The Best Central Coast Barbecue Spots, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"Nick Priedite started smoking meats after college and working as a bar director at Santa Barbara institution the Lark. He and partner Brendan Dwan teamed up with Santa Ynez restaurant group Companion Hospitality by chef Daisy Ryan and Greg Ryan, opening Priedite Barbecue behind Bell’s Los Alamos, although it eventually moved its residence to Bodega just down the street. The breezy, outdoor space recalls Austin, Texas, but brings you back to California with its lingering Mediterranean aromas of bay laurel, sage, and olive trees. Open weekdays serving a smaller menu of tacos and serving its full array of barbecue on Saturdays, Priedite draws long lines and often sells of out of its smoky, Texas-style brisket, tender smoke-ringed ribs, and pulled pork. The Cali-Mex influence comes from floppy flour tortillas and some of the best ranch beans anywhere. Be sure to go early and be prepared to wait on Saturdays, when lines are the fiercest." - Matthew Kang