Harper Barbecue

Yotes

Originally, I was made aware of Harper Barbecuebecause of the smokers that they make being used at so many of my favorite barbecue spots. And when I heard that they were going to open their own shop, I was very excited. That was years ago and WELL WORTH THE WAIT. Forgoing the popular brisket, the fatty beef choice here is smoked beef cheeks. My favorite bite of barbecue. It is like taking all the various parts you love about brisket, and having it in one bite. It was so tender, yet still sliceable, that it melted in my mouth. Honestly Harper Barbecue gave me flashbacks to the first time I walked up coffee in hand to the food truck for Leroy in Lewis years ago. Of course because of the beef cheeks but also because the other choices in meats. Unlike other barbecue joints, Harper serves smoked picanha. It was easily my favorite bit of the platter. It was so good another 1/2 pound was purchased before I left to take back lolThe beefy flavor from the meat that the kiss of the fat cap that melted as it entered my mouth. Having this choice in meat felt similar to the “New School Barbecue” OG that regularly services flat iron. (And my favorite that Leroy and Lewis had on the menu for only a short while, the smoked chuck) Speaking of flat iron, talking to the crew in the smoke room, they had one they were testing on the pit. I really wish I could come tomorrow again to try it out. Obviously it being California, tri tip is a staple. Being raised in San Diego, I full heartedly loved. Tri tip is the cut of state. After nerding out with crew, I had to get the pork steak and the key lime cheesecake before leaving. I feel pork steak is one of the most underrated cuts of barbecue. I love it when great places give this cut some love. Melted in my mouth and the rendered fat just slipped down my throat. You don’t need teeth. Since they make their own pits, sounds like testing out new methods of cooking is only a matter of construction. The endless possibilities. I’ll have to come back every so often when schedule permits to see what they are cooking up.

Alex Salai

They really thought of everything! It was honestly so delicious with a tradition + new age menu that was thoughtfully designed. The potato salad, baked beans, and mac + cheese were insanely good sides, the beef cheeks and jidori chicken were delicious, and the banana pudding was amazing. Also... root beer floats in frosty cold mugs? Yep. Oh, and reverse osmosis water on tap. They didn't need to do that, but they did. You can tell a lot of love went into all the details. We will be back (regularly).

Nicholas Corbett

Great new BBQ spot in Costa Mesa! Got to join as part of their soft opening. Food was delicious and atmosphere was so nice with a good combo of indoor and patio seating. Can’t wait for the grand opening!

What are you waiting for?! Harper's is my favorite spot for BBQ in the area for several reasons: 1. The meat is fantastic. I mean fantastic and they have cuts of meat you don't see at other BBQ joints. 2. The vibe and location is perfect. I rarely wait in line. I get my food right away and the setting is absolutely on point. 3. Tons of BBQ places use smokers made by Harper's. Cut out the middle-man and trust the experts. 4. It's way closer than Heritage and I don't want to wait 45 minutes in a line for BBQ. I mean what are you waiting for when Harper's is RIGHT THERE! I can't wait to see what new sides and flavors they create and I love their seasonal specials. If you haven't tried Harper's... If you haven't tried Harpers yet, what are you waiting for?!

Visited this place with some friends last weekend and I’m going be honest, didn’t have very high expectations as most BBQ I’ve had in California is usually average at best. But man, Harper BBQ blew my doors off. The star of the show was the beef cheek which honestly you don’t see very often if ever on a menu. Incredibly juicy and tender without sacrificing that dark bark on the outside of it. The pork ribs and the tri tip were damn good as well. Good amount of seasoning without muddying up the taste of the meat which I really appreciate. Second to the cheek would be the cornbread. Idk how they make it like that but it was something to behold. It was mildy cheesy with a little heat from the jalapeño, but the heat was perfectly balanced out from the sweetness of the honey. The interior vibe was clean and welcoming with some pretty artisticly designed comfortable seats. It was raining when we were there, but I can imagine the outside seating would keep the vibe high on a sunny day. Place was a 5/5, can’t wait to go back someday!

Literally the best bbq spot ever. I seriously think about it all week long lol. I cannot possibly understand any of the reviews saying the meat lacked flavor…. I guess some people have no taste and are just grumpy folk. Everything I’ve ever ordered is absolutely so flavorful and delicious. The portions are great and I love the variety of the menu. My favorite items are the beef cheeks, the Brussels Caesar, and the potatoes. In addition to the food being absolutely amazing the atmosphere is so fun and relaxing. We have three small kids and normally feel on edge at restaurants when our kids are a little squirmy, but here all the employees chat with them and are incredibly friendly and welcoming - a true family friendly restaurant. We are so lucky to have this spot so close to our home and recommend it to anyone who is wanting fun, relaxing night out and a belly full of the best food around.

