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Name: Red Smoke Grill
Address: 4501 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA, 94588
Telephone: (925) 734-0307
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.63

Red Smoke Grill

4501 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA, 94588

(925) 734-0307
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Red Smoke Grill Menu

Salads

Red Smoke Chopped Salad

Caesar Salad Red Smoke Style

Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans

Spinach Salad

Red Smoke Chopped Salad

Caesar Salad Red Smoke Style

Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans

Spinach Salad
Siganature Sandwiches

Red Smoke Original

Tri-Tip and Blue

Tri-Tip and Chipotle

Build Your Own Tri-Tip Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Veggie Sandwich

Red Smoke Original

Tri-Tip and Blue

Tri-Tip and Chipotle

Build Your Own Tri-Tip Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Veggie Sandwich
Platters

Tri-Tip with Au Jus or BBQ

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip

Blue Style

Chipotle Style

Pulled Pork Platter

Rotisserie Chicken

St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs

Grilled Chipotle Prawns

Combos

Tri-Tip with Au Jus or BBQ

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip

Blue Style

Chipotle Style

Pulled Pork Platter

Rotisserie Chicken

St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs

Grilled Chipotle Prawns

Combos
Certified Angus Burgers

Red Smoke Burger

Cheeseburger

Bacon Cheeseburger

Red Smoke Burger

Cheeseburger

Bacon Cheeseburger
Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Potato Salad

Creamy Cole Slaw

Roasted Corn Salad

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Small Side Salad

French Fries

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Potato Salad

Creamy Cole Slaw

Roasted Corn Salad

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Small Side Salad

French Fries
Kids Meal

Chicken Strips

Tri-Tip Sandwich

Mini Corn Dogs

Chicken Sandwich

Kids Ribs

Chicken Strips

Tri-Tip Sandwich

Mini Corn Dogs

Chicken Sandwich

Kids Ribs
Extras

Sweet-Potato Fries

Onion Rings

Fried Green Beans

Combo Pick Two

Sweet-Potato Fries

Onion Rings

Fried Green Beans

Combo Pick Two
Beverages

Fountain Drinks

Juice

Snapple

Energy

Ice Tea

Coffee

Tea

Fountain Drinks

Juice

Snapple

Energy

Ice Tea

Coffee

Tea

Healthy Meal suggestions for Red Smoke Grill

Salads

Red Smoke Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad Red Smoke Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Smoke Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad Red Smoke Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Siganature Sandwiches

Red Smoke Original [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip and Blue [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip and Chipotle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Build Your Own Tri-Tip Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BBQ Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Smoke Original [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip and Blue [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip and Chipotle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Build Your Own Tri-Tip Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BBQ Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Platters

Tri-Tip with Au Jus or BBQ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chipotle Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rotisserie Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chipotle Prawns [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip with Au Jus or BBQ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chipotle Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rotisserie Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chipotle Prawns [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Certified Angus Burgers

Red Smoke Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Smoke Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Corn Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Side Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Corn Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Side Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Kids Meal

Chicken Strips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mini Corn Dogs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kids Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Strips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tri-Tip Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mini Corn Dogs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kids Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Extras

Sweet-Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Green Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combo Pick Two [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet-Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Green Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combo Pick Two [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages

Fountain Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Juice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Snapple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Energy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fountain Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Juice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Snapple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Energy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Pleasanton for healthy meals suggestion.

Denny’s ( 6455 Owens Dr )

Auntie Anne’s ( Stone Ridge Mall,1212 Stoneridge Mall Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Pleasanton for healthy meals suggestion.

Denny’s ( 6455 Owens Dr )

Auntie Anne’s ( Stone Ridge Mall,1212 Stoneridge Mall Rd )

Write An Anonymous Review

F T.

Food: 4 stars Value: 4 stars We ordered a takeout of a tri-tip sandwich $6.49 and a half chicken $9.99. The food was good, even the sides of cold slaw and french fries! We came here many time already and we are never disappointed. Good food and affordable price, what else can you ask for? This place is definitely one of my favorites in the area.
(4)
Eugene Y.

I just had their Tri Tip Blue sandwich and it was delicious! What made it better was their service! Cashier was smiling and making conversation, food came out quickly. I ordered my food to go and the place wasn't too busy when I went. You would normally pick up your order when they call your number at the counter but the cashier took the time to bring me my order directly where i was waiting while i was checking my email on my phone. Now that is great service! I have been there times before during the rush hour of lunch, but still worth the wait.
(5)
Connor H.

Very, very average is the best i can give this place. I was sitting at home watching "American eats" which featured famous, authentic barbeque places in Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas...etc. you know...the places where they have the firewood pits that have been around for 100+ years smoking up some tasty brisket, pork shoulders and sausages...after having my mouth water for some barbeque, i found Red Smoke Grill on Yelp and decided to check it out immediately. While I didn't expect to get the same quality barbeque as they have back east, i expected something that would suffice to help me out a bit when i'm desperate for some good old fashioned barbeque. Sadly this place didn't satisfy. I got the tri-tip and rotisserie chicken combo with the baked beans and cole slaw. The trip-tip was very thinly sliced, cooked medium which is perfect....and i love the fact that it was sliced thin. But the meat wasn't that flavorful, except for the fact that they put some avocado , salsa type mix on top of the meat, wtf it up with that?? Definitely not what i expect from a barbeque place. The rotisserie chicken was moist and juicy, but the skin was a bit slimy and oily....definitely not a fan. Adding to that, the baked beans tasted like they were made with way, way too much tomato sauce and brown sugar while the beans were a bit too hard for my taste.....ok...onto the cole slaw. FINALLY, something good....seemed fresh and not made with too much mayo, which is what most places do. Bottom line, if you are absolutely desperate for some barbeque, this place may somewhat satisfy. But I doubt it. Once again, i'll continue my search for that awesome barbeque that seems so hard to find in the Bay area.
(2)
Andrew Y.

Today's lunch consisted of a pulled pork sandwich ($7.49) and garlic mashed potatoes ($0.99). The pulled pork didn't actually taste half bad. There was a lot of sauce and coleslaw stuff on the bottom of it, all encased in a soft roll that you could pick up without it falling apart. The large was a good size. I don't know if I would have been full from the regular size. Anyway, this place is good for lunch, but I would not recommend for dinner because I think the food gets a little pricey for the food you get. I was also able to try the shrimp and tri tip. The shrimp was terrible. No flavour at all. Do not get the shrimp. The tri tip was not bad, but it really wasn't that good. Also, not a lot of flavour and needed some sauce. Might come back here for lunch. It is definitely better than going to Kinders!
(3)
Sandy W.

This is one of my favorite places for a family take-out meal, when I don't feel like cooking dinner (which is just about everyday). Their rotissery chicken is full of flavor and tender that I could almost eat it everyday for a week and not get sick of it. The Santa Maria- style briskets are also excellent - great meat quality and so well-balanced when eaten with a big bite of the corn salsa salad. I am not easily pleased when it comes to BBQ briskets - I literally have traveled up and down California looking for something that can satisfy my cravings of KC style BBQ briskets like the ones I had at Gate's in Kansas City. Not that I am comparing apples to oranges as Santa Maria's "clean" style of grilling is definitely not the same as the sauce drenched KC style briskets - the fact of the matter is that the quality of meat is there, and the Red Smoke Grill brisket opens up a whole new welcoming flavor to my taste buds. I really enjoy this place - prices are reasonable, and the food is so worth it!
(4)
Deirdre P.

Great salads! Great tri tip sandwich! Prices are good for the quality! You must try their tri-tip sandwich, it is really really good!!! yummmm they use a really good sauce that makes it refreshing not so heavy and you just gotta love the local owned quality of good food!
(4)
Vonetta C.

Ok I haven't tried anything but their Chicken Tortilla Soup. I am a fan of flavor and if you haven't tried this soup then I highly recommend it. This soup has the right amount of spicy kick you would expect in a chicken tortilla soup but then they add red onions (side note: I am not a fan of red onions). But they must find the sweetest red onions because the sweetness of the onion against the spiciness of the soup and oooweee, your mouth will be happy with the sensations the flavors.
(4)
Cristofer P.

Not quite at the level of Buckhorn Grill, but for Plesanton, they make a surprisingly good tri-tip sandwich that fills you up. The meat is moist and they pile it on. My only wish was that the bread was more tasty and chewy. The fries were a perfect side dish. I was sad I saw the sign for sweet potato fries AFTER I had finished eating and I was getting to leave but I guess that gives me a reason to come back. Large sandwich, fries, and a drink came out to just under $12 with tax.
(4)
Karen L.

This place would never be the first choice for lunch. The food is decent and so is the ambiance for lunchtime, but not great. I'd choose Kinders over it for sure. I'm giving this restaurant a 1 star mainly because of the service. While picking up my order, I asked for bbq sauce, because you HAVE to ask for it. Apparently, you have to ask for it when you are ordering your meal. REALLY? "NEXT TIME, ASK FOR BBQ WHEN YOU ORDER" um... how am i suppose to know? She acted like I'm a regular at this place, which for one, I'll never be.
(1)
Abby S.

I recommend you get your order to go, the interior feels rather claustrophobic and uncomfortable to me. The customer service is usually outstanding, I have been disappointed once or twice. For the most part I am VERY happy with the service I receive though. The food, Stick with the "family meals" or the individual items. The Rotisserie chicken is outstanding, so is the roasted corn salad. The ribs are decent but not outstanding. Everything else? well.. I didn't like much of anything else myself. If you know what to stick with you can get a stellar meal though! :-) We frequently ordered the "Full Slab of Ribs & Whole Chicken $32.99" then decided the chicken was so much better than the ribs that we really didn't need the ribs.
(4)
Javier O.

Solid Food. I went here 2 days in a row to get a different sampling. Freshly prepared food made with high- quality ingredients. On day one, I tried the Pork Ribs. The Ribs were so tender they fall of the bone. The ribs were coated with their signature barbecue rub, basted with chipotle barbecue sauce. I coupled my dish with the roasted corn salad and Ranch Style beans. Great combination. On day two, I tried the Tri-Tip and Blue. Thinly sliced served with horseradish sauce, topped with caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese. The sandwich was so big, I could not finish it during my lunch hour.
(4)
Allen A.

Wow. This place has the best food for its price. For 16 bucks u get 2 types of meat and 2 sides with a drink. It was my first time goin earlier tonight and I got their ribs and rotisserie chicken and the portions were amazing the ribs were very delicious even though it wasn't fall off the bone the sauce was excellent. They have tons of sides to choose from definitely comin back here within a week.
(4)
James L.

The veggie sandwich they have is really good! Wait time after ordering is not bad at all either!
(5)
Jenna P.

Absolutely amazing. You get what you pay for. I sometimes get the chicken, but now changed to the chicken spinach salad. out of this world. This is the only place in town that you can go for a healthy, clean meal, and actually get it. good job guys! :)
(5)
Lani D.

My husband and I like this place. You can't go wrong with any of their brisket or Tri-tip sandwiches. The portions are very generous. Imagine your tri-tip sandwich overflowing with meat and barely being able to fold it to take a bite out of it. It's a decent place that is different from the usual sandwich places in the area and it's a nice break from the typical Subway/Quiznos/Togos places.
(4)
Abby P.

Service is lacking, food is bland. Too expensive. There are better places in Pleasanton - try Dickies or Kinders instead.
(1)
Dan H.

I've only tried the chipotle tritip and blue cheese tri tip sandwiches. Both are great. IMO, price is average for what you are buying. two tits up ( o Y o )
(4)
Tom W.

Pros: Great Salads Very Good Trip Tips & Chicken Good Cookies Nice Decor Serves Beer Cons: OK Service
(3)
Sean T.

I have been here a couple times and the food is good but eats a little messy. I know its a BBQ food location but its hard to eat here really fast if you have an in person meeting right after. Sometimes I have 1pm meetings and need to a quick bite so I decide not to go here and head down the street to the other BBQ/Deli store(I will not name this location)
(3)
Tracy J.

INCREDIBLE! I work right down the street and often come here for lunch. I normally get one of two salads; the Balsamic Salad with glazed Pecans, blue cheese crumbles and shaved red onion or the Spinach Salad with dried cranberries, apples, pecans, honey mustard dressing. I always top mine off with delicious grilled chicken, cooked to perfection! The freshness of the food is to die for! My last visit, I split the Balsamic Salad and a side of fries with a friend. The perfect amount of food for two hungry gals. We then got a peanut butter cookie sandwich which was absolutely amazing! The outdoor seating completes this restaurant. There are many tables located right outside in a nice, shaded area. The perfect place for a quick luncheon!
(5)
Holly H.

I have been to Red Smoke Grill a few times and have always been impressed with the Red Smoke Chopped Salad. It is a generous size and you have the option of adding on whatever meat you would like. Yesterday, I got this salad after completing a spin class at the gym and it was perfect! P.S. They always have coupon's in the Savings Magazine that comes in the mail.
(4)
David T.

I like the BBQ chicken sandwich. It's kind of funky the way they serve it, though. They put cole slaw in the sandwich. I forget to ask them to serve it plain sometimes, and it grosses me out having to remove it. Good sandwich, and very filling. Order the small, as there is not much difference between that and the large. Fries are fantastic. I only rate them 3-stars, as their customer service could be better. A smile now and then would be nice...
(3)
Rey B.

Great ribs. Sauce is tasty and the meat falls right off of the bones. I had a combo plate with ribs and tri-tip, priced at $13.99. ....the price was a bit steep, but comparable to other BBQ places such as Armadillo Willy's. I left satisfied. It was my first time there.....and would definitely come back.
(4)
Orie M.

I had the Chipotle Tri-Tip sandwich here for lunch (along with a side of cole-slaw) and it was a bit dry but still pretty good. The portion seemed large at first, but I think I can finish a whole sandwich without a sweat if I wanted to. I was a bit distracted because of the happenings of the day so I would like to come back and try another menu item without mental distraction.
(4)
Danielle G.

This place gave me food poisoning. I ordered the tri-tip with the onions and blue cheese on top. I spent the rest of the next day in serious pain, and hugging my toilet (over and over). Obviously they aren't storing and/or cooking their food appropriately. I never want to go through that again. Outside of that, I didn't find the food to be very impressive anyway. Take away the copious vomitting, and I'd still only give the food 2 stars. Needless to say, I won't be taking a risk on this place again. It wouldn't even be worth it!
(1)
Katie E.

My husband and I have been going here for almost 2 years. The first time we ate there, we hadn't even planned on it -the line for Sweet Tomatoes was way too long. Anyway, the food here is delish! My husband always gets the Blue Cheese Tri-Tip. He loves it! Lots of meat and toppings all served on a yummy soft roll. I've tried the barbecue chicken sandwich and it's always good. I've also enjoyed their veggie sandwich which I thought was pretty darn good for a meat place! And we love their fries - always served hot! Check it out!
(5)
Steve C.

We love this place, the tri-tip is great, we are never disappointed with our meal. The people are very nice.
(4)
Samantha S.

This place is so delicious! I absolutely fell in love with the trip tip sandwiches and the sweet potato fries :) I would recommend this to anyone that needs a delicious quick meal! The food is fresh and the owners are delightful. I would definitely try the chicken and the and ribs and the tri tip, oh wait just kidding you should try everything!
(5)
James S.

I am a BBQ fan. More like a fanatic! This place did not disappoint. We got the ribs. They were fall off the bone tender, with the sauce cooked in. So juicy and moist it almost seemed unreal. With thier selection of hot sauces, we could make our own hotness. It was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Scott H.

I eat here for lunch just about daily. The chopped chicken salad is superb. The pulled pork sandwich is awesome if you need a gut buster. The service is usually very quick and rarely, if ever does a mistake get made. This is a well run restaurant, owned by locals who in turn support the local community. I cant recommend enough. Why would anyone spend $6-7 for fast food when just a couple more dollars gets you an excellent meal? I'll never know.
(5)
Darren W.

