My family and I ate here tonight for the second and both times....the Food is Awesome!! You "Must" try it. The owner Steve is very friendly. They are constantly busy, but the staff is so willing to help. We will continue to go back there.

Amazing Tri-trip and ribs! I have ordered the belly buster multiple times now, and it is the best. However, I have ordered in the evenings and they usually run out of food, I have to place the order in the morning for it to be ready in the afternoon.

Best Ribs and Chicken I have ever had in my life easily! Their hot BBQ sauce is the best! Service is nice and friendly I just wished they were open more than just the weekend.

Just. Try. It. The closest approximation to my grandma's bbq. Both she and the owner are apparently from Oklahoma as well. The portions are huge too. My lady and I were talking the other day and she told me that Hot City gives you enough food for your whole community. I was laughing so hard I almost had to pull the car over. I've only been in Merced for about 3 years now. Locals dont judge me but...this may be the best bbq in the ENTIRE Central Valley. If youre heading up/down the 5, take the extra 45 min to get you a rib/tri tip dinner. One dinner can easily feed 3 people. I usually get the pack 4 because I'm buying for 2, plus we eat the left overs the next day. It also isnt too pricey either. Its expensive because its bbq but it's not toooo bad. Seriously y'all. Go get you some.

Found this gem on Yelp while looking for a stopover on my way to Fresno from the Bay Area. Tri-tip sandwiches melt in your mouth and are piled high with meat. My kids loved the pulled chicken sandwiches too. The owner often hangs out here and chats up the customers, and runs the place like a big family. Definitely recommend this place as an alternative to the fast food and chain restaurants to both the locals and the pass-throughs like me.

Stopped by while driving home from a long road trip. BEST ribs, potato salad, and sweet tea I've EVER had! Great customer service. I definitely will be making a road trip to come back. Loved this place!

We had Hot City cater for our rehearsal dinner and my family from the east coast loved it. This is saying a lot because it’s hard to find bbq that is comparable to southern bbq. Charles is great to work with and flexible.

Ribs were excellent. Drove over an hour just to eat there based on a family members recommendation. Will definitely go back again. Get there when it opens as tables fill quickly and the place is rather small.

When you walk in, Hot City looks like a little dump, with a window at the back where you place your order, from the chalkboard surrounding the window. But those two enormous smokers you passed on the way in should clue you in to the fact that this place is serious about its barbecue. I had the best ribs ever, and the XXXXX hot sauce on the table appealed to the chili-head in me. Even the beans are amazing. Go early to get a table, because they don’t have nearly enough of them. If you like ribs, tri-tip, or most anything that comes out of a smoker, you simply must try Hot City. Just don’t go for the atmosphere.

We got the Hwy 5 hungries. Google search...well rated, just a smidge out of the way. Sounded worth a shot. OMG. I hate that this might be the best BBQ, anywhere, and no where near home, bummer for me. So worth it. We got a regular 6 rib dinner. Oops, they gave us 8 yummy ribs. Tender, juicy, smokey, perfect carmelization, fall off the bone meat Popsicles. Dipping BBQ sauce good, mild, but flavorful. Cole slaw, classic, fresh, great palate cleanser between ribs. But the beans, so good. Thick, saucy, meaty, not over cooked (not mushy), so excellently seasoned, a hint of chili flavor profile, just a hint. All of it exceeded expectations. Friendly service, not a long wait.. Patriotic decor AND diversity apparent in the line across the parking lot, we felt welcomed. Currently no bathrooms. Now noted as a destination for future trips.

I moved from California to Texas. Everyone brags about how great their BBQ is in Texas. I’m being honest when I say Hot City is still the Best BBQ I’ve had, of course no one in Texas believes me but if you’re lucky enough to go here you can decide for yourself if it is indeed the best!

i'm a regular here and every time i go in there the food is great. anything you order on the menu will satisfy the BBQ craving you may have. Best part of going there is the service starting with the "Head Chef" manning the smoker in front to the ladies working behind the counter everyone is friendly and they make sure that you leave there a happy customer.

Best bbq I've had in a while

Fantastic!!! Stopping on our way to Nevada City, and chose this place based on the great reviews. Brought our bbq back to the hotel room, and proceeded to devour every last bit of the generous portions! The sauce is a perfect blend of chipotle and blackberrry -- slathered over our orders of tri-tip and ribs. The sides we got were coleslaw, potato salad, and beans (best beans I ever ate!!). We can't wait to return again some day!

Absolutely delicious.. if your traveling, worth the visit. Chowchiila special!!

As someone who loves to BBQ, and takes great pride in their ability to produce top tier food, this place was AMAZING! I dont often visit BBQ establishments due to the perceived inevitability of being disappointed, but this place did not do that. You will not regret stopping here for some serious BBQ

Hands-down the best smoked meat in California

Best pork ribs that I have ever had, so far. Coleslaw was fresh, and lightly dressed - not to sweet. Colared greens were too salty for me but girlfriend loved em.

