Slow Hand BBQ

Tonight my brother and I decided to check out Slow Hand BBQ in Martinez. We kicked things off with the Brisket Nachos and Jalapeño Poppers. The nachos were surprisingly good — and that’s saying something since I’m not usually a nacho guy lol. The poppers, though, were a bit of a letdown — soggy and seemed like they’d been made a few hours earlier. Still, even soggy bacon is better than no bacon, right? For dinner, I went with the Two-Meat Plate featuring St. Louis Ribs and Brisket, with coleslaw and sweet potato tots on the side. The sides just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The ribs were decent, but the brisket was the real standout — tender, smoky, and full of flavor. My buddy had the St. Louis Ribs and Tri-Tip; he really enjoyed the ribs but wasn’t impressed with the tri-tip. Service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was cool — laid-back and perfect for a casual night out. They also have a solid beer selection, which definitely adds to the experience. Overall, Slow Hand BBQ has some bright spots (especially the brisket and service), but a few items could use a little more love to make it a home run. As I always say go check em out and have your own experience. And remember to follow me on IG @hungry_dude_usa

The food was incredible—perfectly smoked meats, rich flavor, and portions that definitely don’t disappoint. You can tell they take their time with the process because everything came out tender, juicy, and packed with that authentic BBQ taste. The sides were just as good as the main dishes, and the sauces complemented everything without overpowering the meat. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again. If you’re in Martinez and craving real BBQ, this place is definitely worth the visit. Highly recommend supporting this local gem.

Worst bbq I ever had. $43+ after tip. Received 4 small pieces of ribs and clump of small ball of brisket. They were both dry as cardboard even after I asked for juicy brisket. This was supposed to feed two people they said but portion barely enough for one person. For this amount of money what I got was dried up pieces of meat that was a day old or more. They have no business owning a bbq place. I’ve gone to Martinez regularly for breakfast. Iron skillet delicious awesome place. This slow hand bbq was cardboard garbage. After reading few other reviews it seems others have mentioned the same comment. Dry day old leftovers. Oh and I thought brisket supposed to come in slices. Not here. I got a clump of old dry meat. Never will I go back to this disgusting place.

Best BBQ I’ve had in California - just as good as the brisket I’ve had in Texas. Nice to have music as well

This was my 2nd and last time getting food from this place. The first time was fine except the Cole slaw was a disappointment. Too much stuff in it. This time I had the fattiest beef rib ever! Had to throw away 20%, inedible fat. At the cost of $35, where's the Beef?

Great meal!!! I would say tri tip is not for me, it's a bit too soft or a bit less bbq the taste. Other than that the meal was good and price was good and it's nice that fountain drinks and ice tea is refillable! Great ambient and very welcoming staff!! Until next time, from Oakland :)

1st time to this location. I used to go to the pleasant Hill location on Sundays for the dino ribs. However... This location was amazing! Staff was friendly and polite. Ribs were delicious as always! We arrived just as the live music started. Definitely worth the 20min drive from a nearby city. I will be back and I will be telling fam and friends about this location.

I have been their client of their Pleasant Hill location. Thia place has been truly the only perfect BBQ place! I would call it best if they had competition. Unfortunately, i was one of the last clients of p.Hill location, we will be the new clients of Martinez location. So not waste your money and hopes in other so called BBQ places. Especially try their big daddy beef on Sundays. My recommendation is to dine in for sure.

This restaurant gets a solid 4 stars. On the night we went (a Thursday), it was crowded, with live music and a great vibe. The food was quite good. My son and I shared (meaning I ate about 6 chips and he ate the rest) an order of brisket nachos. Great flavor, the chips were just the right level of crunchiness, there was an abundance of toppings, and a good amount of brisket. I had the Jerk wings which were quite good. My son had a plate with brisket and St. Louis ribs, both of which were excellent. We shared 3 sides: the baked beans, which were good, if a little sweet, the Mac and Cheese, also quite good, and, my favorite, the coleslaw. Why was it my favorite? Because it's vinegar-based! Not a drop of detestable mayonnaise. Basically, I ate almost all of the slaw, my son at almost all of the Mac and Cheese, and most of the beans. Portions are generous, and we took food home. The menu has all the foods one would expect in a barbecue restaurant. There are salads, things that non-meat eaters can eat, and a really nice beer and wine list. The service was stellar. Friendly, informed, and just the right level of attention. They have a beef rib on (I think) Sundays, and smoked prime rib also on the weekend (possibly Friday too). We will be back to try those.

