Horn Barbecue

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.7/5 if I could) Don’t let the mixed reviews stop you from eating here. You want this food. This is the third location for Michelin Guide Horn BBQ, and I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure what to expect after seeing the low Google rating (I rarely eat anywhere under a 4). I’m so glad I went anyway, because I was absolutely blown away. The brisket was succulent and beyond tender. The braised cabbage is something I’ll be trying to recreate at home. The potato salad was stellar, but the true star for me was the cornbread—it was so good I bought an extra slice to take with me. Service was every bit as impressive as the food. I didn’t catch their names, but the three FOH staff working Friday, 9/26 were fantastic—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. I’d come back just for them. The atmosphere is “industrial cool” that works both ways: family-friendly during the day but with a bar that gives it date-night vibes, too. Easy parking seals the deal. Horn BBQ Elk Grove is a win. Don’t hesitate—go eat here.

My wife and I have just found our Go To Barbecue place. We were going to the Dust bowl they weren't open yet so we happened to check out Horn Barbecue next door. It was the most Tender Brisket and Ribs fall off the bone. Mac & Cheese ,Beans and Cornbread Awesome.

My wife and I went today 11/15/25 for our first time and it was delicious and the service was outstanding! We got there before they open because it was our first time there and wanted to beat the crowd. The lady serving the sides and the gentleman serving the meats were polite, had great sense of humor and very helpful, its always good to have people like them doing serving and interacting with the customers, it makes the experience a lot better. We ordered too much, but planned on taking some home, we ordered a beef rib, pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, Mac n cheese, beans, potato salad and corn bread and everything was so delicious!! Worth the drive from Dixon. We packed our food we didn’t eat and I went to ask for some bbq sauce and a bag and the chef gave me some, we started talking and I told him it was our first time and he was very happy that we loved it. I believe he said he started smoking the food at 4am, he was very polite and professional and also had a great sense of humor. We love going to places that have a team of people with great attitudes because it makes the experience better. We will definitely be back and will bring and tell all our family and friends. Thank you Horn Barbecue for the great hospitality!!

My family came here for lunch! Everything was so delicious! Do not sleep on the BBQ tips, cornbread & banana pudding! This is definitely for carnivores. We spend $170 for a family of 9. We had 2 pounds of brisket, 2lbs of beef ribs, chicken sandwich, and BBQ tips. The sides: 6 cornbread, large mac & cheese, cabbage, beans, granny potatoes, potato salad, & banana pudding. The atmosphere was great with the music & bar.

This place is ridiculously good!!! We had ribs, brisket, hot link, collard greens, Mac n cheese, yams, pit beans, and cornbread. Everything was on point and very fresh. The balance of smoke, flavor, and moistness was incredible. The atmosphere was inviting and the interior design was perfect. Can’t wait to go back!!!

Barndominium meet California. As you walk in you are greeted with a very large seating area fit for the whole football team. Pulled Pork, Ribs, chicken, and sausage. Did I mention juicy to the touch brisket that you cut with a spoon. The sides; spicy greens, cabbage, potatoe salad and more. There is a full bar to assist with washing down of everything. Bring two or twenty. Price point $$$

The minute you walk in the aroma of BBQ hits you & you know the food is going to be great! 😋 We ordered the brisket, rib tips & gouda sausage. The brisket was very tender & moist. We tried Granny's potatoes, mustard green & best of all, the corn bread. This place is going to be a hit. We will definitely come back again!

Good bbq but priced a bit high. One spare rib was $6.25 each, quarter pound. Came around 1pm and there was no line. Also, there is no issue with parking, but I can see this being an issue when it gets busy, small shared lot and street parking. I can understand the frustration of long wait for food order, as all meats are cut to order and sides have two size choices. There is cross contamination between the meats as they are weight on the same scale, use same cutting board, and no glove changes when handling different meats or for each customer, so I don't recommend dining here if there are concerns with specific dietary needs here. Sides were decent, good cornbread, candied yams had good flavor but some yam pieces weren't cooked all the way, beans had good flavor, and grandma's potatoes were good too. Staff were friendly and ready to help. Bbq sauces is available for togo orders but needed to ask for them and same with pickled onions. I like that they allow you to try the sides before buying and they also can show you what the meats look like, you can request for leaner brisket which I appreciate.

Mouthwatering deliciousness! Three of us shared this spread. We chose brisket, spareribs and a beef rib. Beef ribs are apparently only available on Saturdays. We lucked up on this find merely because the guy behind us ordered it and shared his knowledge of its availability. All meats were good. Disappointed that they ran out of hot links. Only complaints were the flys and no paper towels in the women's bathroom. Only one line to stand, wait and order. Should put foil over sides to avoid fly landings during transition to meat ordering. Enough complaints, back to the kudos! Now the sides... Mac n cheese, bomb! Tender shells cooked just right. Well seasoned and cheesy! Our favorite side choice by far. Greens, pit beans and corn bread, all good. We're not really sweet cornbread people, but it was ideal for those who are. I am a cabbage lover but wish these had a little kick to them. Two bbq sauces. Regular and spicy. Both were tasty. Only one dessert option...banana pudding, meh! Tasted like vanilla pudding with bananas and Nilla wafers. Very spacious. Lots of seating inside and outside. Will definitely go again and again and again.

Went to Horn Barbecue for the first time Today with the family. Let's start with the positives: Clean restaurant Friendly staff No wait Areas of opportunity: FOOD- our food had no flavor and our brisket we paid for was 95% fat with 5% meat. The food looked like it was sitting out all day or possibly a few days. We did go during a Sunday afternoon but expected at least a few things to be fresh. Overall this place has potential but lacks luster to return.

Food has always been delicious. Brisket - 10/10 - fatty is the only way to go. Does sell out quick so get there early . Turkey - 10/10 - I thought I hated turkey, but turns out before Horn I just never had good turkey because I LOVE it now. So moist and delicious. Ribs - 8/10 - not my fave but they are tasty Sides - all have been great.

