Salinas City Barbeque
700 W. Market St., Salinas
(831) 758-2227
The warning on the menu—brisket may run out early—is no joke. It really might—it’s meltingly tender, with just a hint of smoke and the perfect platform for a drizzle of spicy barbecue sauce. Ribs are nearly fall-away tender and smoky, the chicken succulent. Also, portions are huge. Dropping $50 is enough to feed six adults with leftovers. The well-curated draft craft beer selection, meanwhile, rivals the meats in strength and depth.