If I could give up my first born to experience the first bite all over again, I'd do so in a heartbeat. I ordered a tri tip sandwich, which if I'm being honest, tasted as if it was crafted by the gods above. 100/10. Would definitely recommend to my loved ones.

I drive from East Oakland (the Bay Area) just to get this BBQ.....always Satisfied.....ALWAYS...

I don't even know we're to start it was awesome from the moment we walked in very nice staff the service was 10 stars we were sitting down eating within 10 minutes. The food was delicious and very tasty. Can't wait to go back.

Had Tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches all served on soft french bread--delicious and very generous! Hubby declared it the best bbq sandwich he has ever had--high praise! Greens also super tasty. Quick and friendly service.

The best BBQ I've ever had. Customer service was excellent as well. I ordered the 3 rib BBQ dinner and was impressed with the portion size. The coleslaw was hand cut with the perfect amount of dressing. I normally do not care for coleslaw but this one was outstanding. The beans were flavored nicely with chunks of meat. (need I say more). I may just have to travel to Los Banos just for Hot City.

The service is great, the food is so good. The 12 oz steak is awesome and cooked to perfection. I love the house salad. You have to try the Chowchilla specia,l it's amazing. The prices are great... I also like CODE 7 where you can try all of the meats.

Amazing! Delicious! We stop as often as we can on the way home to Salinas from the central valley! And the people that work there!? Great! I ordered a blue moon and I asked Danny if they had oranges to go with the beer. Oh my goodness! He actually ran over to 7/11 to see if they had any oranges! NO WAY! Service with the Smile! Wonderful! Feel bad though,... just realized that I forgot to tip! So Sorry. Next time!

A small family owned and run restaurant that is welcoming from the minute you walk through the door. The staff want to make sure you have a great meal. I had the Tri-Tip sandwich and my girl friend had the road house salad with pulled pork. The meat had great flavor and were not buried in sauce. There are 2 sauce options you can add and both are good. The food is fresh and flavorful. The portions are huge and the salad has all fresh ingredients. We will stop the next time we are in the area.

We showed up right before closing time and they were super accommodating to get us dinner. And our dinner was fantastic. The pulled chicken and pork were excellent, better than the tri-tip. The Fire In The Hole BBQ sauce was also outstanding.

Everything tastes good here. The sandwiches are on a nicely toasted roll--and the sauces and meats are all tender and tasty. We also get the plates and the potato salad is homemade and great. We do not live nearby, so when we stop in we stock up on their bottled sauces. They as well are all good! Amazing find for us as we drive through Los Banos. Try it--you will like it and it is infinitely better than the fast food or chain choices in that town. OH--and the people are nice!

Best BBQ in the West. I travel everywhere and I would put this BBQ up against the award winners. Owner is a great man! Staff are fantastic! Food is incredible. The place is open Friday through Sunday and seems to be busy all the time. If you find yourself near Los Banos, stop and eat here!

OH MAN! Hands down the Best BBQ place! Great food, great staff, great service. Big portions with not too high price. Their house made BBQ sauce are amazing. The hot BBQ has phenomenal flavor with a kick straight to the mouth! They started to do LAMB CHOPS! Freakin AMAZING!

Driving back from Gilroy to Fresno and stopped in LB, looking for a good local spot and I found this gem, stepped put of my car and just by the smell, I knew it was going to be good. I had the beef ribs dinner, it was really good. And the costumer service was excellent. I will definitely stop here again.

The spot is really good, big portions so a bit pricey. The tri tip sandwich is delicious. My only complaint is the chips are either stored inside a refrigerator or on ice, therefore they have a different taste.

A delicious hidden gem tucked back on a side street. The pulled pork and chicken were smoked to perfection and their bbq sauce was delicious. And get the greens-die for! Staff was very friendly too.

Food was delicious. Better than alot of spots. there's a couple places I've been to recently in prunedale and gilroy horrible. famous Dave's is better than those spots land you guys clown on them 🤣 if I go to los banos I hope it's on the weekend when I can stop here