First impressions: This place is big with plenty of seating. I came on a Saturday around 5 p.m., right before the line started forming, so I didn't have to wait long. Service (5/10) The food took a while to get packed, and most of the staff looked like they were just going through the motions. No smiles or energy from three out of four workers. The cashier, who I think was the manager, was the only one who seemed engaged and kept things running smoothly. The experience would be a lot better if the team showed a little more enthusiasm. Food (6.8/10) I went for a half pound of brisket, half pound of pulled pork, cornbread, slaw, and mac and cheese. All for one person. No shame in that. Def a pricey meal but I was able to get 3 meals from to so worth it imo. A lot of the items were not available: hot links, chicken or tri-tip. It would be nice if their social media was active to announce what's available or sold out... may help with the disappointment of not getting what you want. The brisket was tender, juicy, and nicely fatty. Not too salty, which I appreciate. I added some BBQ sauce for a few bites just to change up the flavor. Really solid. The pulled pork was on the drier side, but the BBQ sauce helped. It wasn't hot when I got it, which was a bit disappointing, but not a dealbreaker. The mac and cheese hit the spot. Creamy, cheesy, and fresh out of the pan. Probably my favorite side. The slaw wasn't your typical flavor, but it added some crunch and freshness between bites. The cornbread was good too. Moist enough, though it could've used some butter. A couple of small things: hot sauce isn't set out anywhere, so you have to ask for it, and same with the BBQ sauce. Depending on how busy it is, that can take a minute. Overall: Solid BBQ with great brisket and mac and cheese. Service could be more upbeat, but the food makes up for it. I'd come back if I'm in the area. Definitely better than what I've got back home.

Late review: It's great to see Elk Grove finally have its own high-end BBQ spot known for award-winning, slow-smoked meats like brisket and ribs. This place took over the former Low and Slow location, and after hearing good things, we decided to give it a try. We came around 5 PM on a Friday--just before the line started to form--so the timing worked out perfectly. There's plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, and you order right at the counter. We tried the brisket, smoked gouda link, Granny's potatoes and mac and cheese, potato salad, and banana pudding. The sides were solid and the smoked gouda sausage was flavorful, but the brisket was a bit on the dry side and could've used more flavor. I enjoyed their banana pudding the most, I believe the price was fair and as I expected for the portions. Overall, it was a decent BBQ experience, but it didn't quite stand out for me. The flavors were good but felt similar to other barbecue spots I've tried.

Luckily we came midafternoon on a Wednesday afternoon & it wasn't too too busy. My wife had to have her veggies so she only ordered the cabbage with bacon? & coleslaw which were decent. Loved those pickled onions too! My wife wanted to try the smoked turkey but they didn't have it available that day. Aw which means we will have to return again. The lean lean brisket was tender & delish. The pork ribs were tasty too. We also ordered a half of chicken & that was fall of the bone delicious too. I did notice the guy who was getting our meat didn't ever change his gloves going back & forth from one storage unit to the other. However that's what he was doing getting your meats. This restaurant's ambiance was open & airy. We were served with ice cold water but I'm sure they can get your drinks order once you sit down. Just the flies were such a nuisance that my wife didn't have a chance to use their ladies room bc they wanted our BBQ meat more than us! LOL They did have outside seating that can get toasty in the hot summertime bc no patio cover yet??? Free parking was available. However if you come on the weekends we can see it be very limited. We advise coming during the week! Not sure if we would return again unless my wife wants to. Btw the BBQ chicken was just okay the following day. My wife liked the brisket the best.

So glad we found Horn BBQ in Elk Grove! You honestly wouldn't expect a spot like this to be tucked away here--but it's the real deal. If you're into BBQ, give this place a try. You won't regret it. The BBQ is legit--better than most places we've tried, with that perfect smoky flavor and tender meat that melts in your mouth. We were hoping to try the chicken hut, but they were sold out for the day (just another reason to come back!). The sides are also on point--especially the greens, which were oh so delicious. Full of flavor and cooked just right. Everything we had made it clear this place takes their food seriously. Don't sleep on this spot. It's a hidden gem and 100% worth checking out if you're in the area.

Wow! First off this place is in a stunning brick building, with amazing decor, so well done. Large indoor and outdoor seating areas. Huge bar. The ambiance is off the charts. The service is good. You order at the counter and seat yourself. They bus the tables when you are done. The food: Lean brisket- incredible smoke flavor and tender, good to eat alone but the bbq sauce adds another level. Smoked turkey- flavorful and juicy, not dry at all, even the picky toddler enjoyed it! Beef ribs- flavorful and picky toddler loved it. Cole slaw- plain, but in a good way. Very fresh, good side Potatoes salad- excellent! 100% will come back! Bring all your friends!

This was our first experience. After researching, and reading mixed reviews, I finally pulled the trigger. What you see here is a huge tray of the most incredibly moist beef Dino rib and brisket, it melted. We also got the huge chunky burnt ends, candied pork belly and homemade sausage. Although their serving style was unique, we received quality, friendly, knowledgeable customer service and it was fast. We got there during a sweet spot, like right before the lunch line. So everything was FRESH for the day, huge, and juicy. We got the best of the best pieces. The place was huge, with very high ceilings, open and airy, feels like a nice Texan vibe which adds to the experience! We were on our lunch break and wanted to tear up the food so we took it to go. No regrets! I LOVE LOVE LOVE BBQ, this place is the best in Elk Grove, when on the other side of town like Rancho Cordova, Daddy O's is the go to.

