this appears to be Morgan Hill's Rustic Barbecue Haven
Choosing Trail Dust BBQ as our midpoint meeting spot for friends converging from different locations proved to be an inspired decision. Located in Morgan Hill's vibrant food and beverage district, the restaurant benefits from a bustling atmosphere that immediately signals this is a dining destination worth visiting. The abundant parking structure eliminates the usual concerns about finding a spot, allowing you to focus entirely on the culinary experience ahead.
The restaurant's design perfectly captures the authentic barbecue aesthetic with its quaint rustic charm. The thoughtful combination of indoor and outdoor seating provides options for every preference, while the weathered wooden benches outside transport you to a classic backyard barbecue setting. This attention to ambiance enhances the entire dining experience, making you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem rather than just another restaurant.
Trail Dust's menu is impressively comprehensive, offering an exhaustive selection that showcases the breadth of American barbecue traditions. From tender tri-tip and flavorful burnt ends to smoky hot links, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and succulent pulled pork, every major barbecue staple is represented. The sides menu proves equally impressive, featuring classic comfort foods like creamy potato salad, hearty greens, aromatic garlic bread, and tangy coleslaw. Their unique loaded potato dish - a generous spud filled with your choice of meat- demonstrates the kitchen's creativity in elevating traditional offerings.
Our three-choice meat plate delivered exceptional value and satisfaction, but the tri-tip sandwich truly stole the show. The meat was masterfully prepared -flavorful, succulent, and remarkably juicy, showcasing the pitmaster's skill in balancing smoke, seasoning, and cooking technique. they had a limited selection of BBQ sauce, spicy and regular - and honestly, I didn't see a need for more because these two were just amazing.
The dessert selection deserves special mention, particularly the bread pudding, which converted me into an instant devotee. This was my first encounter with this classic comfort dessert, and Trail Dust's execution was so outstanding that it has permanently earned a place on my must-order list.
the service was exceptional, the staff friendly and always making pertinent recommendations.
what really caught my eye was the fact that tucked away in the back were stacks of well cut wood for smoking the meat. a true signof an authentic BBQ.
Trail Dust BBQ has secured its position on my return itinerary for future Morgan Hill visits. Combined with my previous discovery of My Pizza, I'm beginning to recognize Morgan Hill as an emerging culinary destination with hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
American Angler
Picked up a weasel down in Gilroy ..mean and nasty as can be, just like Rosie O'Donnell only not as stinky, got him from an old geezer named Whotootin Bob at his pelt farm The Wicked Weasel. My resident female weasel lost her mate in a fight with a bobcat, so this boy is going to be her new boyfriend. Back to the Napa Valley, but first I've got to stop at the Trail Dust BBQ in Morgan Hill for a rack of those world famous Ribs! And let me tell you...they were Amazing! 5 stars all the way. ☆☆☆☆☆ Oh...and the new weasel love the bones!
Rory Kull
This place never disappoints, always top-notch.
Emanuel “Manny” Melgarejo
I hadn't been to trail dust in years and I remember the food being much better. We ordered ribs, tri-tip, and brisket and I found the ribs to have very little meat to no meat on the ribs. The brisket and tri-tip was soft but it lacked seasoning and that smoky taste. I tried their BBQ sauces and they were average at best. The sides were average, which we got the coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, and corn bread. Corn bread was bland tasting and could use some more butter. Their mac and cheese and coleslaw was good but still average.
I was surprised that they are now a self-service eatery so I felt it was a bit pricey for average food that I need to go order and get from the service table. Definitely not the same place I used to come to 10 years ago.
Kendall Lloyd
This is always my go-to bbq place in the Bay Area. Prices can get a bit steep but it’s definitely worth it because the brisket is the best you can get. Service is also friendly and would recommend the cornbread—but every piece of barbecue is great here. It’s good for large groups and small gatherings alike.
Jeremiah Boehner
Had a BBQ Sandwich with a side of Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was amazing and the sandwich had a lot of meat!
Ordered the 2 meats meal. Brisket (lean) and pork ribs. Sides: beans and potato salad.
Absolutely no smoke flavor…i almost wished they used liquid smoke or something. It was like eating food with your nose plugged. Beans were meh, potato salad was potato salad with hot sauce? Their cornbread was…toast that tasted like cornbread with a hint of garlic toast flavor. Kinda weird.
We only gave it a try bc we saw 5 stars and over 1k review thinking it was gonna be good. We should’ve read the reviews…
This is probably good for Morgan Hill locals but not for real bbq eaters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Gerardo Perez
The bbq ribs fell off the bone. Chicken was moist and tender.
Tri tip was delicious, 5/5! The baked potato is savory. The sides such as the beans and Mac n Cheese were ok. Side portions are small, but it does let you know on the menu the amount of ounces (5oz).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryan
We picked up pork ribs and brought them home. They were ready and fresh in 10 minutes. So good. High in calories so can't eat it all the time, but super tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coleslaw, Tri Tip Sandwich, Pork Ribs, Squealin Pig Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Garlic Bread, BBQ Sauce
Paul Brannon
I called on my way from work in San Jose drove all the way to Morgan Hill and he had still not answered the phone come to find out there was four people sitting outside in the restaurant empty. I asked the guy behind the counter. Are the phones broken his reply was no just been very busy. Imagine that. Very obvious these people do not care about customer service
this appears to be Morgan Hill's Rustic Barbecue Haven
Choosing Trail Dust BBQ as our midpoint meeting spot for friends converging from different locations proved to be an inspired decision. Located in Morgan Hill's vibrant food and beverage district, the restaurant benefits from a bustling atmosphere that immediately signals this is a dining destination worth visiting. The abundant parking structure eliminates the usual concerns about finding a spot, allowing you to focus entirely on the culinary experience ahead.
