"Opened by Matt Pearce, who attended college at nearby Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, this barbecue spot grew out of company “cook outs” and a desire to take things to the next level. In 2010, Pearce opened a catering operation that eventually grew into this cherished Santa Maria-style barbecue with tri-tip trimmed by hand and grilled over red oak, served as sandwiches or on a plate with garlic bread and a choice of side. The pulled pork is roasted slow and served with a mound of crunchy coleslaw, cilantro garlic barbecue sauce, and plush brioche bun. Both the original Higuera and the second outpost on Marigold offer extensive craft beer lists with locally brewed pints." - Matthew Kang