BBQ in Tustin

Well, after trying great BBQ in Texas, we thought we'd try some BBQ in our local town, Tustin. Beach Pit BBQ is located in Old Town Tustin in a 1915 historic building that used to be a car garage. Many of the original fixtures are still on the walls, as well as an exposed ceiling -- a great atmosphere for this type of fare!



Billed as "Southern Smoke, California Style" BBQ, Beach Pit BBQ had some hits and misses. There were four of us and we tried many things. The baby back ribs were by far the best option. The spicy/tangy sauce was a good temperature and taste, and the ribs were moist and easy to eat.




The Alabama Slamma is your combination plate and is priced at $19.95 with your choice of (3) meats and (2) sides (or at $16.95 with your choice of (2) meats and (2) sides). We tried it with pulled pork, beef brisket and sausage. Of the three, we rated the sausage highest, followed by the beef brisket and pulled pork. The pork was just not that moist and juicy. And maybe it's because I was eating Texas BBQ last week. However, my friends thought the same. The spare ribs were also tried and they, liked the baby back ribs, were juicy and falling off the bone.

Of the various sides offered, we seemed to sample most. Corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, BBQ beans and blueberry cornbread. The BBQ beans were a mixture of kidney beans and navy beans in a tangy and spicy sauce. We all agreed that the beans were the best side option of all. The blueberry cornbread was also a refreshing change.

We ended our main course with a salad wedge -- a huge cut of iceberg lettuce with red onion slices, diced tomatoes and chunks of blue cheese and blue cheese dressing. Generously portioned and well-presented, it was quite refreshing after the heat of the main meal.



Dinners come with homemade banana pudding, which was surprisingly good and an easy ending to a full meal. We all left with leftovers. The portions are quite large, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Beach Pit BBQ also serves a "Southern Breakfast" on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 4PM. Requests have been made to feature breakfast locations in the Tustin/Irvine/Orange area, so stay tuned to this column for a feature in the near future.

Beach Pit BBQ, 560 El Camino Real, Old Town Tustin
714/929-RIBS
www.beachpitBBQ.com

Also located in Costa Mesa
1676 Tustin Avenue
949/645-RIBS