Some time ago I bought the Horn BBQ book from Underground Books in Sacramento because I love BBQ. I read it cover to cover. When I heard they would open in Elk Grove, I couldn't believe it. I followed them on Instagram and just waited for them to open. It was all I could talk about, and I told anyone who listened because I love BBQ. They opened, and I was happy for them. I heard of the lines around the building and saw pictures of the smokers and the wood stacks. I saw a lot of good reviews and also some not-so-good ones. A few people I'm close with gave me their opinions, but I wanted to try for myself. I went today, and after eating their BBQ, I was disappointed. Just the facts: Ordered Ribs, Brisket, and one sausage. All meats appeared as if they were from leftovers from the prior day. Ribs (pictured below): I could not taste the pork flavor of the ribs, the smoke, or the meat itself. Brisket (pictured below) was much the same. It barely had a smoke ring, lacked beef flavor, and I couldn't taste the bark. Sausage (pictured below), although the best out of the three meats I ordered, seemed dry, lacked that sausage flavor, and seemed old. When I say no flavor, I mean it lacked that juicy, savory, smoky BBQ flavor that makes you want to take another bite. Aside from knowing the texture of each of the meats, if I were blindfolded, I would not have been able to distinguish which was which, as they all had the same bland flavor. The beef brisket tasted like the pork ribs, which tasted like the sausage. After the tip, this came to about $55. The staff was super friendly, and the restaurant was clean, looked great, and had potential. However, I will not return. I wish them the best in their future BBQ endeavors.

Phenomenal! There needs to be more stars for a place like this. The restaurant itself is well set up. Everything flows smoothly. The staff were all very quick and friendly. We eat at a lot of bbq joints. I have never had bbq this good! This brisket just melted. Smoke flavor was just right. The Mac and Cheese was creamy, smooth and cooked to perfection. The Pit Beans had a nice smoky flavor. The sauces were so good! Spicy had a lot of kick to it. The cornbread must have been made on a cloud in heaven because this bread was buttery, sweet, moist, and delicious. Icing on the cake for me...y'all they serve grape kool-aid here like it's sweet tea! I noticed this place hiding back here when I was trying to turn my car around one day. I am so glad that I remembered it was here!

Our first time at Horn Barbecue and it did not disappoint! We tried everything and everything was delicious. The drinks Ryan made were spot on, and the service was awesome. Definitely coming back and bringing the whole family next time!

Stopped in at Horn for the first time with my girlfriend, who was meeting up with some co-workers. Before the invite out I hadn't heard of Horn Barbecue, and didn't know it was the new spot, replacing the other barbecue spot that was there for a shot period of time. By the time we arrived which was a little before 6 pm, there was already a sandwich shop sign up front. Noting they were out of smoked turkey, and something else. And when we got to the counter my girlfriend wanted to order the half chicken and she was out of that as well. Which made selecting the meat choice even more difficult, since she didn't really want anything else; but opted for the brisket. We together ordered the following: Meat by the ound: Brisket (1/2 pound) - $19 Burnt ends (1/2 pound) - $17 Sides: Mac & cheese (large) - $9 Collard greens (large) - $9 Corn bread - $3 Drinks: Fountain sodas (x2) Food pros: The bunt end were de-lic-ious and it was our favorite item by far. The brisket was slow cooked to perfection, and you could cut it with a fork, or just easily pull it part with your hands. The mac & cheese was our favorite side. And with the sides, we were originally going to both order a medium size mac & cheese and collard greens. But the staff member helping us pointed out that we'd save $1/on each side if we just shared a large ordered of each. Which saved us $2 overall. Food cons: The greens were too salty. I couldn't put my finger on what the flavor was of them as first, and my girlfriend said she thought it was garlic (garlic salt maybe?). Which was odd to me for a flavor profile of greens, as most greens are seasoned with regular salt and pork or turkey if meat is involved. And as I ate more of the greens I could taste the salt more and more, which become overpowering for me and didn't finish them. The Cornbread while really good, but comes in an extremely small portion for $3. When we were going to order it we expected the pieces to be larger. Or assumed for the size we saw you'd maybe get two pieces, but that wasn't the case. So because of the price we just ordered one slice to share, because we couldn't imagine paying $6 for two of those small slices of bread. Establishment was really nice and spacious and, and have open seating indoors and a small patio area in the back. The main dinning area is on the side of the restaurant where you enter, and there's a nice bar area on the far side. The murals are dope and the decor is nice as well, and there's available Horn "swap" near the front entrance and ordering area. Overall: Definitely a good new Barbecue spot for Elk Grove. Decently priced for most of the items, more lightly salted and the collard greens would've been perfect, and slightly larger portions of Cornbread would be ideal.

Good things come to those who wait... Sometimes you have to wait in line or wait to be seated at restaurants and sometimes it's worth the wait. Horn Barbecue is one of those places. And honestly, on both visits, once on a Saturday for lunch and another for a Friday night dinner, I really didn't wait as long as I have for less stellar meals at other places. From the friendly and helpful staff who provide great service to the outstanding food, it's all worth it. I love every single thing I have tasted, the brisket and the cornbread are probably my top choices, but I recommend going with several people, order everything and share. My photos are from both of my visits.

I've come here twice. Once when it first opened and this time, a few months later. Things have improved since the place opened. They still have long lines at different times of the day. You line up to place, receive, and pay for your order. You sit at any open table. They gave me a choice of fatty or lean brisket. I did half and half. The brisket is good. I prefer the fatty brisket. That was very tender, and it was really good. The leaner brisket one was a little on the dry side. I do like their corn bread. It's not bad. It's not warm, just room temp. I think it would have been better, if it was warm. The sausage, I didn't care for, but my husband liked it. We did try the pork ribs, it was okay. Overall, we had a good experience. I would probably come again, but not often. There isn't much BBQ places in Elk Grove. It is on the expensive side for BBQ.

Horn BBQ is the real deal! From the moment you walk in, the smoky aroma lets you know you're about to experience something special. The food is absolutely incredible tender brisket that melts in your mouth, juicy ribs with the perfect bark, and sides that taste homemade with real soul. You can tell everything is made with pride and passion. The service was just as impressive friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming. The staff made sure our table was taken care of from start to finish, and the atmosphere had that perfect mix of laid-back and lively. Great music, good vibes, and amazing food what more could you ask for? If you're anywhere near the area, Horn BBQ is a must-visit. You'll leave full, happy, and already planning your next trip back!

