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Holy Cow BBQ - Santa MonicaBWorth Trying

264 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402 · Barbecue restaurant, Takeout Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (417 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Solid, crowd-pleasing BBQ with standout brisket, tri-tip, and desserts, counter-service speed, and strong owner engagement; occasional dryness and delivery inconsistency noted.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Holy Cow BBQ delivers reliable casual barbecue with strong food quality anchored by praised brisket and tri-tip, supported by exceptional service attentiveness and quick counter service. However, inconsistent execution between dine-in and delivery and modest design appeal prevent grade A territory. A solid neighborhood choice for families and BBQ enthusiasts seeking friendly, efficient service and shareable portions.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels casual and welcoming, the kind of counter-service spot where team members greet you and talk sauces before running food to your table. A diner summed it up well: "Friendly faces, quick service, and BBQ that hits the spot." Owner presence is noticeable, and desserts like key lime pie get surprising love. The cooking leans classic American barbecue with regional nods: brisket, Santa Maria tri-tip, pulled pork with Carolina mustard, and sturdy sides. When the pit is on, meats are tender and smoky; a few reviews note dryness, especially for delivery, so dine-in shines. Burgers and garlic rolls overperform, and the sampler platters make it easy to try a bit of everything without fuss. Families do well here thanks to a dedicated kids menu (nuggets, sliders, mac and cheese) and simple sides like fries and cornbread. Portions are shareable, and counter ordering keeps things easy. If you have picky eaters, there are plenty of safe choices; adventurous kids can gradate to tri-tip or brisket sandwiches.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$28-42 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Upscale residential-adjacent corridor near Montana Ave; family traffic and casual lunch crowd.

Safety: Well-lit, high-foot-traffic daytime area with generally low safety concerns.

Nearby: Near boutique retail and cafes along Montana Ave; convenient for takeout to nearby parks and the beach.

Santa MonicaSanta Monica offers a diverse dining environment ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants. The area around 26th Street is more residential and local-focused, with a mix of casual dining options catering to families and neighborhood residents seeking approachable, quality food.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:30 Tuesday11:00–20:30 Wednesday11:00–20:30 Thursday11:00–20:30 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–20:30

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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