Gus's BBQ

Gus's BBQ

808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States

+1 626-799-3251

Barbecue restaurant
(2128)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of South Pasadena at 808 Fair Oaks Ave, Gus's BBQ offers an authentic taste of Southern barbecue with an unmistakable flair. This beloved barbecue restaurant combines rich, smoky flavors with a welcoming atmosphere that invites diners to savor more than just a meal—they share a genuine experience steeped in southern hospitality.

Gus’s BBQ truly shines through its expertly crafted menu. Standout dishes such as the Pulled Pork Nachos, Bones Memphis Baby Back Ribs, and the irresistibly tender Fried Chicken and Waffles showcase the kitchen’s mastery of traditional flavors with fresh, bold touches. Their Cast Iron Cornbread has garnered unanimous praise for being fluffy, warm, and packed with a hint of sweetness—it's the perfect starter, as dozens of patrons have agreed. Fans of hearty sides rave about the creamy Collard Greens and velvety Mac and Cheese, adding comfort and depth to every plate.

Pairing perfectly with the food are the refreshing House-Made Blueberry Mint Lemonade and the classic Sweet Tea, both of which provide a cooling contrast to the smoky, savory dishes. Guests looking for a spirited uplift can dive into the robust Whiskey Flight or sip on a flavorful Bloody Mary. The BBQ Sauce Trio lets diners customize their experience, giving a nuanced layer to each bite.

Gus’s BBQ is perfectly suited for both casual family outings and more spirited gatherings, with a warm, lively dining room and attentive staff known for their friendly, efficient service. Whether you’re indulging in the meaty satisfaction of the Beef Ribs or delighting in the coastal charm of the Fried Catfish and Chips and Shrimp and Grits, each dish underscores the kitchen’s dedication to quality and flavor.

For families dining with little ones, the Little Gus's Menu offers scaled-down portions of favorites like Mini Cheeseburgers, Baby Back Ribs, and even Lil’ Gus’s Mac N’ Cheese, ensuring the entire family enjoys a satisfying meal. Customers often note the generous portions, making it easy to share and savor a variety of flavors without feeling rushed.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the tantalizing aroma of smoked meats and freshly baked cornbread, a sensory invitation that’s hard to resist. The carefully balanced smoky, sweet, and tangy notes of their dishes leave a lasting impression, making Gus's BBQ a top contender in the competitive Pasadena barbecue scene.

As patrons have reflected, the service is warm and knowledgeable—the kind that makes you feel like a regular from the first visit. One guest praised the kitchen’s speed and efficiency, ensuring the food arrives piping hot and beautifully plated. While parking in Pasadena can be limited, arriving early or reserving a table helps guarantee a seamless experience.

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado seeking tender ribs that fall off the bone, a comfort food lover chasing that perfect bite of southern-style fried chicken, or simply someone looking for a memorable dining experience, Gus’s BBQ delivers with authenticity and heart. It’s a place where food is crafted with passion and care—and where every mouthwatering bite tells a story worth sharing.

Contact Info:
808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States
Phone: +1 626-799-3251

Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great wine list Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Late-night food Private dining room Quick bite Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Juana Saldana
    2 month ago

    Gus’s BBQ is definitely going on my list of favorite spots in Pasadena! The service was amazing , our server recommended the cornbread as an appetizer and it did not disappoint. So flavorful and gluten-free! We ordered the chicken and two meats combo, and let me just say… the chicken was cooked to perfection. The house made blueberry mint lemonade was super refreshing and the perfect touch to an incredible meal. Highly recommend!

  • James Wernicke Sr.
    2 month ago

    First time here everything was good but not much better than most BBQ. Large portions and a good ceasar. In fact that was the highlight. Large 23oz beer was worth the extra cost. We had the ribs plus 2 meats and it was more than we could both split. Children's portion was also substantial. No problem parking but not an abundance. Make sure you get a reservation. I'm told the wait can be long

  • Eidmone Tagaca
    3 month ago

    4.6/5 one of the best bbq places I’ve been to every bbq they have were tender and flavorful. The tri tip sandwich that we had was lacking some flavor though. But the service was amazing. I highly recommend their brisket, bbq chicken, st louis spare ribs, and links. Also the cream corn and mac and cheese

  • Shawn Sheng
    3 month ago

    Absolutely wonderful BBQ restaurant that combines delicious food, southern hospitality, and a love for what they do. The ribs are cooked to perfection and fall off the bones, delicious even without any sauce. The kitchen is so efficient and the food comes out quickly. They have 2 toes of ribs and ordering a full rack of ribs lets you do half and half. Very friendly staff and plenty of seats inside.

  • Alicia Gonzalez
    3 month ago

    First time visiting this place, it was recommended by a friend We ordered the combo plate with chicken baby back ribs and beef brisket, I ordered the catfish. Everything was good, the corn bread is a must, is fresh made and is so good! The service is great, parking could be a little hard but is Pasadena so we expected that. We went in a Saturday not to late it was before 5pm so it wasn't that busy. Food portions are big we have enough leftovers for next day. We definitely will go back.

  • Gerry Saenz
    3 month ago

    We had an amazing lunch at Gus's BBQ! We were seated right away, and our waiter was quick to take our order. The food was absolutely delicious and filling. If you're looking for great barbecue from a local favorite, you have to check out Gus's. The atmosphere was lively but not intrusive. You might have some difficulty finding parking doing busy hours.

  • Diana Miguel Álvarez López
    4 month ago

    Had such a great time at this BBQ spot! The brisket was flavorful, the ribs were tender, the mac & cheese was creamy and delicious, and that Kansas City spicy sauce was next level. Finished it off with some amazing butter cake and ice cream—perfect ending to a delicious meal! Also a plus is they have free parking just next to the restaurant.

  • Edgar Monroy
    4 month ago

    If you’re craving real Southern-style barbecue in the LA area, Gus’s BBQ in Pasadena hits the spot. This place has been around for years, and it shows in all the right ways. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and just rustic enough to feel authentic without trying too hard. Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the vibe is always inviting and relaxed. Let’s get to the food: it’s legit. The brisket is tender and smoky with that perfect bark on the outside—exactly how you want it. The pulled pork is juicy and full of flavor, and the ribs? Fall-off-the-bone and packed with that deep, slow-cooked taste. They really know how to do low and slow here. Portions are generous, too, so come hungry. One thing that really stood out for me was the variety of sauces—sweet, spicy, tangy—they let you customize the experience without overdoing it. You can tell they take pride in their recipes. Also, the sides aren’t just an afterthought like in some BBQ spots. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, the baked beans have that smoky-sweet punch, and the cornbread? Soft, buttery, and served warm. They also have great drink options—a full bar with solid cocktails and a decent beer list. The bourbon peach sweet tea was a standout. Perfect for a summer afternoon. Service was friendly and efficient. Our server knew the menu well and gave us good recommendations without rushing us. Even on a busy night, everything came out on time and hot. ⸻ Gus’s BBQ is a Pasadena staple for a reason. Solid barbecue, awesome sides, great service, and an atmosphere that feels both cozy and classic. Whether you’re a BBQ purist or just want a good meal with friends or family, it delivers every time. Definitely worth the drive if you’re coming from elsewhere in LA

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