Took the family to visit Horn bbq at 2pm on July 3. It was empty inside, only 1 other table with 2 ladies. Decor was nice, place was spacious and clean. We were greeted right away, ordered our sides and meat. The brisket was tender and juicy, very delicious! The beef rib was seasoned well, the pork belly burnt ends were delightful. I love the pickled onions and pickles that came with the meal. We tried the granny's potato salad and the regular potato salad, as well as the coleslaw and southern cabbage. Everything was great. We just came from Texas last month and the bbq at Horn is better than the ones we had over at Terry Black's. So glad that we have Texas bbq in Elk Grove!

This was my first visit to Horn Barbecue, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I'd heard it was Black-owned and that the owner is from the Bay Area, so I had to check it out. Horn has taken over the space where Slow & Low BBQ used to be. A spot that didn't last long and honestly wasn't all that memorable. I went with a group of coworkers, and even on a Wednesday at 6 PM, there was a line out the door. That alone told me we were in for something good. I ordered the brisket sandwich, spare ribs, and mac and cheese. Everything was packed with flavor, but the mac and cheese ended up stealing the show. I was so full I had to take the rest home. Next time, I'm making room for their banana pudding. I'll definitely be back.

I love the ambiance here! Nice and spacious inside. You have to order the meat by the 1/2 pound, so keep that in mind. We wanted to try as much as we could and the staff was so helpful. We let them know it was our 1st time and they were so patient! We ordered 1 pound of brisket, 1/2 a chicken, a Gouda sausage and hotlink. We also tried the Mac n cheese, greens, potato salad, beans and cornbread. It was ok. The brisket was dry and needed the bbq sauce. The chicken was good and juicy. The hotlink was extremely hot but with little flavor. The Gouda sausage was by far the best! I could eat those every day! The sides lacked salt and were pretty plain except for the greens! They were seasoned and cooked perfectly with a little bite and not mushy. The cornbread had just come out, so it was fresh and hot. They asked if we wanted a corner or inside, which we appreciated! Overall, it was just ok. I would go back but only for the sausage and greens.

Beef rib: Huge, tender, fall-off-the-bone, good flavor Spare ribs: (Charged as tips; yes, we were honest; yes, we were blessed) Tender, good flavor Burnt ends: Good flavor, would have liked them to be a little crispier/more burnt Slaw: Not my favorite but not awful, definitely liked it more with the burnt ends Mac & Cheese: Very good, not too cheesy but not dry, good flavor Potatoes: Definitely my favorite, almost a mixture of au gratin and mashed, excellent flavor and texture Overall: Good food Good service Good atmosphere; loved the vibe! Good location: We parked on the street but there's definitely a bit of parking in the back. The place is pretty big, like a converted warehouse with plenty of seating inside and outside! Cafeteria-style A definite place to go for some good BBQ! Total: $134 minus extra tip CON: Please do something about the flies! I know flies love BBQ too, and there weren't so many that it was gross. There were enough to be annoying and one man left because of them.

First and foremost, this place was delicious right when you first walk in you get in line and you order your food as if you were in elementary school but imagine waiting for food that you actually wanna eat that smells amazing. You start off with sides. Which I got were collard greens beans and Grammy's potatoes but the best side of all no doubt was the cornbread! Get a couple for yourself, It's worth it. After the sides are picked you go onto the meats. We went a little late so they didn't have the pork belly burnt ends, which was all my fault but we ended up getting the tri-tip which was 10 out of 10 and we got some rib tips along with some hot links. Everything was delicious all the way down to the original and spicy barbecue sauce they had on the table plenty of seats for the entire family. If you're craving bbq, try this place out. It's a must!

Went here after a bunch of my friends told me about it. I went during lunch and the line was to the door so I came back for early dinner. It was less crowded so I only had one person ahead of me. I didn't like that you ordered from their counter so close to the door making a huge line out the door. I wanted to try a lot so I got the brisket, ribs and beef ribs. The brisket was done well. I was disappointed with the beef rib. I thought there wasn't enough meat on the bone. Good flavor. Still searching for a place that does the beef ribs good. Their corn bread was good. I will have to come back and try it again after they have been going for a while. Parking g is a little crazy since they have a apartment complex next door.

Came and had lunch with my fiance. We wanted to try the mac and cheese, but they were already sold out at 12pm. We had a pound of ribs, half pound of brisket, and 2 links. Also had the beans and potato salad and corn bread. Everything tasted great. The Mac and cheese got replaced before we left so the servers gave us a side to make up for being sold out when we got there. Definitely will be back.

(4.7/5 if I could) Don't let the mixed reviews stop you from eating here. You want this food. This is the third location for Michelin Guide Horn BBQ, and I'll admit--I wasn't sure what to expect after seeing the low Google rating (I rarely eat anywhere under a 4). I'm so glad I went anyway, because I was absolutely blown away. The brisket was succulent and beyond tender. The braised cabbage is something I'll be trying to recreate at home. The potato salad was stellar, but the true star for me was the cornbread--it was so good I bought an extra slice to take with me. Service was every bit as impressive as the food. I didn't catch their names, but the three FOH staff working Friday, 9/26 were fantastic--warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. I'd come back just for them. The atmosphere is "industrial cool" that works both ways: family-friendly during the day but with a bar that gives it date-night vibes, too. Easy parking seals the deal. Horn BBQ Elk Grove is a win. Don't hesitate--go eat here.

Food disgusting meat slopped onto tray no plates meat wasn't thoroughly cooked drinks watered down way over priced Bathroom had no paper towels and toilets were all disgusting no way I was using had to wait and stop on way home No waiting and very quiet only because hardly no one was there and this was on a Friday night. Only star rating I'd give is a minus 10 star and worse

