4.6 (293)
30 Ave Portola #1B, El Granada, CA 94018
(650) 713-5303
breakwaterbbq.com
Service options
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Michael Chang
2024-04
Average BBQ joint with some hits and misses:Hits:Fatty Brisket - very tender and juicy but you do need to use their BBQ sauce otherwise there isn't much flavor.Apple coleslaw - compliments their meatsMisses:Ribs - good rub but the meat was extremely tough and dry.Also, the prices are a bit high for the size of their portions.
Daniel G
2024-04
Entering a brisket BBQ joint is a treat itself due to the amazing smell but the level of taste, juiciness, and creativity with the pulled pork and sauces makes this a must. all the pictures combined total cost $60 which in San Francisco would cost you half the portions, and $120. The server was awesome and convinced me to try all the items on the menu in the future with the burnt-end brisket burger being the next choice.
Bruno Marsala (Ontario Mortgage Agent)
2024-04
Met a chap on a flight from Toronto to San Francisco. Turns out he lived near my hometown back in Ontario Canada before moving to California. He suggested this place and it was spot on exactly as good as he said it would be. George was super nice and knew the chap on the plane. Thank you for an amazing eating experience the boys and I loved the platter and never had chicken so good. My Daughter loved the burger. Do yourself a favour and check this place out you won't be disappointed.
Motorsports Euro
2024-04
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Kasey Zhong
2024-05
I saw this place on one of Strictly Dumpling's videos and my boyfriend and I knew we had to check it out on our trip to to SF area last weekend. Absolutely amazing bbq, one of the best I've ever had. The chili was amazing and hearty. The mac and cheese was unique and I've never had it quite like that. When my boyfriend asked, we found out they had just recently tweaked their recipe. I absolutely loved the pickles that came with it. Don't get me started about the chocolate cake.Talking to the guys who were working about basketball was great as well. They were a mighty fun bunch of staff.I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the SF area! Stay awesome!
Lynn Eglan
2023-09
I've been here a few times, and it is a hidden gem. I didn't even know thar there was a BBQ place nearby until (Strictly Dumpling) Mike Chen had done a piece on this on YouTube. I was shook, I told my husband we had to go there this weekend to check it out.We came early before they opened, and I was surprised that there was a line. You can order online, but it was a beautiful day, so we figured there was no rush, and we stood in line like everyone else.Since it was early, I checked out the kids' clothing store (second-hand items, thrift shop) next door. The lady told me I had to get the brisket hamburger they have. It's everything you need all in a bun.I'm not going to lie. We literally ordered one of everything on the menu. We ended up coming the next day for the beef rib. They only have the beef rib available on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.What we've ordered :1. Breakwater burger - This is amazing. Brisket patty with chopped brisket on top. This thing is massive and a meal on its own.2. Baja fish taco - A massive piece of fish with slaw. Perfect bite of crispiness and crunch. The fish was perfectly cooked and so flaky. I was surprised, considering it's a BBQ spot.3. Quesabirria tacos - I'm not going to lie. I was skeptical, but who doesn't love a good birria taco. You have the option of brisket or pulled pork. We did one of each and it 🤯. This is one of my regulars to order.4. Beef rib - May sound pricey, but it's definitely worth it. To be honest, I'm not sure where you can get a beef rib in the peninsula. I feel you always gotta cross a bridge to get good BBQ. Here, you get a huge chunk of beef easily good for 1 or 2 people. It's perfectly seasoned that I don't even use BBQ sauce. There is a reason why this is only served every 1st and 3rd Sunday. It is a special treat.5. A la carte meats : brisket, pulled pork, and hot link highly recommend. It's all so tender and juicy, so flavorful. It's making my mouth water just thinking about it.6. Smokehouse brisket chili - This is hearty and definitely meaty.7. Potato salad - Always pairs great with BBQ definitely cools you down when eating hot link.Dessert.. always make room for dessert or save for later.Texas sheet cake is amazing. So chocolatey and sweet. The pecans give it a little bit of crunch and texture.Cookies are easy to eat and are just as amazing as well.As far as drinks, I've tried strawberry lemonade and sangria. Both are good. The sangria was not the fruity kind but has a bold taste.Honestly, everything we've tried is so good that we keep coming back. The more we come here, I've seen how Wyatt (owner) really cares about what he does. I've seen him sampling items making sure they taste perfectly prior to serving, making sure employees were organized and ready at their stations, and take the time to talk to customers and make sure everything is good. When he talks to customers, you can tell he's not asking because he has to, but you can see he genuinely wants to hear what you have to say. This is a rare thing to see nowadays.The smokers/grill they have is definitely a sight to see on its own.This is hands down the BEST BBQ in the peninsula! I hope more people get a chance to try this hidden gem. It's too good to keep to yourself.
