Pico's BBQ — Restaurant in Menlo Park

FINALLY! LEGIT BAY AREA BBQ 💯

The Bay Area bbq scene leaves much to be desired, especially for aficionados from Texas, Kansas City or other serious BBQ states

Fortunately, for the Bay Area, a handful of chefs have stepped up to fill the void and among the most prominent on the Peninsula is Pitmaster Russell Savage (Breakwater BBQ in El Granada is another)

Located at the Port in Redwood City, Pico’s BBQ is helmed by Russell and is only open 1 day a week on Saturday from noon until sold out

And sell out he does, routinely, usually by 3 PM and, with recent press and exposure, I expect that to only happen earlier and more frequently (they sold out in record time today ~ 2 PM)

Pico’s has outgrown their food truck operation and is looking for a permanent space, but until then, there’s something quintessentially legit about only opening limited hours, smoking and cutting fresh to order, and selling out daily

I’ve been to too many traditional Peninsula BBQ restaurants or chains open long hours and that product will never be THIS caliber…Pico’s is doing it the right way

The menu is limited but I loved everything I had including the tender and juicy brisket (you do Terry Black’s justice), phenomenal pork ribs and house-made sausages (house or hot)

Standing in a long line is a bit of a communal experience and BBQ line waiting is especially so given the scarcity locally. I loved talking to others about their favorite spots and hearing even Russell join in the recommendations (while sharing some burnt ends YES!)

I’m no BBQ expert but have been to enough places in Texas (Franklin’s, Pecan Lodge, Slow Hand, and Terry Black’s) to say Pico’s deserves to be in the conversation and is the first CA place I’ve strongly felt deserved so

Thanks for coming to Redwood City Pitmaster Russell and I’m excited to see you really take off!

📷 Old Yeller $34 ~ 1/3 lb brisket, ribs, 1 house sausage, potato salad and creamy cucumber salad sided / 1/2 lb brisket $18 / Hot Link $8

📍Pico’s BBQ (Redwood City, CA)

Limited outdoor tables are available and lines to order typically range from 40 minutes to 1 hour. Credit cards including...

Top tier Central Texas style bbq in the Bay! Texas BBQ is all about keeping it simple and letting the meat, smoke, and pitmaster’s talent shine and Pico’s definitely does just that and Russell definitely has the talent.

The brisket is up there with the best I’ve ever had. As a bit of a flat (lean) brisket hater, this one was delectable. The point was extra succulent. Great tenderness on both, well rounded smoke flavor, and nicely seasoned.

While the brisket is what I came for, the ribs and links were a stellar surprise. The rib had a great balance of tenderness while still being meaty. As with the brisket, great smoke flavor. The links had excellent snap and weren’t overwhelmingly salty or seasoned as I’ve found a lot of smoked links can be.

Sides were simple, but well done. Would gladly get them again.

The location is a bit random but it’s worth the time and effort to get quality the likes of Franklin’s and Terry Blacks of Austin down here on...

An outstanding up and coming Texas bbq truck and hopefully future restaurant. The brisket was so good it had me reminiscing of my trip to Austin a while back; tender, moist, fat perfectly rendered, and well seasoned. Ribs were also cooked perfectly and I appreciate them using freshly cracked black pepper. Sausages were great as well. Most bbq places have average sides, but I’m happy to report the sides are great as well. They actually sold out of the potato salad and creamy cucumber, but I was able to try the beans and I’ll definitely get them again. My friend and I were hungry and started splitting up the food before I took the picture, so I guess I’ll have to come back to support them more, eat great bbq, and upload a better picture. Get here early because a line forms quickly and they’re only open until they sell out.

Edit: added a better photo with...