AMAZING and I do NOT like BBQ We were traveling back to San Diego April 24th 2021, from visiting San Francisco, It was our first adventure since the Covid lockdown in over 13 months. Hungry and needed to stop and stretch nothing truly in this area off the 5 exit this town. I truly do not like BBQ but was hoping I could get whatever I ordered without the sauce. Traveled into this city 7miles and the picture when we pulled up was of huge smokers in their driveway along with the hours posted Friday thru Sunday, I thought, "how can they only be open for 3 days a week and survive-especially now?" My ignorance Lol. First let me say the three people working the smokers or grills all said hello, which was surprising. We went into this truly little quaint older building. The menu was very simple and the prices I thought a little above average until I was told about everything was homemade. Homemade food well worth ANY price. The person behind the counter beyond friendly and helpful. Ordered the Tri Tip dinner (came with Western Beans, grilled bread, Coleslaw and the Tri Tip-NO BBQ). Sounded intriguing. My girlfriend got a different meal but added on two different links-Cajun and Spicy. We kept noticing people picking up orders, making orders and wanting to find a place to eat inside or outside if there was any spaces left as the stream of people just kept coming and we were there for over 30 minutes. EVERY SINGLE PERSON was treated incredible, no rush all questions answered. The mix of different people coming in to buy the food was of all ethnic diversity. The food was hot and when our names were called. All boxed up to go whether we ate there or not. Anything we asked for was given with a smile and not issue at al like it was a bother or attitude. Can I say the money and trip into this town has changed my view on BBQ FOREVER! The amount of food is beyond generous-in fact ate it all the way home to San Diego and still had food for the next day. Bread was toasted to perfection simple not butter on it. At first thought Coleslaw looks like a cup of slaw until I bit into it. The flavor just made you want to ask for more, but I had so much food to eat. The meat was so tender it fell apart in your mouth. Sometimes Tri Tip can be tough if not cooked BUT also cut correctly. The Beans-were the biggest surprise-FULL of a generous amount of meat mixed in. It had a touch of spice but not as in something hot to give it a kick of hotness but of flavor. I have a very sensitive stomach and though I would pay for it in route home. My girlfriend's order differed a she had the macaroni salad and also the links. She said the links were done to perfection as she loves links. But it was the macaroni salad that truly surprised her. Like me she thought the little cup looked too simple until she took a bite. As she continued to eat she was like me lost in taste-it also had eggs and olives only homemade food truly taste this great. No issue asking for pickles on the side, no issue with asking for extra napkins as they ran out. In fact right in the middle of eating needed napkins and even though they were busy the line of people just kept coming. The employees with a smile restocked everything. With the awesome encounter of the taste of food I thought, "what the hell I am going to try the BBQ sauce as my girlfriend seemed to love it." I took a bite of her sauce which was in a very generous to go container, not little ones like most places that look like just a sample but over at least a 1/2 cups worth again no charge. I feel in LOVE with this incredible sauce. It was not runny but not too thick either-consistency was perfect. The taste not hickory but not syrupy in sugar. The taste was kind of a kick of the two but also something this place must have added that makes it their own unique creation. I even asked for another BBQ to take back home. Only regret to have bought their sauce for sale, but I will be reaching out to do so in the near future. INCREDIBLE IS NOT EVEN THE CORRECT WORD FOR THIS PLACE!

Awesome pork ribs. Will be back again when in the area. Very good friendly people working there. Owner was checking the internal meat temperature while standing between HOT wood burning smokers on a hot sunny day. That's probably why it's been cooked perfectly because his attention to cooking precess. I tore all that full slab ok pork by myself. It was as gooooooood.

Great smoked tri tip, sausage and pulled pork. The sandwiches are big and you lots of meat. Loved it. Do yourself a favor and go try for yourself.

One of the best BBQs around.

Holy smokes! If you are in Los Banos don't miss this place. I ordered the Tri Tip and Hot City Salad. Delicious, fresh, exceptional flavor. I went back the next day and picked up another salad and the No. 7 for hubby. Service is great, and the smoke on their meats is totally legit.

This my hands down all time #1 choice to eat BBQ. This place has ribs on lock. Amazing food and very friendly staff.

Stumbled on this place on our way to Yosemite. The place is perfect. Incredible BBQ, friendly staff, their beer is cold.. what more can you ask? Stop reading and go eat here. It's the bomb. #fireinthehole #meatsweats

I didn’t take a picture. Really wish I had. My husband picked up the “Pack 4” on Saturday morning. Place opens at 11:30 and I had called a little before that to place a pickup order. They took my order and had everything ready for my husband by 11:35!!! We had tri-tip, ribs, mac n cheese, beans, and ordered a loaf of their garlic French bread! Everything was amazing. Our son asked if we can get this every weekend 🤣. The meat was delicious. Hardly any fatty areas (I can’t stand the fat in meat lol) and the ribs were fall off the bone amazing. Our 1 year old daughter also loved it all. This platter with subbing for mac n cheese and adding the loaf of bread, was $100 total (with tip) and 100% worth it! Even the bbq sauce and Ranch that I ordered on the side was bomb. I’m a dip girl and very picky with ranch especially, and there’s was perfect. The man who answered the phone to take our order was also very friendly and polite! This platter lasted my husband, myself, and 2 of our kids for the entire weekend. We had lunch and dinner for 2 days with it (plus the last plate I had this morning for breakfast 🤣.) We are relatively new to the area and we will definitely be going back! Great food and great service!

The owner Charles is very nice . He was very helpful and shows pride in his place as well as his cooking . We got a to go code 7 meal with all the meats and sides . Very good barbecue and we will be back soon. Los banos you are lucky to have Hot city barbecue&bistro!!!!

Last-minute decision was glad I went meat was cooked perfect

Super good food. Ordered a plate with all meats and 3 sides. Everything was delicious. Rob's were falling off the bone good Tri tip was tender, chicken was juicy, I'm not usually a pork person but their pork combined with the blackberry BBQ sauce was amazing. I will definitely come back and eat here.

