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

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.

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 ?

Lkamii Dixon

Absolutely amazing!! I’m originally from NC and it is hard to find good BBQ in Santa Cruz. This place is the Real deal and all of the sides were incredible. Especially the potato salad and Mac n’ cheese. I can’t wait to try the other items on the menu!

Alexandra Heredia

Staff was nice but the rack of ribs was extremely dry. It was very very dry, and over cooked

Samantha Heredia

Their food portions are great! I had the tri tip, cooked perfectly. I love the atmosphere, lots of games to pass the time.

Rob Walker

Pretty good BBQ, but it was late Sunday afternoon and they were running out of items on the menu. Will be back!

MJ Stearns - Your Local Real Estate Expert

Holy smokes, we finally have some good BBQ! Not only do they have delicious BBQ but they also have fun stuff to do outside while you eat.Cornhole, ping pong, tic-tac-toe, and a large Connect 4 game! The outdoor patio has lots of seating and is also pet friendly.It’s a pretty mellow spot during the week and gets a lot busier on the weekends. I took mine to go, and enjoyed it at home. Love coming here on a weekend with friends!Tasty spot, and they always have yummy specials.PS…they also do catering!

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Holy Smokes Country BBQ and Catering

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