forget the corn bread, its delicious!

    (5)

  • Christina S.

    We love this place!!! The food is legit and I mean legit. Great for large families and we have even done take out. It has a great local San Juan Capistrano feel, western theme. They have great beers on tap and a wide menu to select from. Portions are very generous. Tri Tip salad is a delicious lighter choice. They have 8 different burgers giving you lots of options. But their ribs and brisket are what I would recommend. And you can't go wrong with the sides, again they are generous - so feel free to share. The pulled pork sliders and pulled pork nachos are amazing. Those that aren't used to it may find it odd that you walk in and read the menu off plasma screen and place your order at the counter. But the staff is friendly. There is a screen that talks about the cook times for the items and the daily specials they have next to the registers. Small bar area but they have the games on and a great happy hour M-F from 3-6.

    (5)

  • Kristen L.

    Y. U. M. I freakin love this place. Got me through my pregnancy cravings and to this day does not disappoint. New(ish) to the area so I am thrilled to have awesome BBQ so close. The food is fantastic. I had a taste aversion to chicken while pregnant but was always able to eat the chicken here! My favs are the Santa Fe Chicken Salad, BLT (yup), and fish tacos (can't recall if that was a special or on regular menu). All top notch! I'll be happy to report that this new mom can now drink and I love meeting my hubby here for a quick beer before having to relieve the nanny. Service is great, always with a smile. :)

    (5)

  • Lloyd M.

    Here's my perfect storm for a visit to the hamlet of San Juan Capistrano. You stop by Swallows Inn for a couple of well managed adult beverages. Then, you cross over I-5 via the Ortega Highway bridge and you quickly land on the doorstep of Bad to the Bone for dinner. I get the tri-tip, mashed spuds and mac n' cheese boat. Add a tall draft beer on tap and live shit-kicker music and it becomes a sweet scene. For me, the only missing element is some sawdust on the floor to shuffle my feet through. Barbecued barnyard critters, beer & live CW music, what's not to like? It would be absolutely un-American to bitch about this dining institution.

    (4)

  • Drury S.

    Great service and good food. Very authentic cowboy vibe to it. We ordered the tri-tip and the brisket, both were good but I would recommend the brisket. Good selection of beers on tap, and a nice little bar on the inside. There is also outside seating available, but it is pet friendly, which became a little awkward when some guests showed up with two huge dogs that were very interested in my 6 month old daughter. Overall a great spot, good food, good service, etc. We will be back!!

    (4)

  • Colin G.

    Delicious BBQ. It's was rather enjoyable, the ribs weren't the best, but the burnt ends and Mac and cheese made up for it. Net time I'll avoid the ribs and order more burnt ends!

    (4)

  • Jenny C.

    This place was so disappointing. It definitely was bad but not in a good way. Here is what I ate: brisket- the brisket was rubbery and Under seasoned. They give you BBQ sauce on the side, I guess to add flavor since there was no BBQ sauce on the actual brisket. Baby back ribs- again under seasoned and the BBQ sauce wasn't cooked into the meat. They were dry and the meat did not look fresh. Tri tip- rubbery and dry. Again the BBQ sauce was not cooked into the meat, it has to be added after, so the BBQ sauce is given to you on the side. Macaroni and cheese- this was actually very tasty. It tasted home made. It was nice and creamy and this was by far the best dish they had to offer. This is baked Mac and cheese. Very tasty. Beans- awful. No smoky or BBQ flavor. The sauce was looked like too much cornstarch was mixed in there and there were way to many onions. Worst beans I've ever had. Cornbread- nice and moist. Their like small little warm muffins that you can eat all day. This was the second item that was better than anything else on the menu. We also had a chicken salad with a cilantro dressing. This was okay. The dressing was nice and light but the chicken was definitely frozen. Overall, I will never come back here. I don't go to a BBQ place just for Mac and Cheese and muffins. The meat has to be good, and this place disappointed. Not even the friendly staff could help this place out.

    (2)

  • Kim M.

    Pretty yummy. Very pricey for lunch but expected prices for a dinner. Food was good. There wasn't really "service" since it is an order at the counter then sit down but the people that brought the food one dish at a time were friendly. Probably wouldn't go back down there but was a good place to stop at while we were on our way thru SJC.

    (3)

  • Crystal I.

    This place is a novelty. We felt like we were in Texas. The bar has a classic country rock vibe. The dining area is perfect for kids. The reason for 3 stars is because the french fries were dry. Our meals were expensive and I think that's because each dish is at least 2 servings in size, huge portions! Just like Texas! I'd prefer smaller portions & better quality food. We'll definitely return. The service was great, very friendly!!

    (3)

  • Sara S.

    Hillary is awesome and such an awesome bartender. You must come and see her. She will brighten your day. The tri tip was amazing tender and moist.

    (5)

  • Peggy M.

    Being from Texas, its been challenging for find really good BBQ in Orange County. This is the closest we've come and its my new favorite. One star off bc I thought a bit pricey. We'll definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Brennan S.

    This place is just straight San Juan BBQ! It plays the part of cowboy dive bar with quality bbq! I tried the pull pork sliders and they were amazing! You also can't beat the 10% off $20 or more of your order. I would recommend if you have time to sit at the bar and chat it up with their bartender. They have great stories about about the town and the history!

    (4)

  • Leonardo Z.

    Very yummy baby back ribs, and particularly corn on the cob in season. Large portions, so get ready to share. Come early to avoid the dinner crowds!

    (5)

  • Celine A.

    Had a craving for BBQ so we headed here after consulting yelp and unfortunately we were not that impressed. We ordered the Pull Pork platter with coleslaw and steamed veggies and the a 2-meat combo with beef ribs, chicken, coleslaw and onion rings plus one beer. The pork wasn't great, but the ribs and chicken were very good. Sides were bland, especially the coleslaw. Lady at the counter was friendly enough but the staff around the restaurant looked like they'd rather be somewhere else. Very expensive for what it was, we wouldn't come back.

    (3)

  • Steven M.

    I agree with many others, what happened here? I enjoyed their BBQ in the past so I ordered thirty meals for a party, building up the quality to my friends. To my surprise, the meats were tasteless, lacked seasonings and had only a slight smoke to them, and the chicken was terrible. Now it turns out that they have a [point program to earn free meals, and I have 450 points. But I can't seem to find out on their web site what I can get, if I want to go back even for free???

    (2)

  • Greg M.

    Very good bbq and a solid selection of craft brews.. ribs and pulled pork are my standards but I also enjoy their 'stuffed baked potatoes(w/ pulled pork) I hear the brisket is solid too. For south county it's the best BBQ option by far.

    (4)

  • Mimi S.

    The food here is very good actually but the reason why I don't give it more than one star is because on more than one occasion I have ordered steak and they bring it back in one big lump of meat that I then have to carve myself....and there is no indication on the menu that it comes this way. Dessert is yummy...and the prices are a tad high that I only visit about once a year.

    (1)

  • Ann S.

    We started off at the bar and the bartender was very quick to our needs as a gluten free customer. Immediately the manager michael came to our needs and offered us the beat gluten free dinner!!!! All the bbq sauces are gluten free. He came up to us and continually paid attention to our needs! Great management and great food!

    (5)

  • Will C.

    I was near a BBQ person till I are here. Bad to the bone showed me a whole different style of BBQ! All their food is amazing and I suggest trying the warm corn bread out!

    (5)

  • Chris L.

    The best bbq anywhere! The rtritip sandwiches are better than any Lucile's by far. Super recommended.

    (5)

  • Dana S.

    The best place ever since the day it opened. From their mac n cheese, ahi salad, brisket to those amazing baked beans and lets not forget the cobbler. The service is always incredible and my friends and I are treated like family. Always a fantastic meal and good time at BTTB. Anytime I have guest from out of town, it's a must and they talk about the food and atmosphere forever. There are areas for everyone...family, business and sport enthusiast or try the patio.

    (5)

  • Lorence L.

    This place was recommended by a business customer. I ordered the Carolina pulled pork sandwich. Wow. You can definitely tell they know how to BBQ, the sauce was great as well. Anytime I'm in San Juan Cap I'll be stopping by.

    (4)

  • Carol W.

    Don't know what has happened to this place. Used to be my favorite BBQ. Maybe it has been sold or new management, not an improvement. Ordered a sampler plate today for lunch, salad was dried out, unappetizing, used to be crispy fresh. Meats all seemed dry and over cooked. Corn still tasted good but was lukewarm at best. A sad development.

    (2)

  • Gabe P.

    Second time here, stayed in the bar area where a waitress took our order for food and beers (on the other side you order at the counter, more like a fast-food place). The fired chicken was good, so was the quesadilla, so was the turkey sandwich. If you like this type of heavy, fat food - you'll love this place, it doesn't get much better than this. If you like southern style saloons where you see cowboys and cowgirls sometimes - wearing boots, hats and some hay on their shirts- this is the place to be.

    (3)

  • Tom L.

    This place used to be awesome the last two times it seems that the employees do not care whether you eat Here out leave. For Mark. It's called spell check

    (1)

  • Scott H.