NOTE: DO NOT ORDER THEIR POTATO SALAD! or more like their 'special salad'. i have no idea what was in there? all i know is it did not look nor taste like your typical potato salad. besides that, a decent place for lunch. their tri-tip is good. and the prices aren't too bad. parking in the plaza can be a little difficult during lunch hour though...
(3)
Lisa P.

I had a client suggest this place for a quick lunch. I never even knew it was there. The location is so-so, but their salads are soooooo good. We've been there several times since, and I always stick with the salads. They are good size and I don't find them pricey. A couple of people I've been there with have ordered their "protein plate" and they both loved it and it is great for carb counters. Service was great too. It's in a strip mall and parking is a little tricky, but I don't think that detracts enough to given them a lower ranking because I find their salads to be that good that I gladly put up with the simple atmosphere in a strip center. Oh yeah, I've found their staff to be really pleasant too.
(5)
Matt A.

All their food is great, I especially love their cornbread muffins.
(5)
Robin G.

Reminds me of back home. I LOVE this place, and so does my wife (any Life of Brian fans out there? ;) ). Seriously, the pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw is a serious bi-weekly addiction, and I *HIGHLY* recommend it. The pork ribs -- okay, don't even get me started -- are like a savory trip to Memphis. The salads are to die for (this coming from the wife). The Caesar Salad with grilled chicken is worth every penny of the $7 or so. Other items we haven't tried. I am seriously addicted to that pulled pork sandwich, and have no self control when it comes to ordering. It seems a bit pricey at first, but we always get out of the door for less than $20 for a 2 person meal. If you decide to sit and eat, there's a very nice, clean, appropriately lit dining area. I love the PETA folks (hi Pam), but if you have a vegan for a date, just send her next door to Sweet Tomatoes while you enjoy your BBQ in peace, as the Powers that Be intended for you to do. The only thing I'd change: less garlic on the fries, but I am soooo not a fan of garlic. (btw, I only write reviews for places I either LOVE or HATE -- no in-betweens). peace, love, unity and respect -r
(5)
Tiffany L.

We were ordering take-out for a lunch meeting. As a vegetarian, I had low expectations for a place named "Red Smoke Grill". Much to my surprise, the Red Smoke Chopped Salad is by far the BEST chop salad I have ever had. The salad comes complete with fresh crisp greens tossed with roasted corn, roma tomatoes, black beans, cheese and citrus vinaigrette. The corn bread muffin that came with the salad was yummy as well. It's too bad that our Pleasanton office is being closed down this Friday. Otherwise I will definitely be back.
(5)
Daniel M.

Large Tri-Tip and Chipotle Sandwich, side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and a small fountain drink was the lunchfaire for today. Total cost, $11.60. A bit pricey by my standards for lunch, but this was a first for two other lunch buddies. Quite a bit of people dining here for lunch, and that's what caused my food to come out 5 min after everyone else's. The sandwich roll was supersoft and tasted fresh, the tri-tip was good (but definately not the best!), and the garlic mash was not very garlicky. Best thing about the sandwich I got was the chipotle pepper sauce and the corn roasted salsa. Next time, I'm going to request extra sauce!
(3)
Kimberly T.

Very tasty! We often order Red Smoke when we have casual company or don't feel like cooking. Excellent Tri Tip, really good salads too! The corn bread that they make isn't my favorite, so we always grab a loaf of french bread at the store. I haven't tried any of the dessert options yet, but they look delicious. Staff is always friendly too, and at the end of a busy day...that's a luxury!
(3)
tina p.

Again, I find myself wishing there were half star increments, I would go with more of a 3.5 stars, but since I liked the place, I'll give it 4. Perhaps my expectations were a little high after reading so many rave reviews. But I am definitely willing to give this place another shot and try some other items off the menu. I chose the Red Smoke Grill for lunch on the weekend because I was meeting up with an old friend from high school for a doggy play date and we wanted to have lunch somewhere with outdoor seating that would allow us to have the pups sit at our table. So I searched yelp, and made some phone calls and decided on the Red Smoke Grill. First off, points for being clean. A lot of counter service places lapse on the table clearing and cleaning.. I'm sure the fact that Sunday afternoons aren't that busy had something to do with it. The service was friendly, and they didn't even complain when our dogs got a little talkative. The food was good, but I was expecting something a little more wow. I had the tri-tip and blue sandwich with fries, and my friend had bbq pork ribs with a salad and beans. She seemed to enjoy her meal, and I did mine, but neither of us were raving about the food. There were a lot of other menu options that I was tempted with, for sure the balsamic salad sounded great.. But I've been eating so many salads lately, I wanted to go for some red meat. I also like that their wine is local (concannon) even though I didn't have any. I like businesses that support other local business. Not to mention Concannon isn't crappy wine, so bonus points for having only one selection per varietal and not having it come from a box or some other crappy cheap wine. Major kudos for not only offering fresh brewed iced tea, but also fresh lemonade. I didn't try the lemonade, but that my friend said it was good, and well brewed iced tea is kinda the same pretty much everywhere.. The prices were reasonable for what it was, the location isn't the best, and the parking was alright, though i can see how it would be hard during a weekday lunch hour. I didn't have any problem with flies like another yelper commented, so perhaps it was an isolated issue.
(4)
Brenda L.

Yum! Just finished a Tri-tip and Blue sandwich. So delicious. The salads are great as well. You can even get a beer there if you're feeling saucy.
(4)
Jennifer B.

Awesome everything.. Great service and always fresh and clean! The Red Smoke Chopped Salad is great with the pulled pork on it.. (its not on the menu but just ask them for it and they will put it on) also the bread that they use for their sandwiches is so soft but doesn't fall apart. Oh yeah, the blue cheese dressing is awesome too.. Ok go try it for your self... you wont be sorry!!
(5)
Ruslan M.

The place definitely has style. The food is good, the staff is nice and paying attention. First, it looks like a fast food place (because you order at the counter), but the quality of the food is definitely much higher. It's made in front of you, and the menu and receipes are well thought through. Well, the prices are also a bit high, but fair. Overall - I would not go every day (they specialize in BBQ and a bit pricey), but once in a while - it's a great place to go.
(5)
Angelo D.

For a BBQ place, their BBQ is nothing special. I got a 2 item combo platter with pulled pork and brisket. The brisket was dry and the pulled pork was a bit too salty. My biggest problem was portion size. For $14 a plate, I didn't expect a huge amount of meat but something substantial at least. I got 4 - inch long pieces of brisket and about a scoop of pulled pork. Definitely not worth it.
(2)
Bryan R.

Compared to feces... This place ROCKS... Not that I've willingly or knowingly partaken in eating feces, though I'd imagine if I had somehow been forced to ingest a '#2' at gunpoint, I'd probably give a slight edge in flavor to the Red Smoke Grill. Calling this place 'bbq' is blasphemy. I was looking forward to some 'Q' after a hard day @ work & Yelp took me here, spur of the moment on the way home to San Ramon. I wish I would've believed the negative reviews. (Nothing could be THAT bad, could it?) WRONG... This AIN'T BBQ... I've made far better & tastier 'pretend' bbq myself, in a kitty infested sandbox as a child. I couldn't even finish my 3-meat combo to its entirety before I busted out this review after a 6 or so month Yelp hiatus. Portions are WEAK though anything more would've just been plain mean anyway... In that respect, I guess even Red Smoke Grill has a heart... I will say however that I was greeted with a smile & service (unlike most of the previous postings may have stated), was actually very friendly. I just hope this food is as friendly as the service on the way out. (though I may not wait long enough to extract this from my stomach 'naturally' if you know what I mean).
(1)
Pam E.

Craving Tri-Tip? This is the place...Protein platters now on the menu
(5)
Kung Fu P.

Red Smoke Grill is one of the few restaurants that my family eats at. We go there at least once every two weeks. We like the food, portions, & prices. I ordered the chicken platter tonight, and it didn't disappoint. The citrus basting was not too overpowering and provided a great flavor. I really like the roasted corn salad (but sometimes the red onion can be too strong - it wasn't tonight). I also like the tri-tip platter with the caramelized onions & topped with blue cheese. You also can't go wrong with the Santa Maria tri-tip. Too many good choices....
(4)
Amy L.

I don't understand the high ratings. Expensive, flavorless.
(2)
Racquel E.

We found this restaurant in a hidden shopping center. My daughter and I shared the pull pork platter which comes with two sides, so I chose french fries for her and I had the cup of chicken tortilla soup. The platter comes with corn bread muffin, so I exchanged it for their soft french loaf bread and made my daughter a mini sandwich. The pulled pork bbq was tasty. My hubby had the Tri-tip au jus platter with mash potatoes and piece of french loaf bread which I used to make me a mini pulled pork sandwich. He enjoyed the tri-tip and said, it was flavorful and not salty. We liked our lunch and will be back again.
(4)
Rachel W.

This is my favorite restaurant in Pleasanton. It's casual and you order at the bar, but the tri tip and chicken are both top notch. I almost always order the Tri Tip with blue cheese and caramelized onions, or if I want something a bit healthier, I go with Tri Tip Ceasar Salad which comes with pumpkin seeds! A good place to catch a quick bite to eat
(5)
Jeff V.

Great rotisserie chicken, great tri tip, great BBQ beans, great family meals to go... Highly recommend this Cali BBQ place.
(5)
Kellie T.

Pork will always win over salad for me, especially when the line for salad is literally out the door and there's no wait for delicious pulled pork right next door. This was the predicament Sam S and I found ourselves in the other night when we found Sweet Tomato too overwhelming to handle on our newly-instituted date night. I am so glad we made the decision to check out the Red Smoke Grill. The pulled pork sandwich is really good, with a tangy and smoky sauce and the perfect amount of coleslaw on a soft but sturdy bun. At just about $7.50, it's incredibly well priced and filling to boot. Sam's tri-tip sandwich was juicy, nowhere near tough, and though I missed the carmelized onions, was something I would definitely consider ordering. The onion rings were good if you like a thinly breaded ring, but I would have preferred a beer batter or a something with a more substantial crunch. The potato salad was mild, not overly dill-y, but well seasoned and really tasty. We ordered the middle size, which was about four large scoops of the stuff, and nearly demolished it all. Make sure to check out the photos, even though they're really poor quality. The service was outstanding, from the cashiers patience with our indecisiveness, to the cooks' politeness when I accidentally interrupted then to ask for a box, to the manager/owner's well-appreciated stop by our table to make sure we were satisfied. Seriously, this place may be casual, but they're a total class act at the Red Smoke Grill. Bottom line: Salad is for wimps. Opt for a tasty, meaty, amazingly delicious sandwich instead and just promise to work it off tomorrow. (You don't really have to.)
(4)
Mansi A.

So, getting a vegetarian sandwich at Red Smoke Grill, home of the famous tri tip and pulled pork sandwiches, probably isn't very common nor normal. But, I'm not normal, so that explains that. Much to my surprise, the vegetarian sandwich was delicious and fairly light (my primary reason for not ordering the BBQ chicken option). The bread was fluffy and airy, rather than dense. The sandwich was layered with amazing roasted red peppers, yellow squash, onions, and tomatoes. To top it off, the sandwich was glazed with a garlic cream cheese spread, which was a-may-zing! The plate also came with fries, which were fresh and piping hot. It's a great lunchtime place in a Pleasanton strip mall, not far from Stoneridge Mall. Beware, the parking lot on a Friday afternoon is a zoo...cars stealing waiting cars' parking spots, two cars simultaneously backing out and nearly getting into an accident...save yourself the trouble and park farther out and walk! ;) I'll be back to try the BBQ chicken sandwich next time!
(3)
Meghan R.

In a most unassuming strip mall, you will find this hidden delight. We came to the area to drop something off at a tailor but we were wooed by the smells of bbq. As soon as we walked in a blonde woman pleasantly greeted us. I think she could tell we were newbies because she didn't bother us or pressure us while we gaped at the menu on the wall. We both ordered the bbq chicken sandwich, I got the "regular" and a side of onion rings for only 99 cents more. When I got my meal I was in shock. This sandwich is HUGE. Look at my picture. Not to be outdone, the portion of seasoned onion rings was big time too. I enjoyed the sandwich with not-to-mayonnaisey cole slaw on it. The bread has to be fresh baked daily, it was so fresh. If I could ask for anything, I would want some more bbq sauce on the sandwich. Though it was plenty moist with the slaw. I am just a glutton.
(4)
William C.

This is not Bar b q! They must own part interest in an onion feld. Save your money and go to a real bar b q place. A friend and I travel through out the greater Bay Area to the North, South, and East into the valley looking for and trying everything that hints of Bar-B-Q and we rate them for our friends on Facebook and emails. We try each place three times to make sure that they are concitant. We found that Red Smoke Grill is on the bottom of are ten worst list. We rate everything from the decore to side dishes. We found the Dec ore rated about 6. The parking rated 3. The side dishes really need to be redone. We found none of the side dishes worth the money. They really need to find a great recipes and more choices to meet the Bar-B-Q tradition, rated 4. The main courses are bland and dry. The Bar-B-Q sauce taste like store bought rated 5 Overall we gave Red Smoke grill a 4 out of ten.
(1)
Michael C.

Finally got the chance to try this place out for lunch. It was pretty packed when we arrived at 12:30 on a weekday. I had the large red smoke original sandwich, garlic fries, and a soda. It was pretty costly at around $13 bucks. The sandwich was actually delicious but the size was kinda small in my opinion. I would compare it to a mcdonalds big mac. The garlic fries were very good as well. Parking in this plaza can be a challenge if coming during the weekday lunch hours.
(4)
Brian R.

Seems I had neglected to write a review for this place. I come here twice a week so one is warranted. On my first visit, I ordered their low-carb lunch special: a piece of rotisserie chicken and a side salad for $7.25. The chicken was moist and tender, with a nice citrus sauce on top. The salad was, well, a salad. It was probably plenty of food for the average person, but I'm 6'2", 270lbs, so I was still hungry afterwards. My next visit, I upgraded my meal to half a rotisserie chicken, salad and side of coleslaw. For a little over $3 more, it was twice as much food and the coleslaw really won me over. So much so that I've ordered an extra side of coleslaw a couple times. The next time, I went for their Blue Style tri-tip platter, the 10oz serving ($16). The beef was tender and had good flavor, and it came with a generous helping of cooked onions and blue cheese. Also were the choice of two sides and cornbread muffin. Their 10oz serving was certainly more than enough, so since then I've started alternating between the 6oz tri-tip and half a rotisserie chicken. Twice a week for almost a month, haven't grown tired of their delicious food yet. Pro-tip: They have Coke Zero as a fountain soda. Thank you.
(4)
Steve B.

The chicken tortilla soup is great, my wife and I love it and for only $.99 you can get a cup added to any entree. I like the Black and Blue salad, the pulled pork sandwich, and the BBQ chicken sandwich which has tender shredded chicken with cole slaw, darn good. The service is friendly although I think there must be two owners because the one (bald guy) seems kind of unfriendly and annoyed all the time but I think it's just his demeanor because he is actually a nice guy.
(4)
Hashim A.

