Seemor
Holy Cow BBQ - Santa Monica
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.
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
- Brisket, tri-tip, and pulled pork earn strong praise when fresh
- Friendly, helpful staff with engaged ownership
- Kids menu and shareable platters make group dining easy
- Occasional dry meats and average mac reported, especially on delivery
- Closes early some nights; plan accordingly
What Sets It Apart
- Santa Maria tri-tip focus
- Strong dessert program for a BBQ spot
- Meat-by-the-pound flexibility
What People Love
- Tender brisket and tri-tip sandwiches
- Carolina mustard and house sauces
- Garlic rolls and hearty sides
- Key lime pie and banana pudding
- Fast, friendly counter service
Points of Concern
- Delivery quality can lag behind dine-in with reports of dryness
- A few experiences with missing items or order errors
- Some sides (mac and cheese) feel bland to certain diners
- Pricing is fair for area but can feel high if execution slips
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair tri-tip with chimichurri to balance richness.
- Add collard greens or kettle beans for hearty, gluten-free sides.
- Kids: nuggets or sliders with fries from the Youngins Menu.
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight BBQ
- Game-day takeout with platters
- Family dinners with picky eaters
- Quick solo lunch near Montana Ave
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.
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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