Holy Smokes Country BBQ and Catering

21505 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
(831) 471-8787

Recent Reviews

Crystal Martinez

Fabulous food!Everything was delicious and moist.I'm so glad to have found this place recently. It has the same style sauce of my Husband's childhood BBQ joint and he's thrilled to have it back in his life.It's winter now, but the side garden is likely going to become a staple in our family dinner rotation.

Helen Nelander

Yum! Delicious food, and too much. One sandwich and a couple of mimosas was a great brunch for two.

Victor Jung

This is arguably the best barbecue joints I've ever dined at! We stayed 3 nights at our hotel and went here two of the three days. We would have gone all three days but one day we got back after their operating hours. Great portions for fair prices. We tried their brisket, pork belly, tri-tip, and burgers. All four meats were cooked perfectly. Great barbecue smokiness and excellent bark on the meats in both flavor and ratio. The french fries were nice and crispy, and well portioned for 2 people to share. I also had their spicy slaw. It was very delicious, and not over mayo'd or over spicy; just the right amount of kick. Make it a part of your travel plans to go here if you're in Santa Cruz. You won't be disappointed!Parking: Lots of parking because it's in a strip mall.Wheelchair accessibility: Level ground and double doors

D S.

Holy Smokes catered our wedding reception, and our guests absolutely loved the BBQ! Janis (the owner) was very easy to work with from the beginning and communicative. They have a very wide array of options for catering (more than just BBQ) and lots of options for many different dietary restrictions. It was amazing having Holy Smokes on site to cater our wedding. They smoked the BBQ on site so our guests were eagerly anticipating dinner. The brisket and pulled pork were juicy and right out of the smoker. All their dishes were delicious (even the non-BBQ ones) and highly recommend them to anyone looking for catering. Their set up was also very classy! Janis will even coordinate wedding color linens with the rest of the theme. Highly recommend!

Shimsin U.

Had two large rib dinners ordered for myself, son, and two friends on Sunday 9/18, to be delivered just as it was done on the several past orders. It was to arrive around 5:30 to 6 PM. Fortunatley, I had called online around 5:30 to check on it, and received an email stating that the order was cancelled since it could not be fullfilled. I telephoned the office and did not receive a person, just a recorded message. I also called their cell number wherein a recordered female message answered, so I told the answer messenger that I was very disappointed, thinking that I might get my call returned. Didn't happen. I imagine that I won't get an answer.

Josh Rennert

It’s been a long time since I’ve had such good BBQ. The restaurant has a really nice outdoor area when it’s nice out, where there are some lawn games (like cornhole!) to pass the time while you’re waiting for and/or digesting your food. Of course everything looked good and we couldn’t decide on just one item, so we opted for the large combo meal to get a little of everything. Needless to say, we left very satisfied. Highly recommended if you’re in the area!

abcole

One of the best BBQ spots in Santa Cruz. The variety and quality of the meat are all very high, and the sauce and side selection are really good as well. The outdoor seating is also very nice, with variety of table options and games to play. Go with a group, find a good table outside, and get a big mixed combo. High recommend!

M

Hands down some of the best BBQ in the county. By far the best sides and service of any BBQ place in the area.Exceeds expectations of BBQ in Santa Cruz. Truly a hidden gem and a must try.

Marlene B.

Ok this was such a lovely surprise for lunch. First time here and the food was soooooo good. The flavors and smell and look was pretty spot on for what I crave in a BBQ spot. Outside seating is fun too. They have umbrellas for shade. When you're in SC you need to check this place out too! Quorry was at the front counter and I haven't had such helpful, and just pleasant service in such a long time. Thanks! I'll be back

Alex W.

Brisket sandwich was amazing, great atmosphere, the back had tic tak toe station. Amazing place. They thing the food out to you and the sandwiches are nice sized.

Sophie B.

The server was really nice, but the food was really mediocre. A lot of it was dry and the sauce was both too sweet and tasted like they put in too much caraway seeds. Was really disappointed. Music was also terrible.

Swiss Mari

Pretty good bbq but you have to try the sweet potato fries ???

David Fisher

We did several platters for take out and we were incredibly impressed. Chicken, brisket, ribs, and all the sides were delicious. Brisket was the crowd pleaser. Excited to dine-in soon!

Shawn

This place is so good!! Amazing food and great atmosphere. Also friendly service. Their brisket nachos are huge! And enough for 3-4 people. Brisket is so yummy. We also tried their taco special (3 for $11) great deal and full of meat tasty salsa and very filling. On another accession we tried the pork sliders with a side of potato salad. Both delicious! Pork is tender with a yummy slaw and buns are tasty. Potato salad seasoned perfectly and very good as well. Lots of outdoor seating and games to play while you wait. This will definitely be a spot we return too. One of the better bbq spots in Santa Cruz

Food Advisor

Really nice place with Corn hole and ping-pong table. I loved it ??The pulled pork sandwich was delicious? Sweet potetos Fried crispy? Mac & cheese? Sausage really good as wellThe Rib was good but a little bit dry ?

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Holy Smokes Country BBQ and Catering

21505 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 471-8787