I was craving for some good barbecue for lunch. First time I have ever eaten there . Met the owner Charles & staff very good people! The food & service was excellent! I will be back again soon! Highly recommend if you want the best barbecue!

Freakin amazing! If your in the area, going through, or just love BBQ. Go for it. Loves evey bite!

I try not to frequent this place more than once a week and I'm doing pretty well. The atmosphere is different because of the space that's available but the service and smiles make up for it! If you like the taste of barbecue this is the spot.

Small Spot But THE BEST NEW WOW! Served like a KING & QUEEN! AWESOMENESS

+3

Stopped on Easter with a van of 14 people from Chicago - perfection! Fast service - excellent food with four amazing sauces - and great vibes. You pay up, but the stack of meat is actually an incredible deal!

Ribs, tritip and pulled pork so good, reminds me of downtown Nashville bbqs

I had an amazing experience at Hot City Barbecue & Bistro. The food was absolutely delicious, and the sauces were on another level — so full of flavor that they really stood out. Their bread was also fantastic, fresh and perfectly paired with the meal. The prices were very fair for the quality, making it a great value overall. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great barbecue and a satisfying dining experience!

I have been going to this restaurant for over 5 years. I drive there from Fresno, and it is worth the drive. I almost always have the French Dip sandwich. The tri tip is the best I've ever had, the ribs are fall off the bone tender. The staff and owner are very friendly, and the service is second to none.

Oh wow, where do I even begin with this gem? Slightly off the main road, tucked away, you will find the best ribs and pulled pork. The staff are friendly and helpful. Christian gave us sauces to try that were all great flavors. He said they make them all here in house. The sides were the perfect compliment to the main stars, the meats. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious, while the pulled pork was tender and juicy. Be sure to get here early in case they run out of meats.

who can get connected to the owner of the Hot City BBQ? I lost something very important to me last Friday at the restaurant, it’s emergency! But I can’t get connected with anyone at it until Friday morning. If anyone can help, pls let me know. I would be really appreciated! Thank you all!

So initially I wanted to rate lower since the service was initially sub-par. Did take a minute for them to take our order and a decent amount of time to actually get the order. The food was so amazing though. Huge portions, amazing smoked meat, and delicious sauce. Get the tri-tip, seriously you won’t regret it!!

This is a hidden gem of a joint. For best results call ahead because the restaurant can get very crowded. Allow at least 30 minutes for the order so it will be ready when you arrive. The staff is always friendly and was especially cheery today dressed as elves. The husband and wife team (I assume) that run the show are top-notch and give the establishment character and charm. We've been customers three times and have grown quite fond of the restaurant and the people. Today I had beef ribs while my wife ordered a tri tip sandwich. The sandwich was spectacular. The beef ribs were a little dry for my liking, but I still enjoyed them very much. I am just not used to smoking. The flavor was excellent and I think the intention is that the ribs would not be as dry with the addition of BBQ sauce. I gladly devoured the ribs with minimal sauce and 'helped' my wife with the tri tip.

Today was the first time I have ever been here. Found it looking at Google reviews. I have to say, they make one of the best steaks I have ever had in all my years of traveling. The steak was a perfect medium and the flavor was fantastic. The coleslaw and bread that came with it was also great with the steak. This is definitely NOT my last time here. I would highly recommend coming here to anyone.

When driving the 7 hour journey from San Francisco back to home, you get a little hungry. Looking at the map you have all there random food places but this stood out to me, Hot City BBQ. Being in the middle of no where with decent reviews, I thought why not. I have never made a better decision in my life. Getting Pack 4, containing 1 rack of ribs and 1 pound of tritip as well as the best potato salad in the south and a can of beans, my cousin and I sat here on a holy mission trying to finish it, we could not. The multiple meat smokers outside may have given me fair warning but could not prepare me for how delicious the ribs were. Unfortunately our first goal of getting the 16oz ribeye sandwich was sold out already so come here early before the meat is gone. Topped with Blackberry Chipotle BBQ sauce, we were set for life. Come here if you wish to travel to food paradise as I have.

Wonderful find when traveling to Bay Area from LA. Right off route 5. Usually, you only find fast food, but this is down home goodness. The ribs, the greens, and the Pig Lick cake!! Wow!

Haven't been here in years and this place is better than ever. Tri-tip was fire. Tenderness and taste was on point. Pulled pork sammich was bomb especially with their brand of Blackberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce. Owner was friendly and was cooking in the outs while we were eating outside. Had a good conversation with him. Cool guy.

Staying up the street on a road trip. This awesome little smokehouse is only open on the weekend. Ordered 1/2 chicken, garlic bread and slaw. Online ordering was quick and efficient. Best road food ever, will feed the 2 of us tonight and tomorrow. Yum.