My sister and her husband recently discovered this local BBQ restaurant near their house. So our family made the short drive to see what they had to offer. My sister and I are not carnivores, but fortunately, this place has a few alternate food options. However, if you are strictly vegan and must be on a gluten free diet, like my sister, this probably isn't the eatery for you. On the other hand, my late fiancée and Yelp companion, Joe K., would have loved this place! The interior is very spacious with multiple group and family style tables. Upon entering, you head to the front ordering counter where the wall menu is posted. As expected, a list of different kinds of meat, chicken, turkey and sausages are offered from their barbecue section. You can also have them as a sandwich. There are also several side dishes to choose from. (But no green salads). My brother in law and my dad shared hot link sausages, spare ribs and chicken, along with Pit beans, Granny's potatoes, and coleslaw. I ordered candied yams, mac & cheese and cornbread. They serve your food on a wax paper lined serving tray. No dinnerware is used here. Everything is eaten on the premises, meaning off your tray, or taken to go in requested containers. Plastic utensils are supplied. A separate cocktail bar is located along one side of the dining area. Our server brought glasses of water and takes orders for drinks. My sister ordered a white wine which arrived in a small glass and was about half full. The wine apparently, was not the best. Don't come here for the wine selection! I would say, that everyone in our party seemed to enjoy their food. My cornbread was dry but still edible. (Maybe because I was just hungry)! This is a nice place to eat and drink at for large parties. I would describe it as having a variety of down home barbecue meals with a touch of class. I also noticed that they have a large patio area with some corn hull games available. They didn't seem to have any protection from the direct sun that I could see though! We will probably return again, especially for the carnivores in the family. (And it seems they already have since my writing of this review)!

One morning while browsing Reddit I came across a post about a new bbq restaurant in Elk Grove. Unlike some of the other bbq restaurants, this one has a tried & true location in Oakland that has rave reviews. Ironically Mother's Day was around the corner, so I figured that it would be a nice treat to my mom. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the restaurant, there was a long line extending outside of the restaurant (fortunate on the business side of things). Although we decided to treat my mom to something else, I bookmarked the restaurant via the Yelp app. To celebrate a huge team accomplishment, some colleagues and I decided to have lunch at Horn on a Friday morning at 11 (right when they open). We walked straight to the counter where we were greeted by a friendly employee who handled "sides" only. Since I was not ordering slides (next time I plan on trying their granny's potatoes and collard greens), I slid over to the station where another friendly employee was handling the meats. I proceeded to place an order for the following: the Brisket sandwich, rib tips, and the smoked gouda link. I was so satisfied by every portion of my order. The best way to describe the taste is that all of my options were prepared so well that I didn't realize that I should have tried the various sauce options available on our table. This serves as a lesson that good bbq shouldn't need to be doused in sauce to be edible. Sauce not being a necessity is also a benefit for folks who have restrictive diets due to a medical condition (e.g. diabetes). I know prices are subjective; but in my opinion, you get a lot of food for a decent price (which is not a norm considering the state of our economy- shrinkflation). I definitely want to continue to support Horn BBQ (I will be back to try their pork belly burnt ends and pulled pork sandwich); especially considering that the owner could have chosen another city to bring his delicious food to, but chose Elk Grove!

Very honest review. The wait was a little long for a cafeteria style service. We waited in line about 45 minutes. There was only one person cutting and serving the meat, but if they had 2 people I bet it would be much faster. We ordered a beef rib (nicely smoked and good), brisket (smoked flavor was pretty good but the meat was slightly dry at least my piece), and a half chicken (dry and not as much seasoning as I like) with a side of granny's potatoes (good) and collard greens (as expected). We also had cornbread (textured and maybe a little over cooked for my taste) and banana pudding (yummy). The BBQ sauce was really good. They could probably sell that in bottles and I bet people would buy it. We spent $92 including tax, so a little pricey for two people. The ambiance was nice and casual. They didn't have enough utensils on the table. I had to walk around and ask another table if I could grab some of their utensils because there was no one I could ask. The one thing I couldn't stand was the flies. It was so annoying. Maybe because we were near an entrance but I kept swatting them away even as I ate. It wasn't due to cleanliness because they did try to clean the tables off quickly. It was also a hot day (94) and I heard a few people complain about the heat inside. Maybe they are still working through the kinks of a new opening but there are things they can do better in my opinion. Overall I give the food 3-3/4 stars, the service 3 stars (slow service and didn't replenish utensils), cleanliness about 4 stars. The dining area and bathrooms were clean. They had a singer for dinner entertainment, so that added to the experience, a plus. We drove from Woodland, so we probably wouldn't make an extra effort to drive to Elk Grove just for the BBQ again, unless we were nearby.

Horn Barbeque Elk Grove Location I want to start by saying that I was really looking forward to having Soul Food, but unfortunately, the meal I received was far from my expectations. I ordered spare ribs, cabbage, macaroni and cheese, and banana pudding for dessert. The meal was delivered promptly on a Wednesday evening. **Barbecue Spare Ribs** The ribs were very dry, lacked flavor, and seemed overcooked. There was no barbecue sauce on them at all, except for what they were cooked in. **Macaroni & Cheese** The macaroni and cheese was just as unseasoned as the ribs. It was also overcooked, with very little flavor despite plenty of cheese. Some of the macaroni was so flat that it was hard to even recognize it as macaroni. It certainly wasn't anything like Mama's macaroni and cheese. **Cabbage** The cabbage was more like steamed cabbage without any seasoning. What frustrated me even more was that most of what I received were the cores of the cabbage, in chunks. There was no meat in it, including bacon. The cabbage had a strange taste, and I couldn't quite identify what it was. **Banana Pudding** Banana pudding is a classic dessert that combines layers of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers. It's a delightful treat that is easy to make and loved by many. Horn's banana pudding lacked all of the above. The total cost of this meal was $37.70

Took my mother in law here for Mother's Day lunch since she loves pork ribs. This restaurant opened up two weeks ago and knew we had to try this! We got there at 11 and there was a long line already! While waiting in line, we learned this was like cafeteria style where you order what you want and then pay. Tables are first come first served, but not a concern as there's plenty of seating. Everything tasted delicious and the meat falls off the bone. We ordered chicken sandwich, pork ribs, pork belly, beef brisket, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, sweet yam, corn bread, collard greens, and cabbage. We had so much food left over! I wanted to give Ryan, the temporary restaurant manager! He's friendly and extremely knowledgeable! So excited Horn BBQ is now in Elk Grove! I heard they're planning awesome events like line dancing and they have live bands Friday- Sunday evenings! Highly recommend this restaurant when you're craving BBQ!