Love this place! The brisket is absolutely to die for. I ordered catering for a party and it was a total hit. We had the brisket, tri-tip, and ribs, and everything was fantastic. They did mix up our order and gave us beans instead of mac & cheese, but they refunded part of the bill, which made up for the mistake. Definitely worth checking out!

Walt from Walt's Adventures reporting from Slow Hand BBQ in downtown Martinez, California. Upon visiting many restaurants, I have noticed that many menus serve similar dishes. Like many other establishments that cater to those patrons who desire a good BBQ, they have their main dishes, beans, a potato salad, and a bread side dish. I refuse to Categorize Slow Hand BBQ with these restaurants because Slow Hand BBQ is a prime example of what other eateries strive to become... one of the best BBQ restaurants in the Bay Area. I realize that my statement is bold but the taste of the meats, beans, and potato salad reminded me of a small town gathering of friends. The costumer service was friendly, the food was awesome, and it gave me a smile because I discovered their secret ingredient for their dishes...a bit of soul. Now if they served cornbread, this eatery would be to die for. In any case, I will be returning to the Slow Hand BBQ in Martinez. I recommend you do the same.

Give this place a try ! New to town. Super super clean , workers very nice ! Food was delicious and very flavorful, got Mac n cheese delicious. Got loaded fries and then a load bake potato. Both times were delicious

Tonight my brother and I decided to check out Slow Hand BBQ in Martinez. We kicked things off with the Brisket Nachos and Jalapeño Poppers. The nachos were surprisingly good -- and that's saying something since I'm not usually a nacho guy lol. The poppers, though, were a bit of a letdown -- soggy and seemed like they'd been made a few hours earlier. Still, even soggy bacon is better than no bacon, right? For dinner, I went with the Two-Meat Plate featuring St. Louis Ribs and Brisket, with coleslaw and sweet potato tots on the side. The sides just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The ribs were decent, but the brisket was the real standout -- tender, smoky, and full of flavor. My buddy had the St. Louis Ribs and Tri-Tip; he really enjoyed the ribs but wasn't impressed with the tri-tip. Service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was cool -- laid-back and perfect for a casual night out. They also have a solid beer selection, which definitely adds to the experience. Overall, Slow Hand BBQ has some bright spots (especially the brisket and service), but a few items could use a little more love to make it a home run. As I always say go check em out and have your own experience. And remember to follow me on IG @hungry_dude_usa

Definitely a 3.5. The BBQ was good but not memorable. If I were in the area I'd definitely eat here again, but if someone was asking me for a recommendation for barbecue places I wouldn't necessarily send them here. The ribs were wonderfully seasoned but a little dry, definitely needed to use BBQ sauce. The brisket was delicious. Mac and cheese was ok. The beans were strange tasting to me - tasted more like chili, kinda tomato-y. Definitely doesn't hurt to stop in if you're in the area. The service was great too!

This place is special!! For the friendliest service (consistently!!) in town, try Slow Hand. They ALWAYS greet us with smiles and truly care about you and your dining experience. As a vegetarian, I appreciate that they have some options that are delicious! The Cobb salad and sweet potato tots are to die for! They go above and beyond to welcome their guests which goes a long way in making our experience fantastic every time!

This was actually our 2nd time here, but our 1st was several years ago and the food is significantly more delicious from what we previously remembered. On Sundays, apparently, they have live music, so that was super nice. They also had beef ribs on Sunday! We ordered the plate with beef ribs and another with tritip and brisket. The beef ribs and brisket were really good. Tritip was good too, but the other two were more moist (and fatty lol) the way I liked it! Service was great too, the lady was so friendly and nice. Certainly a nice spot for bbq and portion was actually generous and wr had leftover. The Only thing was the potato salad was just so so and I wasn't a fan of the beans. But focus on the meat yo!