The tritip was really delicious and tender, and the bread was crunchy too. Their bbq sauce is also addicting. My friend got the ribs and was licking her fingers at the end.

We are blessed to have family owned ( over 20 years) best BBQ in CA- right here in Los Banos! I buy the belly buster and have food for weeks! They even make a " dog treats" takeout for my pup ( see picture). Can't say enough great things about the food,bbq sauce and Charles and the crew! Please support our local businesses. Everyone struggling in this ecomony..thank goodness my belly and pups belly isn't! Yummityyyy!

Jose Garcia

I had an amazing experience at Hot City Barbecue & Bistro. The food was absolutely delicious, and the sauces were on another level — so full of flavor that they really stood out. Their bread was also fantastic, fresh and perfectly paired with the meal. The prices were very fair for the quality, making it a great value overall. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great barbecue and a satisfying dining experience!

Barry Strader

I have been going to this restaurant for over 5 years. I drive there from Fresno, and it is worth the drive. I almost always have the French Dip sandwich. The tri tip is the best I've ever had, the ribs are fall off the bone tender. The staff and owner are very friendly, and the service is second to none.

Janet Williams

Oh wow, where do I even begin with this gem? Slightly off the main road, tucked away, you will find the best ribs and pulled pork. The staff are friendly and helpful. Christian gave us sauces to try that were all great flavors. He said they make them all here in house. The sides were the perfect compliment to the main stars, the meats. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious, while the pulled pork was tender and juicy. Be sure to get here early in case they run out of meats.

Alexica Qian

who can get connected to the owner of the Hot City BBQ? I lost something very important to me last Friday at the restaurant, it’s emergency! But I can’t get connected with anyone at it until Friday morning. If anyone can help, pls let me know. I would be really appreciated! Thank you all!

Liam Briick

So initially I wanted to rate lower since the service was initially sub-par. Did take a minute for them to take our order and a decent amount of time to actually get the order. The food was so amazing though. Huge portions, amazing smoked meat, and delicious sauce. Get the tri-tip, seriously you won’t regret it!!

Jim Scantlen

This is a hidden gem of a joint. For best results call ahead because the restaurant can get very crowded. Allow at least 30 minutes for the order so it will be ready when you arrive. The staff is always friendly and was especially cheery today dressed as elves. The husband and wife team (I assume) that run the show are top-notch and give the establishment character and charm. We've been customers three times and have grown quite fond of the restaurant and the people. Today I had beef ribs while my wife ordered a tri tip sandwich. The sandwich was spectacular. The beef ribs were a little dry for my liking, but I still enjoyed them very much. I am just not used to smoking. The flavor was excellent and I think the intention is that the ribs would not be as dry with the addition of BBQ sauce. I gladly devoured the ribs with minimal sauce and 'helped' my wife with the tri tip.

Bill Jones

Today was the first time I have ever been here. Found it looking at Google reviews. I have to say, they make one of the best steaks I have ever had in all my years of traveling. The steak was a perfect medium and the flavor was fantastic. The coleslaw and bread that came with it was also great with the steak. This is definitely NOT my last time here. I would highly recommend coming here to anyone.

Tristin Greenstein

When driving the 7 hour journey from San Francisco back to home, you get a little hungry. Looking at the map you have all there random food places but this stood out to me, Hot City BBQ. Being in the middle of no where with decent reviews, I thought why not. I have never made a better decision in my life. Getting Pack 4, containing 1 rack of ribs and 1 pound of tritip as well as the best potato salad in the south and a can of beans, my cousin and I sat here on a holy mission trying to finish it, we could not. The multiple meat smokers outside may have given me fair warning but could not prepare me for how delicious the ribs were. Unfortunately our first goal of getting the 16oz ribeye sandwich was sold out already so come here early before the meat is gone. Topped with Blackberry Chipotle BBQ sauce, we were set for life. Come here if you wish to travel to food paradise as I have.

JANICE KING

Wonderful find when traveling to Bay Area from LA. Right off route 5. Usually, you only find fast food, but this is down home goodness. The ribs, the greens, and the Pig Lick cake!! Wow!

Steven Hill

Haven't been here in years and this place is better than ever. Tri-tip was fire. Tenderness and taste was on point. Pulled pork sammich was bomb especially with their brand of Blackberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce. Owner was friendly and was cooking in the outs while we were eating outside. Had a good conversation with him. Cool guy.

Barbara Litwin

Staying up the street on a road trip. This awesome little smokehouse is only open on the weekend. Ordered 1/2 chicken, garlic bread and slaw. Online ordering was quick and efficient. Best road food ever, will feed the 2 of us tonight and tomorrow. Yum.

Kaju

The tritip was really delicious and tender, and the bread was crunchy too. Their bbq sauce is also addicting. My friend got the ribs and was licking her fingers at the end.

Tim Olson

One of the best BBQs around.

The BBQ was excellent and the staff was super friendly. Overall a great experience and a wonderful spot to stop on a road trip.

