Harper Barbeque

Happy Friday! If you’re looking to try a new restaurant this weekend, I highly recommend checking out Harper Barbecue in Costa Mesa. It’s easily my favorite barbecue spot I’ve tried in California so far, and honestly, I’m shocked it’s not getting more hype!

Flavor
I didn’t realize it at the time, but after our meal I learned Harper uses their own hand-welded smokers (which you can actually purchase yourself through Shop — Harper PitWorks). You can truly taste the love and care that goes into their live-fire cooking.

I ordered the Special Sandwich ($18) — Prime Tri-Tip, slaw, and BBQ onion jam (seriously, to die for) on a perfectly soft grinder roll. It was an outstanding, perfectly balanced sandwich.

We also split their mac and cheese, and both loved the unique mix of cheeses and spices. For $8, the portion size was generous and absolutely worth it.

For dessert, we shared a fresh, beautiful grilled peach cobbler made with Reiger Farms peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, a buttermilk biscuit topping, and vanilla ice cream. It was heavenly.

The only special we tried was the dessert, but they had a solid lineup of other specials that sounded amazing. We also didn’t get a chance to order one of their platters (your choice of smoked meats plus hot and cold sides), but those seemed to be a guest favorite.

Location
Harper Barbecue is an authentic barbecue restaurant in Costa Mesa, focused on “fresh produce, whole foods, prime meats, and no shortcuts” (Home — Harper Barbecue). They have a gorgeous outdoor patio filled with greenery and a sizable bar section with plenty of large tables — perfect for birthdays or bigger gatherings.

We had no trouble parking, though I imagine it might get tighter later in the evening. There’s also street parking nearby.

Customer Service & Experience
The vibe was warm and welcoming, and every staff member we interacted with was friendly. We went on a Friday night, but nothing felt rushed or overly chaotic.

If you’re craving barbecue, I’d definitely recommend making Harper Barbecue your next stop!

Grilled Peach Cobbler

Special Sandwich ($18), Smoked Turkey ($19), and Mac N’ Cheese ($8)

Inside Bar Area




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