How to Plan a Grill Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal paradise with its famous pier, vibrant waterfront, and sunny skies—it’s also a hidden culinary gem for barbecue lovers. While the city is often associated with beach culture and surf culture, its thriving food scene includes some of the most authentic, smoky, and flavor-packed grilled meats in Southern California. Planning a grill tour in Long Beach isn’t just about eating; it’s an immersive journey into regional barbecue traditions, family-owned pitmaster legacies, and the evolving fusion of global flavors that define modern grilling in the city. Whether you’re a local foodie looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, a well-planned grill tour can transform a casual weekend into a mouthwatering odyssey.

Unlike traditional food tours that focus on tacos, sushi, or fine dining, a grill tour in Long Beach demands a different kind of planning. It requires knowledge of smoke rings, rub recipes, wood types, and the cultural stories behind each pit. This guide will walk you through every step of organizing a memorable, efficient, and deeply satisfying grill tour—from identifying top-rated spots to navigating parking, timing your visits, and even connecting with the chefs who make it all possible. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive, actionable blueprint to design your own personalized Long Beach barbecue pilgrimage.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Grill Tour Goals

Before you start mapping out locations, ask yourself: What kind of experience are you seeking? Are you after traditional Texas-style brisket? Smoky Carolina pulled pork? Korean-inspired galbi? Or are you curious about the fusion styles that Long Beach chefs are pioneering—like Thai-tinged ribs or vegan jackfruit barbecue? Your goals will shape every decision that follows.

For first-timers, a balanced tour might include one classic BBQ joint, one modern fusion spot, and one hidden gem known only to locals. For enthusiasts, you might focus exclusively on slow-smoked meats or dive deep into the history of African-American pitmasters in the area. Write down your priorities: flavor profiles, portion sizes, vegetarian options, outdoor seating, or live music. These will serve as your filter when evaluating potential stops.

Step 2: Research Long Beach’s Top BBQ Spots

Long Beach doesn’t have a single dominant barbecue district like Austin or Kansas City, but it does have a cluster of standout spots scattered across neighborhoods. Start by compiling a list of venues with consistent high ratings on Google, Yelp, and food blogs. Look for places that mention “slow-smoked,” “hickory wood,” “dry rub,” or “house-made sauces”—these are indicators of authenticity.

Key spots to include in your initial research:

• Smokin’ J’s BBQ – A Long Beach staple since 2008, known for its tender brisket and signature molasses-based sauce.
• Barbecue Nation – A family-run operation with a rotating menu featuring Memphis ribs, smoked turkey, and jalapeño cornbread.
• Smoke & Fire Grill – A modern take on BBQ with Korean gochujang-glazed short ribs and smoked tofu bowls.
• BBQ on the Bay – Located near the Long Beach Marina, this spot combines seafood with smoked meats, offering a unique coastal twist.
• Big Easy BBQ Co. – A newer entrant with Louisiana-style crawfish boil sides and Cajun-spiced chicken.

Use tools like Google Maps to note their locations and approximate distances. Group them geographically to minimize travel time. For example, Smokin’ J’s and Barbecue Nation are both within a 1.5-mile radius in the Belmont Shore area, making them ideal for a morning-to-lunch cluster.

Step 3: Create a Logical Route

Once you have your list, map a route that minimizes backtracking. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot each location and estimate travel time between them. Aim for 45–60 minutes between stops to allow for eating, walking, and potential wait times.

Example route for a 6-hour tour:

1. 10:00 AM – Smokin’ J’s BBQ (Belmont Shore)
2. 11:30 AM – Barbecue Nation (5-minute drive)
3. 1:00 PM – Smoke & Fire Grill (10-minute drive to Downtown)
4. 3:00 PM – BBQ on the Bay (15-minute drive to the Marina)
5. 5:00 PM – Big Easy BBQ Co. (10-minute drive back toward Downtown)

Consider traffic patterns. Avoid lunch rushes (12–1:30 PM) at popular spots by scheduling your first stop early. Also, check if any locations require reservations for groups—some smaller pits only accommodate walk-ins.

Step 4: Plan for Portions and Timing

Barbecue portions are generous. A single plate at Smokin’ J’s might include two meats, two sides, and bread. If you plan to visit five spots, you’ll need to strategize to avoid overeating or wasting food.

Recommendation: Choose one “main” stop for a full plate and opt for smaller samples (half-portions, appetizer-sized plates, or sampler trays) at the others. Many places offer “tasting flights” of meats or sauces—ask for them. This allows you to sample more without feeling bloated.