Tevin Hendess

The BBQ was excellent and the staff was super friendly. Overall a great experience and a wonderful spot to stop on a road trip.

Not quite "I'll-drive-115-miles" like @EastOakland said, but solid. Tri tip sandwich wasn't as big as advertised in the menu, but that being said, the meat on it was outstanding and... overwhelming. (At least it was for me tonight.) Bread had something akin to butter on it - excellent. Beans were average. Service was perfect. Decore (paint) was a bit dark and depressing (just saying!). Overall, I recommend this place for travelers passing through like me, but no 115 miles here for BBQ. It's expensive - like all BBQ places (note to self: you're in the wrong business Robert ). Tri tip still best from Rattler' (Santa Clarita) and Wood Ranch (LA area). I'll try ribs next time here. I doubt they'll dethrone Phil's BBQ (San Diego) for me. If I could, if give about 4.3 stars. Ok, now I sound like a math teacher....

I love Hot City Barbecue! The barbecue is very good, and they serve it in a variety of way surprising for a tiny restaurant. You order at a window, then your food is brought. The window lady told me the barbecue/salad I had ordered was too big. My quarter order of salad was still huge. And delicious! Sadly, I only go through Los Banos a couple of times a year, but this is my target for a meal when I go.

My first time here since i moved to Los Banos and i was hungry for bbq ribs. I got to the place around 6:00 on a saturday evening, dinner time. The restaurant is very casual with picnic benches inside & out for dining & a few tables for 4, it’s not a big place. So the menu is on the wall written on a huge blackboard, so many bbq plates and side dishes along with racks of ribs and whole bbq chicken, hot links & tri tip those are just a few items on the menu. All smells so toasty and delicious i just wanted a rack of ribs to go, however just as i was going inside a lady was walking out with 2 large tin foil pans covered in foil and her daughter was carrying 2 as well, i thought oh wow this must be good. I go to counter & i order a rack of ribs to go, the cashier says i’m sorry we are all out of ribs ! Wait what ? no ribs it’s 6:00 you have 2 hours before closing and you’re out of ribs, oh i was not happy so i said i’ll have a whole bbq chicken to go, cashier looks behind her to the cook & he says no chicken we ran out. i was not happy. I said is there any tri tip ? Yes, i was happy now i got a tri tip sandwich to go with a pickle and a kids lunch box size bag of chips for $15.00 it was on a french roll. i took it home to enjoy and i thought did i just pay $15 for a sandwich? I thought that was a little pricy however, when i picked it up it was stacked with thick tender juicy strips of deliciousness and the bbq sauce was thick and perfect for the meat, not to sweet & just the right tang to it, very tasty. This sandwich was well worth the price. It was a soft french roll average size but they prepared it with plenty of juicy tender pink tri tip. I was very happy the meal made up for them running short of food, the cook brought my order out & i he apologized for the inconvenience & said it was a super busy night i think a fight was on HBO and lots of take out. I said if the tri tip is delish i will be back soon ! The tri tip was perfectly bbq’d and the homemade sauce was outstanding. i gave this place 4 stars & it’s seriously a 5 star but had to dock a star for running out of food 2 hours before closing. i can’t wait to try the ribs & chicken very soon.

Very good food. Smells good as you walk in by their outside grills. Worth going here to get some very good BBQ.

Place has gone down with the tri tip. Just inconsistent seasoning lack of flavor. The ribs are still 10/10. Only carry a few drink choices. The owner and manager are awesome but they are loosing their quality. Its just not what it uses to be

Got there at 7 on a weekend and they were practically down to no meat, no sides, so we bought what little was left. Ribs could have been cooked longer, potatoe salad was different but good.

This is some very good barbecue with good customer service & LOVE THE PATRIOTISM AND LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRY...

+4

I was in town for an event by the Los Banos Reservoir. Afterwards I was starving, for something different for an early dinner. So I stopped in at Hot City BBQ. First off the parking is small to almost being non-existent, inside it is a little better with enough seating for several families. I ordered the Tri-Tip with sides of beans and potato salad. The tri-tip was really good and they give you a good portion of meat. The beans could use a bit more spice but overall they were good. The potato salad was the big let down, it was flavorless. I added salt and pepper but it didn't really help, so I left them. I was so full from the tri-tip I took the bread back to my room to devour later. I alos bought a bottle of their BBQ sauce which was really good and helped save the beans. Overall this was a very good dinner. Yeah, the potato salad was flavorless, but I consider it filler anyways. I hope they work on the recipe.

Paul Ayala (SoCalbeachcruiser)

I was in town for an event by the Los Banos Reservoir. Afterwards I was starving, for something different for an early dinner. So I stopped in at Hot City BBQ. First off the parking is small to almost being non-existent, inside it is a little better with enough seating for several families. I ordered the Tri-Tip with sides of beans and potato salad. The tri-tip was really good and they give you a good portion of meat. The beans could use a bit more spice but overall they were good. The potato salad was the big let down, it was flavorless. I added salt and pepper but it didn't really help, so I left them. I was so full from the tri-tip I took the bread back to my room to devour later. I alos bought a bottle of their BBQ sauce which was really good and helped save the beans. Overall this was a very good dinner. Yeah, the potato salad was flavorless, but I consider it filler anyways. I hope they work on the recipe.

roberto vazquez

Very good food. Smells good as you walk in by their outside grills. Worth going here to get some very good BBQ.

