These 6 Peninsula barbecue spots are carving their own paths
Back in January, when I heard the news that Armadillo Willy’s Los Altos location would close by the end of the month, it felt a bit like throwing away an old doll while cleaning out your childhood bedroom. The nostalgic factor made the goodbye hard, but it also felt like it should have been done awhile ago.
I grew up going to that Armadillo Willy’s. I have fond memories as a kindergartener of ordering baby back ribs with a side of French fries for lunch with my mom. But I also realized I hadn’t eaten from Armadillo Willy’s in years. The ribs had become a bit dry and tough, and it’s not very healthy or easy on the wallet to order barbecue.
It got me thinking about Bay Area barbecue culture. QBB had closed in September, and all three 3 Pigs locations had permanently closed. I hypothesized that perhaps demand for barbecue had decreased; that a rise in vegetarianism and meat prices are keeping people from ordering barbecue.
But after talking with six pitmasters and a barbecue expert, it seemed my hypothesis was wrong. In fact, many pitmasters said their biggest challenge is selling out.
This week’s food feature digs into the predominant trends in the local barbecue scene, the history of barbecue and industry insiders’ perspectives on the future of barbecue.
Stay tasty,
Adrienne
Fusion, vegan and other barbecue trends: What defines Peninsula barbecue culture, and where does it go from here?
I talked with six pitmasters who are making their mark on the Peninsula barbecue scene as well as a barbecue expert to understand what trends are markers of the local barbecue scene and where the future of the cuisine is heading.
Restaurant wins and losses at the 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony, a new Irish pub opens in Redwood City and a Cupertino closure
- Mountain View’s Chez TJ loses its Michelin star after 19 years. That and other updates from last week’s California Michelin Guide ceremony.
- The Wild Rover, a traditional Irish pub owned by a Redwood City resident, has taken over the former City Pub space in Redwood City.
- Bar Bon Mot, a French-Korean bar in Cupertino, has permanently closed, according to a recent Instagram post.
- Burger Bots, a robotic burger concept in Los Gatos, will remain temporarily closed until Tuesday.
- Construction on the Safeway in South San Francisco has been completed, reports the San Mateo Daily Journal, and the grocery store is expected to open in mid-2026.
- Palo Alto’s annual 4th of July Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival will be held Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Park. The event includes free chili tasting, live music, food trucks and games and activities for kids.
- Chef Stephanie Izard will host a pop-up dinner, called Tiny Goat, Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Valley Goat in Sunnyvale.
- Starting Monday through Sept. 1, Che Fico Parco Menlo will transform into a seasonal takeover called “Welcome to Amalfi,” offering a four-course pre-fixe menu ($55 per person) and new cocktails, spritzes, wines and festive decor.
Pulled pork sandwich at La Bodeguita del Medio
The best pulled pork sandwich I’ve ever eaten in my life was at La Bodeguita del Medio.
First of all, the sandwich is ginormous. For $18.40, you’re buying yourself at least two meals.
The star of the show is the pulled pork: insanely juicy and tender chunks of succulent, melt-in-your mouth meat. I hate when there are large gelatinous chunks of fat in pulled pork, but this sandwich was all meat, no fat globules.
Not only is the texture of the pork perfect, but the seasoning is also spot on. It’s hit with a light amount of guava barbecue sauce, but it doesn’t overwhelm the sandwich with a cloying barbecue-like flavor.
The sandwich is heavy on the pulled pork, but what takes this sandwich from good to incredible is that it comes with pickled red onions and jalapeños, which cut through the richness and add a contrasting texture to the succulent pork. It’s built on a baguette, which is the perfect sturdy bread for how juicy the pork is.
And let’s not forget the spicy slaw with pimentón vinaigrette served on the side. This slaw is not an afterthought – it’s a fresh, crunchy, creamy and tangy accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with the sandwich.
The only downside to this sandwich? It’s messy, and you’ll look a bit strange unhinging your jaw to eat it. Don’t wear white.
La Bodeguita del Medio, 463 California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-326-7762, Instagram: @labo_paloalto. Open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m.
‘People come here expecting things to stay the same’: Step back in time for breakfast at Millbrae Pancake House
Little has changed at the beloved family-run diner since it opened in 1959. Its customers and owners wouldn’t have it any other way.
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