Sauced BBQ & Spirits — Restaurant in Irvine

Here's my updated review of Sauced BBQ & Spirits Irvine as of October 3, 2024:

Life got crazy (family medical stuff, ugh), and I totally forgot to review this place back in August when they first opened.  But better late than never, right?

My husband and I were lucky enough to snag a table during their grand opening, and we went all-in on their "Plates from the Pit" - the 3-meat combo with ribs, wings, and pork belly burnt ends.  We also got sides of smoky baked beans, country-style green beans, Korean-style cauliflower bites, and their coleslaw.

Now, I'm not usually a huge fan of barbecue that's drowning in sauce, but their dry rub wings were spot-on. And even though the pork belly burnt ends were sauced, they were seared to perfection, so it was more like a sweet, caramelized coating than a soggy mess. It was so good, I actually ordered it again the next day for takeout!

Everything else was delicious too. The ribs were tender, the sides were flavorful, and those cauliflower bites were unexpectedly amazing. The portions were generous too - we couldn't even finish it all! We brought some home, and my son and his girlfriend loved it so much that they actually stopped by Sauced BBQ & Spirits on their way home to pick up an order of the cauliflower bites.

But the food wasn't the only thing that impressed us. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere was airy and open, and best of all, they're pet-friendly! The server was even so super kind to our pup, she brought her a bowl of water without us even asking. What a great combo, right? Great food, great service, great atmosphere, and you can totally enjoy it with your entire family, including your little fur-baby as well.

I know it's been a few months, but those flavors (and that patio!) are still stuck in my head. If you're anywhere near Sauced BBQ & Spirits Irvine, do yourself a favor and check it out. Just don't wait as long as I did to rave about it!

I should have taken some photos, and even though I tell myself that, I get so excited when the food arrives I totally forget. Ugh!

• PS: Had another visit today - October 3, 2024 - and unfortunately, the service didn't quite live up to my previous experience. They were out of wing flats, and it would have been nice if they had let us know beforehand, as not everyone enjoys the drummettes. It also took them quite a while to bring out our cake, even though the restaurant wasn't busy, and it came without the candle we requested. While these might seem like small things, they did impact our overall experience. Today, I didn't enjoy my food, nor...

Came here to celebrate my birthday with my family. The host was very friendly and sat my table right away, even accommodated my mother who was handicapped to a better table. Then, Angel immediately greeted me in a very cheery manner and was very patient explaining the menu. I did not tell them it was my birthday, but my girlfriend had called in and told them. I never had a better time at the restaurant.

They brought out dessert for me with a lit candle and it was DELICIOUS. By far the best thing was the apple pie dessert, SO DAMN GOOD.

I always come here for the nashville hot chicken which I get medium spicy. The oil on that thing is amazing. You MUST get garlic mash as one of your sides. The bbq plate is so so good. Brisket is warm, juicy, and very well seasoned. The Kansas city bbq sauce is my favorite and the portions are HUMONGOUS. Very economical especially in Irvine. We got the Nachos that were tasty and humongous as well.

Angel and the manager Mike were the best part. I care the most about service and have never been disappointed the 5 times I have been here, this experience being the best for my birthday. Can't wait to return again to my...

Good Service 👍

However, if you’re gonna call yourself a “Barbecue Restaurant” then you need to have a menu that caters to various tastes like Lucille’s and others have.

No Baby Back ribs ?? Oh my gosh!

Metal chairs at the Bar and eating areas?? Oh my gosh!

The only ribs on the menu were St. Louis Spareribs and were nothing to bring us back.

I worked in the restaurant industry for many years and I will give you my best opinion that will hopefully be of use to make your restaurant successful. Your Google rating is a 3.

CLASS IT UP . . .

Add more Wine choices with higher caliber brands … Yes we heard that you were all about Hard Drinks and Beer.

Dump the Metal chairs.

Online Menu allows various selections that turn RED when clicked, and shows NO DETAIL. Oh my gosh!

Anyway, best of luck to you that’s it for now hopefully we will return someday, but...