Great barbecued hot link and very pleasant staff, casual vibe, lots of college football games on. I'll be back!

In the area, seen this spot and decided to try it out. I ordered the ribs, with a side and rolls. Ribs although tender, were very mid. The BBQ sauce had a soy sauce tang to it, I thought. Mac and cheese looked immaculate and cheesy but.. it was just ok.

Very friendly staff. Inside smells deliciously of smoke. The food was good. Tri tip was dry though. The ribs were great, as well as the jalapeño poppers. Mac and cheese was okay. My favorite from the whole meal was the coleslaw though, nice vinegar based slaw with good hints of bell pepper and parsley. Awesome beer selection.

We stopped in here as we were in the area and found it on Yelp. The reviews were favorable and bbq sounded like a good idea. The atmosphere is very casual and hospitable. And from the moment we walked in, the gentleman (we assumed he was the owner) was very welcoming and invited us in. He gave us a rundown of their offerings and gave us the feeling of being guests in his home. That is always a huge plus! The food itself exceeded our expectations. We ordered a variety of items from appetizers, to sandwiches and plates. Everybody enjoyed their meals and we left there feeling stuffed. The portions are generous and can be good for sharing depending on how hungry you are. The nachos comes in an individual order, or a sheet, but both sizes are good to share. They have a variety of beer offerings as well. I would dine here again if we are in Martinez.

Great corner spot in downtown Martinez. Enjoy some delicious bbq inside or out on the patio. The service is awesome. So friendly and welcoming. Probably why so many locals come here as they were greeted by name coming in from the staff. Always a great sign of a great spot. The bbq was absolutely amazing. Such a tender brisket and fall off the bone ribs. St. Louis and baby back. Hot link was sliced and good. Potato salad was excellent but the Cole slaw. Slamming. Mac and cheese and the bbq beans were very tasty. But my wife's favorite. The loaded baked potato. Perfect. The place gives you complimentary fountain drinks or water. Area has TVs inside but just a great environment to hang out and enjoy some fantastic bbq!

I recently dine at Slow Hand BBQ with a family member. I will say that this is a place to have someone with you to eat with. The proportion of the food is huge. Me and a family member were not able to finish the food and ended up taking it home. The service at Slow Hand BBQ was good! We were offer great service with suggestion what to eat there. They even check up on us to see if we were doing OK. A small place with limited tables. They do have live music at the back of the restaurant outside with a portal potty. Good restaurant and great live music at Slow Hand BBQ

I love this place so much. Great food and great customer service. Everyone here is so nice. The brisket nachos are amazing and the chips they use are delicious and don't get soggy. 10/10 would recommend!

I can't praise Slow Hand enough! This is the place to go for BBQ and cold bevvies in the East Bay. I've been a patron for years but finally have gotten around to writing a review to rave about the excellent food (some of my faves: juicy monster ribs, melty Reuben on rye, loaded potatoes!), tremendous assortment of excellent craft beers on tap. And the staff are all just top shelf. Did I mention live music? Oh yeah - outstanding performers are always to be found in the cozy back patio - and for Karaoke lovers, they do that to.

Every time I go to Slow hand BBQ I am delighted with the food , the atmosphere , the kindness and professionalism of staff and the visible care put in to each order. Delighting my palate is so easy for Slow Hand , it's what they do !! Every time I leave , I cannot wait to go back !

The Ambiance is great, the time we went it was quiet, relaxing not loud. Place is clean. The service was great, very friendly staff. Our orders came with fountain drinks no extra charge. The food was delicious!! We were looking for a GOOD BBQ place and this is it!! Come try this place!!

The brisket was wonderful. The service was great.The ambience could use some music. But we loved it.

I ordered a quarter pound of tri tip for my baby today. The lady here is super sweet and she even had the meat cut into strips for my baby. I appreciated it and as per usual the food was delicious.

Great beef rib! A must get, but only on the weekends! At times the music and the amazing BBQ are fantastic combo! The vibe is great for families and friends. A chill evening with great food. What you see is what you get - GO!

