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While Monterey's culinary scene is best known for the fantastic seafood restaurants lining Cannery Row, this city hides a smoky, savory secret. Monterey is also one of the best places for juicy, delicious BBQ. Fish around for the best meats in town with this rundown of where to get the best BBQ in Monterey, CA.
Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse
The rich flavors and heaping portions at Bon Ton L'Roy's create a wholesome and satisfying dining experience. With a menu that borrows from classic Southern BBQ to Russian favorites, this local gem is unlike any eatery you've experienced. Some must-try dishes include gumbo, rice and beans, and brined chicken. Don't forget to wash it all down with an iced tea.
The Crossroads BBQ
Come for the hearty pulled pork and brisket sandwiches! From sandwiches bursting with meat to four-meat platters offering tastes of everything, the menu here is more than satisfying. Of course, you might fall in love with the menu of sides. Any platter or sandwich you choose isn't complete until you've piled on some mac and cheese, bean salad, potato salad, or baked potato. You might even be lucky enough to show up on a weekend when a blues trio is playing live!
Salinas City BBQ - Salinas
This is the place for slow-smoked BBQ in the Monterey area. All the meats served at Salinas City BBQ are smoked slowly for hours to deliver a seasoned-oak flavor that makes all the difference. The delicious sauces here also help to make every meal memorable. Some of the menu standouts include the brisket, ribs, and tri-tip. Patrons are also wild about the homemade cornbread, slaw, and beans. Desserts here are seasonal. If you're lucky, you'll come just as the crew puts out a fresh seasonal strawberry rhubarb pie!
Little Chicken House
The best way to experience the flavor of Little Chicken House is the two-way combo featuring chicken and ribs with two sides. Of course, patrons love branching out with the pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, crispy BBQ chicken, hot link sandwiches, and other flavorful options. Classic sides include slaw, mac and cheese, fries, garlic bread, and steamed garlic broccoli. This is where the meat slides off the bone, the sauce melts in your mouth, and the staff is always friendly.
Nak Won Korean BBQ Restaurant
Get ready to experience amazing Korean BBQ just a stone's throw away from Fisherman's Wharf. At this popular spot, your chef grills right at your table. However, there's also a non-grill area where you can have a more laid-back dining experience. Choose from chicken, pork, and seafood BBQ prepared with flavorful accents. The menu also features Korean noodles, soups, and rice dishes.
Experience the Flavors of Monterey
There's no denying that Monterey is one of California's food capitals. The area's love of perfectly smoked and seasoned meats doesn't end with restaurants serving the best BBQ in Monterey, CA. For the whole experience, consider visiting the town during the famous Monterey barbecue festival every July.
