Slow Hand BBQ

1941 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, United States
+1 925-942-0149
$$$ Barbecue restaurant
(779 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're in Pleasant Hill, CA, and craving some of the best barbecue in the area, look no further than Slow Hand BBQ. Tucked away at 1941 Oak Park Blvd, this local gem serves up a mouth-watering array of slow-smoked meats that will keep you coming back for more.

The cuisine at Slow Hand BBQ is a true celebration of traditional barbecue techniques, with a modern twist. From the moment you step inside, the inviting aroma of smokey goodness envelops you, promising a feast of flavors that is difficult to resist. The casual vibe is perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a hearty meal after a long day.

If you’re unsure where to start, the beef brisket is an absolute must-try. Slow smoked over white oak, this dish has garnered rave reviews; many have declared it the restaurant's best seller. The brisket is incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. For those looking for something a little different, the smoked corned beef is another standout option. Its unique flavor profile will surprise and delight your taste buds, especially if you're a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich.

For rib lovers, the St. Louis spare ribs steal the show, boasting a perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy goodness. As one satisfied customer, Tamara Douglas, noted, they pair wonderfully with picnic potato salad and BBQ baked beans for a complete experience. The tri-tip, smoked to perfection, also captures the hearts of many, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to quality.

For those who crave variety, the Feasty Combos allow you to mix and match your favorites, featuring options like the flavorful half chicken plate and mouthwatering jerk wings. Each plate is served generously, ensuring you leave well-satisfied and with your barbecue cravings firmly satiated.

But it's not just the food that makes Slow Hand BBQ special; it's the community atmosphere they foster. Diners love the friendly service, which is often highlighted in reviews – a testament to the care that goes into not just the food but the overall experience. Customers like Jarrett Cheak and HaviTV rave about the restaurant's exceptional quality, claiming it surpasses other BBQ spots in the nearby Concord and Walnut Creek areas.

With such rich and flavorful offerings paired with a welcoming ambiance, Slow Hand BBQ stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone serious about barbecue. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this spot promises a hearty meal that reflects the true spirit of barbecue. Remember to grab extra sauce to elevate your feast to the next level. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare yourself for a delicious journey into the world of smoked perfection!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

779 Reviews
Tamara Douglas

24 Sep 2025

I hadn't visited Slow Hand BBQ in over four years, but I'm pleased to report that the food remains exceptional. I travel from Richmond specifically to indulge in top-quality barbecue. My preferred meal consists of St. Louis Spare Ribs, picnic potato salad, BBQ baked beans, and rolls.

Jarrett Cheak

03 Sep 2025

Eat here! Fantastic brisket and pork ribs! Was going to local bbq places in concord walnut creek area and slow hand blows them all out of the water no problem!

HaviTV

13 Aug 2025

Fantastic brisket and pork ribs! I’ve been trying out local BBQ spots around Concord and Walnut Creek, but Slow Hand BBQ in Pleasant Hill really blows the competition away. The meat is smoky, tender, and full of flavor. The brisket melts in your mouth, and the ribs have the perfect balance of seasoning and juiciness. The casual vibe and friendly service make it even better. A must-try spot if you’re craving real BBQ in the Bay Area!

James Ellsworth

05 Aug 2025

Got the smoked Ruben sandwich and sweet potato tots - unsusal but very tasty. I’ve never heard of smoked corned beef but it was good. Only down side is Pepsi at the fountain drinks and the spicy BBQ sauce was missing the “spicy” part. Super friendly staff.

Pak Ko

29 Jun 2025

Best place in the area for BBQ hands down. We had the brisket and the ribs and both were very tender and juicy. Meat fell off the bone so easily for the ribs! The Mac and cheese was nice and creamy. Fries were crispy. Must try!

Arnold Lira

20 Jun 2025

Really good food and good atmosphere. I lived in Oklahoma for a few years, I've had some good brisket before, I can say the brisket here ranks up there. Portion size of the meats are decent, but the quality of the meat and the portion sizes of the sides more than make up for it. Mac and cheese is the best. The chopped pork is good but wasn't my favorite, a bit too much vinegar.

Corey Strock

04 Jun 2025

Literally the best Reuben Sandwich I have had in years. Fantastic, you can check my reviews, I get Reuben's everywhere and this one was off the chain. Sweet Potato Tots were well fried and I'm pretty sure house made as well. Wife liked the ribs, friends loved their dishes as well. Beer menu was solid w/ some nice semi local options. Service was fantastic, everyone was super friendly. And, believe it or not, the price was not insane, it was super reasonable for BBQ.

Susan Duce

29 May 2025

5 Stars! Absolutely loved this spot! The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the ribs had a perfect smoky bark, and the tri tip was on point. You can tell they put real care into every plate. Super friendly staff, fast service, and chill atmosphere. This is exactly the kind of local gem you want to keep coming back to. Can’t wait for the next round!

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