Another non-disappointed patron! Opted for the Philly Brisket with Sweet Potato Tots. On the spot all was good and filling. Service is top notch friendly greeted upon opening and welcoming. Also not felt rushed out the door as we reposed the food. Need more of these locations in the greater Sacramento area. Give them a try.

We've always loved this location of Slow Hand! Service is always fast and very friendly, and they keep the place really clean. Today we ordered a brisket and tri tip sandwich, both were absolutely delicious and they gave us plenty for leftovers! The reason for 4 stars is due to the Mac & cheese and potato salad not being too good, they both tasted like they had been sitting for awhile. The potato salad had far too much mustard in it as well. Other than that, we love Slow Hand!

We ordered hungry so we ordered ALOT but everything was delicious. We were disappointed there was no bread pudding left though lol. We opted for eating outside because it was a beautiful day. There was a station in the bathroom with a bunch of free products for women which I thought was a great touch! Portions are huge so we definitely left full!

Slow Hand has stood the test of time. They're "teenagers" now. There's been a noticeable growth of BBQ places in Central Contra Costa (notably in Lafayette and Danville) and the best known competitor to Slow Hand is just down the road. Yet Slow hand is my choice because I tend to judge BBQ restaurants by one main item pork RIBS! Slow hand has the best IMHO. I love the fact they offer both St. Louis and Baby Back ribs and even more so because you can get a combo 1/2 order (perfect for a single) or full. The staff is extremely friendly. The vibe is casual, laid back, excellent menu, and a very good beer and wine selection. Parking can be a slight issue because Slow Hand gets busy. Their online ordering is fast, efficient and your order is always ready on time. Well worth giving it a try. I did and now Slow Gand is my go-to BBQ restaurant.

Q for 2 cones with choice of 2 meats and 2 sides We decided to do baby back ribs and brisket and for the sides we did sweet potato tots coleslaw and added mac n cheese. Everything was packaged up nicely for our 20 min ride home. We got enjoy wonderful food at home and everything was so delicious!! The brisket was my fav and the sides they all were so good it's hard for me to pick one but the coleslaw was so different and I loved it!! Sorry no pics available as I was so hungry and totally forgot. The amount of food we got for the price was perfect! We definitely want to return to try the prime rib sandwich that's only available on Fridays. So this post will be updated.

came here for lunch while working in Martinez. Staff was super friendly, place was clean and food was great.

I normally love the place and have preferred it over the Pleasent Hill location. When I got my order my brisket was dry and flavorless even with the fat on there. I had this problem a couple of times at the Pleasent Hill location as well. I had also gotten corn of the cov extra with my meal but there was no butter no seasoning and nothing was given on the side. The service was good and the ambiance was nice too. It's the food that is slowly going south. For the amount of money I paid and the little meat I did get it should have been on point. I won't be back for a long while. As I said this wasn't the first time.

I'm never in Martinez so when saw there was a BBQ joint nearby I had to go. The brisket sandwich is a 10/10. You can taste the slow. Both sauces were great too. I hope I can get back soon! Thanks Slow Hand

Outstanding food. We went to a private party there and the food was amazing. The service was fantastic. I'll be going back.

I had been wanting to try this spot for quite some time, but the pandemic got in the way. Their BBQ methods sounded pretty enticing with California white oak used in their smokers and the actual barbecuing happening in brick pits. Besides, who doesn't like a slow hand? That was what the Pointer Sisters wanted back in the day, but I don't think they were singing about pork ribs. I made my way to Main Street after strolling along the Carquinez Strait for a while. I decided to pick up dinner for Jamie W. and me just because I'm the model spouse. Of course I didn't text him to ask what he actually wanted. No matter as we eat pretty much anything. The place was certainly bustling with a lot of regulars who appeared to know the staff really well. I got the $15.95 half rack of St. Louis Ribs because I heard that was their signature item (photo: https://bit.ly/3Tuu6dW). Good pork, pretty meaty and not saucy since they provide that separately. I also got the $13 half pound of Tri Tip Beef which was a bit dry (photo: https://bit.ly/3Um7oG5), but by far, the best item was the $13 half pound of tender Beef Brisket, smoked nicely (photo: https://bit.ly/3UDpL94). That in itself was worth a return visit. Since man can't live on meat alone, I thought a side dish was warranted. I didn't see anything I would describe as healthy, mostly the fixings you'd expect at any BBQ joint. I decided on the $5.50 Medium SHBBQ Picnic Potato Salad, which was saturated with mayo and consequently quite satisfying (photo: https://bit.ly/3UErqvc). Jamie was pleased with my haul, FOOD - 4 stars...really solid BBQ with a standout brisket AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...probably best for big parties SERVICE - 4.5 stars...friendly and generous... they even added a couple of their warm rolls for free TOTAL - 4 stars...good to have a dependable 'cue option in these parts RELATED - Exploring Martinez? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2x1rlsD

Have eaten here once before a few years ago, and the food was great and good portions. Today I ordered 1/2 lb of Beef Brisket and received THREE slices for $15.95!! These were not large slices but measured approximately 3" long by 2" wide, with a 1/2" fat strip running through it! A kind server told me it would come with rolls and pickles slices but I guess since I ordered it to go, it came with nothing! I wish I had opened my package when I was still there, so I could have demanded a refund! I could have BBQ'd my own Brisket and had more than 3 slices to eat for this price! I will NEVER eat here again, nor do I recommend this place to anyone unless you have the money to waste! If I could rate it less than one star, I would!

The minute we opened the door we knew we were in for a great meal and fun night! The aroma of various types of bbq - the list of custom brews, and tables set with a variety of sauces and utensils we couldn't wait to dive in! All items ordered exceeded our expectations! We will definitely be back! On top of that they had an amazing live band in the back! This joint is a jewel!

Had a delectable Brisket Sandwich and a nice cold beer for lunch while waiting out jury duty. Meat was tasty, tender, juicy, full of flavor. Bread was fresh, nice consistency and held the load of meat perfectly. Supposedly one of the sauces was spicy but it wasn't packing the heat I expected. Still was a nice add on for the sandwich. Beer menu is robust and has some good quality craft beers. Service was stellar. Young lady behind the register was handling orders, drinks and running food until the line got about 6 deep. She did it all with a bubbly smile!

Met up with and old friend from High School and originally decided to go to Lucille's in Concord, that is until I found out they are "Permanently" Closed. I've eaten at the Slow Hand BBQ in Pleasant Hill and wasn't a fan. I noticed they opened up a new location in Martinez and decided I had to try them. Night and Day difference from Pleasant Hill. The Restaurant is cozy, seems more organized, the Ribs are Moist, Smokey, Tender and yummy. I like the IPA beers they offer on tap as well. I understand they also serve Beef Ribs on Sundays. It's definitely worth the drive from Fairfield for a BBQ Fix.. I even got a Half Rack to go. Great Job Slow Hand BBQ..

Always a good time at slowhand bbq. The staff is very nice, and the location is great. Nice seating inside and a very large patio outside. They do live music too which is nice offering. The food is top notch, big fan of the ribs and chicken. A nice selection of drinks for the non alcoholic purveyor and a ton of beers for the hop head. I'll be back!

The staff is great and I love supporting local businesses. I've been to this location several times since 2022 and unfortunately have had some really good experiences with the food and some not so good. That said, they have live music and downtown Martinez is always a fun place to be. It's worth a visit.

enjoyed the barbecue and they had great music from Jinx Jones. We are always surprised at the warmth and variety of businesses in the downtown area of Martinez and Slow Hand is a highspot. coming back soon

Spontaneous date night. Our order: St. Louis Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Smoked Jerk Rub Wings, German Potato Salad, Sweet Potato Tots. I'm in love with the German potato salad - vinegary, tangy, light and refreshing in between bites of barbecued fats. Both the ribs and wings were juicy and flavorful on their own, the wings in particular had a crust that provided outstanding crunch. The chopped pork, which is their variation of pulled pork (and the only meat that has sauce!), was a little too salty for me. I felt that the sauce took away from its original goodness and overwhelmed my tastebuds. The sauce tasted similar to the dry rub used on jerk chicken. My partner was initially skeptical of the "soupy goopy" mac and cheese but was won over at first bite. I loved the sweetness that each tot added to the meal. Unfortunately, we were out of stomachs for dessert - I definitely want to try the key lime pie next time! Spacious patio out back by residential area with heaters, high tables and picnic tables, decorated with string lights. Live music and shows are offered at this location. Friendly service, will be back.