Jennifer Biggerstaff
2023-07
Visited Breakwater BBQ after Mike Chen’s video and it definitely lived up to the hype! The staff was very attentive and welcoming. Food portions were generous. We enjoyed everything but the ribs were the stand out item! Can’t wait to come back and try more!We came on a Saturday just after opening at 12pm. There was a line but it went fairly quickly. Time from line to getting food on our table was only about 25 minutes. Seating is limited both inside and outside. Parking is on the street.Parking: Limited street parking.Wheelchair accessibility: Brick ramp leading up to front door.
Hanka Dangová
2023-12
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Jordan
2023-07
As a BBQ connoisseur, this place is the best bbq ive tried in the bay area so far. The meats were good but a little on the dry side. I just need to come right after they rest from the smoker. My cuts were from the warmer.While its no salt lick in austin, this definitely satisfied my craving. Ill be back!
Amanda Lima
2023-11
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Robert Carson
2024-03
We arrived shortly after opening and while there was a line things moved fairly fast. The pulled pork was a solid pick, and the brisket was good but not quite at the same level as the pulled pork. We found the potato salad was okay but different, and the macaroni and cheese was your typical large macaroni with some spices thrown on it. Overall, we'd probably return for the pulled pork and some of the interesting sandwiches on the menu.
Travis Pynn
2024-04
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John Riendeau
2023-05
For the area it is good BBQ with a great atmosphere. Pretty small inside with 5 tables and a small bar. They also have a few tables outside. Slaw (an apple slaw with great flavor) and Mac-N-Cheese (has jalapeños in it) were good. Brisket was good but a little dry. From the amount of a smoke ring it had, I think it was at to high of a temp or just smoke a little to long but I am super picky over my BBQ. Ribs were good and had a great flavor. Bread was nice and thick loke Texas toast but seems like it was left out awhile. The 2 sauces were good. Red was more of a Chipotle and the green was almost like a spicy chimichurri (not that spicy though). I would eat there again.
Chathun Kurera
2023-11
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Amanda Ruiz
2024-04
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Hit List
2023-12
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Take Back Roads
2022-05
Really cute place, inside and outside, convenient from the PCH but far enough away that you don’t get much road noise if you sit outside. I got the brisket sandwich and Mac n cheese, and my wife got the smoked pastrami Reuben and potato salad. We ended up swapping sides though cuz we liked each other’s more than our own. The sandwiches were fantastic! The smoked meats were so flavorful and juicy. Perfect BBQ.
Christopher Chan
2024-04
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Brian Hamilton
2023-12
We had heard about this place and FINALLY made it to eat lunch. It was fantastic. The brisket was well smoked and well balanced. It had the right amount of fat. Next time I'll skip the house pickles, but really enjoyed it. Note too that the bread is well toasted (Texas toast style).There are just a handful of tables, but their to go business looks good.We will be back!
ASI Jonathan Liu
2022-05
We ordered brisket and rib plate. Seasoned well with good smoky flavor. Both are a bit heavy for our taste, but I think most people should like it.