    Amazing! Best BBQ in OC...hands down. Great atmosphere, great food, great location, great service and great atmosphere. Not a fan of the onion rings...but everything else we had was fantastic. Also a great bar inside and music on Friday and Saturday.

    (5)

  • Craig T.

    Tri tip lunch special for 9 bucks. Cooked medium rare is my favorite and recommended. Best lunch deal around period Craig T

    (5)

  • Joseph N.

    Great bbq. The employees here are super friendly. Great local watering hole with a large offering of craft beer on draft. Make sure to come early to get a table or be prepared for a long line and wait time.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    STOP going to this place. I used to be a regular customer. NO more. The portions and quality has gone way down. PLUS, they no longer offer 2 sides with a sandwich. I paid just under $10.75 for a pulled pork sandwich that was mostly bread, with a little scoop of potato salad that was mostly mayonnaise. Yuck.

    (1)

  • Krissy F.

    This place is really good. Their cornbread is my favorite ever. I always get the st.louis style ribs. They are always delicious. If your craving bbq go here. I'm from the Midwest and we love our bbq and this place hits the spot!

    (5)

  • Joanne P.

    Excellent food and service! I love the grilled veges, and the baked potatoes. For someone who does not eat beef, still a great restaurant!

    (5)

  • Patrick A.

    Good BBQ, salds and great beer selection. Odd that they only offer 3 beers in pitchers - so it was a pretty expensive afternoon. We were in for a late lunch in between soccer games down the road and the service was really, really, really slow. There was also a constant line for both bathrooms.

    (3)

  • John R.

    Being from Texas I can be a little picky on my BBQ. Bad to the Bone gets the job done. The food is always top notch and generally the service is great. I usually order the family style entrees. I particularly enjoy the tri-tip and the chopped beef BBQ. The bacon cheese fries are awesome.

    (5)

  • J M.

    I use to absolutely love this place but the last time I got a salad here it was awful nothing the like the fresh crispy salad they use to serve. It's like the scraped the bottom and gave me all the middle pieces of the lettuce and already browning. I had to pick most of the lettuce out just to be able to eat it. I was truly disappointed. I doubt I will go back. After they served me a rotten salad. I use to be their loyal fan and brought in a lot of business for them not anymore.

    (2)

  • Catherine S.

    Moist and tasty catfish dinner with hush puppies, coleslaw and sweet potato fries. Combo with baby back ribs and tri tip with fried okra delicious too. French fries were bland and dry. Amazing selection of beer on tap selection and Angry Orchard cider! Bottled beer too. Large meal servings. Here at 7:30 on Saturday night with line outside but got a seat within 10 minutes. Order at counter before sitting. Some outside, dog friendly seating. Food delivered within 10-12 minutes. Very nice and upbeat staff. Come with an appetite. A bit pricey but very good.

    (5)

  • Hanna P.

    Who orders salad at a BBQ restaurant???? Apparently I do and it was foolish. I usually order their tasty St Louis ribs with garlic fries and corn or their tri tip smothered with sauce. All good stuff. But in an attempt to stay on the health band wagon I ordered the tri tip salad that came on iceberg lettuce with huge slices of cucumber and way too many onions. Didnt come with BBQ sauce which made the tri tip boring. Now I know...stay away from the greens when its about the bbq and beans. My husband on the otherhand thoroughly enjoyed his meal. They made some nice upgrades inside with all their tv menus and better seating arrangements. I like it. I will be back but probably when I'm ready to chow on BBQ again.

    (4)

  • Terri S.

    This is our favorite barbecue place in south Orange County. The food is very good and the service is friendly. The atmosphere is cowboy casual and you might even see and actual cowboy while you are there (San Juan Capistrano is a bit old West-ish). My favorite is the pulled pork, but the prime rib sandwich is a hit with other family members as is the catfish. For something different, trey the nachos or stuffed baked potatoes. They also have a decent selection of beers - several good micro brews.

    (5)

  • Roland S.

    I love BBQ. I have been all over the country traveling for work. Without a doubt, the best BBQ is outside of California; however, this place does a great job for California BBQ. Finding a great BBQ place in California, let alone Orange County, is nearly impossible. This place does an excellent job of smoking some great meats and serving quality food every time. I haven't been disappointed once coming here. It doesn't compare to some other places outside of Cali, but locally, it can't be beat. I will definitely return when I need my BBQ fix.

    (4)

  • Karen W.

    First time eating here and it was the best BBQ I have ever had. The BBQ chicken sandwich was awesome and my husband had the beef brisket sandwich which he said was also awesome. We had Onion Rings and Cole Slaw as our side and shared them. Over all this is a wonderful place to eat...... Everyone was so friendly and nice. We will be going back soon.