Order food then told only for Togo. Food was good. No salad. No patao.

In the past we've ordered both the party pack and the half party pack for dine in. This time we went with the half party to go and were disappointed to say the least. The ribs were a fraction of what they normally are, taste, tenderness and size wise. They were very dry and more none than meat. The chicken was not fully cooked as they were bloody toward the bone, not red from the bbq, actually bloody. I should have taken pictures before everyone got their plates to show the total qty. We feel that with the higher prices (Just short of $100 for the half party pack) we did not get our money worth. The tri tip and sides were still good as usual but didn't make up for the rest. Not sure if there was a change in supplier that made the ribs so small and thin or if we just got the sorry end of the stick this time around. Not sure if this is the new norm or if we'll be going back again.

Bri Leyva

In the past we've ordered both the party pack and the half party pack for dine in. This time we went with the half party to go and were disappointed to say the least. The ribs were a fraction of what they normally are, taste, tenderness and size wise. They were very dry and more none than meat. The chicken was not fully cooked as they were bloody toward the bone, not red from the bbq, actually bloody. I should have taken pictures before everyone got their plates to show the total qty. We feel that with the higher prices (Just short of $100 for the half party pack) we did not get our money worth. The tri tip and sides were still good as usual but didn't make up for the rest. Not sure if there was a change in supplier that made the ribs so small and thin or if we just got the sorry end of the stick this time around. Not sure if this is the new norm or if we'll be going back again.

This was our first time visiting Hot City BBQ. My husband had been wanting to try this place for a while, and we had stopped by a few times before realizing they’re only open Friday through Sunday. We were excited to finally visit, and the food was very good and flavorful. Unfortunately, the service experience left a negative impression. The male employee who took our order was quite cold, and my husband and I felt like we were being treated differently from other customers. It may not have been intentional, but it made us feel uncomfortable. Because of that, we don’t plan to return, which is disappointing since the food itself was great.

Lizette Mendoza Ortiz

This was our first time visiting Hot City BBQ. My husband had been wanting to try this place for a while, and we had stopped by a few times before realizing they’re only open Friday through Sunday. We were excited to finally visit, and the food was very good and flavorful. Unfortunately, the service experience left a negative impression. The male employee who took our order was quite cold, and my husband and I felt like we were being treated differently from other customers. It may not have been intentional, but it made us feel uncomfortable. Because of that, we don’t plan to return, which is disappointing since the food itself was great.

Under New Ownership, Chicken Wings was not done Meat was red and the bone was too. Came out and told us the temperature was right and that the Chicken Wings had been cooking since 6:30 am. If that was so why was the chicken bone still looking raw. Smoked Meat is a redish color not blood red. Bar B Que sauce was unpleasant to much black pepper. Order a Tri Tip Sandwich there was no smoked flavor to the meat at all. Definitely can tell thus is not the original Cooks at Hot City BBQ. Will have second thoughts about going there again.

Placed a huge order (dinner for 7) thru door dash and we were missing 2 meals... salad looked very poor and wilted and the ranch dressing tasted like someone accidentally dropped a bucket of salt in it... the taste of salt was sooooo strong !! The baked potatoe was plain. Best part of my meal was the inside of the over seasoned ribeye and the bread. Very unlikely that I would ever order from here again.

BBQ, but nothing special. Overall, disappointing. -Only bbq place in the area that I know of. Go to a Texas Roadhouse or somewhere else if you actually want flavorful food. -They seem busy, so likely to stay open (as on Jan 2021). Also, understaffed. -The food is fine. It is bbq, but the smoke and large (standard for that type of food) serving sizes are the only thing to note. I expected amazing seasoning or something special about the sauces or really anything different, but it wasn't there. *the garlic bread was dense and unevenly seasoned, overall a disappointment. *the chips a original lays fyi. -if you order online you just have to wait in line with everyone else. We tried standing at the doordash area (how we ordered, so we thought maybe that would be good since there was a line) and the staff completely ignored or gave blank/confused stares. No one even said "If you are here for pick-up you'll have to go to the main window". -No napkins and missing sauce for one item in the order. I usually like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but this is not a new business and they only open 3 days a week so while it is busy, they should have it down by now and busy is no excuse for messed up orders, missing napkins, and overall non-responsiveness of the staff.

I really liked the pulled pork sandwich and the bbq sauce is very delicious. I really wish this didn't happen but I got a cup of sweet tea and there was stuff floating in it and when i looked on the bottom of the cup it had a layer of something that was flaking off causing the floaters. Lol. I just asked if I could get a bottled tea instead and they agreed. Oh and I noticed a young guy cutting up meet with his bare hands in the back.