Red Smoke grill is a pretty good tri-tip place in Pleasanton. I would call this place one of my regulars. I've been going long enough to know that their best food is the tri-tip. I would give them 4 stars, but the quality of their tri-tip is wildly inconsistent. Most days, you get tender, juicy, flavorful tri-tip that is good to the last bite. Some days though, you get bland, tasteless tri-tip that makes you wish you had more bbq sauce. Their chicken is pretty good as well, most days. I also like their side dishes, especially the potato salad and the tortilla soup. The fact that they use romaine lettuce (as opposed to iceberg) in all of their salads (including the side salad) is definitely a plus in my book. Be aware that their baked beans have meat in them. Their fries are tasty and well seasoned, but I would avoid getting the fries for take-out because they aren't as good when cold. I've only had the shrimp once, and it was overcooked, and cold because I had it for take out. If you do want shrimp, make sure it's for dine-in only. It might still be overcooked though, which is very easy to do with shrimp. I've never tried their desserts, but I will save them for another review. They serve Coke products which is a plus. Their lemonade fresh squeezed, but it tends to be inconsistent. If you decide to pour yourself a glass, make sure you taste it first. Nothing worse than citrus that's been out too long. Rancid. Finally, this place is definitely better for dine-in than take-out, but when the tri-tip is good, it's a great place for take out.
(3)
Robin L.

Should read 3.5 STARS...and now to the tune by Sheryl Crow... All I wanna do is eat some barbaque I got a feeling I'm not the only one All I wanna do is have it be yummy too I got a feeling I'm not the only one All I wanna do is have it tastier than a shoe Food that is ten-der, moist and can't walk down the boulevard (b/c it's not cooked right, get it?) So this isn't my best yelp to song lyrics, but then again, my experience at Red Smoke Grill wasn't the best either. Don't get me wrong, it was good...I liked the ambiance and the nice folks behind the counter...it was really just slightly better than A-OK for me (good solid 3.5 stars). I had the Red Smoked Chopped Salad which was fresh greens, corn, black beans, tomatoes and cheese in a citrus vinagrette. I also added grilled chicken breast for a couple dollars. In theory, this salad should have been awesome, but in reality it kind of fell flat for me. Here's why: ***Dressing: seemed to be just oil w/ maybe a little lemon or something that I couldn't taste. It didn't add flavor or any sort of kick. ***Chicken: Again, just felt bland to me. It was okay but didn't knock my socks off ***Muffin: Came with this cornbread muffin which was a little dry and standard. Would be special if it had say chiles or corn or something....but it was just ummmmmmm okay So no tears shed for the culinary experience of my salad, but maybe that salad is just not for me. What was for me was the chicken tortilla soup that I added on for 99 cents. It was delicious. And my dining companions really liked their sandwiches. Hence, I have high hopes of whisping back in to Red Smoke Grill, ordering better, throwing down double the amount of that chicken tortilla soup and then upping this review.
(3)
KC C.

Ordered a few family meals here for a small get together: slab of ribs, pulled pork with potato salad, coleslaw, roasted corn salad, and some corn muffins. I thought the ribs were great! They were juicy, with just enough sauce, and really tender. Like fall off the bone tender. The pulled pork was good too, but I enjoyed the tenderness of the ribs more. The sides were just sides, nothing too rememberable. Good, not bad. Corn muffins were just your typical corn muffins, but they added something green in it, like scallions or something. Didn't have too much of an affect on it because I couldn't tell what it was. Overall, a good BBQ place in the area..
(4)
Emily V.

I have never loved a place so much! I'm in training with AT&T and I come here for lunch everyday, but that's not enough! I come here for dinner most nights too! Don't miss eating here!
(5)
Matt A.

I come here frequently at lunch to get a beef gyro. I've also had a few of their sandwiches. Good flavor and generous portions keep me coming back. The prices can be just a bit high but the staff is friendly and your food is ready quickly.
(4)
David L.

Picked up Package A for a Catered HOA BBQ last weekend, and it was delicious. Everyone was raving. We order the BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked Beans, and Potato Salad. It was ready at the time I had asked, it was very fairly priced, and best of all it was great.
(5)
N O.

Too bad Red Smoke doesn't honor their own coupons and insisted on charging listed price vs what was in print & not yet expired. Mgr on duty pointed to wall menu & that was enough for me. Being treated like an idiot wasn't worth the coupon, the order or the consideration to patronize this establishment. WOW... Just got a call from Mgr pointing out what was supposed to explain price issue. Seems coupon was a year old! Interesting how no one noticed that, me nor them because it's so hard to read print since its printed over graphic. Maybe they should address this to eliminate losing a loyal customer. BTW, food was good but def not worth the nonsense!
(1)
Katherine F.

I am sad to have to take Red Smoke down a couple of stars...but it was just not good today!! Don't worry, I will give them a chance to earn them back in the future. Off day in the kitchen?? Too cheap to throw out over-cooked food?? You be the judge. I ordered a Cesar salad with shrimp. Now y'all know how I feel about my shrimp...and these should have been dumped in the trash!! Hard as rocks, dry...UFFDA!! I liked the dressing...not too much!! The pumpkin seeds and tortilla strips were a nice addition...and the tiny cornbread muffin was their usual faire...just fine. But when I pay extra for shrimp, I expect to be able to eat it!!! DH said his tri-tip sammie was cold, and a bit on the skimpy side. too. OK Red Smoke...get it better next time...kay??
(3)
H C.

Had a three-plate combo which came with 3 meats and 2 sides. We tried the tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork with mashed potatoes and beans. There was a mound of pulled pork, 4 ribs, and 3 slices of tri-tip. I had expected a more plentiful amount of meat... Oh well. Not a single item was outstanding. The sauce on the ribs and pulled pork wasn't great. I guess it's a personal preference but I thought the sauce lacked a bit of sweetness. The tri-tip came with no sauce. The beans were terrible. The mashed potatoes were only okay. Frankly, I'm surprised at their awards... the best of Pleasanton, really?
(2)
Crystal M.

Yummy BBQ and great prices! Traveled to Pleasanton and stumbled on this place when my daughter and her friend spotted Subway and they wanted to grab a bite to eat. My husand and I dined here, while the girls ate at Subway. Wow, the food was great, and portion size was good, service was good and FAST!
(4)
Alysia W.

I came here for a quick bite to eat while I waited on some errands to finish.. Pleasanton isn't known for memorable and authentic barbecue but whenever I pass by a new restaurant or one I haven't been to before I have to try it! I ordered their 6 ounce tri-tip plate which comes with 2 sides of your choice and a corn muffin for ~$13.. I'm not a fan of cornbread generally, or muffins for that matter, but their corn muffin is moist, flavorful and outta this world! I would definitely come back for seconds on this savory treat that changed my mind forever.. I wish Red Smoke Grill had beef brisket since that's my favorite barbecue food but they didn't so I settled for the tri-tip based on some tips from my fellow yelpers.. The tri tip was cooked to perfection and tender as a baby cow :) My first side was the creamy cole slaw which was perfect and not too heavy on the mayo.. And my second side was the corn salad which was packed full of flavor and I loved the little bits of tomato in it.. The barbecue sauce that came with the meat was slightly spicy but tangy as well and one of my favorites.. It tastes good with everything! My only negative thing to say about this place is that prices are a bit steep.. The food is finger lickin good though and might be worth the splurge every now and then.. I think it would be great if they added a jalapeno mac option to their side dish menu [; While I was waiting for my food I spent a small amount of time chatting with one of the owners, Ken Hinshaw.. We had a great conversation about education and I love that he's an owner that actually gets his hands dirty and doesn't just sit behind while the worker bees slave away.. Way to be proactive and show that you care about your business!
(4)
Alaric S.

Red smoke grill in pleasanton was a tri-county treat. The lighting was dim and dark and thought the inside was pub-ish and sports bar like. Food is great, it has a Southwestern twist in the sauce, its a bit like baja californian with a mix of bbq sauce. I got the pulled pork sandwich with a side of garlic fries. The garlic fries were like ballpark garlic fries, enough chopped garlic to make your breath smell and your car reak. I liked the crispiness and it still had the same taste the next day. This goes somewhere in the middle of my bbq scale. For southwestern taste and grrrreat garlic fries!
(4)
Andy H.

I was having a really bad day. I needed a beer and some tri-tip. I chose Red Smoke because I hadn't been back in over 5 years and my buddy Scotty had recently written a glowing review. I am happy that he was so on the money. Real BBQ is few and far between in this area, and Red Smoke delivered with juicy wonderful tri-tip. They have longboard on tap and the coca-cola cake is a must way to end your meal. Keep up the good work Red Smoke.
(5)
Denis K.

Food is just OK, but service is HORRIBLE... specially when the owner is at the register. Next time I will go to Kinders or Dickeys
(1)
Noel O.

I went there the other week, we order the trip tip, pulled pork sandwich and tri tip and rib platter...the meat are good quality, fries excellent, mashe potato is awesome...for the negatives, the beans is a waste, bread is a dissapointment, i wished they have sauces for us. People are friendly, if not for the good quality meats I would've put 3 stars...will i come back? if i find anything good in the area. thanks,
(4)
Austin D.

Pretty good barbecue-style food. Great catering options. The cornbread is my wife's favorite.
(4)
Ron C.

I've been here a many times but I've got throw in this disclaimer: This is not the real deal in Santa Maria style BBQ! It's close, it's looks the part and even has the pinquito beans which are so necessary for Santa Maria Style BBQ...but baby, this is not the real deal. That being said, Red Smoke Grill isn't bad, especially when you consider the dearth of good BBQ places in the Tri-Valley area. The best deal they have? Two sandwiches: Pulled Pork and Tri-Tip. Both are bountiful and tasty! I consider them a carnivores delight! And the family meals aren't bad either. In a rush to get dinner for the family? Red Smoke Grill has chicken, Tri-Tip, Ribs, or a combination of all three...with all the fixin's for a reasonable price. Not bad at all.
(3)
Greg F.

Okay, so after reading all the reviews, I decided to go to Red Smoke Grill for lunch. Got there about 11:15am, just before the lunch rush. I'm a big fan of tri-tip and I was not disappointed here. I got the Tri-Tip and blue, which is a tri-tip sandwich on a roll, horseradish, carmalized onions and blue cheese chunks. WOW! Amazingly great taste with the just-perfect horseradish (not too much of a bite, and not weak), the contrast of the sweet carmalized onions and the wonderful taste of blue cheese. Oh, did I mention the tri-tip? Awesome -- sliced razor thin, easily pulled apart with your fingers or teeth. None of that thick-slab type at most tri-tip places. As Rachel Ray would say "YUMMO!". I must go back and try the tri tip and chipotle sauce.
(4)
Joey T.

Not to big, clean walk up to order and sit down. Good bbq chicken and ribs. Friendly staff. Typically quiet in the evening.
(4)
Joe A.

They should call this place, "Below Average Food Served By Mimes." In fact, mimes have way more personality than these people. I stopped in there yesterday, bumming out on my day off. "Best Barbeque in Pleasanton!" Guess what? I'm starting to think that if people from Pleasanton say it's the best, it's probably the worst. I walk in and there's a kitchen guy making food. He doesn't say anything. So after about 15 seconds I ask, "is anyone else here." Here comes a heavyset gentleman. He doesn't say hi as he approaches so I start in. "Can I have a pulled pork sandwich." Sure. Mind you, I'm always willing to put up with bad service to get good food. I mean, there is an insurance company actively advertising themselves as the "no problem" people, so... clearly many in society don't get it. But then, here comes the food. The potato salad was bland and not creamy at all. The pulled pork sandwich? The worst I've ever had. It looked like the cheap pork you'd pull out of the plastic container, and instead of having a thick sauce, it had a liquid sauce on it that permeated the bun. It was like a sloppy joe with pork. It had cole slaw on it and the cole slaw was more like a non-creamy, super-crunchy slaw. The bread was kind of what I imagined is served in prison. The place sucks... You people in Pleasanton need to really learn about food, because all of the places you rave about are awful. The only good places in town are Chicago's Deli, maybe Mama Rosa's and Gay Nineties is alright, but nothing like people make it out to be. Eddie Papa's is okay too. I'll admit I haven't tried Blue Agave or the Italian places downtown. I hear for the price I don't want to. But back to this place. The service is unwelcoming, which is fine, until you get to the terrible food. It sucks.
(1)
Sam S.

Kellie T. and I ended up going to the Red Smoke Grill unintentionally the other night, and all I can say is that I'm glad we did. We originally wanted to go to Sweet Tomato before our movie date at Regal Cinemas, but once we got a glimpse of the line we decided against it. Unsure of what to do, I suggested we give this place a try. Their menu wasn't huge, but it took us a few minutes to decide what we wanted. I choose the Tri-tip and Blue minus the caramelized onions (original toppings: caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, and horseradish), and a side of onion rings. Kellie got the Pulled Pork Sandwich, with a side of the potato salad. Let me tell you something about the sandwich. It was delicious! The horseradish wasn't too harsh, and the proportion of Blue Cheese crumbles was just right. The onion rings on the other hand I thought could have been better. Kellie liked them, I didn't. The potato salad was pretty good, and that's saying something, because I'm a pretty picky potato salad eater. Before we finished the manager came up and asked us how we were doing, and talked with us for a minute. All in all, we had a great experience here, and will definitely be back.
(4)
Hillary B.

Best Tri Tip ever! And their cole slaw is amazing. This place knows how to do BBQ and it's a great place to pick up a good, quality dinner for your family after a crazy day of work, school, sports and everything else that makes take-out well worth it! Keep up the great work.
(5)
Tyrone V.

I am impressed! It's by far the best bbq in the dublin/pleasanton area. The pulled pork sandwich/platter is crazy good. The pork is cooked with a kick of spice, so make sure you get some water if you can't handle the heat. Choose to have garlic potatoes and potato salad with your meal, and you'll be in heaven. The tri-tip sandwich with caramelized onions and swiss cheese (my girlfriend's made-to-order creation) is delicious as well, with a good amount of tender tri-tip slices and large pieces of sweet caramelized onions. The beer selection only serves to enhance your dining experience at Red Smoke Grill. I like Kona Longboard, so this place is now a go-to for me. The service is great, they're family-owned, and the restaurant is always packed, so right now I don't have anything bad to say about Red Smoke Grill (oh wait a second, they only have one big screen, boo... nitpicking!).
(5)
Michael K.

Group of 3 1/2 went for dinner which consisted of tri-tip,pulled pork, and a full rack of ribs. The sides where ok, but I think the ribs could use some serious help. Like they where a day old and just moped with sauce. The bread pudding was the best part of the meal. I did see that they won "best of Pleasanton back in 2006, wonder how many Q restaurants have come into the local area since then........
(2)
Bill C.

Went here for dinner a few months ago. It was late on a Friday, maybe around 8:30 PM and the place was still about 2/3 full. That's a decent sign. My wife and I go to place our order. As we are standing in line we are looking over the menu trying to make up our minds. Well, we spend a little time finalizing what we want then I realize the guy taking orders has been talking to the gal in front of us in line forever. Apparently they are friends and he didn't think anything of making us wait to place our orders. So, they finally break up their little "tea party" and we go to place our order. My wife orders the Pulled Pork Sandwich but she wanted to substitute the sweet potato fries for the regular fries. At this, the order taker YELLS at my wife that they can't do that. This totally surprises and upsets my wife. So I just look at the guy, and ask what his problem is. He said there are no substitutions. Really? Ok, fine then, I told him that's all he needed to say and he didn't need to be a jerk about it. So, I placed my order and added an extra side of the sweet potato fries. I gave the order taker (maybe one of the owners) the evil eye as he handed me back my change. We then went to find a place to sit only to discover almost all they tables still needed to be cleaned off. We found a small table that was mostly clean. But c'mon guys, it's not that hard to clean up your few tables. The food came out and it was mediocre at best. The flavors were flat, the meat was neither juicy nor tender. It was not even close to what I consider BBQ. We left that place with the knowledge that at least we gave it a try. Will I be back? No. I refuse to be treated poorly and I refuse to eat low quality cooking.
(1)
Mike M.

