Gunsmoke BBQ & Beer

Hello TX in California! Few and far between BBQ joints in CA. This is worth saddling up the horse. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?!? Chicken salad amazing, tri-tip, pulled pork, briscuit were lean, full of flavor and tender. And to top it off the beer was cold. Ya'll will thank me later!

Do yourself a favor and eat here!!! We were passing through Santa Paula and looked up places to eat and never was I expecting to find this gem !!! This is the kind of place you walk in and wonder If the food will be as cool as the awesome design and decor… top quality in every way!!! Quality ingredients, house made sauces, impressive variety and a gourmet menu that clearly was made with a passion for cooking in mind !! We will be making the drive to Santa Paul just to eat here! Not many restaurants stand out in my mind with a menu this impressive!!! EXCELLENT!!!!!! Look at that smoker by the way :)

Food was colorful and prepared well. Interesting flavor possibilities with all the sauces. Server and even cook staff (perhaps the owner?) were attentive and very friendly. The interior was interesting, clean, and not crowded. They also have a patio. Would recommend!

Amazing food and service. Chef Paul is so kind and knowledgeable, and makes killer food. Everything we had was delicious!

Loved this place. Amazing food and nice people. Great ambience. Some of the best BBQ I’ve had in Southern California.

I was extremely impressed with Gunsmoke BBQ. I went there with my wife, dad, and brother. We had brisket, a gyro plate, a ribeye special, and a couple appetizers. Let me start by saying that the brisket was absolutely incredible. The chef, Paul, is extremely meticulous and intentional about his preparation, which starts with an eleven day brine. It's the best brisket I've ever tasted. Ditto for the ribeye, which was a 31 ounce monster that we shared. The brisket was cooked perfectly - rare the way we requested, and the dry rub was delicious. The ribeye came with Asian style fried rice and sesame seed chow mein noodles. It was a delicious twist on standard BBQ sides. Paul, the chef was happy to answer our questions about his recipes, where the meat came from, etc. He chose the most popular sauces for us, and they were also delicious. The breath of the menu is extremely extensive and ambitious for a family-run BBQ restaurant with 8 tables. The ambiance is upscale casual, with cozy lighting. Prices are expensive, but the food is truly exceptional. I'd bet on Gunsmoke BBQ over anything else California has to offer. The only downside was that our server was forgetful, and we had to ask her for utensils and water several times. However, the food was so impressive that I would give 6 stars if I could. Can't wait to go again and try the pizza and the Australian wagyu burger!

Mari Arias

We were just passing through the area, and it was such a nice surprise to come across this place. We were craving some grilled meat and totally lucked out. On a Tuesday, the restaurant was pretty quiet, but right as we got to the door and were checking out the menu, a super friendly and upbeat guy encouraged us to come in. He was so convincing that we didn’t even think twice—we walked right in. The food was great, and the service was really warm and welcoming. They gave us good recommendations and explained the dishes to us. What really stood out was the kind invitation from the local at the entrance. If you’re reading this: thank you so much! We’re really grateful. The owner also came by to say hi, which was really nice. We even chatted about his amazing cheesecake (highly recommended!). We’re hoping to come back next year on our next trip through California. Definitely a spot worth repeating.

TERRY BRAY

The food here is exceptionally wonderful. Everything is smoked by the owner had a wonderful smoked beet and pear salad with bacon, wrapped dates and 3 different meat slider sandwiches with 3 homemade accenting sauces, an absolute joy to dying at this location.

Henni

I was looking for a delicious burger, this place didn't disappoint at all! From the cook michael, to noni the server. Paul came out and said hi. Everyone is so welcoming and the food is on point! Make sure you check out their specialty sauces.

Daria Rico

This is a true Santa Paula Gem! Great place for the whole family. My daughter and I shared the SP Dip which is a Tri-tip sandwich, it was super juicy and tasty! So delicious! it was served with a side salad or fries. Met one of the owners; very friendly and nice. I told my daughter “ this is the reason why I can NEVER become a vegetarian!” 😂 i highly recommend this place

Sarah Good

The food here was fantastic! The owner came out and chatted with us and brought us one of his specialties, and it was super awesome. The server was super friendly and quick, and the beer was great! Definitely make this a quick stop if you’re passing through the area or flying into their small airport.

Victor Valle

Fingerlicking delicious food! Delicious variety of sauces and the service is outstanding! Paul really knows how to put an excellent meal together. A+ for him and his team!

Vanessa Velasquez

More than just BBQ. We enjoyed the inventive menu, particularly the pork belly egg rolls, Korean BBQ tacos and Mac and cheese. The flavors were fantastic and so many options for sauces that enhance the dishes.