Bryce Ivey

Visited this place with some friends last weekend and I’m going be honest, didn’t have very high expectations as most BBQ I’ve had in California is usually average at best. But man, Harper BBQ blew my doors off. The star of the show was the beef cheek which honestly you don’t see very often if ever on a menu. Incredibly juicy and tender without sacrificing that dark bark on the outside of it. The pork ribs and the tri tip were damn good as well. Good amount of seasoning without muddying up the taste of the meat which I really appreciate. Second to the cheek would be the cornbread. Idk how they make it like that but it was something to behold. It was mildy cheesy with a little heat from the jalapeño, but the heat was perfectly balanced out from the sweetness of the honey. The interior vibe was clean and welcoming with some pretty artisticly designed comfortable seats. It was raining when we were there, but I can imagine the outside seating would keep the vibe high on a sunny day. Place was a 5/5, can’t wait to go back someday!

Leah Bradley

Literally the best bbq spot ever. I seriously think about it all week long lol. I cannot possibly understand any of the reviews saying the meat lacked flavor…. I guess some people have no taste and are just grumpy folk. Everything I’ve ever ordered is absolutely so flavorful and delicious. The portions are great and I love the variety of the menu. My favorite items are the beef cheeks, the Brussels Caesar, and the potatoes. In addition to the food being absolutely amazing the atmosphere is so fun and relaxing. We have three small kids and normally feel on edge at restaurants when our kids are a little squirmy, but here all the employees chat with them and are incredibly friendly and welcoming - a true family friendly restaurant. We are so lucky to have this spot so close to our home and recommend it to anyone who is wanting fun, relaxing night out and a belly full of the best food around.

First time at Harper BBQ and overall a great experience. The place was clean, the vibe was welcoming, and the staff were friendly. The meats I had were flavorful and satisfying. Recommendations: Beef Cheek and Sausages The Mac & Cheese had great texture and lot’s of cheese, but could use a bit more seasoning. The potato salad felt like it was served warm and had a unique twist, no mayo or eggs like the classic version. Interesting, but not really my thing. Place is definitely worth checking out!

The first time we went it was amazing! The meat was flavorful and so tender! We couldn't wait to go back, so the following week I went with a friend who had never been, this time was a different story, the tri tip was so tough and flavorless.....such a bummer! I'd love to try again in hopes it would be like the first time, but also bit worried that it wont. I dont mind spending $40+ if its great, but that's a huge waste of money if its not good again.

Kevin-Nam Phan

First time at Harper BBQ and overall a great experience. The place was clean, the vibe was welcoming, and the staff were friendly. The meats I had were flavorful and satisfying. Recommendations: Beef Cheek and Sausages The Mac & Cheese had great texture and lot’s of cheese, but could use a bit more seasoning. The potato salad felt like it was served warm and had a unique twist, no mayo or eggs like the classic version. Interesting, but not really my thing. Place is definitely worth checking out!

Cindy H

The first time we went it was amazing! The meat was flavorful and so tender! We couldn't wait to go back, so the following week I went with a friend who had never been, this time was a different story, the tri tip was so tough and flavorless.....such a bummer! I'd love to try again in hopes it would be like the first time, but also bit worried that it wont. I dont mind spending $40+ if its great, but that's a huge waste of money if its not good again.

I stopped by on a Saturday evening around 6:30 and was able to place my order right away. The guys behind the counter were super welcoming and helpful, which made for a nice first impression. Most of the beef options were already sold out by then, but my boyfriend ordered a half pound of what was left, and I went with a half pound of chicken. For sides, we chose the Brussels sprouts Caesar salad, mac and cheese, and a cornbread muffin. Unfortunately, the food just didn't live up to our expectations. The meat was surprisingly cold, even though it was pulled straight from the warmer. Maybe it would've made a difference if it had been served hot, but either way, we both felt the smoked meat lacked the flavor and tenderness we've experienced elsewhere. The mac and cheese was a letdown too, under-seasoned and unusually runny, with a cheese sauce that didn't quite hit the mark. The Brussels sprouts Caesar salad was forgettable, but the cornbread muffin was a small saving grace...moist, tasty, and well-made, even though it was also served cold. On a positive note, the ambiance is great. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It's definitely the kind of spot you'd want to hang out in. It's a real disappointment because we live so close and were genuinely excited to have a BBQ joint nearby. Unfortunately, with the food being so underwhelming, we're not sure we'll be back.

