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The 5 Best BBQ Spots In Redlands, CA: A 2025 Guide To Smoky Perfection

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The quest for truly great barbecue in the Inland Empire often leads to a single, essential destination: Redlands, California. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the local BBQ scene is thriving, moving far beyond generic chain offerings to feature authentic, low-and-slow smoked meats that rival pits across the country. Whether you crave classic Texas-style brisket, gourmet burnt ends, or unique Hawaiian flavors, this city has a smokehouse ready to deliver a masterpiece of flavor.

This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the absolute best, most current, and most unique BBQ experiences Redlands has to offer. We’ve focused on the pitmasters who are dedicated to the craft, ensuring your next meal is packed with savory, smoky goodness that only time and wood fire can create. Prepare your appetite for the definitive list of Redlands’ top BBQ joints.

The Local Legends: Craft BBQ You Must Try

Redlands’ true personality shines through its independent, craft-focused barbecue joints. These are the pitmasters who dedicate themselves to the 'low and slow' method, offering unique takes on classic regional styles like Texas and Southern BBQ. Supporting these local entities is the best way to experience the city's culinary soul.

1. Hoodidya BBQ: Authentic Texas-Style Brisket

For purists seeking an unadulterated taste of the Lone Star State, Hoodidya BBQ is the undisputed champion in Redlands. Operating with an all-wood smoking process, this spot brings the heat, smoke, and flavor straight from the pit to your plate. They are renowned for adhering to the strict, minimalist traditions of Texas barbecue, where the quality of the meat and the smoke are the only stars.

  • Signature Dish: The Texas-Style Brisket. It’s slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a dark, peppery bark and a moist, tender smoke ring that melts in your mouth.
  • Must-Try Entities: Don't miss the unique Smoked BBQ Pot Pies for a comforting twist, or the loaded BBQ Cheese Fries for a decadent side.
  • Atmosphere: Hoodidya often operates as a take-out window or pop-up, sometimes found near the Redlands Ranch Market, giving it a true, no-frills, pit-stop authenticity.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: *Texas-style BBQ*, *all-wood smoking*, *peppery bark*, *smoke ring*, *brisket*.

2. Cornerstone BBQ: Gourmet Smokehouse at Redlands Public Market

Located within the vibrant Redlands Public Market, Cornerstone BBQ elevates the smokehouse experience with a modern, gourmet touch. This spot is a must-visit for those who appreciate both classic smoked meats and innovative culinary creations. Its location makes it a perfect stop for a lively group outing, offering a diverse menu that goes beyond the standard BBQ plate.

  • Signature Dish: The BBQ Sampler is the best way to try a little bit of everything, featuring Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork, Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage, and Chicken. However, true enthusiasts rave about the succulent Burnt Ends, which are smoky, caramelized cubes of brisket point.
  • Unique Offerings: Cornerstone stands out by offering a full BBQ Breakfast and Brunch menu. A fan favorite is the indulgent Pork Belly French Toast, a sweet and savory masterpiece, and their hearty Breakfast Burritos.
  • Location Entity: Being inside the Redlands Public Market adds to the experience, offering a communal, high-energy environment.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: *Gourmet BBQ*, *Burnt Ends*, *Pulled Pork*, *Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage*, *Redlands Public Market*, *BBQ Brunch*.

Specialty Smoke and Catering: The Hidden Gems

The Redlands BBQ scene isn't just about sit-down restaurants; it's also home to top-tier catering specialists and regional favorites that define the Inland Empire's flavor profile. These spots are perfect for events or when you want a truly premium, handcrafted BBQ experience.

3. Tom's Smokin' Hot BBQ Pitstop: Catering Excellence

While primarily known as a premier BBQ catering company, Tom's Smokin' Hot BBQ Pitstop has captivated the Inland Empire with its dedication to "low and slow" smoked meats. Tom's is the name to know for weddings, corporate events, or large family gatherings, though they often offer weekly pickup options for individuals looking for a fix of their handcrafted flavor.

  • Signature Style: Known for their smoky, saucy, and spicy flavors, Tom's specializes in delivering consistently delicious, tender meats.
  • Must-Try Sides (LSI Keywords): Their scratch-made sides are as famous as the meat. Be sure to try the creamy Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese, the tangy Jalapeno BBQ Beans, and the comforting Southern Corn Casserole.
  • Entity: Tom's represents the high-end BBQ Catering segment in Redlands, ensuring quality and presentation for any event.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: *BBQ Catering Redlands*, *low and slow*, *Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese*, *Southern Corn Casserole*, *smoked meats*.

4. The Reliable Chains: Famous Dave's BBQ

No comprehensive Redlands BBQ list would be complete without mentioning the reliable options. Famous Dave's BBQ is a national chain with a strong local presence in Redlands, offering a consistent and family-friendly experience. While it may not have the 'craft' status of the local pits, it provides a wide-ranging menu of award-winning ribs and regional sauces.

  • Signature Dish: The All-American BBQ Feast is a massive platter perfect for sharing, featuring St. Louis-Style Spareribs, Georgia Chopped Pork, and Texas Beef Brisket.
  • Variety: Famous Dave's is known for its variety of BBQ sauces, allowing diners to customize their meal with flavors from sweet and sassy to rich and smoky.
  • Entity: Provides a great option for those seeking a predictable, full-service BBQ restaurant experience with ample seating and a full bar.

5. Ono Hawaiian BBQ: A Flavorful Detour

For those looking to break away from traditional mainland barbecue, Ono Hawaiian BBQ offers a distinct and delicious detour. Located in Redlands, this spot specializes in the unique, sweet, and savory flavors of Hawaiian-style plate lunch, where the meat is often grilled or marinated rather than strictly smoked, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavy smoke of Texas-style joints.

  • Signature Dish: The BBQ Mix Plate is the classic choice, combining flavorful BBQ Chicken, Beef, and Kalbi Short Ribs, served with a scoop of rice and their signature macaroni salad.
  • Style Entity: Represents the Hawaiian BBQ niche, a different but equally beloved regional style of barbecue in Southern California.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: *Hawaiian BBQ*, *plate lunch*, *Kalbi Short Ribs*, *macaroni salad*, *BBQ Chicken*.

The Redlands BBQ Scene: A Culinary Microcosm

The Redlands BBQ landscape is a fascinating microcosm of Southern California's diverse culinary tastes. You can find the stark, pepper-crusted simplicity of Texas-style brisket at Hoodidya, the inventive, upscale atmosphere of Cornerstone BBQ at the Public Market, and the reliable, crowd-pleasing ribs of a chain like Famous Dave's. This variety makes Redlands a true destination for smoked meats enthusiasts.

Whether you're planning a meal out, looking for the perfect BBQ catering for your next event, or simply craving a juicy, tender bite of pulled pork or brisket, Redlands delivers. The dedication of local pitmasters to the craft of 'low and slow' cooking ensures that the quality of the barbecue in this city continues to rise, making it a hidden gem in the Inland Empire's food scene. Make sure to check the operating hours for the smaller, craft spots like Hoodidya and Tom's, as their fresh, daily-smoked meats often sell out!

The 5 Best BBQ Spots in Redlands, CA: A 2025 Guide to Smoky Perfection
bbq in redlands ca
bbq in redlands ca

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