Sunday Moore

We just happened to come across this great, family owned-operated, pet friendly (on the patio), little gem in our travels today. Let’s just say if there was a way to give this restaurant more than 5 stars, we definitely would! The food is absolutely delicious and so flavorful. We had the Avocado Fries as an appetizer, they’re very good. We opted for a side of the “Garli-que Aioli. Next, I had the “Visionario” brisket sandwich. This was the best ever! The flavors worked great together, and I would definitely have this again! My husband had the “Umami Gyro” with french fries. Again, just fantastic! We will definitely be back and can’t wait to try their brunch menu on the weekend! Support small business! We highly recommend Gunsmoke BBQ & Beer in Santa Paula, CA. Thank you to Paul and his wife (we didn’t catch her name) for your creativity and sharing your culinary masterpieces with us.

Sommer

Hello TX in California! Few and far between BBQ joints in CA. This is worth saddling up the horse. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?!? Chicken salad amazing, tri-tip, pulled pork, briscuit were lean, full of flavor and tender. And to top it off the beer was cold. Ya'll will thank me later!

Alisha Chavez

Gun Smoke Restaurant stands out as a haven for barbecue enthusiasts and pickling aficionados alike, offering a menu brimming with quality and variety. Here, expertly smoked meats—ranging from succulent brisket to tender ribs—are complemented by an impressive selection of house-made pickles, each bursting with distinctive flavors. The chefs take pride in using the finest ingredients, ensuring every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. Whether you’re craving classic barbecue staples or adventurous pickled accompaniments, Gun Smoke’s diverse offerings promise a memorable dining experience for every palate. Nestled in sweet Santa Paula. I highly recommend to anyone seeking quality.. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their prompt communication, thorough expertise, and genuine willingness to go the extra mile. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning customer, you can trust that you are in capable hands. I am confident that you will be as impressed and satisfied as we were.

Daniel Guyette

I brought my family here to eat just to go out and try the new local place in Santa Paula. We were greeted by the owner when we walked in the front door periodically throughout our whole dining experience. The owner himself was walking around, checking on every table and making everybody feel like family. This is unheard of these days. People are more like by my stuff. Hurry up and eat and get out of here. Not this place! There was new stuff coming out on the menu, and the owner even walked around, handing out samples free of charge Just so people can try it It is a pleasant atmosphere in a very down to earth place. The attention to detail from everything from when you first walk in all the way out to the concrete patio is beautiful. This man really took his time with this business to make it last. And not to forget the food was excellent. It wasn’t like any other barbecue that is just burned and smothered with barbecue sauce to everything. The meat could be eaten with barbecue sauce with plenty of flavor and don’t let me forget his macaroni and cheese I have to hand it to Paul for making the best Barbecue joint around the county and not just the city I wish that I can give more stars than five for somebody to take time out and make you feel like a human being and making you feel welcome is more than words can say, and then to top it off with great leaves me for the words

Tammy B

Do yourself a favor and eat here!!! We were passing through Santa Paula and looked up places to eat and never was I expecting to find this gem !!! This is the kind of place you walk in and wonder If the food will be as cool as the awesome design and decor… top quality in every way!!! Quality ingredients, house made sauces, impressive variety and a gourmet menu that clearly was made with a passion for cooking in mind !! We will be making the drive to Santa Paul just to eat here! Not many restaurants stand out in my mind with a menu this impressive!!! EXCELLENT!!!!!! Look at that smoker by the way :)

Raymond Carbonneau Robles

Food was colorful and prepared well. Interesting flavor possibilities with all the sauces. Server and even cook staff (perhaps the owner?) were attentive and very friendly. The interior was interesting, clean, and not crowded. They also have a patio. Would recommend!

Kerrie Boisseau

Amazing food and service. Chef Paul is so kind and knowledgeable, and makes killer food. Everything we had was delicious!

My friend and I came here after I made a joke about going there for lunch- I am vegan, and usually BBQ places don’t have any options. Thank goodness we looked at the menu because this place has MULTIPLE vegan options! It was such a pleasant surprise, and the owner went above and beyond in general, but especially after learning I was vegan with a gluten sensitivity. Unfortunately, they were out of their gluten free bun, but he used his gluten free pizza dough to make kind of a flat bread sandwich out of the Maggi Shiitake Mushroom sandwich. It was absolutely delicious and I would highly recommend after the treatment from the owner and staff as well as the wonderfully tasty meals we both had! We will be back again and again.

Delicious high quality food in a nice atmosphere. My friend and I tried this last weekend and were impressed by the food, especially for the price point. Great selection of beer on tap too. The salsa was made to order with the burrito!

Absolutely fantastic experience at Gunsmoke BBQ & Beer! I was blown away by how amazing their vegetarian BBQ dishes were — hands down the best I’ve ever had! The flavors were rich and smoky, the portions were generous, and every bite was perfectly seasoned. It’s rare to find a BBQ spot that caters so well to vegetarians, and they truly nailed it. The owner, who’s also the chef, made the visit even more memorable. He’s friendly, funny, and took the time to share the story behind the restaurant, which added such a personal touch. You can tell he puts his heart into every dish. Highly recommend this place to anyone — vegetarian or not — who loves great food, great vibes, and genuine hospitality. If you are driving on 126, you need to take their exit.