First, I am not a huge meat eater, but I've got to give credit to Red Smoke for their terrific pork and tri-tip. Big sandwiches, beer and wine, good salads, c'mon this is great American food. I was eating here with a co-worker and in walks John Madden. He had just played a round of golf and ordered a plate lunch. John is a meat expert, and he knew this place, so by default it must be great. Seriously, their chicken was tender and juicy and the pulled pork great. Tri-tip is best in the tri-valley. Sweet potato fries are super. Sometimes it gets very busy at lunch and hard to find a table. It's pretty reasonable and a good place for a hearty meal.
(4)
Glen G.

Decent lunch spot. Price is about average compared to other bbq places in the area. I actually prefer Dickie's or Kinder's that are also close by if I was going for an actual BBQ dish. I usually go with the chopped salad here. I like that it has fresh grilled corn in it. But I'd go w/ the tri tip for the protein as the chicken lacks flavor. Not really a go to spot, but will come here when we're out of ideas since it's close by.
(3)
Megan M.

I'm definitely a fan!!! Today my company treated us for lunch, and lucky us... we got to select our lunch from Red Smoke Grill! I tried the Pulled Pork Sandwich with a side of garlic fries... and this definitely H I T T H E S P O T. The downside, is that after lunch i felt like i should maybe do a few crunches. lol. I will definitely be back for more, and I want to try other stuff on their menu... you'll find an updated review on this one for sure!
(4)
Nathan G.

There are few things that are better than a well made tri-tip sandwich. in fact they may be the only reason I frequent farmers markets. Now that red smoke grill has come into my life I may never have to force myself out of bed saturday mornings again. Corn salsa is where it's at.
(4)
Yesi K.

Food is OK. Service is garbage and place is a rip off. Go to Kinders instead. The don't honor online coupons. Stay away from this place
(1)
Kevin N.

I am a fan of red smoke! I don't know why people are hating on this place! Well, i've only had the sandwiches here, so I can't say I've tried it all. This place knows how to make some tri tip. The meat is so juicy and tender! It's not rough that you have to chew on it forever, and it's full of flavor. I always go with either the red smoke original (Santa Maria-Style tri-tip sliced thin, served with fresh hand-cut salsa and cilantro cream sauce.) or the tri-tip and chipotle (Thin sliced, served with chipotle sour cream sauce and roasted corn salsa). DELICIOUS My ONLY complaint is that the sandwich can seem a little dry. Although they add sauce to it, it's more of a dressing, so it doesn't soak into the break, leaving a slightly dry texture. I don't have a big problem with it, although my friends might. Sure's it's 8 bucks for a large, but tri tip isn't cheap, so I understand. To make up for it, you can add a side for only .99 cents! They added garlic fries to the menu, and those fries are kickin! If you're craving something different, definitely, check this place out!!!!
(4)
Rachel S.

I've eaten here a hand full amount of times and they've never disappointed. I always order the same thing, tri-tip sandwich with au jus and the mashed potatoes. The sandwich always comes with a good amount of tri-tip on it and I love the mashed potatoes. They have the chunks of potatoes and skins mixed in. It's pretty close to my work, yet I frequently forget that it's hidden in the corner next to Sweet Tomatoes. I need to remember to visit Red Smoke more often.
(4)
Michi M.

As a foodie, this place has a great menu at great prices. My favorite is the chopped salad, and if you love meat, I have never tasted a better pulled pork. The staff is very friendly and the location is great.
(5)
Tam F.

Had lunch here today with my bf. I had the chicken and rib combo with the tortilla soup and beans as the side dishes and he had the pulled pork platter with beans and soup as his sides. Each dish was served with a tiny corn muffin that didn't do anything for me. The ribs were fantastic. They were the fall off the bone kind and I would recommend these. The chicken, while moist and tender, didn't offer more than the typical rotisserie type flavor (no bbq sauce on the side even). The pulled pork my guy had was decent in flavor, but a bit tough. We both decided this would have been better on a bun(sandwich). As for the sides, the soup was delicious. I mean, super delicious. I almost wish I would have had a bowl of this instead. The beans were terrible. I only tasted them and could not try them again. They were not tender and they lacked flavor. The bf ate his (cause they were there), but agreed that they were not good. All in all, I would return here for the ribs and the soup. I might be tempted to try the salad and the tri-tip as well.
(3)
eric k.

In the game of "what I ordered was better," I won. Ok... I didn't order the tri-tip, but surprisingly my sandwhich was better than expected. Wife ordered the one with bleu cheese that I would have typically, but hers was pretty bland. Maybe the bleu cheese was only soso, no real taste to it, and with bleu cheese, from the calorie/fat standpoint, if you are going to have it, it better be good. The food was overall pretty good. Not exceptional, but probably somewheere between 3 and 4 stars. Good to know that there is a good bbq place in the vicinity.
(4)
Stacy B.

I wanted to like this place because of the lack of options in Pleasanton, but I just can't. We got take out, and the side dishes were bland and cold, and the main entrees kinda dry and tough. It may have been because we got food at around 8:30, which is probably past their peak hours. Nevertheless, I wouldn't really want to come back here.
(2)
Jessica L.

Totally decent. The Tri-tip and Blue sandwich has TONS more flavor than the Red Smoke Original. And I agree with a lot of the reviews that in general the meat is plain - add sauce, onion, cheese, etc. For 99 cents you can add a side - corn salad was interesting. Next time I plain to try something different.
(3)
Sam A.

Very unimpressive - I love to BBQ, and this place was all fancy on the outside, lame food on the inside. BBQ isn't meant to be fancy
(2)
Dave O.

Maybe not BBQ heaven but not a bad sandwich at all. The tri-tip & bleu was good enough to bring me back for another try, and the garlic mashed potatoes were tasty and fresh. Recommended.
(3)
Jane D.

Hired these folks to cater my company party. The food was a hit. The prices were reasonable and delivery was smooth. I would order from them again for a large party. A great place for lunch and a quick bite. The services is friendly and the food comes out hot and fast. Corn Salsa is to die for!
(5)
Holly L.

I LOVE Red Smoke Grill!! But I can't believe I love it because of salad!! I absolutely adore their Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans, blue cheese crumbles, and shaved red onions. I don't know what it is, but that salad got me hooked from the very first bite. The tangy-ness of the balsamic vinegar and the cool, creaminess of the blue cheese go great together. The salad is already mixed for you and always has the right amount of dressing. For a couple bucks extra you can add grilled chicken, chipotle prawns, or tri-tip. I generally order my salad with tri-tip. An added side to every salad is a delicious cornbread muffin, it's very moist. Also if you're on the go, they pack the salad up for you and place the dressing on the side so it won't get soggy. I really only order the salad whenever I visit Red Smoke Grill, but I've had a taste of their other food offerings from my boyfriend or mom's plate. I guess if I really wasn't in the mood for salad, then I'd order a combo of their rotisserie chicken and their Santa Maria-style tri-tip with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. The chicken is very moist and has a really good flavor to it, as does their tri-tip. But who am I kidding? I can't get enough of that salad...
(5)
Ron Jeremy R.

===================================== RJR - ISSUE #22 - Lunchtime Special Highlight ===================================== One day as I was walking up to a Carl's Jr. up in Pleasanton - I grab the door - and paused as I saw the reverse reflection of the wo
(4)
Orlando J.

Well...I can't praise it, but I guess I can't put it down either. The chicken sandwich was dry and the pulled pork sandwich left a lot to be desired. The one saving grace was the babyback ribs...the meat was falling off the bone and the bbq sauce was quite good..so..I don't know.
(3)
A D.

Figured I would try something new for lunch, and stopped by here. It was okay, just OK. Nothing too stellar. The bun was large, but tasted undercooked and out of a bag. The meat was nothing special and had almost no sauce on it. Was actually kinda dry. For Cole slaw, well if you can call it Cole slaw, was diced cabbage and onions in a very thin sauce. Fries aplenty for sure, seasoned well. I wouldn't say it was awesome and not horrible. Guess this being California, I will never find a solid pulled pork or BBQ joint.
(3)
Ken H.

Love this place. My favorite is the pulled pork sandwich. I don't know Memphis BBQ from Southern BBQ, just know I like Red Smoke BBQ. My favorite side is the roasted corn salad. Just took a couple of quarts to an office pot luck, now they have about 20 more fans. Great place to stop and pick up dinner to go. I'm puzzled by the service comments. The cashiers have always been real nice to me and very helpful at explaining the menu. True the food prep people are focused on the preparation. But that just fine with me. I get it fast, right and delicious.
(5)
NoCal S.

I'm confused as to why they have the word 'smoke' in the name, since it tasted like it was braised in foil in a smoke free oven. Sauce was bland. Ribs and chicken fell off the bone, but they do at Raleys as well. There is more to barbecue than texture. Damn, I miss Roderick.
(2)
Eileen A.

Red Smoke Grill is a well known BBQ place in Pleasanton and my review will be based on my three visits here. I really wanted to like this place because I often crave pulled pork. I waited until 3 visits to be fair. Sadly, it wasn't finger lickin' good (i know i know.. that's KFC but BBQ should be finger lickin' good!!). Visit 1 :: Pulled Pork Sandwich - my pork was room temp. The sandwich is very large (regular size less than $8) and has cole slaw in it which lacks tang and crunch because it's prepared way way way in advance. I miss the hot saucey pulled pork, tangy, crisp, cool coleslaw and nice roll.... I missed it very very much. Visit 2 :: BBQ Chicken Sandwich - *see above. substitute the word "pork" with chicken. Visit 3 :: Chipotle Tri-Tip - I thought the chipotle was nice but again my meat was not hot but room temp. Bread was again stale. It has a salsa made with corn that was nice but overall, the sandwich was lacking in flavor and excitement. Sweet Potato Fries :: sob sob sob. soggy soggy soggy. I love sweet potato fries, I do. And I buy them for $4 when one potato costs less than $1 because I don't own a deep fryer. But it was soggy and dripping with oil... what happened? or... what didn't? Overall, I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. Friend thought ribs were OK and salad was too. Large portions so you won't leave hungry but you may not leave satisfied. I'm not a BBQ expert by any means and I've only had BBQ in the East Bay and in Hawaii haha.. with that said, I've never tried TRUE BBQ.. but I've had better from other restaurants, markets and from a Labor Day Picnic.
(2)
Shannon L.

Came here for dinner with a friend on a Tuesday night around 6:30 p.m. and it was pretty quiet in the restaurant. By the time we left at around 7:30 p.m., it was picking up much more. Tri-Tip & Chipotle sandwich: I was very hesitant on getting this at first because sometimes chipotle can have a very stark taste but I figure what the heck. It was actually very delicious! The sauce was more sour cream based which made it so smooth. The tri-tip was very tender and they were pretty generous with the portions... not overly though. The roasted corn salsa was very flavorful. Overall though I think the sauce needed a little more kick so I just poured some chipotle tabasco over the sandwich which made it ten knotches better! The bread could use a little work... wasn't quite feeling it. At least it wasn't chewy or old. If you get a sandwich, sides are only $.99 when they're normally $1.99-$2.99. I got chicken tortilla soup and it was just okay. Not as thick and hearty as I'd prefer. Service was not bad... the guy at the register was super friendly and I swear our food came out in less than 3 minutes. I barely had time to sit down. 2 regular sandwiches + 1 side = $14. Not bad of a deal. The "platters" or other meals range from $10-$20 and are served with your choice of two side dishes & a corn muffin. There are also family meals which range from $17-$37 and include four corn muffins & two large sides.
(3)
Daniel K.

I see some mixed reviews here and I'm a bit surprised with the negatives...I always do take-out family meal - tri tip, pulled pork with potato salad, coleslaw, roasted corn salad, and some corn muffins. It's not the best I've ever had...but consistently good and keeps us all happy! Love the corn salad and sauces served with the tri-tip! My only suggestion - they should offer some specials and introduce new items to their menu!
(4)
Jason M.

This is one of my absolute favorite places in the entire bay area. you know when you're traveling and you're always looking for authentic local quizine? When i come home to pleasanton, this is what I think of. Tri-tip and chipotle w/ chopotle tobasco! Only get the regular, not the large unless you're splitting it, but get the sweet potato fries or garlic mash! I'm a big guy and i can't finish a large w/ the garlic mash.
(5)
Ron R.

Good eats here! I would've given this place 4 stars, only it is a little pricey. But hey, it's tri-tip you're payin' for. I'd go back only if I'm in the mood for some good meat.
(3)
Amy J.

I came here for lunch and the staff were very friendly and helpful. It does take a little while to get your food, especially during the busy lunch service. That said, I was eying all sorts of dishes that people had ordered: a chicken lunch looked absolutely tasty and so did the salads. My BBQ chicken sandwich hit the spot. The flavours were plentiful and tasty as well. I will definitely have to try their tri tip sometime because I know that's what they're best known for. Overall, Red Smoke Grill isn't a bad choice.
(4)
Alex P.

I wanted to like this place, I really did. It was cold outside, warm inside. Monday Night Football was on the TV. Tobasco sauce every where. Can you ask for more? Well, yeah you can. The Chipotle Tri-Tip sandwich I had was uninspired. The meats were thinnly sliced, luke warm. The bread had potential but slightly dry and cold (reminded me of bread you see used in tortas). The salsa inside the sandwich was decent with what appeared to be fresh cut corn from the cob. The sandwich could have been good but there was something missing and lacked effort... Maybe I came at a bad time so I'm willing to give this place one more chance some time in the future...
(2)
Brooke K.

Went here last night after many many requests. My argument was always that Sweet Tomatoes is RIGHT there..and I can't turn down Sweet Tomatoes! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I thought there would be a bigger selection to choose from. Regardless, I got the Tri-Tip Chipotle sandwich. Not to shabby! I'm not a fan of the bread that the sandwich was on, though. The Tri-Tip by itself was VERY good. I ended up just getting a fork and eating the meat by itself. I don't think I would get a sandwich again, but I would most definately get that Tri-Tip! Mmmm..
(3)
D D.

Two stars is a generous rating. Our visit was on a winter night and every time the door opened, the restaurant filled with cold air. My salad had corn in it, which I asked for it to be without. My companions did not like their meals. We won't be returning.
(2)
Rebecca H.

I'm sitting at my desk eating my chopped salad, and all I can come up with is "meh." For 9.45, I expected more than a few bits of chicken, too much vinaigrette, some corn and black beans, and a lot of bitter core lettuce bits. Maybe I got the wrong thing, but I'm trying to be careful about what I eat, and when I envisioned a chicken salad, this wasn't it. The little corn muffin that came with it was really dry. The service and staff were entirely pleasant and helpful. I know it's a meat place, so maybe salads just don't get the attention they need. However, there are lots of us out there that eat them, so maybe a little work on them would be in order for me to order there again.
(2)
Bryan K.

The food here is quite fresh and good. The tri-tip sandwiches are tasty. And the service is top notch. Definitely an extra star for the friendly, cheerful service.
(5)
Jeff P.

If you like Santa Maria style BBQ then you will love this place. Their tri-tip is hands down the best in the area. Much better than ball tip at Kinders. If you get a large tri-tip sandwich you will be swimming in delicious meat. I love their black and blue sandwich. Sides- Corn Salad, Enough said. Things that need improvement - little pricey and their rolls kind of blow.
(5)
Chris W.

Absolutely great food! What originally hooked me was their tri tip and blue cheese sandwich. However, now I keep coming back for their grilled prawns! Not too mention my gf can't get enough of the balsamic salad with blue cheese. Seriously, everything here is good! And I just heard that they now have wings....guess what I am trying tonight! Oh, and the service, top notch. My gf and I came in tonight and she remembered she had to download something on her laptop for work. The owner was nice enough to jump on their wireless. Can't beat that!
(5)
Tommy C.

BBQ chicken or Tri tip chipotle sandwiches are good. Pair it with a salad or side for 99cents and you've got a hearty lunch.
(4)
Tiffany T.