    (5)

  • Nancy A.

    SOOOOO good! This is definitely one of my favorite BBQ places in Orange County. I am so happy I found this place. My fiance and I used to come here at least once a week when we lived in Orange County. Everything on the menu is so tasty. My fiance's favorite is their pulled pork nachos which is sooooo cheesy and tasty. It was made with homemade chips, pulled pork, green chili queso sauce, pick de gallo and chiptole sour cream. You really can't go wrong with this dish. Perfect for an app for a group or as a meal. One of my favorites are their beef ribs. So tender and flavorful. I usually get their small beef back ribs meals which comes with 3 ribs and two sides! They offer a great variety of sides like ranch beans, cole slaw, french fries, sweet potato fries, garlic mash potatoes, fried okra, onion rings and more. All their sides are delicious but I tend to stick with the cole slaw and onion rings. Their onion rings are AMAZING! Perfectly fried and delicious.

    (4)

  • Erika A.

    Absolutely love this place. Great food. Awesome customer service. We were in the area for baseball a few years back and loved this place. Came back in the area for soccer today and my husband remembered this spot. We were reminded of how much we loved it the last time. We will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Scott W.

    These folks know meat. My choice was the St Louis ribs with ranch beans and cole slaw. The slaw was fresh but not really a star. The beans were really good and the ribs were great!. St Louis style ribs should be cutable in to single ribs and have some sauce caramelized on them in the last hour of cooking and be a bit chewable but not tough. These ribs passed every aspect. I got to sample several other items. The pulled pork was very good and the sauce served with it was really good. I got to sample the tri-tip with and without the sauce. It was cooked so well over a long time the meat was able to stand, both for flavor and tenderness, on it's own without the sauce. Now here is where they earned the 5th star. Our party of 6 arrived from all over Southern California and Arizona over a 2-1/2 hour time period and stayed for another 2 hours. At no time on a Saturday afternoon starting with a small table and then moving to a larger one were we made to feel unwelcome. And the icing on the cake was the cashier knew about the Yelp deal being offered and while she wouldn't punch the keys on my phone she was very patient and did not give me any attitude.

    (5)

  • Kate T.

    Quaint little BBQ restaurant that makes you feel like you've been lifted out of Orange County and dropped into the south. Tri tip sandwich was delish! Tender juicy meat on a fresh toasted roll with tangy BBQ sauce and horseradish on the side. The horseradish was creamed, I prefer raw but nothing to cry about. Upgraded the side for Mac and cheese, I'd give it 3 stars more of a velveeta type sauce which isn't my thing, more of a cheddar lover but that's a personal preference. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in south county.

    (4)

  • OC B.

    Good, not great. But for OC it is good. I still think Lucille's takeout is better, but more expensive. And the location in SJC was packed. To keep up with the volume they need to expand. Fortunately, we ordered takeout otherwise we wouldn't have waited for a table.

    (3)

  • Danielle D.

    Well, I am compelled to write another review just because we eat here once a week. THey have the best loyalty program I have ever seen. You pay, you get points towards more food. Not like a buck, like ten. The whole meal is only ten or twenty. You can not purchase the food at the store for what you get it for at this business. It astounds me. The quality and the delivery are so quck and the people are friendly. My husband really loves it. I still eat the chicken - no sauce and the vegetables are wonderful. Bad to the stalk!

    (5)

  • Andy L.

    Great place to eat or take out from. Their Carolina Pulled Pork is to die for, and if you're in the mood for a great burger, their Ranchhouse Burger (cooked anyway you want it) has NO EQUAL. Their sides are fantastic also. The Ranch Beans are just fantastic, and the corn on the cob is tasty. The servers are really friendly, very prompt and courteous. I took my father last I went, and we had a kid named Ian for a server, he did a fantastic job, he was well schooled in everything the restaurant had to offer. Overall, a great experience with fantastic food is the order of the day at Bad To The Bone in San Juan Capistrano.

    (5)

  • Candi G.

    This place is super yummy but over priced. Occasionally, I've been let down with a fatty cut. I get the tri-tip plate that comes with 2 sides and I always get the beans. Lately, I've noticed the beans are more sauce than beans. The corn bread is amazing especially with the honey butter. The other sides are just okay. It wouldn't take much to make this 5 stars but the price is just too high and leaves my expectations higher. The ambience is cowboy bar meets casual family dining so that's fun but the beer should be $5 or less not $6, yikes! Bad to the bone is a must but don't go here if you are on a budget and starving.