B [it's aight / 還可以] · i went for my friends suprise birthday party (they can seat up to 10+ people) · ordered their prime beef cheek + signature cornbread muffin which was about 27$ USD total as of September 2025 · beef cheeks was tender and soft to bite (also came with free pickled sides) · but portion size was too small for the amount (was not full) · cornbread muffin did not taste good and was too dry · i did like their soap in their outdoor sink! (helped washed off the grease after eating really well) tldr: delicious but expensive bbq

Great atmosphere but parking was a challenge at 3:30 on a Friday. Lot was full and street parking was tough. Arrived and waited 15 mins in line for only 6 people in front…. Got to the front only to learn they were out of Ribs and Pastrami and then told nothing from the kitchen as it’s closed from 3-5. Very odd. Disappointing. When you are out of food and serving left overs - Post it out front. Don’t make us wait in line and waste our time only to find out you are barely open. Tried the Tri Tip it was inedible. Too fatty and tough. Chicken was dry white meat breast. Would have preferred dark. Hard to tell if it was brined but lacking flavor. The rib bits were good but dry as they ran out of ribs. Sides were all decent. Bill was $80+ for 2. Which is a lot of coin for what we got. They Just barely opened this week so will try again. Never go late afternoon otherwise you can’t order half the menu….and most of the BBQ items are gone or you are getting leftovers. But the kitchen should be open…..C’mon guys figure it out….you can do better.

eatingwithmeow

B [it's aight / 還可以] · i went for my friends suprise birthday party (they can seat up to 10+ people) · ordered their prime beef cheek + signature cornbread muffin which was about 27$ USD total as of September 2025 · beef cheeks was tender and soft to bite (also came with free pickled sides) · but portion size was too small for the amount (was not full) · cornbread muffin did not taste good and was too dry · i did like their soap in their outdoor sink! (helped washed off the grease after eating really well) tldr: delicious but expensive bbq

Carlita Cartwright

I stopped by on a Saturday evening around 6:30 and was able to place my order right away. The guys behind the counter were super welcoming and helpful, which made for a nice first impression. Most of the beef options were already sold out by then, but my boyfriend ordered a half pound of what was left, and I went with a half pound of chicken. For sides, we chose the Brussels sprouts Caesar salad, mac and cheese, and a cornbread muffin. Unfortunately, the food just didn't live up to our expectations. The meat was surprisingly cold, even though it was pulled straight from the warmer. Maybe it would've made a difference if it had been served hot, but either way, we both felt the smoked meat lacked the flavor and tenderness we've experienced elsewhere. The mac and cheese was a letdown too, under-seasoned and unusually runny, with a cheese sauce that didn't quite hit the mark. The Brussels sprouts Caesar salad was forgettable, but the cornbread muffin was a small saving grace...moist, tasty, and well-made, even though it was also served cold. On a positive note, the ambiance is great. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It's definitely the kind of spot you'd want to hang out in. It's a real disappointment because we live so close and were genuinely excited to have a BBQ joint nearby. Unfortunately, with the food being so underwhelming, we're not sure we'll be back.

Steve Smith

Great atmosphere but parking was a challenge at 3:30 on a Friday. Lot was full and street parking was tough. Arrived and waited 15 mins in line for only 6 people in front…. Got to the front only to learn they were out of Ribs and Pastrami and then told nothing from the kitchen as it’s closed from 3-5. Very odd. Disappointing. When you are out of food and serving left overs - Post it out front. Don’t make us wait in line and waste our time only to find out you are barely open. Tried the Tri Tip it was inedible. Too fatty and tough. Chicken was dry white meat breast. Would have preferred dark. Hard to tell if it was brined but lacking flavor. The rib bits were good but dry as they ran out of ribs. Sides were all decent. Bill was $80+ for 2. Which is a lot of coin for what we got. They Just barely opened this week so will try again. Never go late afternoon otherwise you can’t order half the menu….and most of the BBQ items are gone or you are getting leftovers. But the kitchen should be open…..C’mon guys figure it out….you can do better.