Awesome place. Friendly staff and the food rocks! We shared the Chopped Pork on Hawaiian Sliders and the Come to Poppa Sandwich. Sides we chose were Coleslaw and Potato Salad. Sliders were rich and mildly spicy. The Come to Poppa sandwich hit all the notes - rich & spicy, with crunchy fried onions on top. Both sides were excellent. The coleslaw was tangy and spicy with no mayo. Potato salad hit the spot, too. We will be back

Stopped here randomly this afternoon to grab a bite with a friend and wow.. that was one of the best burgers I've ever had! Their bacon/onion jam is awesome and I liked their bbq sauce too! And..they served our sandwiches with... pickles!!

Full disclosure. Went to see/hear a friend's band play last Saturday afternoon. The New Frantics sounded good as did their many guest musicians and singers. We stayed for dinner after the band played. I love BBQ; it's difficult to find even decent BBQ in California. I'm not a BBQ expert but my tastebuds know great taste. The brisket Philly cheesesteak was great. I had their mayo-free coleslaw which was tasty. Sadly, my wife's smoked pit burger wasn't very tasty. I did also sample the smoked beans and dry rubbed ribs. Both were delicious. I would most definitely eat here again. Glad to have found some good BBQ!

So I started coming to Slow Hand during the pandemic, when everything was to-go; I'd grab the Jerk Chicken wings and a Craft Beer at the liquor store and head to the park. Now years later, I've started to come back...you kind of forget the things that carried you thru when nothing was open. But I am delighted that the food is equally as consistent and delightful...and not because it's the only thing in town. The ambiance is laid back, and even though it feels that way the staff who checks on dine-in dinners makes you feel like VIP, even in a full room of families and softball players. It's a walk up counter, so perfect for splitting checks before sitting down in a group. PS It's Maddie in particular was rocking the room with her positive service, and the gentleman taking the order went above and beyond too...the entire Saturday Lunch was a positive stop.

Stopped by for lunch. Customer service was great. It's a charming place in downtown Martinez. Food was good but a little dry. Expect to pay bbq prices because good bbq takes time. I'll definitely go back to try some other menu items.

Loved that I could order online for catering for my baby shower. This was such a convenient and simple process! The portion sizes of brisket, chicken, and sides were HUGE! So many people came up to ask where we got the food from, so it was very well received! Prices are very reasonable. The staff were extremely kind and helpful. Would certainly order from here again for any event. Highly recommend! Thank you, Slow Hand, for helping make our party such a huge success.

This place has indoor and a large outdoor seating area. Super friendly staff and quick service. They even provided a water bowl for our pup. Got a big eyes plate with St. Louis ribs, hot links and brisket. Sides were max n cheese, SHBBQ potato salad and beans. Meats were good and tasty. Brisket was tender and didn't have too much fat on it. Ribs were flavorful and juicy. Hot links were spicy and casing had a nice snap upon biting. Mac n cheese was ok, not super cheesy but still good. Potato salad was really good and flavorful. Baked beans were just ok. Also came with pickles and rolls. Would definitely come back again!

What a disappointment. This use to be my spot! I worked in Martinez for over 5 years and would frequent here , even before it was slow hand. Id drive 30 min to get bbq from here. I'm giving 2 stars for customer service and dessert. The quality of their meat has dropped drastically, I've never had a drier brisket in my life, it also had no smoke ring, no bark and no seasoning. The chicken breast on the salad was rock hard, the Mac and cheese was bland the beans were overly sweet. The restaurant was clean and welcoming but they need to get the food together in order for me to return. Oh yes key lime pie was fire.

Too expensive : call me crazy, but 15.95 before tax for three rolls and a small container w pork ? Maybe a side of slaw would have softened the blow ?

really good food and a nice place to just relax. outdoor seating is nice, they have live music sometimes too. their german potato salad was a nice acidic change of pace compared to regular potato salad. it's a 4/5 because they changed their menu style. gracie's in vallejo has a more traditional bbq menu with meats and sides.