Luis Castro
2024-01
My mate and I arrived early on Saturday about 11am and enjoyed a coffee and tea from across the street. We were very happy to be first in line. I recommend arriving early if you want to sit and eat. They have about seven bar tops and two to three four top tables. I ordered the Texas trinity (brisket, ribs and link), a rib platter, fish taco, and had a delicious beer that was recommended by counter staff. My sides were potato salad, Mac and cheese, brisket chili and apple slaw. It came with ancho coffee BBQ sauce which was savory and delicious. The coffee notes are there but not over the top. The brisket and ribs had a nice smoke ring and the owner walked up to us and asked how our meal was and let us know they use hickory and I believe almond wood. The apple slaw was good but had a kick to it. Perhaps cayenne is used in the recipe. The potato salad was good with a mustard taste but not overwhelming. The brisket chili was hearty and tasty. The Mac and cheese was creamy and made with large elbow macaroni. Very nice for retaining all that gooey sauce. The beer was delicious, bright and very orange citrus forward with a slight bitterness. It reminded me of a mimosa. The fish is flaky, aioli has a little spice and smokiness to it and the slaw complimented it nicely. The fish could have been crispier but overall good and very filling.
Christopher Hogan
2024-01
Have been wanting to go here for a while and finally got to visit.We had the pulled pork sandwich, the brisket sandwich, and the brisket platter. The meat was very nice with excellent smoky crust. I found the sides to be really great especially the beans and greens.
Richard Weld
2024-02
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Titus Rivera
2021-05
Hands down the best BBQ in the San Francisco Bay Area! The staff is very friendly and professional. Come grab some BBQ; don't miss out on this gem! It's a favorite local place to eat and have a drink.
William Benarto
2023-10
So food here actually really good. Fries was crispy and well season, as well as the pork sandwich. But I waited 45 minutes for a FREAKING SANDWICH. Just unacceptable.
Eric Sanchez Hernandez
2023-12
Been wanting to go here since it first featured on raving reviews of really good bbq, but we left disappointed.The staff was not very welcoming or friendly while trying to figure out how and what to order. The big guy behind the counter was more focused on chatting it up with the patron sitting at the bar area. The service was similar to when I went back to pickup food.As for the food, we got the large 3 meat platter to try it all.The brisket was the best. Juicey, tender just like I've had in NC and TX.Their home made sausage was also really good and flavorful.The ribs I can do a much better job. Too tough imo.Would I go back? Most likely not. It's not worth the effort. Gorilla BBQ in Pacifica is more worthwhile.
Luke Honnen
2023-10
The staff were nice and friendly but the service was unfortunately slow and half the meat on the menu was unavailable. We came an hour after they opened and they were already out of the ribs and sausages links. They said mac and cheese would be a 30 minute wait. We ate the brisket, pulled pork and fish taco. The pork was okay. The brisket was better. The fish taco was delicious and probably the best thing we ate there. All in all, Breakwater Barbecue is average. Hopefully they can improve the service and offer their full menu in the future.
Oondayo
2023-12
The food was too pricey for the quality of food and portion. Ordered the Texas Trinity, and it did not compare to TX bbq. The ribs did not fall off the bone and lacked taste. The brisket was pretty good, and the pulled pork was ok. If I did not try some of the food prior to leaving I would have missed out one of the meats from the TX trinity, and for how much I paid I would have been very upset when getting home to only find partial order. Also had the chili, Mac & chz, and potatoe salad. The side dishes did not have that kick I was hoping for and kinda bland. If I ever decided to come back, it would just be to try out the brisket again.
Mr. D
2023-05
Great customer service beautiful building great view if the ocean the brisket was fantastic soft moist flavorful brisket tacos were delicious as well definitely will return loved the mac and cheese
Steve Anderson
2024-04
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| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 12-7 PM |
| Friday | 12-7 PM |
| Saturday | 12-7 PM |
| Sunday | 12-7 PM |
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