Did you know that when you’re craving smoky, fall-off-the-bone barbecue, you’re responsible for finding the perfect spot? (Well, at least until you’ve tried every rib and brisket in town.) And if you’re in Rancho Cucamonga, choosing where to go for that saucy, slow-cooked goodness can be a real challenge. Maybe you’re looking for a place to devour some tender pulled pork and savor the sides, or you want to splurge on a full slab without any judgement if you end up wearing more sauce than you eat.
Whatever the case, this guide has a rib, a link, and even a burnt end with your name on it.
King’s Mongolian BBQ
$ | (909) 899-7486 | WEBSITE
At King’s Mongolian BBQ, you’ll typically spot families building their own bowls, office workers grabbing a quick lunch, and groups celebrating birthdays with sizzling platters. But weekday evenings might as well be dubbed Grill Masters Night. Expect to see plenty of Rancho Cucamonga regulars debating sauce combinations or eyeing the tender bulgogi and spicy kimchi.
You’ll know you’re a local when the super helpful manager remembers your usual protein choice AND your preferred noodle-to-vegetable ratio. Load up on the marinated beef and crisp vegetables while you watch the chefs expertly grill your custom creation at the massive hot plate station.
RC Mongolian BBQ
$$ | (909) 652-0963 | WEBSITE
The all-you-can-eat experience at RC Mongolian BBQ is almost as fresh and satisfying as the egg rolls themselves. The Mongolian barbecue bowl, their signature customizable creation, is the obvious choice here—made with perfectly cooked meats, a great sauce selection, and vegetables that stay crisp and colorful and look like a little garden.
And, when your family really wants to settle in, load up on the egg flower soup and let them enjoy the soothing background music while you relax in the clean, welcoming atmosphere (and maybe another trip to the protein station).
Mike Henry’s Barbecue Co
$$ | (909) 858-2499 | WEBSITE
Hopefully, you already know how much we love the brisket fries at Mike Henry’s Barbecue Co., a beloved spot in Haven City. So, let’s talk about how it’s also the perfect stop before your next trip to the local attractions, which are practically around the corner.
They specialize in the all-important comfort foods category—tender and juicy brisket piled high with BBQ and garnishes, and well-seasoned collard greens—and the brisket burger should also give you the satisfaction you need to power through a hearty meal, especially on Tuesdays when it’s only $10 with fries. Plus, they have chicken that looks and tastes like it belongs in a magazine, which is not only amazing but also consistently excellent.
Thai Diamond Bar.B.Q.
$ | (909) 941-1432 | WEBSITE
We love Thai Diamond Bar.B.Q.’s lunch specials where they serve half-sized portions ideal for trying different dishes without leftovers. Their regular menu features some very unique selections, too. We’re talking about chicken pad thai, pineapple fried rice, spicy catfish, and bbq ribs. So, bring your vegan friend to a group dinner and share a side of Thai tea with boba, some spicy catfish, and a plate of pineapple fried rice for the table.
Also, the dishes are served with such focus on presentation that it basically makes the meal two experiences in one. If there’s any room left for more, we fully support your right to order another round of those fantastic bbq ribs.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
$$ | (909) 463-7427 | WEBSITE
Beyond the ribs, the best thing about Lucille’s is the family-friendly atmosphere—ideal for gatherings with kids, because those sticky fingers need space to roam. On any busy evening, you’ll spot plenty of parents ordering from the main counter inside and grandparents keeping an eye on little ones from the spacious dining area once their three-meat combo plates and sweet biscuits arrive at the table.
There’s a lively buzz every night, including servers who bring warm towels so your whole crew can clean up after digging in. Go with a crowd so you can share a pitcher of those excellent drinks, snack on crackling devil eggs while your kids enjoy their fluffy burgers, and get a generous spread of brisket, tri tip, and BBQ chicken served with those positively reviewed greens.
Aloha K Hawaii BBQ
$ | (909) 989-1125 | WEBSITE
Aloha K Hawaii BBQ is the quintessential barbecue spot in Rancho Cucamonga. That’s thanks to the sound of a bustling kitchen cranking out BBQ pork mini plates and katsu combos, along with Hawaiian shirts and surfboard decor peppering the space. The saucy BBQ beef is a great choice, and their BBQ chicken is basically just fancy comfort food. For families who want to get their kids eating well early, Aloha K is well-stocked with generous portions at excellent prices.
It’s also one of the rare spots in the area with dedicated outdoor seating under partial shade. If you’re lucky, you just may bump into a regular devouring a BBQ pork mini plate on their lunch break.
U Grill Korean BBQ
$$ | (909) 899-1111 | WEBSITE
U Grill Korean BBQ is one of our favorite Korean barbecue spots in the area. Not only do they grill their own meats right at your table, but their all-you-can-eat setup has remained a crowd-pleaser for years. Plus, the side dishes are streamlined in a way that only a barbecue lover can appreciate—constantly refilled, solid, and always fresh. The bigger appetites should go for the pork belly loaded with flavor, or the bulgogi with its perfect marinade.
Be sure to hit up their drink selection for a cold beer or soju bomb. It’s a great gathering spot for friends and family, and even though it can get busy, the laid-back atmosphere usually makes the wait worthwhile.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$$ | (909) 481-2271 | WEBSITE
Your family wants fall-off-the-bone ribs, your friends are craving brisket, and you’re trying to find somewhere with enough options to please everyone before catching a movie. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is the answer here, and any scenario where you need to satisfy a variety of barbecue cravings. There are three reliable sauces (devil’s spit, sweet & zesty, rich & sassy) and plenty of combos like hot link sausage with Wilbur beans and cornbread.
So, while you settle into the lively yet chill bar area, your crew can debate sauce choices and your brisket should arrive hot and tender right when you’re ready. Meanwhile, you just earned a moment to enjoy the welcoming ambiance while Liz and Jay handle the details for a bit.
STONEFIRE Grill
$ | (909) 243-7440 | WEBSITE
STONEFIRE Grill is your quintessential fast-casual barbecue joint: a lively spot with a cozy patio that seats about 35 people, perfect for small gatherings. Admittedly, this place can get a bit chilly inside at night. But sprinkled around the crowd of families and groups enjoying hearty meals are plenty of regulars, all digging into tri-tip and garlic chicken together.
The lunch specials actually offer generous portions of favorites like the gorgonzola butter tri-tip served with mashed potatoes for only $12, and the garlic chicken that’s smoky and perfectly cooked is one of the best dishes in Rancho Cucamonga. You won’t find a better Caesar salad in town, either—the light and satisfying pasta is genuinely impressive.
Myungdong Restaurant Tofu B.B.Q.
$$ | (909) 481-1957 | WEBSITE
At Myungdong Restaurant Tofu B.B.Q., the Galbi Combo is a steal at around $25. That detail should be enough of a reason for anyone to make the trip. But if you need more convincing, the food is actually really great, too. While the kimchi tofu soup might be a little too spicy for some, the mushroom tofu soup is a milder option that you wouldn’t mind finishing when there’s still a bit left.
Regulars should go for the Galbi Combo, loaded with sizzling beef, that’s the perfect combination of savory and satisfying thanks to the side dishes and rice. The sleeper hit on the menu, however, is their bibimbap. This dish is fresh and flavorful, and comes with a raw egg that’ll have you immediately planning your next visit.