This place simply knows how to treat their customers. Regularly with a very welcoming demeanor. The food is fairly priced, always fresh and clean.
James Garrard
This spot is worth trying. They have big portions for convenient prices. Regularly clean and with fantastic vibes. Would recommend to others.
Tamara O.
What a great pillar of the community. CJ is always helpful and and full of knowledge of the City.
Helen N.
Went on the second day of the festival, not sure if the day before had more food vendors and activities... but food was pricey. A plate for one person can go for $15 and an extra hot dog goes for $20, so you'll probably spend $35-$40 for two people. Shaved ice for $5 and even a fruity drink which you usually expect to be $3 went for $5-$6. The music was great and parking was spacious and easy, I'm glad they had volunteers to direct parking. It was a really nice, super hot day to get out of the house. No entrance fee but food could be better.
Jade M.
This place and event is a joke.It hasn't improved and just list 3 vendors at the most.
Joe P.
Next year you may want to have some BBQ. Saturday 1 stand sold BBQ. Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and by noon they had no more brisket. Sunday 1 food truck serving BBQ and the line was a block long till they ran out. What a waste of time.
Jason B.
Like others have said, this is a BBQ fest with NO BBQ! I was very excited to attend because I love BBQ, as I walked up I could hear the live music and thought this would be a great time. The first thing i noticed was an extremely long line for a food truck. I thought nothing of it and thought we would walk to the other end of the festival and try some BBQ from each vendor. I was surprised when i made it to the other end, I HAD NOT SEEN ANY BBQ VENDORS!! They call this Milpitas International BBQ?! One BBQ food truck? No wonder the line was so long it was the only BBQ at the event. And, it was sold out of ribs and chicken! If they would market it as a "street festival" I'd have no problem, because it was just that and that is fine. But, I had my hopes up to eat some BBQ, not drink a beer and eat a cheese steak.
Dave K.
Pretty bad festival if the highlight of my visit was having either a large Island Breeze flavored (guava, coconut) shaved ice or Thai iced tea $4 bucks. I didn't know a BBQ festival meant 2 options: a BBQ food truck & a BBQ stand on opposite sides of Milpitas Blvd. Musical performers were subpar except for Frank Sinatra impersonator, all kids activity lines were ridiculously long if I was a kid I wouldn't want to go. Came down from Oakland for this? My bad.
Alvin E.
Well, I just got back from a day at the International BBQ and Festival in Milpitas. It was all good except the Republic Service booth. My 5 year old son and Grandmother were in line to spin for some give aways. My son spun the wheel and got it in the Republic toy truck area. He was so excited because he loves trucks. Grandma was also very happy. The lady at the booth said "great job!" then she told the boss man. He said "that's not right, it needs to be right on the line!" "He can just spin again!" This was a major disappointment to my son and family. I had to explain this to him every couple of minutes and he still doesn't really understand. He went to bed crying and upset about this. The line on the spin wheel is less than a 1/4" and the pointer is about 1/16" thick. The terrible thing is that we all pay a lot of money to them and they should be giving back to the community. The boss man at the booth needs to know how to deal with the general public and kids.
Edna G.
Ok I think they need to say Festival first & some BBQ and not the other way around! I came here expecting a lot of BBQ places from different countries but it's not. Some good music and they do have tables and chairs to eat what food truck meals they had. It's mostly advertisement vendors and maybe 4 places that offer BBQ but that was only tri-tip or pulled pork... That was a disappointment! :-( The vendors were nice and what they sold were a little on the expensive side. Where's the BBQ people?? Where's the ribs? All I know is don't come here hungry!!
It was a great weekend in Milpitas, especially if you were at the festival. Free parking was plentiful and walking distance to all the fun. We enjoyed all the vendors, food, and entertainment this past weekend. In fact, my son was jamming to all the music from the live bands. It was nice sitting on the grass under the shade, relaxing, and just enjoying the festival with my family. Best part of the festival was... FREE parking FREE entertainment (music, classic cars, arts and crafts) FREE activities for the kids (jumper, slide, basketball) FREE photo booth Appearance from Smokey the Bear Food Trucks oh yea, the weather was perfect and it was not crowded
Michelle M.
Good: Easy location to find. Parking along the streets. Trees provided shade to sit in the grass and eat, but might want to bring a towel or matt to sit on because the grass was a little moist. Live entertainment on stage where a young girl was singing and she had talent singing the pop songs you hear on the radio. Random flash mob did a dance in the middle of the street. That was the highlight. Most tables in the center of the street were vendors selling random stuff, knick knacks, art, etc. The far end looked to have a bouncy house for kids, but I didn't go that far to check it out if you have to pay or not. Beer available in clear plastic cups. Bad: Signs said "international" bbq, but all I really saw were a few local food trucks. This event seemed to focus on the art vendors rather than BBQ food. Mogo's, a Louisiana kitchen, and I don't remember the other trucks. This was my first time going to the Milpitas one, but I recently went to the Santa Clara BBQ festival, which was much bigger and much more legit with a LOT more BBQ vendors who actually specialize in BBQ and brought their grillers and smokers.