    (4)

  • Dick L.

    I love this place True BBQ !! My friend brought me here a couple weeks ago and since then I have been back about 4-5 times. We first sat in the bar on a Thursday night and it was packed. The staff and bartenders were all busy but very friendly. All the other patrons at the bar were very nice and you can tell they have lots of regulars. I had a tri tip sandwich and beans. Both were awesome the tri tip was cooked perfect med rare just the way I like it. Lots of beer selections to choose from. I have recently sat on the patio during the evening, the server was great, very friendly. I had the baby back ribs full rack with Mac n cheese, cole slaw and corn bread. Everything was delicious, but I did need a box to go. I am addicted to the food. My new favorite spot

    (5)

  • Brett C.

    I've been wanting to try bad to the bone for sometime now. Well after being out of town for 2 weeks I decided tonight was the night. I didn't want to eat in so I got take out. That possibly could have had an affect on the items I tried, but I can only judge based off of what I ate. Items eaten: Corn Bread- Very delicious and served with a honey butter. This was complimentary with the meal. Highly recommended. Mac and Cheese- I wasn't a huge fan. Large noodles with an underwhelming cheese sauce. Shredded cheese was added on top. Cole Slaw- It had good flavor, however, there wasn't enough dressing, which left it tasting dry. Potato Salad- Red potatoes are used. It is okay, but tasted a bit too close to store bought. BBQ Sauce- More vinegary than sweet and tasted very much like A-1 steak sauce. Carolina Pulled Pork- This in all honesty could have been the best pulled pork I've had in the county. So nice and tender. Very flavorful. Highly recommended! A must get! Baby Back Ribs- Great flavor and portion. This is the item that threw me. It appeared as if the ribs sat too long because they tasted a bit dry. I think I would like to give them another try. In conclusion, I'd say it's one of the best BBQ in OC. I visit TX a lot and AR andbthey both do some amazing BBQ, so I'm a tough critic. I would definitely go to Bad to the Bone when I needed a BBQ fix. ***** (5 Stars)- Amazing, zero flaws, a must go! (Not given often) **** (4 Stars)- Memorable, strongly feel you should visit *** (3 Stars)- Above average, worth a visit ** (2 Stars)- Average, some pro's and some con's * (1 Star)- Opinion is do not go, below average

    (3)

  • S Z.

    The brisket and trip tip doesn't even come close to Texas BBQ. I haven't tried to ribs yet, but they look too big for one single person. Sadly to say, I'm disappointed with the taste of the meats here.

    (3)

  • Michael J.

    I decided to take my dad here for Father's Day and I must say, it was well worth the drive since I'm coming from Yorba Linda. Everything was fresh and the service was fast only because I got there when it opened. Only downfall, you have to order at the register instead of sitting down and having the time to order which, if people are waiting behind you, it can make you feel under pressure to order.... Other then that the place was great!

    (4)

  • Adrian V.

    Waited over 40 minutes for my food to find out they "never got my order". 2 stars for trying to make it right by giving it for free.

    (2)

  • Omar B.

    This place was bomb. By far best ribs and Tri-Tip I have ever had. Also, must try the corn bread.

    (5)

  • Danny O.

    Does this place smell good the outside! Ordered take out and was a few mins behind schedule but I didn't mind. Ive been craving a smoked burger from this place for a while and that is what I had. A smokehouse burger to be exact. This burger comes with fries which are very decent. Ehh, but gotta say they were close to the best thing about the meal. Burger came with 1/3 pound of smoked meat topped with bacon, and a pickle spear on the side, which tasted very fresh. Unfortunately the burger wasn't as good as i thought it would be. When I eat a burger I expect to feel full, this one didn't do it. Maybe next time I will get the half pound. But for almost 10 bucks without drink, its just not worth it. Im going to give this place another chance and try the pulled pork sandwich next time that I heard was pretty good.

    (3)

  • P C.

    I walked into a party and had fabulous BBQ from here. It's very tasty, quality food that stood out against all the BBQ I've had in past years. Seems like they don't need my review but props were definitely on order for all the ribs, tri, brisket and sides were all delicious.

    (4)

  • Robert L.

    Hard to find good BBQ in South OC, but Bad to the Bone does a good job especially if you like the Carolina versions of BBQ flavors.

    (4)

  • Jean M.

    The meat is tough! It won't come off the bone! The bbq sauce tastes weird!!! The reason I'm giving a 2 star is for the potato salad. That's about it. What a waste of my $$$. Then again it's not fair to compare them to Phil's bbq.

    (2)

  • Rachel C.

