Smoke Queen Barbecue: Experience Asian-Fusion BBQ Like Never Before!
At Smoke Queen Barbecue, a unique Asian-fusion BBQ destination in Garden Grove, culinary innovation meets tradition. The heart of our story lies in slow-smoked, flavorful meats like USDA Prime brisket and perfectly crispy siu yuk, all complemented by our proprietary house rubs and Asian-inspired sauces. Our outdoor seating creates a lively atmosphere for families, featuring play areas that keep kids entertained while parents savor our delightful dishes. With an array of tempting sides like our acclaimed cornbread and spicy cucumbers, we invite you to enjoy a casual yet unforgettable dining experience that celebrates both barbecue and Asian flavors.
Smoke Queen Barbecue at a glance
- Address 12941 9th St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
- Phone (714) 583-8251
- Restaurant type Barbecue restaurant , American restaurant , Asian fusion restaurant , Caterer , Family restaurant , Southern restaurant (US) .
- Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .
Photos & Gallery
Popular Menu Items
Dirty Rice
Banana Pudding
Kaya Bread Pudding
Upgrade to Pork Belly Siu Yuk
Mac and Cheese
Beer
Tallow Fries
Dino Ribs
Juice Box
Brown Rice
Smoke Queen Barbecue: Reviews & Ratings
Main parking lot next to the restaurant is small. There is more parking but it's further away. Only one handicap spot close by, if that's a issue. Brisket was pretty dang good. The pork ribs had a good smokey flavor but a bit dry. The deep fried pork belly was crispy but flavor was a little lacking. The Cole slaw lacked punch. The corn bread needed more corn, if that makes sense but the apple butter was on point. The best side was the dirty rice. It was a pretty interesting outdoor seating. Very hipster. I would try again if I was in the area but wouldn't seek it out.
Super good BBQ with an asian twist. Every thing we ordered tastes really good. My Fav was the pork ribs super big and so tender. The brisket was so tender and juicy not fatty witch i like. Mac and cheese was on point. The corn bread was very good super moist. The bread pudding was amazing tasted great. Dont for get the pandan banana pudding so so good! Get there early cause some meats will sell out. Also long lines if your going for lunch. We were able to get seats for lunch time. Check them out if your craving BBQ and in the area of garden grove.
If you’re anywhere near Garden Grove and craving real-deal BBQ, you have to check out Smoke Queen Barbecue. This spot is hands down serving the best BBQ food in town. From the first bite, you can taste the love and time they put into their craft. The brisket was absolutely on point—tender, juicy, and packed with deep, smoky flavor. The pulled pork was just as impressive, perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth good. And the ribs? Fall-off-the-bone delicious with a beautiful smoke ring that lets you know it’s the real deal. Every meat we tried was juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The crispy fries were the perfect touch alongside all that rich BBQ, adding just the right crunch to balance everything out. Pair it all with a cold beer, and you’ve got yourself a meal that hits every time. What really makes this place stand out—besides the incredible food—is the atmosphere. They have a big back area where you can hang out, relax, and enjoy your meal. It’s kid-friendly, ADA accessible, and just an overall welcoming environment. The staff was so friendly and made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. This place is truly a hidden diamond of authentic smoked BBQ. A must-try if you’re in the area. I’ll definitely be back
I like this place not only because their food, it’s the environment of the complex where you have seats outdoor, and on the terrace. Especially in hot warm day, it’s really chill to sit outside. Back to the food: it’s a modern Texas brisket style with a fusion of Asian taste/ food like crispy pork belly, spicy cucumber, rice. Brisket still moist and well seasoned, not that salty like in Texas. Beef ribs only on Sunday, tender juicy but not falling apart ( which is really required a good cooking technique). Crispy pork belly is truly crispy, not partly hard overcooked. So for weekend please be prepared for long queue waiting.. but it will be paid off the long wait. Enjoy the food and the space.
If you’re planning a visit to this Asian fusion BBQ hotspot, my best advice is to set your alarm. The line starts forming well before their 11:30 AM opening, and since it’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood, you’ll want that extra time to hunt for a parking spot. The Food This isn’t your standard Texas pit. The meat here—especially the ribs—tends to be a bit greasier than the falling off bone Texan style many are used to. However, that richness works well with their unique Asian-inspired sides. The Standouts: The Mapo Chili packs a serious punch, and the spicy cucumber is essential for cutting through the fat of the meats. The "Must-Have": If you’re there on a Sunday, do not miss the beef ribs. The Surprise: Their cornbread is surprisingly good—moist, flavorful, and a great bridge between the smoky meats and the spicy fusion elements. The Atmosphere The restaurant offers a lot of outdoor seating which gives it a great community feel. It’s a nice setup, though it can get quite hot during the summer months, so dress accordingly. The Verdict Traditionalists might find the greasier meat and non-traditional menu (like beef noodles and cha shu) a bit "out there," but for anyone else, the flavors are undeniable. It’s a heavy, satisfying meal that offers a creative spin on the backyard cookout. Tips for your readers: Arrival: Aim for 11:10 AM to secure your spot in line. Parking: Be patient; the residential streets are tight. Ordering: Balance the greasy meats with the spicy cucumber to keep your palate fresh.