Visited at 4:00 on Friday 3/28. Approached the counter and was told the kitchen was closed untill 5;00 so I can only order meat and sides. This was disappointing since I wanted a sandwhich. I ordered tri tip and it was served cold and close to being rare. I guess they forget to turn the warmer on. The mac and cheese was a good sized portion for $8 and the crispy bread crumb topping was on point. The potato salad is served warm and in the style of classic German potato salad. I waited till the kitchen was open and ordered a salad and key lime cheesecake to go. They served the salad for dine in but politely apologized and placed it in a cardboard container for take out. The salad was dressed and soaked through the container. At $24 the salad was underwhelming and he portion was undersized. Thats what I get for ordering a salad at a BBQ joint. I was expecting a slice of key lime cheesecake but received a teeny tiny mini pie that was not worthy of the $8 I paid. They obviously have some kinks to work out and serving cold meat is a pretty big oversight for a BBQ joint. Ill wait 4 to 5 months before I try it again. Note - They have a bar with Coors and Busch on tap as well as a cozy outside dining area.

Been really looking forward to this spot, was sadly disappointed. Went for Day 2 after opening. They were already sold out of Beef Cheek early evening which was a bummer. The Tri-Tip was served cold and very rare and chewy (almost blue rare in parts). The dull knives they gave could not even cut through it since it was so rare and fatty. I’d have taken it back tbh but the line was long and moving slow. The pork ribs were just ok, but quite dry had very little meat. You’re paying per pound for almost all bone (also cold) Jidori Chicken was tasty, but also cold. Saving grace was the Pork Steak, which was tender, flavorful (and just above lukewarm) Sides were solid, but cornbread was surprise surprise. Cold. They also have it designed in a bottleneck with 1 guy (the owner) taking orders & cutting meat. He’s a nice guy, but not fast enough for the line. They need 2 serving stations and a more efficient process. I’ll give them some benefit of the doubt as they’re brand new and clearly know the BBQ game, so i’m willing to come back and edit the review, but they have some issues to work out. First and foremost, figure out keeping the food temperature standardized .

Brion Nantista

Visited at 4:00 on Friday 3/28. Approached the counter and was told the kitchen was closed untill 5;00 so I can only order meat and sides. This was disappointing since I wanted a sandwhich. I ordered tri tip and it was served cold and close to being rare. I guess they forget to turn the warmer on. The mac and cheese was a good sized portion for $8 and the crispy bread crumb topping was on point. The potato salad is served warm and in the style of classic German potato salad. I waited till the kitchen was open and ordered a salad and key lime cheesecake to go. They served the salad for dine in but politely apologized and placed it in a cardboard container for take out. The salad was dressed and soaked through the container. At $24 the salad was underwhelming and he portion was undersized. Thats what I get for ordering a salad at a BBQ joint. I was expecting a slice of key lime cheesecake but received a teeny tiny mini pie that was not worthy of the $8 I paid. They obviously have some kinks to work out and serving cold meat is a pretty big oversight for a BBQ joint. Ill wait 4 to 5 months before I try it again. Note - They have a bar with Coors and Busch on tap as well as a cozy outside dining area.

Dave

Been really looking forward to this spot, was sadly disappointed. Went for Day 2 after opening. They were already sold out of Beef Cheek early evening which was a bummer. The Tri-Tip was served cold and very rare and chewy (almost blue rare in parts). The dull knives they gave could not even cut through it since it was so rare and fatty. I’d have taken it back tbh but the line was long and moving slow. The pork ribs were just ok, but quite dry had very little meat. You’re paying per pound for almost all bone (also cold) Jidori Chicken was tasty, but also cold. Saving grace was the Pork Steak, which was tender, flavorful (and just above lukewarm) Sides were solid, but cornbread was surprise surprise. Cold. They also have it designed in a bottleneck with 1 guy (the owner) taking orders & cutting meat. He’s a nice guy, but not fast enough for the line. They need 2 serving stations and a more efficient process. I’ll give them some benefit of the doubt as they’re brand new and clearly know the BBQ game, so i’m willing to come back and edit the review, but they have some issues to work out. First and foremost, figure out keeping the food temperature standardized .

When I first moved next to this place, I thought it was going to be great. Waking up to the smell of the smokers running was honestly one of the selling points of moving in. But after eating here a few times, that excitement faded fast. The prices are just too much for what you get. If you want to try their signature cuts or meals, expect to spend around a hundred dollars or possibly more for two people. The meat isn’t terrible, but it’s nothing special either. Most of it ends up on the dry side, which is disappointing for a place that builds its reputation on slow-cooked bbq. The sides also try to be clever and different, but they miss the mark. Sometimes you just want something straightforward. Living close also has its noteable downside. During dinner hours the parking situation gets ridiculous. My girlfriend and I have had to plan around the rush just to avoid dealing with it. Which isn’t their fault, just incredibly annoying. At the end of the day, this place feels like another overpriced Orange County restaurant charging more while offering less and making you feel like the up-charge is normal. For the cost of a handful of meals here, I could buy a decent, maybe used smoker/bbq and make something at home.