Timing matters too. Don’t arrive right before closing. Most BBQ joints close between 8–9 PM, but some sell out of popular items by 5 PM. Call ahead or check their Instagram stories for daily specials and sell-out alerts. A quick “What’s left for today?” message can save you disappointment.

Step 5: Prepare for Logistics

Logistics can make or break your tour. Here’s what to plan:

• Transportation: Rent a car if you don’t have one. Public transit in Long Beach is limited for food tours. Ride-shares are convenient but can be expensive for multiple stops. Consider splitting a ride with friends.
• Parking: Belmont Shore and Downtown Long Beach have paid street parking and public lots. Download the ParkMobile app for easy payment. Some spots offer free parking after 6 PM—use that to your advantage if you’re doing an evening tour.
• Hydration: BBQ is salty and smoky. Bring a reusable water bottle. Some places sell drinks, but bottled water is often overpriced.
• Food storage: If you plan to take leftovers home, bring insulated bags or coolers. Many BBQ joints offer free takeout containers, but bring your own if you’re doing multiple stops.
• Weather: Long Beach can be foggy in the morning and hot by afternoon. Dress in layers. Outdoor seating is common—pack sunscreen or a light jacket.

Step 6: Engage with the Staff

One of the most rewarding parts of a grill tour is learning from the people behind the pit. Don’t just order and eat—ask questions. “What kind of wood do you use?” “How long does the brisket smoke?” “What’s your secret sauce ingredient?”

Many pitmasters are proud of their craft and love sharing stories. At Smokin’ J’s, the owner still hand-mixes his rub every morning. At Smoke & Fire, the chef trained under a Memphis pitmaster before bringing those techniques to Long Beach. These details add depth to your experience and often lead to personalized recommendations—like trying the smoked peach cobbler or the house-pickled onions.

Take notes. Jot down names, techniques, or unusual ingredients. You might want to recreate a dish at home later—or even return for a second visit with a friend.

Step 7: Document and Reflect

Bring your phone or a small notebook. Take photos of the food, the ambiance, the signs, the sauce bottles. Write down your impressions: “The brisket had a perfect bark,” “The sauce was tangy but not overpowering,” “The collard greens tasted like Sunday dinner at my grandma’s.”

After the tour, spend 20 minutes reflecting. Which stop surprised you the most? Which one felt overhyped? Which one would you return to in a heartbeat? This reflection helps you refine future tours and even create a personal BBQ ranking system.

Consider sharing your experience on social media or a food blog. Tag the restaurants. Your review might help another food lover plan their own tour—and you might even get a shoutout from the pitmaster!

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to cram in as many spots as possible, but a successful grill tour isn’t about how many places you hit—it’s about how deeply you experience each one. Three exceptional stops with thoughtful tasting and conversation are more memorable than five rushed ones. Slow down. Savor. Let the smoke linger on your palate.

Practice 2: Respect the Culture

Barbecue is more than food—it’s heritage. In Long Beach, many BBQ joints are owned by families who’ve been smoking meat for generations, often rooted in African-American, Southern, or Latinx traditions. Avoid making assumptions. Don’t say, “This tastes like Texas,” unless you’ve been to Texas. Instead, ask, “What inspired this style?”

Be mindful of cultural appropriation. If a restaurant uses a spice blend from a specific region, acknowledge it. Say, “This reminds me of Louisiana Cajun seasoning,” rather than claiming it as your own discovery.

Practice 3: Build Relationships, Not Just Itineraries

Return to your favorite spots. Become a regular. Ask the staff if they have a “secret menu” or weekly specials. Many places offer off-menu items for loyal customers—like smoked duck tacos or brisket burnt ends on Fridays. Building rapport turns a one-time tour into an ongoing culinary relationship.

Practice 4: Support Local, Not Just Popular

Don’t just go to the places with the most Instagram followers. Some of Long Beach’s best BBQ is found in unassuming strip malls or behind gas stations. Look for places with long lines of locals, handwritten signs, and no online reservation system. These are often the most authentic.

Example: Marshall’s Smokehouse, tucked into a corner of a car wash parking lot in Lakewood, has no website but a 4.9-star Yelp rating and a 2-hour wait on weekends. That’s the kind of spot worth finding.

Practice 5: Plan for Dietary Needs

Barbecue isn’t always vegan or gluten-free friendly, but many Long Beach spots are adapting. Ask about:

• Gluten-free sauces (some contain soy sauce or malt vinegar)
• Vegetarian sides (smoked mushrooms, grilled corn, black bean salad)
• Plant-based meats (Jackfruit, seitan, or tempeh options)

Smoke & Fire Grill and BBQ on the Bay are leaders in inclusive BBQ. If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, call ahead to confirm options. Don’t assume—always ask.

Practice 6: Time Your Tour with Local Events

Long Beach hosts several food festivals and BBQ competitions throughout the year. The Long Beach BBQ Throwdown (June) and Summer Smoke & Sip (August) feature local pitmasters, live music, and tastings. Planning your tour around these events can give you access to multiple vendors in one location, often at discounted prices.

Even if you’re not attending a festival, check if any spots are hosting “Pitmaster Nights”—weekly events where chefs cook special dishes and mingle with guests. These are golden opportunities for insider knowledge.

Practice 7: Leave No Trace

Barbecue is communal. It’s shared around picnic tables, under umbrellas, near the water. Respect the environment. Use recycling bins. Don’t litter napkins or sauce packets. Many BBQ joints are eco-conscious and appreciate patrons who do the same.

Bring your own reusable utensils if you’re a frequent visitor. Some places even offer discounts for bringing your own container. It’s a small gesture that adds up.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Google Maps – For route planning, real-time traffic, and user reviews with photos.
• Yelp – Filter by “most reviewed,” “open now,” and “vegetarian-friendly.” Read recent reviews for accuracy.
• Instagram – Follow local BBQ spots. Many post daily specials, smoke status (“Low and slow—brisket at 195°F”), and behind-the-scenes videos.
• Resy or OpenTable – For spots that accept reservations (rare, but growing).
• ParkMobile – Pay for street parking without fumbling with coins.

Recommended Reading

• “Smoke and Spice: Cooking with Smoke, the Real Way to Barbecue” by Cheryl and Bill Jamison – A foundational text on techniques and history.
• “The Barbecue Bible” by Steven Raichlen – Covers global styles, including modern twists relevant to Long Beach fusion cuisine.
• “BBQ USA” by Steven Raichlen – Profiles regional styles across America, helping you identify what you’re tasting.
• “The Long Beach Food Scene” by local food historian Maria Delgado – A niche but invaluable guide to the city’s culinary evolution, including BBQ roots.

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

• “The BBQ Podcast” by Aaron Franklin and Daniel Vaughn – Deep dives into pitmaster philosophies.
• “Smoked & Savory” (YouTube) – Features interviews with Long Beach pitmasters and cooking demos.
• “Eater LA” – Regular features on emerging BBQ spots in the region.

Local Organizations

• Long Beach Food Network – A community group that hosts monthly BBQ meetups and walking tours. Join their newsletter for exclusive access.
• California Barbecue Society – Offers certifications and events. Their Long Beach chapter occasionally opens pit tours to the public.

DIY Tools to Build Your Own Kit

For the serious grill tour enthusiast, assemble a portable “BBQ Kit”:

• Small notebook and pen
• Portable sauce sampler (tiny jars for collecting sauces)
• Mini tasting spoons
• Reusable napkins
• Hand sanitizer (essential after handling smoky meats)
• Camera or phone with good low-light mode (for indoor pit areas)

These tools help you document, compare, and remember flavors with precision—turning your tour into a personal archive of taste.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Tourist’s Experience

Emma, a visitor from Chicago, planned a 4-stop grill tour during a weekend getaway. Her goal: “I want to taste what makes Long Beach BBQ different from what I have back home.”

Her route:

1. 11 AM – Smokin’ J’s BBQ: Ordered the brisket plate. Noted the sweet, molasses-heavy sauce and the crisp bark. “Tasted like Southern comfort with a California twist.”
2. 1 PM – Barbecue Nation: Tried the pulled pork with apple cider vinegar slaw. “The tang cut through the fat perfectly. Better than any Carolina-style I’ve had.”
3. 3 PM – Smoke & Fire Grill: Sampled the gochujang ribs. “Spicy, sweet, umami. I didn’t expect Korean flavors here, but it worked.”
4. 5 PM – BBQ on the Bay: Ordered smoked salmon with dill aioli. “I didn’t think smoked fish belonged on a BBQ tour… but it was the highlight.”

Emma left with a notebook full of notes, a jar of Smokin’ J’s sauce, and a new appreciation for coastal barbecue. She later started a blog, “Coastal Smoke,” featuring her Long Beach discoveries.