I had been seeing posts on IG about this spot for quite a while, so I decided to check it out. I needed to get enough for three people for dinner, and I wanted to get an assortment of meats, so I got the 3 meat bento box with the brisket, char siu and pulled pork, then I also ordered some siu yuk. And I'm a sucker for spicy cucumbers so I had to order some too! Everything was delicious! The brisket was perfectly juicy and tasty, I really enjoyed the char sui (Yum!) - really, all of the meats were tasty!! The dirty rice was good! It had a smoky essence and had lots of different meats in it! And the spicy cucumbers were perfect! Oh and their slaw was sooo tasty! I really enjoyed the BBQ/Asian fusion! It really works! I definitely need to come back to try their beef ribs! I had placed a mobile order - so glad I did because the line to order was so long! But I would like to eat there next time, just so that everything will be nice and warm when we eat it. The only problem I could see would be their parking. I lucked out and got a spot, but there were people circling around trying to park. It's probably best to get there early! Definitely worth giving it a try!
I like this place not only because their food, it’s the environment of the complex where you have seats outdoor, and on the terrace. Especially in hot warm day, it’s really chill to sit outside. Back to the food: it’s a modern Texas brisket style with a fusion of Asian taste/ food like crispy pork belly, spicy cucumber, rice. Brisket still moist and well seasoned, not that salty like in Texas. Beef ribs only on Sunday, tender juicy but not falling apart ( which is really required a good cooking technique). Crispy pork belly is truly crispy, not partly hard overcooked. So for weekend please be prepared for long queue waiting.. but it will be paid off the long wait. Enjoy the food and the space.
Main parking lot next to the restaurant is small. There is more parking but it's further away. Only one handicap spot close by, if that's a issue. Brisket was pretty dang good. The pork ribs had a good smokey flavor but a bit dry. The deep fried pork belly was crispy but flavor was a little lacking. The Cole slaw lacked punch. The corn bread needed more corn, if that makes sense but the apple butter was on point. The best side was the dirty rice. It was a pretty interesting outdoor seating. Very hipster. I would try again if I was in the area but wouldn't seek it out.
The owner is so nice and hospitable! The food was tasty but know that is it not traditional BBQ. The seasoning was a bit inconsistent. Some items were very flavorful, others were a bit on the bland side. The pork ribs were delicious as was the pork belly. Cornbread was a great choice for a side. It’s definitely worth a visit.
I had been seeing posts on IG about this spot for quite a while, so I decided to check it out. I needed to get enough for three people for dinner, and I wanted to get an assortment of meats, so I got the 3 meat bento box with the brisket, char siu and pulled pork, then I also ordered some siu yuk. And I'm a sucker for spicy cucumbers so I had to order some too! Everything was delicious! The brisket was perfectly juicy and tasty, I really enjoyed the char sui (Yum!) - really, all of the meats were tasty!! The dirty rice was good! It had a smoky essence and had lots of different meats in it! And the spicy cucumbers were perfect! Oh and their slaw was sooo tasty! I really enjoyed the BBQ/Asian fusion! It really works! I definitely need to come back to try their beef ribs! I had placed a mobile order - so glad I did because the line to order was so long! But I would like to eat there next time, just so that everything will be nice and warm when we eat it. The only problem I could see would be their parking. I lucked out and got a spot, but there were people circling around trying to park. It's probably best to get there early! Definitely worth giving it a try!
Location
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Smoke Queen Barbecue12941 9th St, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Hotline: (714) 583-8251
Welcome to Smoke Queen Barbecue, an exquisite culinary gem nestled in the heart of Garden Grove, California. This Asian-fusion BBQ spot combines the smoky, savory delights of traditional barbecue with unique Chinese influences. Located at 12941 9th St, Smoke Queen Barbecue is not just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant experience for food lovers and families alike.
As you step into Smoke Queen, you're greeted by a charming outdoor seating area that feels both casual and trendy, perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. The atmosphere embodies a laid-back vibe, reminiscent of a friendly campground, making it particularly inviting for families with kids. With multiple play areas, your little ones will have plenty of activities to keep them engaged while you savor your meal.
The culinary offerings are impressively diverse, with standout dishes that highlight the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. Consider the slow-smoked 12 lb USDA Prime Brisket, cooked for up to 12 hours with white oak, which delivers a tender, smoky experience like no other. Alternatively, the Char Siu and Siu Yuk — a crispy pork belly seasoned with a unique Chinese 8 spice rub — are true showstoppers, praised for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor. For chicken lovers, the low-smoked quarter chicken, served with house-made BBQ sauce, is not to be missed.
To accompany these amazing proteins, Smoke Queen Barbecue offers a range of sides such as Scratch-made Cornbread served with whipped honey butter and Spicy Cucumbers that add a refreshing kick. Another highlight is the Ube Cheesecake, which leaves diners raving about its unique flavor and delightful creaminess. The combination of flavors and textures elevates each meal, making every dining experience memorable.
Smoke Queen’s commitment to accessibility and convenience is apparent. With options for takeout and delivery, as well as a drive-thru for quick stops, every customer’s need is considered. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable experience for all. With facilities like QR code menus and outdoor seating, it’s modern and user-friendly.
The positive feedback from regular customers speaks volumes about the restaurant's dedicated service and unforgettable dishes. From rave reviews about the flavorful meats to the inviting ambiance that’s perfect for both adults and children, Smoke Queen Barbecue has established itself as a must-visit locale in Garden Grove. Whether you’re interested in a delightful meal out or a casual dinner at home, this restaurant is sure to impress!
Don't miss out on the happy hour specials that run all day on Fridays, making it the perfect way to unwind after a long week. With a variety of payment options—including cash, credit, and even cryptocurrency—convenience is at the forefront of Smoke Queen's operations.
If you’re in the area or simply seeking a delicious culinary adventure that blends traditional BBQ with a delightful Asian twist, make your way to Smoke Queen Barbecue. Its quality, atmosphere, and unique flavors promise a satisfying experience you won't soon forget!
Business Information
- Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Service options
- Has outdoor seating
- Offers delivery
- On-site services available
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards