Best Lil' Porkhouse

As a Texas expat where all I miss about that old place is the food, I really wanted this to be legit. My wife and I tried two platters and came away with the same opinion: the pulled pork and Mac and cheese are excellent, the service is friendly enough for counter ordering, and everything else is just okay. The ribs came out lukewarm, and the brisket was soft but bald, relying on sauces to give it flavor. My guess is that their pork sandwiches are the real pull, so we'll give these a shot next time. I was also pretty disappointed by the sauces. They all tasted like molasses and vinegar, and the Satan sauce didn't burn me at all. Next time I order brisket, I'll ask them to leave the garnish sauce off. The banana pudding tastes like childhood and can't be knocked. I also ordered a red velvet cupcake that I didn't get, and we left without putting up a fight about it. For atmosphere, there's a room where you have your order that's really just a counter and fountain drink station, and another separate room where them being your did if you stay. (Note: they won't serve you, they'll just bring you your order.) The sit down room has some Cracker Barrel charm with Spam cans and some old games (missing too many pieces to play). It's cute-ish, but I think I'll order to go next time.

Stopped by here on the way to Sonoma, and had the Stairway to Hog Heaven, which was a combo of a half rack of spareribs (6 bones) and pulled pork. I thought the sides were the best part of the meal. The Texas Toast was crispy, hearty, and drenched with butter. I definitely preferred their bread over the plain untoasted white bread that other authentic BBQ places serve. I also enjoyed the Sweet Potato Tots. They were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The tots were also well seasoned and had a good sweet and savory balance. The BBQ was pretty disappointing though. The pulled pork was tender, but it was bland and not smoky. The ribs weren't as tender and also lacked any hint of smokiness. It tasted like neither spent any time in a smoker. They both depended on the sauce for flavor, which was actually pretty good. I thought it was well balanced, with a good mix of sweetness, tang, and black pepper. Still, a good sauce can't make up for not so good meat.

We love this place but preferred their new location until it closed recently. This is their original spot and has an interesting feel about it. You order in one area then go outside to the dining room in a different part of the building. The food is solid, typical barbeque with some great sauces! And sweet tea to top it off! They have good sides except the fried pickles didn't turn out as good as you would expect. They have challenges too!! The hot wing challenge where you have to eat 10 wings as fast as possible with their hottest sauce. Then of course the food challenge where you need to eat a family meal for 4. Wish they had a bigger spot again so it feels like a real restaurant.

Very good southern bbq ribs. Meat was tender and delicious but lacked a smoky flavor. Great choices of tasty sides. The fried okra was yum! Creamy cheesy gooey Mac and cheese. Slightly bummed that the hottest hot bbq sauce wasn't hot.

Best Lil' Porkhouse has the best BBQ I've had anywhere in or near San Francisco. They use good meat, don't take shortcuts (i.e. no pre-boiling, just low and slow smoking), and use good rubs. They don't make up for poor quality by slathering on the sauce (but their sauces are good). The place is about as unpretentious as possible, and service is friendly and fast.

A terrific "joint" for BBQ pulled pork. Window ordering, but they will bring the plates over to the attached dining area, which looks like an old tavern recently put out of business. This joint is NO NONSENSE: great BBQ pulled pork, brisket, etc. They have stuffed pigs and pig statues and toys all over, with board games to play while you wait. I found it fun. Wife and I split a plate: Texas Toast [very good], mashed potatoes [ditto], mac and cheese [superb], collard greens [hers -- I don't go near them], and the main attraction -- pulled pork. It was suculent, and the House BBQ Sauce is the one to beat. VERY reasonably priced.

Authentic barbecue served in an authentic fashion at the location of what used to be Red Boy pizza. Its a "go to the counter and order yourself" type place. You can then stay in the small main shop or go outside and 20' into the dining room. It's got real barbecue with several really good sauces, and satisfies a true barbecue urge. It's worth a detour.

This little spot off of 4th street is a gem! Some of the best BBQ you'll find in the SF Bay Area and definitely in Marin county. I found the spareribs to be a lot better here than in their location in Corte Madera. Their fried pickles are excellent. Recommend if you are in a pinch for BBQ.