Example 2: The Local Foodie’s Deep Dive

Carlos, a Long Beach native, wanted to explore the city’s hidden BBQ history. He focused on Black-owned and immigrant-run spots.

His tour included:

• Marshall’s Smokehouse – Owned by a former Marine from Mississippi. He uses hickory and pecan wood, smoked for 14 hours. “He told me his father taught him to smoke meat in the 1970s in Jackson, MS.”
• El Fuego BBQ – A Mexican-American family joint offering smoked carnitas with pineapple salsa. “The blend of Mexican spices with slow smoke was revolutionary.”
• Champion BBQ – Run by a second-generation Jamaican-American chef who uses allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers in his rub.

Carlos interviewed each owner, recorded their stories, and created a digital map called “Smoke Roots of Long Beach,” now used by the city’s tourism board as a cultural heritage trail.

Example 3: The Corporate Team-Building Tour

A tech company from Irvine booked a private 5-stop BBQ tour for 12 employees. They hired a local food guide who curated the experience around “flavor contrasts.”

Each stop highlighted a different profile:

• Smoky (Smokin’ J’s)
• Tangy (Barbecue Nation)
• Spicy (Smoke & Fire)
• Umami (BBQ on the Bay)
• Herbal (Big Easy)

Employees voted on their favorite at each stop. The guide provided tasting cards with flavor notes. The event ended with a group photo in front of the Long Beach Pier holding plates of BBQ. The company reported a 92% satisfaction rate and now does the tour annually.

FAQs

Can I do a grill tour on public transit in Long Beach?

It’s possible but not ideal. The Long Beach Transit system covers major corridors, but many BBQ spots are in residential or commercial zones with limited stops. Ride-sharing or driving is strongly recommended for flexibility and timing.

How much should I budget for a full grill tour?

Plan for $25–$40 per person per stop if ordering full plates. For sampling, $15–$25 per stop is sufficient. A 4-stop tour typically costs $80–$160 per person, excluding drinks and tips. Many places offer combo deals—ask!

Are there vegetarian BBQ options in Long Beach?

Yes. Smoke & Fire Grill, BBQ on the Bay, and even Smokin’ J’s now offer smoked jackfruit, portobello mushrooms, and vegan sides like cornbread and black-eyed peas. Always ask about preparation to avoid cross-contamination.

Do I need to make reservations?

Most BBQ spots in Long Beach are walk-in only. However, if you’re bringing a group of 6 or more, call ahead. Some places reserve tables for large parties, especially on weekends.

What’s the best time of year for a grill tour?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best weather for outdoor dining. Summer can be foggy in the morning and hot in the afternoon. Winter is quiet—great for avoiding crowds.

Can I bring kids on a grill tour?

Absolutely. Many BBQ joints are family-friendly with high chairs, simple sides like fries and coleslaw, and outdoor seating. Avoid very spicy items for young children, but most places offer mild sauces.

How do I know if a BBQ spot is authentic?

Look for: long smoke times (10+ hours), wood-fired pits (not electric smokers), house-made sauces, and staff who can explain their process. Signs like “Slow Smoked Since 1992” or “Dry Rub Only” are good indicators.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. BBQ joints can be smoky, dusty, or messy. Avoid delicate fabrics. A light jacket is useful for evening breezes near the water.

Can I buy sauce or rubs to take home?

Most places sell bottled sauces, dry rubs, or even smoked meats for take-home. Ask at checkout. Some even offer gift boxes.

Is tipping expected on a grill tour?

Yes. Standard tipping applies—15–20% for table service. If you’re ordering at a counter, leaving $1–$2 per person for the staff is appreciated. Pitmasters work long hours; show gratitude.

Conclusion

Planning a grill tour in Long Beach is more than a food adventure—it’s a cultural exploration. Each pit, each rub, each smoky bite tells a story of migration, resilience, innovation, and community. From the hickory-scented backyards of Belmont Shore to the fusion kitchens of Downtown, Long Beach offers a barbecue landscape as diverse as its people.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—defining your goals, researching thoughtfully, respecting traditions, and engaging with the craft—you transform a simple meal into a meaningful experience. You become not just a consumer of food, but a witness to its history.

Don’t treat this tour as a checklist. Treat it as a conversation. Ask questions. Listen to stories. Taste with intention. Return to your favorite spots. Share your discoveries. Let your palate be your compass.

Long Beach doesn’t just serve barbecue—it serves soul. And when you plan your tour with care, you don’t just eat barbecue. You become part of its legacy.