Always busy, I usually get my food to go, but have eaten there with a pal before. The place is a little on the small side, or maybe it just seems that way with all the people. I come here for the sandwiches. I love the pulled chicken sandwich, which is loaded with white breast chicken pieces covered in a tangy barbeque sauce with coleslaw on a white bread roll. It comes with hot fresh fries and is a hardy meal. Also the tritip sandwich with blue cheese is also excellent, and they also do a pulled pork sandwich, which is very good. A friend of mine did have a negative experience here with the salad with prawns. So skip the salad and get a large satisfying sandwich and you will be fine. Recently had the Chicken Tortilla soup here and I have to say that it is not as good as the Chicken Tortilla soup at Chicago's down the street, there just isn't as much veggies or chicken in it. The frys are still really great though, very well seasoned.
(4)
Earlene C.

Minus the crazy parking lot during lunch hour, this is a pretty decent place. I tried the Chopped Salad with Tri-Tip today and it was good! The tangy salad dressing, roasted corn, bleu cheese and black beans are all yummy. The few pieces of Tri-tip that came with the salad were a bit of a tease. I'm definitely coming back for a fatty sandwich!
(4)
Scotty D.

i popped in for a to go order today and got the large tri-tip and chipotle sandwich. thin sliced tri-tip, served with chipotle pepper sauce and roasted corn salsa. WOW! this may just be my new favorite at red smoke grill. the combination of the chipotle sauce and corn salsa add a sweet smokey and slightly spicy crunch to the already very tender meat. i will definitely be getting this one each and every time i stop in whether it's for my meal or to save for another time.
(5)
Michelle A.

New to the area, the kids and I stumbled by this place on our way into Sweet Tomatoes. I had my mm#1 grab a take out menu for future reference. Today, hubby and I decide to check it out for Dinner. I don't really care for a my BBq to be slathered in sauce, so I always make a point to ask for my sauce on the side-- I'm more of a dipper, if I'm going to eat some beef, I want to taste it! Based on the cashier's recommendation, we went with the family meal to go. We ordered a slab of ribs, SAUCE ON THE SIDE, and trip-tip. She wasn't kidding when she said it was a lot of food! Now for the bad news, we got home, -- there was clearly sauce on the ribs; the tri-tip was quite dry, the sides were ok-- but I guess I was expecting this "waiting to exhale" moment. It didn't happen. The corn muffin had very little flavor! The can of baked beans I heated up at home had more "umph". The meat fell off the ribs, but when i thought about it-- the restaurant didn't even have that BBQ smell when we walked in. HMMMMM. I likely wouldn't go back, but at least I can say I went.....
(2)
Penny O.

Nice food nice salad and low card sandwich i go here for lunch
(4)
Jenny L.

This review is based on dinner on two seperate occasions. First off, I'd like to remind people this really isn't a barbeque place. Grilled does not equal bbq. First Visit - Tri-tip sandwich with side salad. The bread and the flavor were good. The meat was pretty tough. It was very hard to eat because I felt like I was having to rip and tear the meat with my teeth. Second Visit - Got a combo dinner plate with the pulled pork and ribs. The pulled pork was the worst I have ever tasted. The sauce was just flat out gross. The ribs were good. They were very tender and able to be pulled off the bone with a fork. They were really overly spicy. I'm from the midwest and love bbq'd and grilled food. It tasted like the only thing they seasoned their meat with was Tabasco sauce. Mashed potatoes were ok, but lukewarm. Side salad was average. Left the restaurant with heartburn. Also sampled some of the garlic fries and grilled shrimp from another plate at the table. The garlic fries were great! Actually, they were the best garlic fries I've ever had. Shrimp was rubbery and poorly seasoned, but spicy. Final impression.... tried a couple times. I'll probably never go again since it wasn't good and Sweet Tomatoes is right next door. Kinda sad because I like meat.
(2)
kimberly f.

We love this place. We usually call in an order on a busy week night when there's not a lot of time to cook. My kids get the chicken tenders meal, my husband gets the grilled chicken sandwich and I usually get the tortilla soup and coleslaw. The order is ready for pick up within 15 mins and is still super hot by the time I get home. Their fries are really good and the chicken is always moist.
(4)
Jim T.

Tried 2 different plates. Even with a $5 coupon, it seems overpriced. The meats, tri-tip and pulled pork didn't do much for me. It's OK if there's not much else to choose from, but not one of the better BBQs I've seen.
(3)
Sal L.

Come on P-Town... You call this the best bbq spot in the city? Oh boy do you guys not no bbq. I ordered a half slab of ribs, came with fries, corn bread, and mashed potato's. Fry's were good but everything else... well pretty much sucked. Potato's were cold and tasted like bleach. Ribs were falling off the bone like everyone says, but was dry and the meat was very bland. I asked for light sauce and my ribs were swimming. Meat had 0 flavor, i could have gotten the same effect by dipping a french fry in the sauce and saved $18. My roommate got the tri tip sandwich and even a person who cooks with only salt and pepper said the tri tip was ehh... tasteless. Overall consensus, we'll likely never return to this spot. Over priced for the quality. Chilli's is one block away, and there ribs are a solid 5 compared to this places.
(2)
G K.

Not bad - Chicken Caesar salad w/corn muffin, pull pork sandwich (with coleslaw), shredded chicken sandwich (with coleslaw), etc. They are pricey for what you get and just another "cookie cutter" restaurant. Not very impressed.
(2)
David D.

The tri-tip here is the best in the area. Nice and moist and slow roasted. Yum! The bbq sauce that comes with it is nice and spicy. The bbq pulled pork is also pretty good. Although I'm not a big fan of having the cole slaw on my sandwich. The only reason Red Smoke lost a star in my review is the consistency on the sides. Sometimes the potato salad is loaded with onions (to the point you should call it onion salad), sometimes not so much (much better). Sometimes the beans are obviously old and the gravy/sauce is like molasses. Other times they taste great and have a good consistency. If you go during the lunch or dinner rush be prepared to hike from your parking spot. There are a lot of eateries sharing the same parking lot.
(4)
Christine N.

Pretty good stuff! It can be a little pricey for lunch, but it's hard to find good bbq in this area (well at least, close to my work). I like their Basalmic Salad for when I'm feeling healthy, but when I'm not - it's all about the bbq sandwich's! Pulled pork or chicken... mmm mmm! The sweet potato fries are delicious but they get instantly soggy when you get them to go. I wonder if they could put some paper down in the to go containers to help with that... Oh and this place can get pretty busy at lunch time so try to show up early to get a good table.
(4)
Rebecca T.

I went here after work with a coworker who frequents, and it was really tasty. We each had a protein platter, with tri-tip, I had a caesar salad.. The tri-tip was a little fatty for me but I'm OCD about the leanness of my meat. Over all it was tasty, moist, and filling, and the salad was delicious. I'd happily go back again.
(4)
John C.

We went by on a week night and the place was packed, so I expected it was going to be really good. We had the tri-tip and it was dry. The vegetables were bland. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The prices reasonable and I give a 3rd start because they had football on the TV.
(3)
Peter G.

PLEASE READ MY EDIT. Original: "Pulled pork, great chicken, and OMG....the best creme brulee from a mom n pop shop. So good for a relatively inexpensive family meal. Been coming here for 4 years. Always awesome!" EDIT: As good as the food is, if you want ANY semblance of friendly customer service, go elsewhere. I've been biting my tongue for a while now: the owner is not nice and the employees mimick the ownership. No smile, no thank you, no eye contact. GEEZ...I'm sorry I'm such an inconvenience because I'm BUYING FOOD FROM YOU. You're welcome. (No more creme brulee btw.) Kinders it is....
(2)
Christopher W.

Met up here for lunch with a friend of mine. Felt guilty after making her wait for me to arrive...but had a good experience. I would call this place a independent Buckhorn Grill with tasty sides! I ordered the Tri-tip and Blue which was a tri-tip sandwich, on a roll with blue cheese and creamy horse radish sauce. You can get a side of something for just $.99! I got ranch beans which were baked beans. They were spicy! I'm interested in trying this place for dinner! Prices were reasonable and food came quick. Nice atmosphere.
(4)
Derek O.

Alright, time for round 2... Working overtime at work around dinner time. A Tri-Tip craving hit me. It was time to give Red Smoke grill another try. I ordered for take-out. I got a large Tri-Tip sandwich with BBQ sauce and jack cheese with a side of fries. This time I got there quickly. I was there a little while before it was done so i got to sit down and enjoy the ESPN highlights on TV. A few minutes later my food was ready and I headed back to work. I sat down and opened the to-go box. The first thought I had was "Now that's a Tri-Tip sandwich." A roll just overflowing with meat and 2 pieces of jack cheese melting nicely onto the meat. Yum. I noticed the BBQ sauce in small plastic container and poured it over the meat in the sandwich... Wow, the BBQ sauce had great flavor, the meat was cooked perfectly. Really good. Every bite was good (and there was a lot of bites.) The fries were great. The light seasoning on them was awesome, really good fries. Only 2 issues I can think of... A bit more cheese would have been nice. Also MORE BBQ SAUCE! Seriously, it was good I wanted to lather the sandwich in it and dip the fries in it. A regular size sandwich would have been fine but for a large size 2 containers of BBQ sauce would be ideal. Awesome I will be back and will get food for some co-workers next time.
(4)
Lupe M.

Red Smoke Grill offers good barbeque sandwiches and platters in a pleasant, causal setting. Both my fellow Yelper and I ordered the barbeque chicken sandwich which comes with coleslaw on a white bread roll. The barbeque sauce was mildly spicy and the shredded chicken was tender and very flavorful. It was delicious! I am definitely looking forward to trying other dishes at Red Smoke Grill!
(4)
Brian H.

My first time there, pretty decent food. The place was clean and not too crowded. I had the tri-tip & bleu cheese sandwich. Not enough meat, too much horseradish. Pretty tasty though, would have it again but with extra meat next time. The meat itself was very good, I just wish there was a little more of it. Also, the sides were VERY good! I hate cole slaw with a passion and I actually enjoyed theirs. I also had a side of their garlic mashed potatoes and it was AWESOME! I will definitely go back.
(3)
Michael K.

Great place to eat. It's style Santa Maria Barbecue. Great atmosphere. It's worth trying at least once. They have great sweet potato fries. This is a place where you want to eat there. Although they do take out its not as good as eating there.
(4)
Alvin W.

I recently discovered Red Smoke Grill. While trying to decide where to go to lunch, my co-worker suggested "that restaurant with the huge ass sandwiches..." Okay buddy, if you don't know, how the heck am I suppose to know? Fast forward ten minutes later we are pulling into this shopping plaza and right next to Sweet Tomatoes is Red Smoke Grill. None of us have ever eaten here before so we thought it would be a good place to try. There were a few people in the restaurant when we arrived and after we ordered and sat down, a line formed. We beat the rush! I decided to try their Tri-Tip and Blue sandwich. It was thinly sliced tri-tip with horseradish, caramelized onions, and blue cheese. I got the regular size which was about 7" and I must say at first sight it was a generous portion. When I bit into the sandwich, I tasted the right amount of horseradish, onions and blue cheese. None of the toppings over powered the other; they complimented each other and the taste of the "Santa Maria" style tri-tip. Although the sandwiches are good, I can think some of the sides need some re-vamping. I tired their potato salad and didn't care for it. It was a bit too sour and very creamy, like they added too much mayo to it. My co-workers tried the Red Smoke original sandwich (tri-tip topped with salsa and cilantro cream sauce) and another tried their Pulled Pork protein plate (pulled pork served with salad). I think prices for their sandwiches are a bit on the higher side, $6.29 for a regular and $7.99 for a large, but the portions are good. It is Pleasanton, after all, and prices are a little more inflated out in the Valley. We all agreed that Red Smoke Grill served some tasty sandwiches and entrees.
(4)
Nikki B.

The tri tip is fantastic! Place has cold air conditioning and cold beer. The sandwiches requires a little re-work for my personal taste, but are good. Service? Eh....the last time I ordered the Balsamic Vinegar salad and they sent me another salad with beans and corn and very southwest feel - not at all what I wanted so....
(3)
Paul P.

Good bbq joint tucked into a expansive neighborhood of looming corporate head quarters. Lots of flavor to the menu. Every sandwich, salad, and plate sounded interesting in its own respect and I had a hard time choosing, so I went with the basic tri tip sandwich with cilantro cream sauce and homemade pico salsa. Very good sandwich, very flavorful, but I thought the temperature was too low, which is a reoccurring theme I've read about this place. I got a salad on the side which was very big and very good for 99 cents. There were a load of other bbq style sides I would have loved to try too such as sweet potato fries, mac n cheese, beans, and so on. I will definitely give this place another go to try some more items on the menu.
(4)
Dan C.

Tortilla Soup is crack! Solid but nothing to incredible! The pulled-park sandwich is money... and the Steak salad is something that Sweet tomatoes next door CANNOT contend with!
(3)
Manda B.

I went here for dinner a few months ago, and I was not impressed. When I went in, the person was taking someone else's order. It seemed like the person might have been a regular because they were having a nice conversation. After the person in front of me left, the phone rang. Instead of asking the person on the phone to hold a minute so they could take my order (I was the only one there after the guy in front of me), they were on the phone with that person for about 5 minutes. Annoying! When I was finally able to order, I ordered a tri-tip sandwich with potato salad and a soda. The tri-tip was OK, the sauce was OK, the potato salad was meh, and I'm still waiting on that soda. I guess they didn't hear me when I said a drink because they didn't ring me up for one. They also didn't ASK if I wanted something to drink, which would be a nice customer service thing, especially since I was eating there. I mean, even Taco Bell asks if you want a drink if you order something without one. I've been told it's usually good, so maybe I caught them on an "off" night, but I haven't been able to make myself go back.
(2)
Niki H.

Try the balsamic spinach salad with pecans. One of my favorite salads ever For me it's a 3 star because well I'm not big fan of BBQ type places at all unless it's ribs lol. My husband is a huge BBQ fan and he LOVES it here (thus the four star) and he keeps trying to come back lol. I love him so I always oblige but yeah. I mean the food is very good and their balsamic salad is AMAZING but ever since I got food poisoning on a BBQ pulled pork sandwich at the age of 11 (NOT AT THIS PLACE!!!) BBQ just well it's never my first choice lol.
(4)
Bill A.

Tried this place again after several months, but it remains a disappointment and waste of money. A sandwich made of over priced meat that is not barbecue on bread that is not edible. You get that with a side of fries covered in black pepper and other asorted spices served in a plastic basket. If you choose you may sit at one of their undersized tables that tend to rock back and forth. Every once in a while the owner wil walk by, giving you a rather unfriendly glance in an attempt to make you feel just how unimportant he might believe you are (at least he sort of acts like the owner, but who knows. One thing is for certain, he has zip for a persobality, or maybe he just knows I'm yelping him). Adding a small soft drink to this fine experience will set you back about $11.
(1)
Jason H.

This place has great tri-tip, salads, and even has a good vegi-sandwich for the none meat eater!
(4)
Stephanie M.

Yay I'm a fan !! After many times passing up the Red Smoke Grill to head to Sweet Tomatoes (which I also love) I finally tried it. I got the Chicken Sandwich and the Tortilla Soup. It was fabulous !! I am not sure that I took a breath while eating.. it was sooo good !!! I ordered to go and it was very fast, fast enough to get back to work before someone realized my laptop was unattended !!! Anyway, this place is really really good and I will be back for sure.
(5)
Todd S.

