Heritage Barbecue Blends LEGIT Texas Barbecue With A California Twist

If you don’t live in Texas, it’s damn near impossible to find a legitimate Central Texas-style Barbecue.

Southern Californians, however, need look no further than Daniel Castillo’s own Heritage Barbecue based in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Heritage Barbecue began as a pop-up at local breweries in SoCal, accruing a cult following over the years. Once a kitchen manager at Whole Foods, Castillo would smoke meats in his yard and bring them to the breweries.

After years of hosting pop-ups, Castilla finally opened, Castillo finally opened a brick-and-mortar location for Heritage.

Offering the classic staples of Texas barbecue, such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausages, Castillo also brings a bit of a California twist into his menu.

Items like clubs, burritos, and dips are featured on his menu pretty regularly.

Castillo also takes advantage of the rich ingredients the land has to offer, sourcing locations vegetables from local farms.

Still, what’s been drawing the crowds is what brings folks to any barbecue spot: the meat. Heritage boasts smoked beef that melts in your mouth like an ice cube on a hot skillet. Castillo has become a veritable master of his craft.

While the lines are long, it goes without saying how worthwhile a trip to Heritage could be—especially for Californians craving that Texas-style meat.