I came here for lunch with a coworker as she recently heard of this place. I guess it's only been open for a few weeks. The line was out door and moving slowly which I didn't understand why I until I got inside! They serve food like a cafeteria/buffet style. It was different to say the least. When it was our turn to order, they were out of Mac and Cheese and greens (more were being cooked) so we pre-purchased some and had to watch for when they came out b/c the staff kept forgetting to get our order. Some of the sides were cold due to the setup however, things were seasoned well. The smoked turkey was the best smoked turkey I've had thus far. My least favorite were the sweet potatoes...they needed to be cooked a little longer. IDK if I'll be back but glad to say I got to try it.

Central Texas + Black South = West Coast BBQ!!! I've been following Chef Horn since his Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022 for the incredible food offerings of his original Horn BBQ location in Oakland, CA. I love Texas style BBQ and nothing in the Sacramento area even comes close....until now. It's all about the "made with LOVE" food and the experience you have, up until that first anticipated bite. You may see some familiar Slow and Low "touches" when dining here, but the Horn experience was outstanding and the food incredible. It will definitely be a very popular place. With a full bar, lots of bar tables, bench tables, standard seating, as well as patio seating available. It will be crowded at times, but don't be discouraged. It's worth the wait. Here's what I had: Brisket - Smoked incredibly well. Moist, trimmed well, excellent bark, just great overall quality Texas Style brisket! Get some now....it's a must try. Just be sure to tell them if you want the flat (lean) or point (fatty). Ribs - These had excellent flavor with a great rub and glaze. MY only issue was that typically, St. Louis style ribs have a little pull to them when biten. These were fall off the bone like babybacks. You may like them like that though. So please order these and form your own opinion, as this was just mine, personally. Turkey - Moist and tender turkey breast. Not buttery like some others. Just plain great turkey breast. Your kids will love it! Half Chicken - OMG this was moist and juicy, even in the breast! Not a hole lot of flavor by itself, but that's what the sauces are for. I would recommend this as the healthier option, because you can't go wrong with it. And you kids will like that too... Hot Link - Very meaty sausage. Great snap, but not hot, just a mild spice to it. Could be a little hotter in my opinion, but that again...is my own personal opinion. So order this too and tell me what you think. Collard Greens - Absolutely loved them! Who doesn't love southern cooked greens? And of course you need some veggies in your diet anyway. I'll order these everytime I come. They appear and tasted fresh, not frozen, with bits of meat and a little heat. Simply Wonderful! Mac and Cheese - I really enjoyed these too! Great flavor and I loved the melty cheese on top, but my friend's didn't have that. The taste was a great mixture of cheeses and well cooked macaroni noodles. So comforting, that you have to try them! Your kids will love these too!! Southern Cabbage - Not my favorite, but still a healthier option to some of the other carby sides available. The reason why I didn't like it though, was because it appeared to be overcooked and slightly mushy in texture. Maybe it was supposed to be like that, but I've had fried cabbage at a another southern restaurant and it was a different experience. Cornbread - This was amazing! Moist in the middle, crispy on top with some sweet heat from the hot honey. You can't go wrong with this BBQ staple and it's worth the asking $3.00 I can't wait to go back and try the Beef Ribs! Horn BBQ is a great, welcome addition to the wonderful food offerings in the Sacramento and surrounding areas, like Elk Grove. Thanks for pulling up, Chef Matt! Simply Wonderful!!!

The food was amazing! I loved the Smokey flavor of everything I ordered! Down side was standing in line for an hour to order. Lean Brisket 10/10 juicy, no knife needed, Smokey, flavorful still the right amount of fatty, right price for the size. Pork belly burnt tips Comes with some bbq on it, 10/10, Smokey, flavorful, not over cooked, still has some chew and tender. Smoked turkey 7/10, great Smokey flavor, lean, salty. On 5/11 the sides were good! Mac and cheese 7/10, cabbage 8/10, cold cornbread 5/10 wished it was warm, had a buttery sweet glaze on it, but would have liked some butter/honey to ad.

This place is new! Apparently VERY new but the food was BOMB, literally everything was delicious the pulled pork sandwich was our favorite thing we got followed by the Mac and cheese then the brisket and finally the Gouda sausage link. The corn bread was yummy if a little bit expensive for the size, and the banana pudding could use a LOT more wafers in it but everything was delicious and affordable. This (picture attached) fed the two of us and was less than $50 the service was friendly but the serving live is a massive bottleneck with only 1 dude serving meat and it was slow when we came but the line backs up REAL fast. The look of the place is fantastic with a large bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. Overall I can't wait to come back to try more things, very happy with the experience.

Well to start let me set the stage with it reminds me of Terry Blacks in Dallas when you get in. Now Having been to Salt Lick as well, know I understand good Que. Very cool looking interior. My husband and I remember the owner having something in a Robb Report to have an experience with him. Wide open space with string lights. Great huge bar area. Really like the decor. We've been in line about 15 minutes and haven't moved more than 3 feet. Food looks and smells good. There are more than a dozen people behind us in line now. Since a new place giving grace. But only three people working the line. Four folks just left, not good. We drove from North Sac so not leaving. There's one young lady standing near the line who I engaged and suggested she should help behind the counter. She said she would if she could. One person cutting meats not good at all!!!! This is new place where is Mr. Horn? Come greet offer water to folks in line... You order drinks at the bar. I left hubby in line and went and got drinks. 82 year old mom sat down for the 30 minutes it took to order food. So $114.00 later, not including drinks and the verdict is in. Let me start with it doesn't have to be salty to be flavorful. The decent/good: Brisket star of the show. Would order that again. beef sausage good flavor, and texture. Casing a little tough. Potato salad decent use red potatoes. Like the cornbread, it's dense with a great honey butter flavor. The people working the floor were wonderful and pleasant. Brisket sandwich mom said was decent. Ribs, love the texture but damn the salt!!!! They looked so beautiful being unwrapped in the foil. Damn I'm disappointed. Coleslaw not flavored. Yams undercooked, Mac and cheese ughhhh. I'm so disappointed I wanted to love this. Serious suggestions: Figure out the ordering system. It's bad. I hate to see how that's going down, making customers leave. Lay-off the salt. As Gordon says did you taste the food before you served it??? Check yams to make sure they are not hard and crunchy... My mom is taking food home to "doctor" because she can't see wasting all that money in this economy. Perspective of a true senior.