This is place is a great for just a quick good quality bite to eat in a nice atmosphere, especially with the TVs they have in there now. It seems to be privately owned which is always a plus in my book and gets my continuing support when they make a good effort, which these folks do. The food here is mostly good. I'm not a big fan of the tri-tip sandwiches though and the side dishes are a bit expensive fwhen ordered individually. But the tri-tip plates with their sauces are real good. The corn bread, beans and tortilla soup are real good, but just pricey. I usually get the bbq chicken sandwich which is shredded tender dark meat, and a side of fries and it's just the best. Whenever I come back from Oakland airport this place is my first stop on my way home.
(4)
Katie M.

Never had a bad meal here. Besides a sub-par location, this place is my favorite Pleasanton sandwich shop. Reasonable pricing, great selection of food, even serves beer on draft! I usually get the Red Smoke Original Sandwich, but their family dinners are always popular at my house. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone who appreciates good quality Tri-Tip.
(4)
Mandy J.

I've been craving bbq food so sum friends and I decided to stop in for sum grub. I had the bbq chicken sandwich and it was very delicious. I don't usually eat that much, but I practically swallowed the sandwich whole it was so good. Another friend had the pulled bbq pork, chipotle trip tip sandwiches. I sampled them and they were very D-Lish. The 2 gentlemen working the counter area were very nice. They greeted every customer as they walked in and out. I look forward to my next visit and trying other items on the menu.
(4)
Chris R.

Their pulled pork and ribs are very tender and juicy. Chicken also tasted good. They also have sweet potatoe freis, yum yum yum. Can't get any better than this.
(4)
Wilson l.

I was craving some BBQ for lunch one day so u yelled and found this place. It had 4 stars so I wanted to try it out. When I got there around lunch the parking lot was packed. But then again it was a plaza. The place was pretty packed. I tried the pulled pork sandwich because the cashier recommended it or the tri-tip. The sandwich wasn't too bad but it wasn't the best I've had before. Their meat was really pulled apart so most of the meat were still in chunks. There wasn't much flavor in the sandwich. The sandwich was pretty big and I got a side of fries which was actually really good. Only thing was that there was very little fries. The price was normal for a pulled pork sandwich. I think I want to come back and try the tri-tip sandwich to see what's so special about it. The pulled pork sandwich however I will not get it anymore. Overall this place gets a 3/5 because it's not the best I've had but best in the area.
(3)
David K.

I lived in Texas for 30 years, and am pretty skilled in BBQ arts. There is nothing worth visitng here, at least when in comes to ribs and beans. If it wasnt for the sauce there would be no flavor in the ribs. The mealy texture indicated they had been terrible overcooked. I am visiting for a couple months and I wont be back again to try the tri-tip. I have to assume is the repackaging of some cheap cut of meat so that you locals can say good tender cheap steak. BTW the beans were aldente. Beans should be slow cooked.
(1)
Kimberly M.

I tried this place when it first opened with my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time). We like us some good barbecue and were excited that a new joint had popped up in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, we weren't fans. The portions seemed fairly small for the price of the meal, and we decided not to try it again. We decided to try it again. The place keeps getting Best of Pleasanton awards, so we thought, okay, maybe it got better since we last tried it. I mean, they were just starting out when we went last, and have probably worked out all the kinks. The menu looked good, and the line for Sweet Tomatoes did not. So we went in with my sister and her new beau. Alas, the meal was as we remembered it. Kind of pricey for what you get. Hubby and I shared chipotle tri tip platter and garlic fries. The tri tip was thick and tough and hard for me to chew. The chipotle sauce didn't compliment the meat at all. I did like the corn salsa, though! I thought it complimented the meat and made it juicier, but hubby preferred to dip the meat in hot sauce. Still, if I were to come back here, it would only be for the garlic fries. They have the best garlic fries I've ever had! You can see AND taste the garlic. All garlic fries I've had in the past were completely lacking in garlic flavor. This place has got them figured out. Sis and new beau got pulled pork sandwiches. They were eh as well. The sandwich and side meal is pretty large, and it's cheaper than a platter, so if you're thinking of trying this place, consider that.
(2)
Amy T.

I can't believe it took us this long to try this place. I would say that this place is similar to Buckhorn Grill, but so much better! If you're familiar with the tasty treats at Oakville Grocery, you'll be pleased to know that this place is owned by two former Oakville Grocery executives. It's an extremely casual setup - counter service,but with plenty of tables and chairs and real plates and silverware. I thoroughly enjoyed my Red Smoke Chopped Salad (Crisp greens tossed with roasted corn, roma tomatoes,black beans,cheese and citrus vinaigrette) with tri-tip and a cup of their chicken tortilla soup. It was all delicious. The roasted corn is fresh white corn off of the cob. The hubster had the pulled pork platter with french fries and garlic mashed potatoes (i wanted the mashed potatoes) which is MORE than enough food. Delicious and generous portions (I'm STUFFED) I can't wait to go back and try either the Caesar salad, Red Smoke Style with Prawns or the Balsamic Salad with Glazed Pecans with either the tri-tip or the prawns....
(5)
Patrick S.

I can't imagine this place being better. For a casual dining experience with great, unique food, this is a great non-chain choice. The sandwiches are excellent as are the sides. I've been advised to check out the bread pudding, and will ASAP.
(5)
Joey N.

loved the tri-tip - it was not dry (not super juicy but it was moist) and had great flavor. Also loved the sweet patatoe fries. The ribs were ok - they say fall off bone well not so much, and the flavor was light. All in all i would totally go back again
(4)
Zab T.

Love the food here. The prices are reasonable and the owners are very nice.
(4)
Dave K.

This place is great, I've tried lots of stuff, but the tri tip and blue sand or platter, and the ribs are amazing. The corn salad is soo goood I usually get beans w/it which are ok. Anyways if you're close by this a great lunch or takeout spot, it kicks kinders right in the a$$.
(4)
Elliott M.

Best sweet potato fries I've had in a while!
(4)
Yusaku S.

I always get their pulled pork sandwich. Yum! Great fries, too. Attention football fans! Several of my friends have sighted John Madden there on several occasions.
(4)
Kristy C.

My family and I eat at Red Smoke about twice a month. We enjoy how clean the restaurant is and how fast the service is. We love the homemade chicken tortilla soup, sweet potato fries, balsamic salad, chopped salad, pulled pork platter, and tri-tip platter with the cilantro sauce. Recently we tried the wings in the sweet sauce and they are very good also! I don't normally like cole slaw, but theirs is very crisp and delicious. We usually also end the meal with a piece of coca-cola cake or key lime pie! Great job, Red Smoke!
(5)
Matthew B.

I've only ever had one thing from this place and I almost always get it to go. My star rating is purely based on how fast they got the order to me and the quality of the single item that I get every time, and that item is... the chipotle tri-tip sandwich. I suggest you get it and enjoy it with a beer.
(4)
jack q.

Not what I would call great bbq. The beef had good flavor, but was very dry and chewy, the chicken had some kind of snotty lemon glaze on it that didn't taste very good and kept the skin all slippery, and the pulled pork was good if you added sauce, but was just a smoky, chewy mess otherwise. I'll stick to Carmen's in Hayward for some good bbq from now on.
(2)
Tina L.

Good sweet potato fries (get ranch dressing on the side), great lemonade. I usually get the balsamic salad and/or one of the chicken sandwiches. All are really good. The parking lot sucks, but no biggie.
(4)
Nelson W.

Like most places I've been to in Pleasanton, I've only taken out here. Good BBQ. They are a little obsessive about blue cheese, but some folks really do like bleu. I'm kind of a bleu cheese H8er. The menu is great otherwise. The corn salad thing is tasty, the tri tip is good, the beans are great.
(4)
Brian B.

The food is tasty. I'd give it 4 stars if it was just about food. It loses a star for the stripmall location, tough parking at lunch and the insanely aggressive flies that torment the outdoor diners. Great pulled pork. John Madden is the owner or landlord or something. I've seen him here. Eating a whole cow. With a side of potato salad.
(3)
Lori G.

I live near Red Smoke Grill, and love it. The BBQ is fantastic, and reasonably priced considering the quality and quantity of the food. Although this is touted to be a California-style BBQ, the tender and tasty the ribs brings me back to the south. The sauce is a little sweet for my taste, but the heat is perfect, leaving a nice lingering tingle in the whole mouth. The tri-tip sandwich with slaw is another favorite. Every side dish I've tried is wonderful - garlic mashed potatoes, not-too-runny coleslaw, corn salad (yummy), sweet potato fries, and better-than- most-mexican-restaurant tortilla soup. I tried the mango coconut bread pudding today. At first I was disappointed that there was no sauce with it, and as a take out item was served col. But as soon as I tasted it, all my opinions about how bread pudding should be served went out the window. It was great just as it was. The $3.50 the desert rivaled $8 desserts at other restaurants. Yes, the service can be slow, and the staff aren't very chatty. On the few occasions when the food was off the mark, it may have been when the owner wasn't around. For those of you who found the cornbread dry - well hey, that's cornbread! Do what the southerners do and drown them in butter. I love the chopped salad, but if all you want is a salad, go next door to Sweet Tomatoes. I think they're rightly focused on making good, freshly prepared food. We just call in our order, go pick it up, and have the perfect sunday afternoon spread watching the game.
(5)
Jesse M.

Went here for lunch today. I had the Trip tip sandwich and it was really good. My wife had the pulled pork sandwich and I think she liked it as well. It is a little on the expensive side, but worth it. I would go back again.
(4)
Robert G.

Tender tri-tip sauced and piled into a soft hoagie bun with southwestern dressings. Chicken tortilla soup with a spicy kick at the end. South western-ish flavor foods simply put together, while still having a great quality for taste and freshness. No? Well, move on and try Carl's Jr. or Sweet Tomato next door. The meat is good and the sandwhiches and salads are tasty. Their pulled pork sandwhich and chicken club are also worthy tastes, but the tri-tip is what you should have come for. The menu isn't huge, so don't expect too many different things. They do have salads without the meat and also offer their sandwhiches without the bun for those with particular eating needs. The also have entrees, but i have yet to delve into those. Decor is modern and plain with ample seating- good amount of tables, a couple of bar seating areas, outdoor seating. Lunch will be full of business types. Red Smoke is great place for a fairly quick bite, while still eating good quality foods. They have wine and beer available if you need a refreshing beverage. The tables get bussed, so don't worry about where the garbage can is to throw away your trash. The workers are nice. The prices are about what you'd expect to pay for a semi gourmet tri tip sandwhich. Try putting the Chipotle Tabasco sauce on stuff, it's yummy.
(4)
Tadas P.

Went there based upon the reviews. Had the Tri-Tip and Chipotle which was tasty, but quantity was very lacking. We got take-out and the tri-tip was put into the small section of a three-sectioned box (the section you usually have rice or salad). Good taste so I'll give it that. Also had the Chicken and Rib Combo. Got a total of three ribs and 1/4 chicken. This time the quality was not so hot. Ribs were good, but the chicken was dried out and overcooked. Perhaps I went on an off day as there was only one other couple in the entire place. For the price I would say this is not worth it. We won't eat here again :(.
(3)
Sam H.

Fast service, good sized portions, busy lunch spot. Overall, my pulled pork sandwich was average. Not bad, but not worth getting excited about. I have had sandwiches with cole slaw before in Cleveland and they were much better; but then again those people really eat. I would be scared to guess the obesity rate in Ohio... The salads did look pretty good however. Will probably go back since it is really close to work and not Mexican or Indian food.
(3)
Nicole C.

This place is yummy!! My bf loves this place. He gets the tri tip and blue sandwich. Their fries and mashed potatoes are soo good. It's one of our default places to go to.
(4)
JM C.

Had the tri-tip and chipotle sandwich. There's a pic of it, it's the one with the cor kernels in the sandwich. I ordered the large and it contained a heaping full of meat. Has become an instant favorite place to come and grab a sandwich when I'm in the area. Next time I would like to try their platters and the ribs! Can't wait!!
(4)
joe c.

For barbecue, this place is pretty good. Not quite as tasty as Kinder's, but it's cheaper and the portions are more reasonable. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big guy and I like to eat, so although I'm saying you get less food- the portions here fill me up. Kinder's, as delicious as it is, leaves me saying "Wow, should I eat this whole thing?" I've had the pulled pork, and the tri tip sandwiches, and both were quite good. The bun was good, and so were the sides. Good place for a lunch.
(4)
Steve C.

Love this place. I get the Santa Maria Tri-Tip every time, and I'm usually satisfied. I say "usually" because at times the meat is not as hot/warm as I'd like, but overall it's very good. Love the seasoned fries too.
(4)
greg s.

Does this area have a shortage of bbq restaurants? Yes. Does RSG solve the problem? It helps but does not solve it. Overall the food is average, hence the three star rating. The sides are good and the soup is good but avoid the desserts that sit in the glass at the front counter. I also wonder why the chicken (bbq sauce is very good) could not be more tender and juicy? It is also not too shredded which may help if it was slow cooked a little longer like that. Make sure you order the cole slaw on the side as it will make your sandwich cold. The half chicken is overpriced for what you get. The chicken tortilla soup and potato salad sides are good but avoid the corn muffins which were cold and hard and the french fried which were soggy and not firm or crisp.
(3)
Chris W.

If you want to get FULL on very very tasty tri-tip or chicken, this is the place. One of the Tri-Valley's little gems. Once or twice they've messed up an order, but it's no big deal. They fixed it fast. I've never left unsatisfied.
(4)
Gennie G.

The first thing I noticed about this place was that there was a line out the door and it was pretty packed inside. We were only in the line for a few minuets until it was our turn to order and the cashiers ringing everyone up has a personality that could turn your bad day in to a good one. The menu choices are fantastic and the trip trip is delicious! You can get fries for $0.99 and its still a perfect amount with a regular sandwich or salad. The portions are plentiful and the taste is superb! Even with the long line and orders ahead of us we didn't have to wait long for our meal.
(5)
J. Y.

The French roll that comes with the tri-tip sandwich is awful. The meat was really dry and didn't have much taste. It was on the expensive side too. $9 for a rather small tri-tip sandwich.
(2)
Walter S.

Tasty, quick, reasonably priced, in other words a great lunch spot. If you like tri-tip then you need to check this place out.
(4)
Tin-Tin M.

I highly enjoy the chopped salad with tri-tip. it comes with some pretty tasty jalapeno cornbread, too. i also like the rotisserie chicken. but you can't really mess up rotisserie chicken.
(4)
Chris K.

Yummy southwest-style bbq. My favorite is the Santa Maria Tri-Tip-sliced so thin, it's like buttah :) The potato salad and tortilla soup are also super yummy.
(4)
Joe P.

When I worked in Pleasanton, I frequented this place because I was on a low carb diet. they have really a really good Tri-Tip plate, that is all protein baby!. I've never had a bad meal here, and would recommend this place for anybody looking for a casual eating spot in the Pleasanton office park area.
(4)
Holly G.

Man!! I love their salad but this is the 2nd time I've had a HAIR in my salad...one time would be enough for some people but I noticed they always wear hair nets, have a clean location, and all seems pretty sanitary, but then today, another hair!! Can't bring myself to go back there, even though the food is pretty good.
(3)
r s.

The smell outside is the best part. Unfortunately the rest doesn't live up to the enticing smell. Serviceable, but not great.
(2)
Amy T.

This is my 2nd or 3rd time going here and this time I got the tri-tip with prawn plate with a side of soup and garlic mashed potatoes. The tri-tip was good, more of a smokey flavor and no BBQ sauce but good. The prawns were gross, no flavor, just spicy and like they sat in water and got bloated. The mashed potatoes were decent. The corn bread was good and the best out of all of it was the tortilla soup. I had the soup the previous 2 times I went and it has been consistently good. It's a bit pricey though because the food and a drink cost me 17.60! Yikes.
(3)
Stacy C.

