Heritage Barbecue

When it comes to Texas-style barbecue in California, it doesn’t get more serious than Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano. There are two massive, custom-built smokers right outside the restaurant and you’ll usually see a line of ‘cue devotees lined up behind them any day of the week (thankfully the lines move fast). Smoky, exceptionally tender brisket is the star here, but the housemade jalapeño cheddar sausages, pulled pork, and sides like loaded potato salad and creamed corn esquites deserve some shine, too. There’s a large shady patio onsite where you can linger over your meal with some beers. If not, just take your food to-go: Heritage runs an impressively efficient drive-up preorder system through their website.