    The Ranch Burger with pepper Jack Cheese and sweet potato fries was amazing!!!! The food here is so fresh and delicious!!! Everything is so good! The Tri-Tip sandwich is another scrumptious choice!!!!

    (5)

  • Laura M.

    Love BTTB! Tri-Tip, ribs, chicken, sweet potato fries, corn bread! Outstanding! Entertainment on weekends! Easy to order online for quick take out.

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    Ok, the food is really pretty good. The coleslaw was a highlight because it was so lightly dressed that it was the perfect crunchy compliment to the snappy BBQ sauce. The sauce is great too. I also like the casual atmosphere and I LOVE the soda bar that has Coke products (yay!) and good iced tea. So there's your two stars. But the customer service was appalling. Is a manager even present? Wow, it was bad. To quote one of the insanely rude employees who was eating her lunch while talking on her cell phone with two other employees at one of the coveted booths next to our table: "That was good...well I was talking about my quesadilla, but last night was good too." Seriously? You know that everyone here can hear you right? Not ok. We came for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and the place was pretty empty. The tables that were filled were mostly staff and they were sitting at the booths in a room full of tables. Maybe you like tables, but I personally prefer booths so I was pretty annoyed that I didn't have the option of a booth solely because the employees chose to take them over. So we sat at a table. Surrounded by employees on break. Who we're talking about going out drinking and their recent sexual exploits. Rad. When we ordered, my husband got a Capistrano Brewing Hefe which was "meh." I ordered an IPA I had never tried before and got a blank stare from the girl ringing us up. I pointed at the tap handle behind her and said, "that one." She rung me up and the two employees milling around behind the counter hyped the beer up. I was excited to try it. After we sat down, the bartender came over to tell me that they don't have that beer anymore. *sigh* I hate to be such a stickler for customer service, but, well, that's just how I am. If I'm paying over $30 to split a small to average sized lunch with two small beers, then I want to have decent service. I don't think that's a lot to ask.

    (2)

  • Jade R.

    BBQ is always expensive, and this place is not an exception. They have a separate bar area, indoor dining, and an outdoor patio. Myself and a friend split one of their 2 meat platters and spent about $27, and we thought the portions would be large enough to share. The portions were smaller for a BBQ joint... We both left hungry, needless to say. But the food was tasty, lots of flavor in the meat, and nice staff. Probably won't be back though.

    (3)

  • Dave W.

    Don't know what happened to the place we used to love. Before when I ordered a 2 or 3 meat combo plate there was so much food I would have to take it home. This last Saturday we went I ordered my normal 3 meat combo and there was something thing drastically missing. Like the extra Food !!!! They really scaled down the amount of food they gave me but kept the prices the same. The other pet peeve was when I got my drink glass from the counter it was dirty with a greasy film on it and was disgusting. Went back in line to get a new cup and was standing right in front of the cashier after patiently waiting just to have her help the customer behind me and acted like she didn't even see me. I know this wasn't their fault but the shopping center was repaving the parking lot and we had a Senior citizen in our group that had a handicap parking tag. There was no easy, fast convenient way to help a 91 year old woman to the car without her walking a hundred yards to the other side of the lot and ducking under stringed off areas. We have been here dozens of times and to my amazement never recalled Yelping them (good or bad). On the drive up from San Diego I had thought about it and couldn't remember if I had or not. If I had given this place a Yelp review before this last weekend it would have been a 4 or 5 for sure. Now with the lack of food, dirty glass, and crappy parking situation it became a 2. Sorry, but you guys need to go back to what it was before these circumstances took place.

    (2)

  • Christo s.

    Amazing food. Great prices. Awesome live music on Saturday nights. Super friendly staff. Can't recommend this place enough. Will come back anytime I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Dusty B.

    I grew up in Southern Florida where BBQ is incredible. Its a way of life. Bad to the bone is the closest I have found here in OC. SoMetimes the meat is a bit fatty, and their quality in last year has fallen. But the restaurant is busier than ever. Sometimes success causes quality to slide. I hope not, I have come here for four years and other than Lucille's which I give a 4.5, this place is best in OC.

    (4)

  • Greg G.

    Baby back ribs, mac n cheese and broccoli.

    (5)

  • Roy S.

    Only eaten here a few times and not disappointed.... at all. You are greeted very well by staff, food is delivered in a very reasonable time and the food is great. Prices are in line but actually the selection gives you many, many quality options. When I realized I messed up a little on the order, they graciously made the correction at no additional cost to me. With several steak house options in Orange County, few match up to quantity, quality, price and service as Bad to the Bone!!!

    (4)

  • Princess G.