OK, so when I heard about a barbecue spot and Elk Grove, I was definitely gonna check it out. But to be fair, I had really low expectations because barbecue is so bad in California let alone Elk Grove. Honestly, I can't trust yelp ratings in Elk Grove because there's so many wack chain restaurants that people are used to eating at. One more thing to keep in mind this was opening weekend. Usually, I don't go to places on opening weekend, but I didn't really know either so that's why I ended up there surprisingly though the line wasn't too bad until after I cut my food and then it was around the corner. It was crazy. That being said they were out of a lot of stuff. I really came for brisket because that's generally how I judge barbecue. Luckily, they had the brisket and I gotta say for reals. It was probably the best brisket I've ever had in California. It was so fat and juicy and it was sliced. Usually I go for chopped brisket because it's usually more fatty that way and you get more juices but even with a straight slice that thing was delicious. I really wanted to try the cornbread and the pork belly, but they were out of those. The mac & cheese was fantastic though my buddy got the good scoop. I only got it OK scoop, but it was still pretty good. They were also out of the collard greens, but that's OK. They had some southern cabbage. That was really good. I wasn't a real big fan of the beans. Very molasses and very sweet. Too sweet for my taste. I also wasn't a big fan of the rib tips. Those are only seven bucks though so I'm not super tripping on that. The mixed drinks looked interesting, but I wasn't really trying to drink that day so whatever but I give them a try Long story long if you're gonna go get the brisket get the mac & cheese. That's all you need and you're gonna have a great time. It's Texas style so basically you just get it on a big tray and just find a seat if you want. They don't do pickles and onions or white bread but solid all the same.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon. It looks like we came here ahead of the dinner rush.Because a lot of people showed up after we did. The space is open and inviting. There's a deck outside with a cornhole game that may be fun.If it were a little later in the evening and the sun wasn't beaming. The table's inside are well set up and spread out for comfortable dining. You order at the counter and then take a seat. On our visit, there were four people ahead of us.In line and service was slow as the meat was cut and given at time of order. During this visit, I kept thinking to myself "if this were my place i would...." there were several changes that I would have made myself if it were my place. First being the way orders were taken and the food was given out. Second would probably be the air conditioning, both of the guys who are working.There were big guys, and they seemed to be sweating.A lot constantly wiping their brows, which in serving food seems not great. We came for the beef ribs and was told that they sold out.Yesterday and that they normally have them for the weekend.But there was a big rush friday night for them. We instead got the brisket, which was soft and tender with the right mix of marbling.However flavor was light. There was one choice of barbecue sauce, and that was mediocre. We also got the spare ribs and of the cut that we got a couple of bones were good, nice meaty and tender.A couple were not tough, dried out and looked like an end piece. The three sides we tried were cornbread, potato salad and macaroni and cheese, the macaroni and cheese was my favorite. Have the barbecue places i've been to in sacramento I would give this a three rating. The space is nice.The space alone.I would give probably four, and a half service is down to three stars also, not for not trying and friendliness but how its set up. I feel some operational changes.Will do wonders for this place.

We stopped in for lunch today. It was our first time here. Place is located in old Elk Gtove right by the railroad tracks. The restaurant is in a large refurbished warehouse. There was a bit of a wait to order. I think we hit the end of the lunch time rush. You order from the menu seat yourself and pick up your food. They have a number of self serve beverages plus a full bar.. I ordered 1/2 slab of pork ribs and my husband ordered brisket. I got a side of Cole slaw. Their menu is basic Bbq fare which is smoked brisket, smoked pulled meat, Ribs, chicken and hot links. The sides are corn bread, greens, beans, cabbage and potato salad. My husband's meal came with a bun. . The person who took our order was very sweet and she even included extra meat because there was a bit of a wait.There's Bbq sauce and paper towels on each table--plenty of seating. My ribs were smoked to perfection, succulent snd fall off the bone tender. They had a beautiful bark on them but it wasn't dry. Sauce was sweet with the tiniest touch of heat. My Coleslaw' was good. My husband brisket was tender and also smoked perfectly. He mage a sandwich with the meat and bun. Portions are big, so we had to ask for a "yo ho " box. Elk Grove needs more family owned businesses and we'll be coming back.

Service was quick, easy and friendly. They move you through the line quickly, so even if there's a long line it goes fast.

Heard a lot about this place coming from Oakland. Right when you come in there's a welcome to horn sign which I thought it was nice. The decor of the restaurant is nice they got the owner history. My husband ordered what he would get when he was in Texas, we got the pulled pork, brisket, smoked Gouda links, southern cabbage , mac & cheese and cornbread. Sadly they don't have spare ribs besides weekends hopefully you guys can somewhat do it on weekdays. They didn't have much sauces only the original and spicy. I would say is the flies was an issues I mean I wouldn't wanna eat more of the bbq because of it. Overall the food was great. My husband said but it's not like Texas but this doesn't mean he didn't enjoy it. Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Cleanness : 3/4 for the flies Would I recommend: Yes I would if your in town

First visit to the Elk Grove location. The brisket, hot links and fire beans were outstanding. Added to my top 5 places to eat in Elk Grove!

