Heralded by Food & Wine magazine and the Michelin Guide, Heritage Barbecue’s flagship location in San Juan Capistrano still attracts flocks of diners hungry for owner and pitmaster Daniel Castillo’s Central Texas–style craft barbecue almost 4 years after it opened. So, expectations soared in early 2023 when one of Southern California’s most acclaimed barbecue outfits landed in Oceanside.
Smoke accents a Vietnamese bánh mi sandwich, accompanied here by a product of the on-site brewery.
While Heritage fans anticipated its traditional meats sold by the pound, the Oceanside outpost debuted by featuring smoked meats in modified offerings, from a spin on a Vietnamese bánh mì to tacos. (The weighed meats are also now available.)
The “famous” smoked burger comes with American cheese, shaved onion, pickles, and special sauce.
Its famous smoked burger with American cheese, onion, pickle, and special sauce is available as a special in Orange County but is a menu fixture here. Gentle smoke enhances, but does not overwhelm, the flavor of the hefty half-pound prime brisket patty.
Shortly after opening, the restaurant brought on pitmaster Ari Valenzuela to join head chef Eric Linares, an alum of the Orange County kitchen. Beyond the regular menu, family-style meats that might include pastrami, beef ribs, and pork belly burnt ends are now offered Friday through Sunday. Highlights of the regular menu range from superlative spareribs with a perfect pink smoke ring to succulent pulled pork and remarkably juicy tri-tip.
Though fork-tender, the prime brisket can be a bit dry unless you request slices from the cut’s fattier end. Some diners ask to replace the standard house sauce with a punchier mustard-based version. Among the sides, the crisp seasoned fries and the creamy charro beans stand out.
The 10,000-square-foot restaurant also houses a brewery run by Michael Aubuchon, an award-winning brewmaster who spent more than a decade at Pizza Port Carlsbad. Aubuchon’s beers include an easy-drinking hazy IPA and a brown ale that pairs well with most of the menu. Also tucked within the soaring space, the South Side Saloon is a pint-size craft-cocktail bar with strong drinks but limited hours. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Best dishes
Smoked burger, spareribs, tri-tip, pulled pork, charro beans
Dinner prices
Starters, $12–$18; entrées, $20–$36; desserts, $8–$15
Address
2002 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside
AAA discounts