    Pull Pork sandwich with onion rings was delicious! The onion rings are made fresh here. Pull Pork was very tender and moist! Would definitely recommend!

    (5)

  • Gretchen M.

    Went there for take out. Ordered at the side window, sat at the bar and was hoping for a beer. Four men at different seats all had drinks. Debbie served everyone in the bar area and even some that had arrived after me. She filled four different orders in and out of the bar, and then she came back and finally greeted me coldly, with "What can I get you?" Not hello, welcome to bad to the bone , sorry that took a while, just RUDE! Guess SJC is truly a mans town where blonde, rude bartenders ignore new guests! I live one mile away and have 3 kegs on tap. Don't need to be treated this way. Going out for take out is a treat that will not be enjoyed here. Food was good, but it's about the service! Get a CLUE! #badattitude

    (1)

  • Amiee L.

    Was coming home from the OC and wanted to get something to eat before heading into Oceanside. We looked up this BBQ place (a couple blocks off the 5 freeway) and swung in to the some BBQ on! I have to say they have a pretty good selection of beer (I ended with the white ale by Saint Archer) and a really good selection of food. You order at the counter and they bring out the food, it was quick, fast and good. I would recommend this spot if you are looking to get some food in-between OC & SD.

    (4)

  • Shirin K.

    Very average bbq place. We tried the pulled pork plate and smokehouse burger and it was just ok. I expected much better based on the reviews here.The bean side dish wasn't warm enough and sweet potatoes was nothing to brag about. I most likely wouldn't go back.

    (3)

  • Andrew B.

    This is the best barbecue place in the United States. I've been to Memphis... I've been to St. Louis... I've been to Texas and this is by far the best BBQ hands-down. We drive from Laguna Beach to have a feast about once a month. On Friday and Saturday night they have a country singer on an acoustic guitar singing old country ballads. The music is low enough to enjoy your meal with your family but audible enough to listen to and enjoy thoroughly. We liked Eric the country singer so much we hired him to play at our wedding! What to order? We typically split the four meat combo (double St. Louis ribs, upgrade to boneless chicken breast and the tri tip). Their barbecue sauce is amazing and is a vinegar type base, which gives it a kick, and complements the meal greatly. Coming alone? We brought a friend from Memphis with us last night and we both got the smokehouse burger which is the best burger in Orange County (and I don't say that lightly). He gave it a "9.8 out of 10". What's nice is this is an independently owned restaurant so the people there are regulars and the food quality never has slipped in the years since we've been going. They also have a nifty rewards points thing you text your order number to and about every other visit we get a $10 coupon. They have self serve Coke fountains, which to me coke/diet coke is a must when eating BBQ! Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Matt E.

    MMMMMMmmmmm. Just had our Christmas party catered by Bad to the Bone. Excellent BBQ!! Brisket was melt in your mouth, wonderful side dishes. Really good food. I hope to visit thier restaurant soon!

    (4)

  • Andrew M.

    We go here once a week..best burgers..ever..better than In-and-Out. Their Tri-tip is juicy and hearty. Great sauce..not that overtly sweet sludge you may see elsewhere. It's easy style eating, get your own drinks.

    (4)

  • Jim L.

    Took the family this weekend and loved it. My pulled pork was excellent, my wife and daughter loved their salmon and my son devoured his smokehouse burger. Staff was pleasant and efficient. Don't be put off by ordering first. It's not McDonald's. There's an excellent draught beer selection (some made on contract by an Orange County brewer), including Stone IPA. In all, a clean, well-lighted place with great food. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • David K.

    Tastes like good slow cooked BBQ should. Very nice portions , friendly staff . Even the Burgers are great. Try the Sweet Potato fries. Lunch or dinner- both great and lots of parking.

    (4)

  • Joe M.

    This is a really great BBQ joint. Originally started as a catering gig, and now opened up the sit down restaurant slash bar, it is a great places with few if any complaints. Occasionally, I've got some food from here that was warm not hot and service somewhat lackluster, but I'm picky cuz in the industry. THey do a great job on the food, the burgers are killer, love the sides, and the sweet potato pie, man, ya gotta try it out. SOunds funky but super good. MY mom is super picky and loved her steak that she got. Somewhat pricey, but hey, its really really good.

    (4)

  • Beth M.

    I've eaten at the San Clemente location a couple of times and love it so it seemed like a good idea to have Bad to the Bone cater my wedding. They did an absolutely fabulous job! We ordered the baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and BBQ chicken along with sweet corn on the cob, grilled veggies, mac n cheese, cornbread and drinks. it was all perfect! The catering contact, Melissa, was very responsive and helpful during the planning process and she was flexible regarding the set up times in the days leading up to my wedding since we had to change our reception timeline due to weather. The servers were very pleasant and friendly. All of our guests raved about the food (even my husband who is a BBQ snob) and several people went back for second helpings. Definitely use Bad to the Bone to cater your event!