Tough Tri tip, everything is kinda salty kinda like my review. Was super excited to come try only to be let down by the quality and flavors of the food. Like I said the trip tip was tough and the baby back ribs were pretty salty. The sauces were nothing spectacular. I’ll stick with my regular barbecue spots. Everything is kinda hipster here. Warm potato salad is not my jam. I think the offer every veggie under the sun pickled, which I am not a fan of pickled veggies, and I prefer my beans a sweeter. But the staff is all great and cool ambiance.

James Glover

Foods obviously great - but at 645pm they’re out of everything. Rather than tell you, they prefer you wait in a line for 40 mins to find out at the cashier. Come early or don’t come at all.

Forrest Gibbs

When I first moved next to this place, I thought it was going to be great. Waking up to the smell of the smokers running was honestly one of the selling points of moving in. But after eating here a few times, that excitement faded fast. The prices are just too much for what you get. If you want to try their signature cuts or meals, expect to spend around a hundred dollars or possibly more for two people. The meat isn’t terrible, but it’s nothing special either. Most of it ends up on the dry side, which is disappointing for a place that builds its reputation on slow-cooked bbq. The sides also try to be clever and different, but they miss the mark. Sometimes you just want something straightforward. Living close also has its noteable downside. During dinner hours the parking situation gets ridiculous. My girlfriend and I have had to plan around the rush just to avoid dealing with it. Which isn’t their fault, just incredibly annoying. At the end of the day, this place feels like another overpriced Orange County restaurant charging more while offering less and making you feel like the up-charge is normal. For the cost of a handful of meals here, I could buy a decent, maybe used smoker/bbq and make something at home.

Cody Lasswell

Tough Tri tip, everything is kinda salty kinda like my review. Was super excited to come try only to be let down by the quality and flavors of the food. Like I said the trip tip was tough and the baby back ribs were pretty salty. The sauces were nothing spectacular. I’ll stick with my regular barbecue spots. Everything is kinda hipster here. Warm potato salad is not my jam. I think the offer every veggie under the sun pickled, which I am not a fan of pickled veggies, and I prefer my beans a sweeter. But the staff is all great and cool ambiance.

The food and atmosphere was great but we made the mistake of booking the 8 person private room, which was supposed to come with 2 trays of meat and 12 sides. It came with 1 tray of meat and 6 sides. When we asked about it, the waitress told us that it had changed and was no longer the same as what was stated on the website. The food that was given to us barely fed our party of 6 and we were still charged the full price. Ordering from the regular menu would have saved us over $100.

We liked the food, the place was very clean, the service left a lot to be desired, we are a Latino family and we like to go to different restaurants to try the barbecue ribs and this restaurant has been one of the ones where we have liked the food the most, but as soon as we entered the restaurant we noticed that they were looking at us like we were weird, just for being Latino, we felt uncomfortable with the looks of the people who served us, at no time did they ask us while we were eating if everything was okay, they only asked other customers, regardless of the food was very good, the service seemed terrible to us, they were not hospitable, that ended up convincing us not to return or recommend it to friends but on the contrary tell them not to go because they make you feel uncomfortable and that way you do not enjoy the food well, we continue looking for a place to eat ribs where the food and the treatment are excellent, for this reason I only give one star and it is only for the food

Beatriz Negrete

We liked the food, the place was very clean, the service left a lot to be desired, we are a Latino family and we like to go to different restaurants to try the barbecue ribs and this restaurant has been one of the ones where we have liked the food the most, but as soon as we entered the restaurant we noticed that they were looking at us like we were weird, just for being Latino, we felt uncomfortable with the looks of the people who served us, at no time did they ask us while we were eating if everything was okay, they only asked other customers, regardless of the food was very good, the service seemed terrible to us, they were not hospitable, that ended up convincing us not to return or recommend it to friends but on the contrary tell them not to go because they make you feel uncomfortable and that way you do not enjoy the food well, we continue looking for a place to eat ribs where the food and the treatment are excellent, for this reason I only give one star and it is only for the food