The restaurant's design perfectly captures the authentic barbecue aesthetic with its quaint rustic charm. The thoughtful combination of indoor and outdoor seating provides options for every preference, while the weathered wooden benches outside transport you to a classic backyard barbecue setting. This attention to ambiance enhances the entire dining experience, making you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem rather than just another restaurant.
Trail Dust's menu is impressively comprehensive, offering an exhaustive selection that showcases the breadth of American barbecue traditions. From tender tri-tip and flavorful burnt ends to smoky hot links, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and succulent pulled pork, every major barbecue staple is represented. The sides menu proves equally impressive, featuring classic comfort foods like creamy potato salad, hearty greens, aromatic garlic bread, and tangy coleslaw. Their unique loaded potato dish - a generous spud filled with your choice of meat- demonstrates the kitchen's creativity in elevating traditional offerings.
Our three-choice meat plate delivered exceptional value and satisfaction, but the tri-tip sandwich truly stole the show. The meat was masterfully prepared -flavorful, succulent, and remarkably juicy, showcasing the pitmaster's skill in balancing smoke, seasoning, and cooking technique.
they had a limited selection of BBQ sauce, spicy and regular - and honestly, I didn't see a need for more because these two were just amazing.
The dessert selection deserves special mention, particularly the bread pudding, which converted me into an instant devotee. This was my first encounter with this classic comfort dessert, and Trail Dust's execution was so outstanding that it has permanently earned a place on my must-order list.
the service was exceptional, the staff friendly and always making pertinent recommendations.
what really caught my eye was the fact that tucked away in the back were stacks of well cut wood for smoking the meat. a true signof an authentic BBQ.
Trail Dust BBQ has secured its position on my return itinerary for future Morgan Hill visits. Combined with my previous discovery of My Pizza, I'm beginning to recognize Morgan Hill as an emerging culinary destination with hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
Picked up a weasel down in Gilroy ..mean and nasty as can be, just like Rosie O'Donnell only not as stinky, got him from an old geezer named Whotootin Bob at his pelt farm The Wicked Weasel. My resident female weasel lost her mate in a fight with a bobcat, so this boy is going to be her new boyfriend. Back to the Napa Valley, but first I've got to stop at the Trail Dust BBQ in Morgan Hill for a rack of those world famous Ribs! And let me tell you...they were Amazing!
5 stars all the way. ☆☆☆☆☆
Oh...and the new weasel love the bones!
This place never disappoints, always top-notch.
I hadn't been to trail dust in years and I remember the food being much better. We ordered ribs, tri-tip, and brisket and I found the ribs to have very little meat to no meat on the ribs. The brisket and tri-tip was soft but it lacked seasoning and that smoky taste. I tried their BBQ sauces and they were average at best. The sides were average, which we got the coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, and corn bread. Corn bread was bland tasting and could use some more butter. Their mac and cheese and coleslaw was good but still average.
I was surprised that they are now a self-service eatery so I felt it was a bit pricey for average food that I need to go order and get from the service table. Definitely not the same place I used to come to 10 years ago.
This is always my go-to bbq place in the Bay Area. Prices can get a bit steep but it’s definitely worth it because the brisket is the best you can get. Service is also friendly and would recommend the cornbread—but every piece of barbecue is great here. It’s good for large groups and small gatherings alike.
Had a BBQ Sandwich with a side of Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was amazing and the sandwich had a lot of meat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Mac and Cheese
Great food and friendly service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad, BBQ Sauce, Brisket
Excellent BBQ sandwiches!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Ordered the 2 meats meal. Brisket (lean) and pork ribs. Sides: beans and potato salad.
Absolutely no smoke flavor…i almost wished they used liquid smoke or something. It was like eating food with your nose plugged. Beans were meh, potato salad was potato salad with hot sauce? Their cornbread was…toast that tasted like cornbread with a hint of garlic toast flavor. Kinda weird.
We only gave it a try bc we saw 5 stars and over 1k review thinking it was gonna be good. We should’ve read the reviews…
This is probably good for Morgan Hill locals but not for real bbq eaters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
The bbq ribs fell off the bone. Chicken was moist and tender.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Small little bbq joint with great food and even better beee!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Beer Selection, 3 Meat Combo, Sandwich, Brisket
I always get the Berry Bleu salad with pulled pork. Love it!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans, Beer Selection, Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, BBQ Sauce, Brisket
Tri tip was delicious, 5/5! The baked potato is savory. The sides such as the beans and Mac n Cheese were ok. Side portions are small, but it does let you know on the menu the amount of ounces (5oz).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We picked up pork ribs and brought them home. They were ready and fresh in 10 minutes. So good. High in calories so can't eat it all the time, but super tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coleslaw, Tri Tip Sandwich, Pork Ribs, Squealin Pig Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Garlic Bread, BBQ Sauce
I called on my way from work in San Jose drove all the way to Morgan Hill and he had still not answered the phone come to find out there was four people sitting outside in the restaurant empty. I asked the guy behind the counter. Are the phones broken his reply was no just been very busy. Imagine that.
Very obvious these people do not care about customer service
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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