    (5)

  • Scott K.

    This is a solid bbq establishment. I've come here plenty of times for lunch and the food is always consistent. It used to be packed and hard to find a seat but they're recently expanded so that isn't an issue anymore. Order the pulled pork sandwich or order the brisket or baby back ribs. The fried okra, onion rings or fried sweet potato fries are awesome.

    (4)

  • Bruce B.

    Found this place by accident when looking for a nearby tack and feed store. Food was mostly excellent. Pulled pork, tri tip sandwich and burgers were outstanding. Cole slaw, beans and potato salad also very, very good. Fries (regular and sweet potato) were very disappointing - soggy and not so tasty, hence only 4*.

    (4)

  • Kathy K.

    We tried Bad to the Bone based on the reviews here on yelp, and we were definitely NOT sorry!!! I had the BBQ Burger, which I didn't realize when I ordered it was a burger PLUS either pulled pork or chopped brisket (I thought it was just a choice between the pulled pork or brisket, not that it was on top of a burger). My other half went to the counter to place the order, so I wasn't there for the "how do you want your burger cooked", or I would have figured it out. It was awesome, but definitely a knife and fork sandwich! I got fries and a side salad as my sides - salad was weak, but hey, you don't go to a BBQ place for health food, do you? Boyfriend got a combo plate - sausage and beef brisket. We both tasted each other's food, and agreed - we will be back!! His sides were onion rings and corn on the cob, and both were good. The place is in a funny location - a mostly business park rather than retail, but you can't miss it. There's a bar that's kind of separate, but in the same place (which I realize doesn't make a lot of sense!) and you can eat outside. The only negative to eating outside is that, depending on which way the wind is blowing, it can become very obvious that you're in horse country! Any way - I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Nrg D.

    Great BBQ and a quick and easy place to get a great meal.

    (5)

  • Thomas K.

    This place has pretty good bbq sandwiches. I recommend the chopped beef sandwich which is tasty, but not quite as good as my personal favorite, Dickey's Bbq Pit in Dallas, Texas. A word to the wise: avoid the tri-tip salad. It's overrated. The sides are all pretty tasty. The baked beans, coleslaw, and baked potato are all solid. They serve locally brewed beer, but I have never tried it.

    (4)

  • Matt R.

    i try not to eat here too often because i try to limit my meat intake but when i can't take it anymore and i'm in town, i hit this place up for sure. the baby back ribs are amazing.

    (4)

  • Dan M.

    Having left Texas 3 years ago, I've been hard pressed to find good BBQ. My wife and I came here for our 10th anniversary, and were truly wowed by the brisket and the ribs. For those reviewers commenting on the slow service, this ain't a California restaurant, y'all need to step up to the register and order. Our food came out in less than 10 minutes, and the chef was out just a few minutes later to ask what we thought (and bring us each a sampler rib... man do we thank him!) The atmosphere is reminiscent of an upscale southern BBQ joint, and the locally brewed amber ale goes perfectly with the sauce. In terms of the sides, I'd suggest the Ranch style beans, and the steamed corn with cilantro, as the corn bread and the other sides we tried weren't memorable. None of this is relevant though, as one goes to a good BBQ joint for the meat. I quite enjoyed the pulled pork, and the beef tri-tip was fine but trust me, really, you can't go wrong with the baby-back ribs and the brisket. Including several competitions in Houston, this brisket was at least top 3 ever tried, and the ribs, well... I can't begin to describe them. I've dreamed about them every night since! Those ribs make the hour's drive to get here worth it! This little piece of Texas was just what the doctor ordered.

    (5)

  • J D.

    My coworker mentioned that there was a good bbq joint close to work and my ears perked up and we ended up at Bad to the Bone for lunch that same day. From that day I think I've been back at least 5 times. They have finished their expansion so theyre about 3 times the size of what they were when I first visited. I've tried the babyback and st. louis ribs. I prefer the babyback as they are less fatty, but both are good. The tri-tip sandwich is decent, and adding sauce to it makes it better. The chicken is really good, and highly recommended. The sausages and fried catfish are less then impressive, but I guess you don't really go to a bbq joint for the catfish. For sides I would go with the sweet potato fries. I've taken friends from Texas and Memphis and they were surprised to find bbq in california that reminded them of home. I'm sure I'll be back again.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
  • Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : Yes

Bad to the Bone BBQ

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