I've eaten at RSG twice now and I think I'm officially done. Ended up there yesterday with the fam (yes, it was Mother's Day and everywhere else was ridiculously crowded). I ordered the "Blue Plate Special," which consists of thinly-sliced tri tip topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese. The meat was pretty good, but the sides I chose (cole slaw and ranch-style beans) were flavorless. The corn bread muffin was fine, albeit tiny. For what we paid, the portions were on the smallish side and I just wasn't impressed. Plus they had the A/C CRANKED to an arctic-like temperature and it was only about 62 degrees outside. My food got cold within two minutes of sitting on the table.
(2)
Jaycee P.

I'm thinking anyone who gave this place only 1 or 2 starts might not have really eaten there!! We discovered this place when we moved here 5 years ago and have been going ever since. I've had quite a few things on the menu. The tortilla soup, the caesar salad (unique with pumpkin seeds and tortilla strips), the tri tip sandwiches are all awesome! I do love the trip tip with blue cheese and horseradish - you can create your own sandwich as well. The onion rings and sweet potato fries are also very good! I have a friend who goes in faithfully for their garlic mashed potatoes, but I have not had those yet - now I must try! It's a relaxing place where you can get a good meal, have a glass of wine or beer and catch whatever game is on. A Plus: my kids looove the chicken strips. Staff is friendly. What's not to like?
(5)
Kimberly T.

Ahhh....the Red Smoke....I cannot do anything but sing them praises. The half chicken meal with the corn salsa as the sides is AMAZING!!! The food is always good and the sweet potato fries are never a disappointment. This place is a healthy alternative since Pleasanton seems to have a fast food chain on ever block in this city. Seating is always easy except during the corporate rush hour lunch time during the week. It seems like this best kept secret is a secret no more. Parking can be difficult in the shopping area it is located in. But well worth the hassle.
(5)
Steven L.

Panda was searching for a good bbq joint and may have found the one he likes the most in Pleasanton! I had the tri tip sandwich which had yummy salsa and this spicy guacamole sauce on it. It was delicious! The meat was lean and not at all fatty. The side garlic mash I had was good too! I definitely recommend this place for lunch. The panda will return and try the other sandwiches too! Wawaaa!!
(4)
Moxy T.

I love this place! The glazed pecan salad w/chx is my FAV. The customer service is pretty luke warm, but I've been told I'm over whelmingly happy when getting ready to eat. The tri tip sandwhich and meal are both good. I was not overly impressed with the pulled pork sandwich, I like more spices, but not bad.
(4)
Casey H.

Forget fast food and chain eateries...GO LOCAL...it's always better to shop the Mom-Pop stop! this place has the best Santa Maria-style barbecue I have ever eaten. Especially LOVE their Tri_tip platter and the chopped salad!
(4)
Brooksider C.

The ribs and pulled pork were amazing! The sides...not so much.
(3)
Anton K.

Food very good! Defintely going back. Busy at lunch, deserted at dinner.
(4)
Jorge J.

I was looking for a some good chicken and a salad to go with. I have been to many places here in Pleasanton and couldn't find the mix. So i stumbled upon the Red Smoke Grill here in Pleasanton, which had an assortment of salads and some nice protein selections. I ordered the Half chicken rotisserie and the balsamic/pecan salad. The chicken was presented with some sauce on it, never seen a rotisserie chicken served with sauce (is this done to enhance the flavor, or moisten the chicken?) who know, but what I do know was that the chicken was DRY super DRY there was not moist check meat anywhere. The salad was OK nothing to rave about nothing to compliment. Lettuce, tossed in balsamic vinaigrette with some shaved red onions pecans that have been baked with sugar and some blue cheese. Needless to say, the chicken for 10$ was not up to PAR id rather go get a whole chicken at Costco for 5 those are juicy.
(1)
Robert L.

decent tri-tip. gets pretty busy during lunchtime. i wouldnt say its the best tri-tip ive had but its not the worst. it was better the first time i came here.
(3)
V T.

Some of the best tri tip steack sandwiches I've ever had. Compare to Buckhorn Grill
(5)
Raj M.

Good BBQ is just one of those things that is hard to find in the Bay Area. I've got a couple of places I like in SF and Oakland, and I was hoping to find a good one near my house, no luck so far. Red Smoke is okay. The pork is tender and smokey. The ribs aren't very meaty and can be dry. The Tri-tip is nice and tender but could use some more kick. I think the main problem is that I don't really .like their sauce. This place never really feeds my craving for good BBQ, but I do go back every now and again when I'm desperate.
(3)
Raman S.

I really love this place. I can tell the cut of meat they use is quality and it makes a big difference in the texture. I know they have to cook it a little more well done to be safe (actually, not sure if you can order the meat medium rare) but it makes the chewing a bit harder. I've had the tri-tip bleu, chipotle, and red smoke original. All were great. I just love the meat and sauces they use. If I could make one suggestion to make the sandwiches a bit better, it would be to change the rolls. They aren't bad, but the meat is so good that I was hoping the bread would reflect the same quality. I haven't tried everything on the menu yet, but I'll get there. Another plus is the turnover time from order to order. The place is very clean and has a friendly atmosphere. I would recommend everyone try it. It's my favorite place to eat in Pleasanton!
(4)
Kevin C.

Best Tri Tip sandwhiches in the area. I've tried them all and can't seem to stop ordering the Chipotle tri-tip. Pour a bit of Chipotle tabasco down the middle to really get it to it's full potential.
(5)
Bill T.

This place would get 5 stars if they would just get my order right at least 2 out of 5 times. Yes, I should know by now to open the bag, look at the food, make sure they didn't forget anything & then get back in my car, drive home & devour my Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Chopped Salad & Tri-Tip. Alas, I will figure this out eventually but until then I will continue to drool over their food, ignore the fact that they are in a strip mall next to a Carl's Jr., have terrible parking & a small language barrier. I don't care. As long as they keep making their uber-tasty Tr--Tip, salads & sandos & soups (killer chicken tortilla) I'm sold.
(4)
Chris P.

The tri tip and blue is the best i have ever had. the tortilla soup goes great with the sandwich. its a little over-priced, but not too bad. you cannot go wrong at the red smoke grill
(5)
Wes K.

Love this place, espescially the Tortilla Soup, Chopped Chicken Salad, and an Arnold Palmer (lemonade is good). Very content with this place. Funny because people walk right on past it to Sweet Tomatoes to eat so much they want to throw up, WHY? Not like I want this place to be over crowded, but really there isn't much in Pleasanton quite like this place.
(4)
Robert E.

This place is pretty good, but a little inconsistent. The customer service was great and my tri-tip chipotle was really good (though just a tad rough); but my friends Red Smoke Original and my side of garlic mash potatoes were quite sub-par. If in the area and feeling like a good tri-tip I'd go again, but otherwise not.
(3)
T A.

The best food and the best customer service! The family meals are a great value!
(5)
Minh P.

excellent..... tri tip cooked perfectly, nice and juicy, fries are alright but normally i don't have enough room in the tummy for them after the huge generous portioned sammich. Order the red's original, u can thank me later
(5)
John B.

Very good, quick service food that doesn't taste like it. The best part is that they are not like any other restaurant in this area. The ribs are average, but everything else I have had is great. The salads can be a little pricey, but they are very good. Service is fast and friendly and the one or both owners are usually there and that is a good sign. Save room for the Coca-Cola cake or bread pudding, both are excellent.
(5)
Laura S.

Love, love, love the balsamic salad! All the food is great (I think I've tried everything on the menu) but the balsamic salad is my fav! Try it with chicken or prawns. They'll make it with tri tip instead if you like. It tastes great with the blue cheese.
(5)
Lea B.

I go to this place for lunch quite a bit. I don't eat meat, but they have the hugest, tastiest salads. And the salads come with a corn muffin in case you get tired of lettuce. The chopped salad is great, as is the balsamic salad.
(4)
Jay L.

I been here several times for lunch, and it's always busy. I love getting the Balsamic Salad with Glazed Walnut and adding Tri-tip to it. It reminds me of a salad I used to get in San Luis Obispo. The tri-tip and chicken here are good. They also have lunch specials written on the black board at a reasonable price. I have yet to try them. Every time I come here, I always have to have the Balsamic Salad.
(4)
Mark L.

After reading the reviews, this place was amazing. I had the Tri-tip sandwich, regular size, chipotle. Portions were very generous, potato fries were really tasty, and the service you get is wonderful.
(5)
Liz S.

The food here is excellent without fail, every time. I would agree with other Yelpers to get it "to go" rather than eat there since the environment is a bit small. But the food is what you come here for anyway, from the roasted chicken to the tri-tip platter--it's all great. I love the chicken tortilla soup--so much flavor! And the balsamic salad with glazed pecans is tasty. I haven't had a dish I haven't liked yet!
(5)
Girija R.

We went here on Saturday evening for dinner. Ordered pulled pork sandwich & BBQ chicken sandwich Chicken was dry and sandwich was OK. Pork sandwich was little better.
(3)
Maryanne D.

I love their lunch tri-tip sandwiches and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. Their chopped salad with tri-tip as well is almost a weekly obsession of mine especially since it comes with their tasty cornbread. I've also tried their fall of the bone pork ribs - just delicious.
(4)
Stephanie C.

I went here to meet a friend for lunch. I actually found this place through yelp. I had the pulled pork platter and was a big fan. You get a good portion of meat and a variety of good sides. I got the corn bread muffin (small but good), corn salad (fresh roasted corn!), and french fries. The prices are good and it's a casual atmosphere for lunch. The owners were there and seem genuinely interested in your dining experience... always a plus.
(4)
C S.

The food is very good and they monitor the air conditioning pretty well.
(4)
Tiffany F.

wow. expensive salty cold chicken on top of soggy lettuce.
(2)
Dan Y.

When the work day is finally over and you're ready for a nice dinner, the last thing you want is some obnoxious waiter or waitress trying to jack up their tip by engaging you in conversation. I don't mind a little idle chitchat before the meal arrives, but when the food is on the table, then it's time to leave me the hell alone and let me eat in peace. Don't keep asking if everything is allright, don't ask me How about those A's/Giants/Niners/whatever, don't ask me ANYTHING, just go away. So Red Smoke gets one star right off the bat for offering counter service. All you do is order, pay, and go sit down. When the food's ready you get it yourself and eat. It's the fast food system, but with gourmet quality food (or close to it). About time somebody thought of this. The food here is outstanding. Tender BBQ chicken and big meaty ribs, bursting with flavor. Huge salads full of fresh crunchy veggies and beans. Some of the best American comfort food you'll ever have, served in a very pleasant, casual atmosphere. The people who developed this restaurant have decades of experiences in the business, and it shows. If you're a Tri-Valley native looking for Tri-Tip, or pork or chicken or a really great salad, this is the place. I hope to see a Red Smoke Grill in my town one of these days.
(5)
Alisa B.

Excellent food. The meat is the cornerstone of the business, but the salads are amazing. I'm particularly addicted to the pulled pork or the chopped salad with chicken.
(5)
jesse p.

Best BBQ sandwiches I have ever had... The BBQ chicken and BBQ ranch are amazing. The tri-tip Chipolte is my favorite with juicy meats, a spicy chipolte sause and some calming corn salad that evens out the taste and brings out the smoked tri tip.. The fries are very crunchy and tasty esecially with the crazy spices they put on them...The tortilla soup is good with just enough spice and hearty chicken... I have had all of they salads and the ingredients make for alot of different taste which i liked. The balsamic vinagerette is a great dressing they make. I have had all the platters and I really like the rib chicken rib tri-tip combos they had.. Overall the place is great with a nice atmosphere and I would reccomend it to anyone who wants in on some good eats...
(5)
E H.

I love beef, all kinds of it, so I know my beef. This place has the best tri tip. Another thing to try is their bread pudding. I was very surprised the first time I had it. In this more-or-less a fast food place, I never expect their bread pudding to taste better than the $10 bread pudding I had in other high-end restaurants.
(4)
John V.

I had to write a review because i noticed someone complaining about the customer service. I have been here probably 15 times and have always had very good service. The employees who work the register are typically around high school aged or college but very professional, well mannered, and friendly and have always had a smile when i walk in the door. as for the food, i really recommend the tri-tip. the chipotle tri- tip sandwich is my favorite, it took a few times to figure out what i really liked here. the large sandwich is enough to fill me up and priced at about 10 bucks. (i typically eat a lot). the salads are also good, balsamic with tri tip is my favorite and enough to share. Suggestions: it would be nice if the sandwiches' came with fries or a small side. the platters would be great if they were a little cheaper too, priced at 18 dollars for 10 oz with 2 sides (compared to Dickeys 12 dollars for the meal or less). they should offer a vegy or healthy side option other than salad. if you dont want to eat healthy: try a cookie or the bread pudding! both pretty good and homemade. in conclusion: try the tri tip sandwich- its best for the money. if you wanna spend the extra money go with the platter. good and quick service. i would recommend to friends and family.
(4)
Revati V.

Been here a few times before, but this time I went because I'm trying out a low-carb diet and couldn't go to sweet tomatoes with the rest of my family. I was impressed that they had a specifically protein friendly menu so that I didn't have to get the platters that come with high-carb sides. I had the bbq pulled pork and was very happy with it; it came with good portion of meat with a nice salad to go with it. The meat itself was very tasty and tender. This is a great find for a quick meal while I'm on this diet! PS I've had their tri tip sandwich in the past and it is amazing!
(5)
Jeremiah R.

I absolutely love Red Smoke. I've had many of the items on the menu. The salads are hearty and good for lighter lunches. The BBQ sauce is great...that matters at a BBQ spot. The tri-tip and grilled chicken are excellent. My office is nearby and we frequent the spot as a team because it has something for everyone. If you've never been you owe it to yourself to check this place out!
(5)
kathryn l.

I ordered their chopped salad and added chicken to it. They should rename their chopped salad the lettuce butt salad because 3/4 of my salad was the end of lettuce. It wasn't even washed thoroughly. So disgusting. The dressing could have been water for all I know. For $10 all I got was spicy, watery lettuce ends. Will not be returning.
(1)
Joanna C.

Ate here for the first time, they are very close to Plato's Closet. Came in around 6pm, Friday night, not busy at all. No line to order, took about 15-20 min to get food. We ordered the trip tip and cheeseburger with grilled onions. Both were so tasty and large portions. Very messy to eat, but worth the messy fingers! Fries are okay, nothing special. They are sprinkled with a red spice, didn't taste like much. The tri-tip could've used more sauce, we asked for more, problem solved! Decently priced for the big portions. I am definitely returning, their entire menu looks delicious! And very friendly staff! Make sure to check in, they offer free goodies starting after the second check in!!
(4)
Greg G.

Decent food. It would be better if they seasoned the ribs instead of dousing it with bbq sauce. Chicken is definitely rotisserie...meh...Nothing like Smoking Pig in SJ but it hit the spot. Sides need work!
(2)
Jones K.

1st time here and was amazing. Clean nice and if you like tri tip I recommend the tri tip chipotle . To die for will be coming back again delicious ..
(5)
Robert M.

My family has been going to Red Smoke at least twice a month for the past 10 years .The food is always fresh and delicious! The service is Always excellent! It is our restaurant of choice for a casual dining experience without sacrificing quality. They are known for their TriTips, but I would have to say the I usually order the chicken with the corn salad side. Try it , You will Like It!
(5)
J L.

Been going here for years....Food is still....... ok, I've had better BBQ and......unfortunately CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE. The Manager Jim is better, but Ken....Don't get me started, hard to believe this business is still alive!...I will not recommend this place to friends and family...especially my friends and family that live in the area... Sad to say but "ON TO THE NEXT BBQ joint"!!!!!!
(1)
Kathleen A.