The beef ribs had good flavor seasonings. I had 4 pieces and the meat was not much on the bones. Meat was tough to get off the bones. I expected for an easy bite with lots of meat but was disappointed.

I spent over $100 and unfortunately it wasn’t worth the price. The trip tip was tough and undercooked , and the ribs were average not tender or fall-off-the-bone as expected. I wanted to support a local business, but based on this experience, I won’t be returning.

So not happy with service yesterday. I usually really like this place and tell my friends in the Bay Area to go. Not any more. I purchased 2 tri-tip sandwiches, 1lb tri-tip, 1/2 rack ribs + sides. I asked for extra sauce at time of payment to add to my order. Food all bagged up To Go, I asked if extra sauce was there. A man with a mustache looked and said "I can put a little more on the meat". I'll held up the bag to show that wasn't going to be easy. So he RELUCTANTLY gave me 2 small containers. When I got home, 84 miles away! There was NO bbq sauce on the meat or in the containers!!! $95 later I have to beg for bbq sauce from a bbq restaurant. Next time I'll do Famous Dave's!!!

Ace Solia

I spent over $100 and unfortunately it wasn’t worth the price. The trip tip was tough and undercooked , and the ribs were average not tender or fall-off-the-bone as expected. I wanted to support a local business, but based on this experience, I won’t be returning.

Don’t believe the hype, the food is okay, not as good as some people talk it up to be though, I was told to expect the best barbecue I’ve ever had and that just wasn’t the case. It wasn’t disgusting, it was edible, but it wasn’t mind-blowing and definitely not worth the drive or the wait. The service was typical of any normal place, didn’t feel any more special than service at a McDonald’s though. The atmosphere was lacking compared to other barbecue restaurants I’ve been to and end up hanging out in for hours. I feel stupid for being fooled. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Chad H.

Don’t believe the hype, the food is okay, not as good as some people talk it up to be though, I was told to expect the best barbecue I’ve ever had and that just wasn’t the case. It wasn’t disgusting, it was edible, but it wasn’t mind-blowing and definitely not worth the drive or the wait. The service was typical of any normal place, didn’t feel any more special than service at a McDonald’s though. The atmosphere was lacking compared to other barbecue restaurants I’ve been to and end up hanging out in for hours. I feel stupid for being fooled. 🤦🏻‍♂️

We bought 2 single sized dinner plates, a tri tip sandwich and a small serving of ribs. It came to over $40. The ribs, which were my order, were so tough I could barely eat them. My BF said the sandwich was mediocre. Very disappointing. I will not be going back. Bottom line, too expensive for not too good food.

Great food but the young girl in the front taking orders (no name tag) she was very disrespectful when taking my order. Answered my questions about the menu with attitude and not in a helpful manner. Food was great tho best BBq in town if you ask me but that young girl ruined 1st experience with Hot City BBQ.

This place has amazing food, I absolutely love it but I have a bone to pick lol every single time I order from door dash, they just cancel my order after I've been waiting for at minimum, 2 hours. Every. Single. Time. Cancel my order. I wish I had the luxury of picking it up but alas, I work 12 hour graveyard shifts and my boyfriend has the car during the day to go to work. WOULD BE NICE IF I COULD EAT BBQ ON MY DAY OFF 😂😂

I have eaten here for a long time even before they had a following. It was a great place to eat very clean friendly, honest, caring, and above all else the quality of food and customer care was never compromised. Today all those values seemed like it changed, I was treated with rudeness when I placed my $80 order and even more so when I received my order. The young lady that helped me was rude especially when I called to let them know my order was missing chicken. I asked to speak to a manager she said there was none so I asked her when was a good time to call back and speak with someone that could help me resolve my issue and she said there was no one. Im sad to have gotten such service at this local establishment it was very close to my heart, but now I can’t support them if they treat everyone else like they have treated me today. Now on to the food let me begin I ordered 2 code 7’s. I received chicken on only 1 of the orders. The meat on both ribs were stiff and I had to pull hard to get it off the bone. Very under cooked were the ribs, and the tri-tip was exactly the same. In order to try to salvage my meal I threw it in the oven which only made my disappointment greater. Hot city was a great place and even greater that made loving memories for families at least that was my case. I cannot support them any longer with the treatment and quality they decided to give.

We have had food from here before and the potato salad was always my favorite. I don’t know what happened or changed, but the potato salad tasted as though it had too much vinegar. The skin on the chicken also has a vinegar taste. The beans were just okay and I was not impressed with the BBQ sauce. The food did not have much flavor.

So sad 😞 my steak was way toooooo salty. I only took a small bite but couldn’t eat it, too much SALT. I did not like all that salty seasoning. I did tell the owner but all he said was sorry, he offered to give me dessert. Really?? I went for dinner not dessert. Never again will I go back. If you want a good steak go to, The Grove in Stevinson Ca.