Trevor Lowe

Delicious high quality food in a nice atmosphere. My friend and I tried this last weekend and were impressed by the food, especially for the price point. Great selection of beer on tap too. The salsa was made to order with the burrito!

PJ Prakash

Absolutely fantastic experience at Gunsmoke BBQ & Beer! I was blown away by how amazing their vegetarian BBQ dishes were — hands down the best I’ve ever had! The flavors were rich and smoky, the portions were generous, and every bite was perfectly seasoned. It’s rare to find a BBQ spot that caters so well to vegetarians, and they truly nailed it. The owner, who’s also the chef, made the visit even more memorable. He’s friendly, funny, and took the time to share the story behind the restaurant, which added such a personal touch. You can tell he puts his heart into every dish. Highly recommend this place to anyone — vegetarian or not — who loves great food, great vibes, and genuine hospitality. If you are driving on 126, you need to take their exit.

Leigh Scarber

My friend and I came here after I made a joke about going there for lunch- I am vegan, and usually BBQ places don’t have any options. Thank goodness we looked at the menu because this place has MULTIPLE vegan options! It was such a pleasant surprise, and the owner went above and beyond in general, but especially after learning I was vegan with a gluten sensitivity. Unfortunately, they were out of their gluten free bun, but he used his gluten free pizza dough to make kind of a flat bread sandwich out of the Maggi Shiitake Mushroom sandwich. It was absolutely delicious and I would highly recommend after the treatment from the owner and staff as well as the wonderfully tasty meals we both had! We will be back again and again.

Very cool spot and vibe. Nice interior with great heavy large tables and some nice wall pieces and writing. Very good local representation. Service is different than most restaurants, hostess takes orders and brings drinks, food is brought out by Kitchen staff including owner. We had a couple Mexican beers, Sparkling Wine and Soda for me which is in a can so had to buy a 2nd one :). Ordered Santa Paula (tritip) and Pastrami sandwiches, Ojai Strawberry Salad with grilled Chicken, and a Sir Burleys Waygu burger. The Salad was beautiful and she said it was delicious, son said TriTip sandwich was good, Fries are excellent, and the burger was quite a presentation and PERFECTLY cooked, it was excellent meat. I did not love the Persian pickles, too strong of a vinegar taste, but it is a really great burger. Only real hiccup was that we also ordered a Kielbasa App, but we had to ask about it and then it did not come out until after all of our meals already came. It was really good, we really liked it, just wrong sequence. They also have a very large fun looking back outdoor patio. Is a cool spot, some creative tasty dishes, nice people with local flavor, we will go back.

Erick Nielsen

Very cool spot and vibe. Nice interior with great heavy large tables and some nice wall pieces and writing. Very good local representation. Service is different than most restaurants, hostess takes orders and brings drinks, food is brought out by Kitchen staff including owner. We had a couple Mexican beers, Sparkling Wine and Soda for me which is in a can so had to buy a 2nd one :). Ordered Santa Paula (tritip) and Pastrami sandwiches, Ojai Strawberry Salad with grilled Chicken, and a Sir Burleys Waygu burger. The Salad was beautiful and she said it was delicious, son said TriTip sandwich was good, Fries are excellent, and the burger was quite a presentation and PERFECTLY cooked, it was excellent meat. I did not love the Persian pickles, too strong of a vinegar taste, but it is a really great burger. Only real hiccup was that we also ordered a Kielbasa App, but we had to ask about it and then it did not come out until after all of our meals already came. It was really good, we really liked it, just wrong sequence. They also have a very large fun looking back outdoor patio. Is a cool spot, some creative tasty dishes, nice people with local flavor, we will go back.

Georgina Bonilla

I hate to be that person but I feel like maybe my expectations where raised by all the great reviews only to be let down? Maybe too high? The food wasn't awful but there was definitely a lot of going on. The Mac and cheese tasted like it had cheese from a Kraft pack like it wasnt fresh made, we asked for Protien on it and for almost 10 extra dollars we got a spoon of chicken sprinkled on top, the pork belly tacos were really dry with very little to go with them in a tortilla, and the hummus had so much oil in it, it looked like soup. The slider trio was the best thing we had and the fries were great. The wait staff was ok but a lot of the time we watched the staff hanging out and when food was ready, they were literally shouting from the kitchen for pick up to get their attention. We were there for over an hour and a half, and out food came out 1 thing at a time every 30 mins or so. The owner and his family it appeared were all hanging out by the kitchen and eating and chatting with friends. The teens were in and out of the back and appeared to be getting the food as it came out, often times skipping the patrons who were waiting for those same items. I think this place could be better with maybe a bit more professionalism and better kept pace.

Stephanie Curtis

It is surprising this place claims to serve barbecue. The pork, brisket, and chicken were so bland. It's not just the lack of spices but it's like they have an ingredient called bland. The butter was even tasteless. The corn bread was like jiffy. The sauces were bad. They claim to smoke the meats but there's no smoke rings...liquid smoke? Not good at all. And they forgot our fries.