Gees Barbecue — Restaurant in Santa Ana

My first time here, based on reviews I figured coming about 45 minutes prior to opening should be more than enough time to possibly be towards the front of the line.   We first heard aboit this place on Tiktok.  We saw raving reviews and wanted to see ourselves if it was worth the hype. I ended up being the first one there and they opened the side of the gate.  So it's located next to a Mexican restaurant at a gas station.  Something I didn't know until we got there.  People tend to describe it as a pop up but it's been there since August.  So I wouldn't describe it as that. As I stood in line,  they seemed to have plenty of outdoor seating, and I'm guessing a restroom around the corner.  The line did start to grow as it got close to 12pm.  By the time they opened,  I studied the menu long enough to know what I wanted. I ordered:

2 dino ribs (total weight of 3 lbs) - The person taking my order asked, is that OK? I'm like oh yeah.  The meat was tender and literally fell off the bone.  I like that it had a perfect balance of meat and fat.  Some places we've tend to be mostly fat or dry.   Seasoning and char was perfect.  It did not need BBQ0 sauce.

Mac and cheese - cheesy goodness

Potato salad - was ok, it was a little of a disappointment.

Esquites - Delicious, just what I was looking for.

Dirty noodles  - The way the person taking my order made it sound, I was expecting garlic noodles with a kick.   When I tried it,  I was disappointed.  It was dry maybe pan fried noodles with no flavor.  Just like other reviews don't waste your money on this.

Now for the dessert.. with all the hype on how good it was.   I was unimpressed.  My mind wasn't blown away

Nana puddin - standard banana pudding.  Nothing special, now that I think about it,  it makes me wonder if it was even fresh.

Brazilian pave - I would describe it as a chocolate mousse.   It tasted like there was something else in it, but I'm not sure what it was.   I was thinking maybe like a vanilla cookie?  Menu doesn't describe what's in it,  I didn't want to ask because there was a long line behind me and I knew either way I was going to get it.

Watermelon agua fresca -  Refreshing and fresh.  Perfect for a hot day or any day really lol.

Overall the service was great and fast.  My order was packaged well and made it to the hotel in one piece.   We traveled all the way from SF to try it.  Was it worth the hype?  The food was good and it was nice to try a new place.  The meat was solid.  It was reasonably priced, so I'm not...

What a disappointment! My spouse and I stood in line for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, only to find out just as we were about to reach the counter as the third in line that they had run out of all their meat. They didn’t make an early announcement; therefore, if you arrive by 2 PM, you should hope that after waiting in line for an hour, they won’t be out of meat. It’s poorly organized, and it’s clear they don’t emphasize customer satisfaction; their main concern is profits. The person at the counter doesn’t seem to mind if there are three people waiting; if you’ve been in line for an hour, he shows no concern! They’re focused on making sales, and that’s all that matters. Ultimately, it’s all about the money; they ignore the customers who have waited. The line is poorly managed; they only let you know they’re out of meat at the very last minute. I never got to taste it, so I really have no idea what it’s like; all I was able to get and pay for were two drinks and mediocre mac and cheese... Great job, everyone,...

We got there at 3 pm. Most things were sold out. Got beef ribs. Kind of salty but the meat was very tender. Did not think it was anything special probably because the meat was sitting from the noon rush. Probably should not go there 12 pm or after. Pickles and pickled onions were great sauce was good. Banana bread pudding not good. Too much chocolate mousse and just not needed with oreos. To be fair coming at 12 pm might be best but then they should not serve meat that has been sitting just to make a sale or charge the same price for food thats not fresh. Overrated and overhyped from social media. Spent and wasted $90 on ribs and pudding. I was so disappointed i thought about driving to san juan capistrano for the bbq spot there. For further reference the day before i went to the bbq festival in long beach. Maybe ill change the review once I go...