2 star for good service and friendly staff. Other than that, food was terribly dry. I got.. -Half lb brisket. Worker gave me super lean and dry meat. That should be a crime. Was not worth the money AT ALL. $19 for half lb of dry garbage. My friend did have a fattier portion and I also tried it. It still was pretty disappointing. Super dry can't even taste anything. No juice, not tender. I was expecting something succulent that would melt in my mouth. It was the total opposite! My initial thoughts was, "Dang this is not worth it at all. Dry and waste of money". - Small Mac n Cheese. It was very stale. Tasted like it was cooked 5 hours ago and just sitting in the warmer. Couldn't taste anything cheesy or saltiness at all. All I could taste was the pasta shell texture. Wouldn't buy again. 1/5 -Smoked Gouda link. Again, everything was super dry. Tasted like it was cooked hours ago just sitting in the warmer. Just the look of the link itself in the pic you can see it's been sitting for hours and WRINKLY. Not juicy at all. Couldn't even taste any cheese. Honestly a sausage from the grocery store taste a lot better than this link. 1/5. -Pork ends. Again, everything I got was super dry and hard texture. I'd imagine everything would be fall of the bone and juicy and fatty. Pork ends was rough, had no fat to it. It was oversaturated in the BBQ sauce in hopes of covering for the lack of taste and texture but still failed. 1/5 I used the table bbq sauce too and wasn't a fan of both the sauce. They tasted too light and the taste itself was unpleasant. You would be better off with sweet baby rays bbq sauce! 1.5/5 Food itself I would give it a 1/5. Definitely not worth the hype or the money. In total it cost me about $47 for everything. (Photo shown). Not even worth $20 for the disappointing food quality. You'd be better elsewhere spending the same amount of money. Overall, nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Id come here for a drink but I definitely would not be spending any of my money on the food here. 2/5

Our first visit to this establishment was superb. I ordered pork ribs, a hot link, fried cabbage, and mac n' cheese. My friend got the brisket, smoked gouda link, granny's potatoes, yams, and cornbread. EVERYTHING tasted phenomenal. The brisket melts in your mouth. Our only complaint was that some of our sides were lukewarm. We asked if they could be reheated a little but were told they didn't have microwaves. No big deal, the flavors were still there. I do hope they figure out a new process for ordering the food, because in the summer months, having to stand in line due to a cafeteria style serving approach is not going be sustainable. All in all I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys great barbecue and service.

79 dollars for 1.5 lbs of meat. Ribs were fat and bone. Brisket was dried out. Food not on par with other BBQ joints. Self serve Cafeteria load and spacious Bathrooms were disgusting

I've been a longtime fan of Horn Barbecue and was elated to hear they were opening a restaurant in Elk Grove. For the most part, parking is easy to find in their lot or on the street. It's set up the same way the original location was in Oakland other than the addition of the full bar. You order your sides and protein at the counter, and pay when your order has been fulfilled. Renowned pit master Matt Horn and his team have done a fantastic job here. They serve collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, pit beans, granny's potato salad, and slaw for their sides. Protein options include brisket (your choice of fatty or lean), pork belly burnt ends, pork spare ribs, hot links, turkey, and beef ribs on the weekend. They also serve burgers, barbecue sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches. They have fountain drinks, iced tea, Kool-Aid, and a full bar. For dessert they have some killer banana pudding. I opted for the fatty brisket, turkey, granny's potatoes, and mac and cheese. Everything was delicious and is served with pickled red onions and pickles if you'd like. I can't wait to try the beef ribs next time I'm in. They sell some Horn Barbecue swag such as hats and t-shirts. I'll definitely be back in soon. Congrats to Matt and company on a job well done. Kudos on the recent Michelin Star; those aren't easy to come by these days!

The food was soooooooooooo good. The brisket is definitely a must have each time. Really tender and juicy and a good meaty, bbq flavor without too much extra seasonings and salt. The service was so sweet; everyone was kind and nice. I think the only thing that needs be worked on is how food is bought/served. It was my first time here so I'm not sure how it is usually. We did have to wait almost 45 min in line to get to the counter, but again, im not sure if it was because we got there near closing! We accidentally stayed past closing (8pm) because we thought it closed at 9 so sorry! Overall, a wonderful place with great service. We will be back! :-)

This is a really cool place, very open and lively. Their line is pretty long but it was Father's Day that we went, so considering we only had to wait maybe an hour, that was pretty good. We got the brisket, ribs, potato salad, collard greens, and Mac n cheese. ALL of the food was amazing!! The brisket was so tender I couldn't move it from the tray to a plate without it just falling into bite size pieces, it was very juicy and the bbq sauce was really good. But the Mac n cheese and collard greens were very notable, I could eat it every day!! Highly recommend.

Finally had a chance to stop by a Horn in Elk Grove. Took my three boys for a bbq lunch. I have eaten at both the original West Oakland and the Lafayette locations and EG has good food and nicer ambiance. Ordering system is similar to other locations. Stand in line until your turn to order. It took about 20 minutes on our visit. Here, you choose the sides first and then the meats. Prior reviews noted flies and there were a couple in the ordering area. Not sure there is anything that can be done. It is a large open space and they are carving the meats to order. We tried the brisket, pork ribs, turkey, pork belly, Mac n cheese and collard greens. Everything was very good and I would order all again. The space itself is nice and open. Twenty foot ceilings and bench tables with plenty of space in between them. Downside? Bbq is not inexpensive. We ordered a moderate amount of food, no drinks and it came out to $120 including tip. If you are hungry or want something other than water, it can easily be $40 or more per person. Overall four stars and worth a visit if in the area.

Love Horn BBQ. I've been to the location in Oakland on Mandela Pkwy multiple times. I'm glad Matt opened a location in Elk Grove. If people are saying the line is long here, it's long in Oakland too. People bring their folding chairs just to sit and wait for hour(s) until they open their doors. It's the same kitchen/cafeteria concept where you place your order at the cashier. I'm used to the long wait in line and actually don't mind because I know I'm going to get some good BBQ. For me, I go early to avoid long lines. First time here at this location. I arrived at 10:30AM lol, on a Thursday. There were no customers. I stood in line at 10:50AM by the door. I was surprised no people in line, compared to Oakland. About 8 more people arrived after me and the door opened right at 11AM. The restaurant is spacious and plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. The server and cashier were friendly and nice. I got my favorite, beef rib and pork ribs. Love their potato salad. I received my food within 5 minutes and left. Service was fast. I took my food to go. Shared it with family. Tastes just how I remember in Oakland. That smoked seasoned taste and smell. Fall off the bone, tender and juicy. Mmm, love it. However, it does get expensive as they charge by the half pound. Next time, I'll try to dine in and go with friends and family.