Hummer W.
Despite the name, BBQ was not to be found. Save for a a lucky few who happened to score on their tasting tickets. But being billed as 'International', the tasting was limited to the guns and hoses folks and while firefighters can cook and cops know where to eat, it did little justice to what was expected. But here's the thing. Milpitas is on the learning curve on how to do a festival. While neighboring cities have been carrying on with their annual events, Milpitas fell behind into what can be described as sort of an awkward and underwhelming gathering. That's no fault to the city or chamber and other organizers. Its been awhile. Milpitas does indeed need a festival to bring people together and celebrate the sake of living and being part of a community. Although many people celebrate and invite others to share in their cultural festivities, there is the risk of alienating or misunderstanding of what makes us unique. That said, its about what makes us the same. Earlier this year, the city hosted two events where everybody just came together. First was the car show hosted by the Veteran's Commission. Second was Community Day to celebrate the city's 60th Anniversary. Although both were understated, it was the simplicity and straightforwardness of both events that made them successful. Compared with the International BBQ Festival, the recent was like someone trying too hard to fit in. Again its a learning curve. Milpitas has always been about its celebrations. City history notes that in the past with the Portuguese community and the Holy Ghost celebrations at the turn of the century all the way to Frontier Days a few yeas after incorporation. The festivals we know now actually had there start in the late 80s and used to be held in the parking lot on Calaveras where Safeway and Staples is now. If anything, I think the organizers can find a theme within the city's history to bring people together. Not to totally give up on the BBQ thing because for sure, many people are about the meat and fire arts. Hopefully this event will set the tone for future events because the potential is there. I'm sure the organizers are going through a debrief on what went right and what went wrong. They'll make it better I'm sure.
Marisa S.
No BBQ. Was told by one of the vendors the city permits were an issue. DID pick up a tasty sweet potato pie from Patricks Famous Pies! Those are 5 stars.
Eric J.
Not much BBQ going on, I expected more. Maybe all of the BBQ happened on Saturday, the "tasting" tickets were sold out. Few arts & crafts booths, I saw only 2 beer stands both had the same 2 beers. There was a better wine selection. 7 food trucks and a few small food stands. There was a stage set-up with live music at each end of the street. There was a few tables with umbrellas to put your things down to eat, nice touch. Like a much, much smaller Fremont Festival of the Arts. Need more BBQ!
This place simply knows how to treat their customers. Regularly with a very welcoming demeanor. The food is fairly priced, always fresh and clean.
This spot is worth trying. They have big portions for convenient prices. Regularly clean and with fantastic vibes. Would recommend to others.
What a great pillar of the community. CJ is always helpful and and full of knowledge of the City.
Went on the second day of the festival, not sure if the day before had more food vendors and activities... but food was pricey. A plate for one person can go for $15 and an extra hot dog goes for $20, so you'll probably spend $35-$40 for two people. Shaved ice for $5 and even a fruity drink which you usually expect to be $3 went for $5-$6. The music was great and parking was spacious and easy, I'm glad they had volunteers to direct parking. It was a really nice, super hot day to get out of the house. No entrance fee but food could be better.
This place and event is a joke.It hasn't improved and just list 3 vendors at the most.
Next year you may want to have some BBQ. Saturday 1 stand sold BBQ. Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and by noon they had no more brisket. Sunday 1 food truck serving BBQ and the line was a block long till they ran out. What a waste of time.
Like others have said, this is a BBQ fest with NO BBQ! I was very excited to attend because I love BBQ, as I walked up I could hear the live music and thought this would be a great time. The first thing i noticed was an extremely long line for a food truck. I thought nothing of it and thought we would walk to the other end of the festival and try some BBQ from each vendor. I was surprised when i made it to the other end, I HAD NOT SEEN ANY BBQ VENDORS!! They call this Milpitas International BBQ?! One BBQ food truck? No wonder the line was so long it was the only BBQ at the event. And, it was sold out of ribs and chicken! If they would market it as a "street festival" I'd have no problem, because it was just that and that is fine. But, I had my hopes up to eat some BBQ, not drink a beer and eat a cheese steak.
Pretty bad festival if the highlight of my visit was having either a large Island Breeze flavored (guava, coconut) shaved ice or Thai iced tea $4 bucks. I didn't know a BBQ festival meant 2 options: a BBQ food truck & a BBQ stand on opposite sides of Milpitas Blvd. Musical performers were subpar except for Frank Sinatra impersonator, all kids activity lines were ridiculously long if I was a kid I wouldn't want to go. Came down from Oakland for this? My bad.
