Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano has garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional Central Texas-style barbecue, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts. Among their standout offerings, the brisket and pork spare ribs consistently receive high praise. The brisket is celebrated for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich smoky flavor, often described as some of the best available. The pork spare ribs are equally commendable, featuring a flavorful rub and tender meat that easily pulls away from the bone. 
Complementing the meats, the Red White and Blue Potato Salad is a notable side dish. This unique salad combines cubed red potatoes, white pickled eggs, and blue cheese crumbles, all topped with bacon. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout accompaniment to the main dishes. 
Given the restaurant’s popularity, especially on weekends, it’s advisable to arrive early. Lines often begin forming well before opening, with some patrons suggesting arriving at least an hour prior to ensure a timely experience. Wait times can extend to three or four hours during peak periods, and the restaurant serves food until items sell out.  To enhance your visit, consider bringing essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and water, as the wait is outdoors. Fortunately, Capistrano Brewing Company offers beverages to those in line, providing some refreshment during the wait. 
In summary, Heritage Barbecue offers a remarkable dining experience with its exceptional brisket, pork spare ribs, and distinctive potato salad. While the wait times can be considerable, especially on weekends, the quality of the food makes it well worth the effort.
Sophie Tsai
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January 07, 2025
I've been told that Heritage BBQ is the spot for BBQ in Orange County, and with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, I knew I was in for a treat! We got there about 15 minutes before they opened, and there was already a long line! We ended up waiting around 45 minutes, but queuing near their giant smokers had us so ready to eat.
They have a menu posted near the front, and it seems to change, so keep an eye on it while you wait. Just a heads-up, you can’t grab a table until after you’ve ordered, but the food comes out super fast.
We got 1 lb of brisket, a sausage, 8 oz of mac and cheese, pickled cucumbers, cornbread, and a small banana pudding. Everything was amazing, especially their hot mustard sauce! My friends ordered the potato salad, and it was a highlight—definitely getting that next time.
We totally ordered with our eyes and ended up with a ton of leftovers, but honestly, no complaints. Heritage BBQ totally lives up to the hype!
josh lee
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January 19, 2025
Really very good. Favorite was the pork spare ribs but the brisket was great too. Potato salad and baked beans are excellent sides, the rolls are good too. Prices are reasonable though they've increased lately.
The lines and waits can be a bit long at peak, but go later in the afternoon and you might not have to wait much at all .
John Souza
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October 23, 2024
Wow, Heritage BBQ definitely lived up to the hype. Everything was amazingly delicious. I will definitely be back. Make sure to be in line before they open at 11am. Once you order your food, it gets delivered to your table very quickly. Super impressed with how courteous all the employees are. 5 stars all day long.
Jonathan Poole
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February 07, 2025
Visited Sunday January 19 30 minutes before opening. Was about 70 minutes from arrival to seated with order. Make no mistake, this is an expensive establishment. After several prior visits, I have doubts about the relative value. If you’re at the $$$ to $$$$ price point on a fast casual / counter service restaurant then it needs to be exceptional in more areas than just taste. Now I see less craft on my tray and more meh. I used to be really impressed, and now it’s fading.
With reduced attention to detail and service quality compared to before, I think they’ve reached peak “sellout” phase where they’re coasting on reputation. I saw the owner walking around and it seemed to me like he doesn’t spend much time at the smokers anymore.
The largest disappointment by far was being asked to clear out of our table before we were done “because we’ve got a big party coming through” “but it’s OK don’t rush”…. So which is it? I contacted them on their web site for explanation/apology with zero response. With the prices charged, they can afford better customer service than that.
Our Address
31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano has garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional Central Texas-style barbecue, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts. Among their standout offerings, the brisket and pork spare ribs consistently receive high praise. The brisket is celebrated for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich smoky flavor, often described as some of the best available. The pork spare ribs are equally commendable, featuring a flavorful rub and tender meat that easily pulls away from the bone.  Complementing the meats, the Red White and Blue Potato Salad is a notable side dish. This unique salad combines cubed red potatoes, white pickled eggs, and blue cheese crumbles, all topped with bacon. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout accompaniment to the main dishes.  Given the restaurant’s popularity, especially on weekends, it’s advisable to arrive early. Lines often begin forming well before opening, with some patrons suggesting arriving at least an hour prior to ensure a timely experience. Wait times can extend to three or four hours during peak periods, and the restaurant serves food until items sell out.  To enhance your visit, consider bringing essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and water, as the wait is outdoors. Fortunately, Capistrano Brewing Company offers beverages to those in line, providing some refreshment during the wait.  In summary, Heritage Barbecue offers a remarkable dining experience with its exceptional brisket, pork spare ribs, and distinctive potato salad. While the wait times can be considerable, especially on weekends, the quality of the food makes it well worth the effort.
I've been told that Heritage BBQ is the spot for BBQ in Orange County, and with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, I knew I was in for a treat! We got there about 15 minutes before they opened, and there was already a long line! We ended up waiting around 45 minutes, but queuing near their giant smokers had us so ready to eat. They have a menu posted near the front, and it seems to change, so keep an eye on it while you wait. Just a heads-up, you can’t grab a table until after you’ve ordered, but the food comes out super fast. We got 1 lb of brisket, a sausage, 8 oz of mac and cheese, pickled cucumbers, cornbread, and a small banana pudding. Everything was amazing, especially their hot mustard sauce! My friends ordered the potato salad, and it was a highlight—definitely getting that next time. We totally ordered with our eyes and ended up with a ton of leftovers, but honestly, no complaints. Heritage BBQ totally lives up to the hype!
Really very good. Favorite was the pork spare ribs but the brisket was great too. Potato salad and baked beans are excellent sides, the rolls are good too. Prices are reasonable though they've increased lately. The lines and waits can be a bit long at peak, but go later in the afternoon and you might not have to wait much at all .
Wow, Heritage BBQ definitely lived up to the hype. Everything was amazingly delicious. I will definitely be back. Make sure to be in line before they open at 11am. Once you order your food, it gets delivered to your table very quickly. Super impressed with how courteous all the employees are. 5 stars all day long.
Visited Sunday January 19 30 minutes before opening. Was about 70 minutes from arrival to seated with order. Make no mistake, this is an expensive establishment. After several prior visits, I have doubts about the relative value. If you’re at the $$$ to $$$$ price point on a fast casual / counter service restaurant then it needs to be exceptional in more areas than just taste. Now I see less craft on my tray and more meh. I used to be really impressed, and now it’s fading. With reduced attention to detail and service quality compared to before, I think they’ve reached peak “sellout” phase where they’re coasting on reputation. I saw the owner walking around and it seemed to me like he doesn’t spend much time at the smokers anymore. The largest disappointment by far was being asked to clear out of our table before we were done “because we’ve got a big party coming through” “but it’s OK don’t rush”…. So which is it? I contacted them on their web site for explanation/apology with zero response. With the prices charged, they can afford better customer service than that.