Well, I just got back from a day at the International BBQ and Festival in Milpitas. It was all good except the Republic Service booth. My 5 year old son and Grandmother were in line to spin for some give aways. My son spun the wheel and got it in the Republic toy truck area. He was so excited because he loves trucks. Grandma was also very happy. The lady at the booth said "great job!" then she told the boss man. He said "that's not right, it needs to be right on the line!" "He can just spin again!" This was a major disappointment to my son and family. I had to explain this to him every couple of minutes and he still doesn't really understand. He went to bed crying and upset about this. The line on the spin wheel is less than a 1/4" and the pointer is about 1/16" thick. The terrible thing is that we all pay a lot of money to them and they should be giving back to the community. The boss man at the booth needs to know how to deal with the general public and kids.
Ok I think they need to say Festival first & some BBQ and not the other way around! I came here expecting a lot of BBQ places from different countries but it's not. Some good music and they do have tables and chairs to eat what food truck meals they had. It's mostly advertisement vendors and maybe 4 places that offer BBQ but that was only tri-tip or pulled pork... That was a disappointment! :-( The vendors were nice and what they sold were a little on the expensive side. Where's the BBQ people?? Where's the ribs? All I know is don't come here hungry!!
Restaurantji Recommends
It was a great weekend in Milpitas, especially if you were at the festival. Free parking was plentiful and walking distance to all the fun. We enjoyed all the vendors, food, and entertainment this past weekend. In fact, my son was jamming to all the music from the live bands. It was nice sitting on the grass under the shade, relaxing, and just enjoying the festival with my family. Best part of the festival was... FREE parking FREE entertainment (music, classic cars, arts and crafts) FREE activities for the kids (jumper, slide, basketball) FREE photo booth Appearance from Smokey the Bear Food Trucks oh yea, the weather was perfect and it was not crowded
Good: Easy location to find. Parking along the streets. Trees provided shade to sit in the grass and eat, but might want to bring a towel or matt to sit on because the grass was a little moist. Live entertainment on stage where a young girl was singing and she had talent singing the pop songs you hear on the radio. Random flash mob did a dance in the middle of the street. That was the highlight. Most tables in the center of the street were vendors selling random stuff, knick knacks, art, etc. The far end looked to have a bouncy house for kids, but I didn't go that far to check it out if you have to pay or not. Beer available in clear plastic cups. Bad: Signs said "international" bbq, but all I really saw were a few local food trucks. This event seemed to focus on the art vendors rather than BBQ food. Mogo's, a Louisiana kitchen, and I don't remember the other trucks. This was my first time going to the Milpitas one, but I recently went to the Santa Clara BBQ festival, which was much bigger and much more legit with a LOT more BBQ vendors who actually specialize in BBQ and brought their grillers and smokers.
Despite the name, BBQ was not to be found. Save for a a lucky few who happened to score on their tasting tickets. But being billed as 'International', the tasting was limited to the guns and hoses folks and while firefighters can cook and cops know where to eat, it did little justice to what was expected. But here's the thing. Milpitas is on the learning curve on how to do a festival. While neighboring cities have been carrying on with their annual events, Milpitas fell behind into what can be described as sort of an awkward and underwhelming gathering. That's no fault to the city or chamber and other organizers. Its been awhile. Milpitas does indeed need a festival to bring people together and celebrate the sake of living and being part of a community. Although many people celebrate and invite others to share in their cultural festivities, there is the risk of alienating or misunderstanding of what makes us unique. That said, its about what makes us the same. Earlier this year, the city hosted two events where everybody just came together. First was the car show hosted by the Veteran's Commission. Second was Community Day to celebrate the city's 60th Anniversary. Although both were understated, it was the simplicity and straightforwardness of both events that made them successful. Compared with the International BBQ Festival, the recent was like someone trying too hard to fit in. Again its a learning curve. Milpitas has always been about its celebrations. City history notes that in the past with the Portuguese community and the Holy Ghost celebrations at the turn of the century all the way to Frontier Days a few yeas after incorporation. The festivals we know now actually had there start in the late 80s and used to be held in the parking lot on Calaveras where Safeway and Staples is now. If anything, I think the organizers can find a theme within the city's history to bring people together. Not to totally give up on the BBQ thing because for sure, many people are about the meat and fire arts. Hopefully this event will set the tone for future events because the potential is there. I'm sure the organizers are going through a debrief on what went right and what went wrong. They'll make it better I'm sure.
No BBQ. Was told by one of the vendors the city permits were an issue. DID pick up a tasty sweet potato pie from Patricks Famous Pies! Those are 5 stars.
Not much BBQ going on, I expected more. Maybe all of the BBQ happened on Saturday, the "tasting" tickets were sold out. Few arts & crafts booths, I saw only 2 beer stands both had the same 2 beers. There was a better wine selection. 7 food trucks and a few small food stands. There was a stage set-up with live music at each end of the street. There was a few tables with umbrellas to put your things down to eat, nice touch. Like a much, much smaller Fremont Festival of the Arts. Need more BBQ!