The Red Smoke grill is my go to place to grab some take out when I just do not want to cook. This place is located super close to work and easy for me to get to quickly. I used to hate parking in the lot until I realized I could save my sanity by parking on the side area and walking over to the restaurant. I am always greeted with a smile and help when I don't know exactly what I want to order but have a couple things in mind. I always get a discount by checking in with my phone number at the kiosk to the left of the registers. Sometimes on a Friday I grab a glass of wine and hang out and wait for my food. The trip tip and chicken are always at the top of the list. We also LOVE the chicken tortilla soup. Throw in the side salad and you can keep your meal low carb friendly. My only upgrade would be to have complementary sauces included in the to go bag (horseradish, erc). Sometimes I forget to ask and I am sad when I get home. At least maybe the question up front when ordering to go would be cool as I can appreciate them not wanting to waste containers and sauce on people that do not want it. Make sure you ask for it if you want it. Stop by Red Smoke Grill- The service and quality of food will not leave you disappointed.
(4)
Bobby W.

BEWARE OF THE EVIL EYE , if you use the $1 off coupon they have on Valpak. I think he's the owner, usually gives me the look when I present a one dollar coupon for the meal. And no smiles, ever. Come on???!?!?, i still spend about $10 for lunch. Besides that, food is ok- good depending on day and what's ordered. The tri-tip sandwiches are good. The burgers are better at burger king. So...... the three stars would have been a three and a half for the beef sandwiches, but the burger and the EVIL EYE took it down to three.
(3)
Kris P.

After visiting a nearby furniture, the wife got hungry and we scoped out this joint across the way. It being 3pm, an odd in between time, we weren't expecting much in terms of crowd and atmosphere. This was strictly get in, eat, and get out without stuffing ourselves with the pink slime of fast food. We ordered a burger, some fries and onion rings, and beers. At first, we got scared because the cook out back yelled that the patties were frozen. Hard to believe that a BBQ joint like this would serve frozen product. Unsure if it was a miscommunication between the back and front, but whatever they served us was pretty darned good. Maybe they had fresh beef in back, because they burger surely tasted fresh and juicy. Fries were crispy and tasty, with some kind of seasoning on it. I ate way too many of them. Rings were just okay. We will def be back to visit during dinner time to pick up some bbq. Try it out!
(4)
Larry M.

Wow! Just found this place while in town on business. Love it! Tried tip in blue is awesome. Two item combo, ribs and shrimp (prawns) were as good or better than any I have ever had! Might be worth a trip to pleasanton just to eat here.
(5)
Sonia A.

This place has the best TriTip sandwiches!! I work near by and usually call my order in and it's always ready within 10 minutes.
(5)
Brian M.

I have not been here in awhile, but when I worked in Pleasanton, this was a frequent stop at lunchtime. I always get the trio of chicken, tri tip and shrimp. The food is absolutely amazing right down to the side salads. The chicken slides off the bone, moist, tender and flavorful. The tri tip is succulent and flavorful and the shrimp are perfectly seasoned. I have never ordered the pulled pork sandwich, but my two buddies would order nothing else as they raved about them. Kind of small and can get a little loud is your are there with the wrong crowd, but the food is top-notch. How this got 3.5 stars, I will never know. It is a solid five in my book.
(5)
Cyndee F.

The food here is great, including the customer service!! Love the red smoke salads!!
(5)
John P.

I think I've under-appreciated/taken for granted this Red Smoke grill - a staple in this business park type area where I work - in the past. I got the 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken for lunch last week and it was very good. Many places fail to get the balance of moistness and flavor throughout the white and dark meat of whole (or half) roasted chickens. (One part can often be overdone/underdone as the expense of the other.) This can be difficult and imo it takes an some experience and talent pull that off. Well, they've done it here. I also enjoyed the corn based sides (salad and muffin) as well.
(4)
Kylie A.

Great food and casual dining/kid friendly is always a plus. Cheeseburger & tri-tip sandwich with fries were fantastic. Generous portions and lots of kid meal options. Beer a little pricey - $6.50 for 22 oz draft but we will definitely be repeat customers!
(5)
Camila A.

Went there tonight with family members. We spent $20 on one sandwich and two sides (onion rings were almost $5!). The sandwich did not have the freshest tasting meat and lacked flavor. I agree with another reviewer about the customer service. When I went up to order a girl was standing there and yelled out to the other girl walking "someone wants to order". The other girl just looked at her and walked the other direction. The first girl looked at me and said, " fine", before proceeding to take my order. So rude! It was a big red flag to see the place empty at 7:30 on a Saturday night. We should've taken the hint. Do not recommend and wouldn't return.
(2)
Regina S.

Went here right after eating at Sweet Tomatoes. Sweet Tomatoes literally had no meat (soup salad and ton of carbs) I recommended this place to my group of friends because I saw their add on Your Town Monthly (if you want to use the coupon they require the printed coupon, we live in a digital social media era , accept the smart phones/digital coupon) The two girls who were at the cash register where not helpful at all or customer service oriented . I think the three of us where more of an inconvenience for them. Also we have never been here before , so not sure if that had a bearing on the rude service we received. The portions were extremely small vs the price for the food. Our meat was a little on the dry side and odd (pulled pork). Unfortunately our tri tip sandwich didn't have too much meat on it but the actual meat on the tri tip sandwich was really good. I don't know how I feel about the pulled pork... I wasn't sure if they cooked it in house or if it was processed / heated. We tossed it away by the time we got back home (about 30 mins or so from the time we ordered it) fries had extra salt . I was excited to try this place but truly felt it was a waste of money . I don't think I will go back, and the only thing I can recommend would be the tri tip sandwich as the quality of meat was good vs the horrible pulled pork we ordered. * Also when you go there , you go to the counter and order your food and then they call your number. (You don't sit down , or get served) * they do have great check in social media specials, and a great coupon in your town monthly * out of the four things we ordered the tri tip sandwich was the best , but wish there was more meat, the bread / bun over powered it. The tri tip sandwich comes with a huge bun , meat , and this tomato / onion salsa topping. * the family meal looks like a great deal * the decor of the place is cute , they have TV's with sports playing. The place was clean.
(2)
Brianna F.

My husband and I went here tonight because Sweet Tomatoes next door was super crowded. We weren't sure how it was going to be but were pleasantly surprised! Ranch dressing is a big deal for us (we hate the mayonnaise-y kind), and they have a yummy ranch. I had tritip on my red pepper chop salad - it was tender and had good flavor. Liked the fries (especially with the ranch :). My husband loved the onion rings Would definitely stop here again on our way back to San Jose!
(4)
Alena W.

Anyone who knows me knows I love big portions as well as good deals. Red Smoke definitely made me a happy girl today! For lunch I ordered the Tri Tip & Blue Sandwich (horseradish sauce, caramelized onions AND blue cheese!) and a side salad. Thanks to a coupon I found online (Valpak) my side salad was free. Thanks to Red Smoke, my side salad was enormous. It took me so long to finish it and it was so filling that I only ate half of my scrumptious sandwich! Well played, Red Smoke, well played.
(4)
Julio G.

Meh. Yeah, no smoker in sight. No brisket. Weird. AND, you have to request BBQ sauce. That's right. A BBQ place where you have to request BBQ sauce...what??? I tried the tri-tip and even though the flavor was good, the meat was not tender. The beans were good. The tiny piece of cornbread was dry. And last but not least, the slaw...kinda nasty. Tasted like what a dirty sink smells like. Not really cheap for what you get.
(2)
Ma W.

Ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes and chicken strips and fries for kids. Kids meal was a little bit on spicy side. So unless your young kids like spicy- go for it. Our meal wasn't fantastic but it was ok. We would probably stop by again. Without kids.. Place was clean, although personnel wasn't very enthusiastic towards customers. ( when we entered the place, I didn't figure out right away that I had to look at the menu and order and wait . I guess if we would be greeted and sort of explained how it worked there in terms of getting the food, it would have saved us from standing and looking around for several minutes like lost people ) Bathroom was nice and clean.
(4)
A W.

Walked past here many times on my way to Sweet Tomatoes but finally made it in for lunch this week. I got a grilled chicken sandwich, side salad, and a cup of chicken tortilla soup. The salad was okay...it's just a salad so not much you can do good or bad there. The soup was pretty good...I'd order it again but it's not something I could eat by itself for a meal. The chicken sandwich was really good and really filling. I was really satisfied with all the food I got here. Kind of disappointed in myself that I didn't get any BBQ items from here, but I won't make that mistake when I go back.
(4)
One F.

Try the Chopped Salad - you cannot go wrong with the perfect blend of corn and beans and lettuce in an incredible chipotle sauce. Happened to be in Pleasanton after 5 years recently and made sure I got my Chopped Salad fix. They have a pretty busy lunch crowd who seem to be equally excited by the sandwiches and such but I never get to taste those since the Chopped Salad is pretty large. :)
(5)
Daniel D.

Good food. Good service. You pay upfront so you don't have to tip unless you want to. Proportions are perfect! The area is well kept and our table wasn't wobbly, which is always a problem nowadays! We got the ribs and tri tip blue way. Superrrrrr goood! Food great and at a good price. Overall, I highly recommend this place.
(5)
ks s.

Went here yesterday for the first time, atmosphere pretty good, nice to be able to eat outside. Had the tri-tip & blue. Not terrible, but definitely have had better. Although the tri-tip was semi-moist, there was no real smoke to the tri-tip and I had to ask myself where's the BBQ???? The blue cheese added a nice flavor, but was disappointed. When I go to have BBQ that's what I expect. All I really had was a decent tri-tip, some a touch of horseradish with crumbled blue cheese and some carmelized onions. I expected more bbq sauce and a bit of a kick. Sadly not the case. Had a side of fries which were very tastey. Not awful, but not a place I would rush to go to for BBQ.
(3)
Jay R.

Been going here for years, and the tritip is awesome, but also really enjoy the prawn salad, chopped salad and the tortilla soup. My assistant gets it regularly for larger groups to eat in at works, and nothing but compliments.
(5)
Larry L.

The food was excellent. The specific meal combinations can be modified to personal choices. The staff will actually help options that are customized for the customer. The place is clean with well maintained wood floors. This is not a a chain restaurant and does not have the glitzy pretentious surroundings. This is a down to earth restaurant that is focused on select bbq food that is well prepared and not from a cookie cutter recipe. The prices are not as costly as the chain restaurants. Very reasonable and how you spend your time is up to you. This place does not attract the obnoxious customers and you can enjoy your meal. In my opinion, I think that the exterior subdued signage of the restaurant does not attract the customer that are attracted to shiny objects. Fortunately, Sweet Tomatoes takes the business where the kids are not supervised and those in need of a simple dining experience that want to get their monies worth can bypass that craziness and choose the Red Smoke Grill . I would recommend it to couples both young and old, families that are looking for a good value and to the hipster that wants to make this place their hang out. I read the reviews that rated this place harshly so I wonder if they focused on the entire experience rather than a communication break down. Anyway..there are few places like this around where you can sit and enjoy your meal and actually enjoy the person or family members you are dining out with.
(5)
Jon B.

Tri tip and blue sandwich is big. I get the onion rings with it. Some really good salads also, however, the corn muffin, bread pudding and the roasted corn salad are the best!
(4)
Shereen L.

went to red smoke grill for the first time because my friend wanted to try it out. I ordered a pull pork sandwich and I'm not a big fan of pull pork but wanted to try something new. This has to be the best pull pork sandwich I've ever had. My friend ordered the chipotle tri tip platter with the chicken tortilla soup and ranch style beans. It came out perfect. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Raffi A.

I'm beginning to think the people of Pleasanton have very immature tastes. Many of the well rated spots I've been to here have all been "ok". So about Red Smoke Grill...My buddy and I were craving BBQ and I had remembered I bookmarked this spot a while back. The Chef/Owner was at the register and took our order. Very unfriendly. No smile, no welcome, not a care in the world when I asked him what he recommended. We wanted to sit outside and we had to wipe down our own table...it was covered in dirt and dust. I ordered the Tri Tip Chipotle sandwich and a side salad. The meat was cold and flavorless. The whole thing tasted like bread and sour cream. I was so disappointed. My friend got the three item platter. This thing costs about $20 and the portion was TINY. He got the prawns, chicken, and tri tip. Each serving was kids meal size and the potato salad side was bland. The best part of our meal was our Snapple ice tea. This place is not BBQ. Its just some roasted corn salsa-on flavorless meat-untoasted bun-tex mex-wannabe. I am an honest foodie and only draft reviews when I feel obliged to. Don't let the stars fool you. Check out Kinder's in the area instead.
(1)
Matt T.

I love their tri tip sandwiches. Best sandwich in the area hands down. Fries are great too. Huge selection of hot sauces as well. You got to try it.
(5)
Brittany M.

We have used Red Smoke Grill several times for catering events at the church that I work for and they have nothing but praise for the food, the service, and the people that work for Red Smoke Grill. We haven't been there to eat, but I'm sure it's just as good. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good catering/barbecue place.
(5)
Dane K.

This is my third trip to Red Smoke Grill and I absolutely love the place. Searched yelp for tri tip sandwich and it pointed me here. I've had all the tri tip sandwiches and they're delicious. Not a huge fan of blue cheese but it worked. Looking forward to trying the BBQ chicken and pulled pork sandwiches (pulled pork is my favorite sandwich of all time). The sides in my opinion are just alright. Have had the potato salad, the beans, and the fries. The fries are fries. The beans were more like a chili style than a BBQ baked bean style. Good in its own right just not what I was expecting. Now potato salad, I am very partial to my moms tater salad which is very different. It is good, just again, not what I was expecting. 4 stars til I've tried everything.
(4)
Carlyn M.

Hi Jim - I apologize I thought I gave a 5 star rating. I've updated it from 3 to 5 stars!! Thanks
(5)
Kathleen K.

This is the best kept secret BBQ place in Pleasanton. They make an awesome tri-tip sandwich and their ribs are killer too. Prices are fair and portions are generous. They use only top quality ingredients and the restaurant is very clean.
(5)
Stephen R.

I suppose I should have read the writing on the wall (Red Smoke) or checked Yelp. I don't take pleasure in writing bad reviews. So right off the bat I give them 4 stars. Why because I can't give 3.5. Great atmosphere, clean and truly friendly. My burger was ok. But that sauce on the pulled pork and ribs was not my cup of tea. I understand that some folks may really like that. As far as I'm concerned it ruined the whole experience. There's no point in cooking bbq of any kind if you cover it up with sauce that overpowers the natural meat flavor. Seriously I tried to eat a few ribs but it was not worth my time. Never have I ever thrown away ribs until I tried Red Smoke. I can't wait to go somewhere (which would be anywhere else) to enjoy some ribs. The sauce was an insult to my tastebuds. Obviously some people like that and I assume they just don't know better. I changed my mind 3 stars.
(3)
Panda R.

I like to start off with how excited I was to eat some bbq tonight then the manwich happened. I order the pulled pork but what I got tasted like manwich from a can, I was sad, a very sad panda. My boyfriend got the Tri tip blue which was okay. It was slightly on the dry side. Oh yeah, the seasoned fries were a bit to salty too, sad. I'll probably check the place out again but not anytime soon.
(2)
Robert R.

I had been craving a Burger lately and happened to stumble on to this place. I had heard about their "famous" Tri-tip, but was not in the mood. I had ordered a Cheeseburger with seasoned fries to go. Fries were really nice and addicting as well as the Fresh Baked bun. The Burger on the other hand was a little bland. I did not get the mayo, but subbed the BBQ sauce which did not enhance the Burger. I will try another time but will get the Tri-tip next time.
(3)
Matteo M.

I wish I reviewed the Yelps before I bought my tri tip Red Smoke family meal. Having just moved to pleasanton, I'm trying out new places, me & my boys opted for some bbq. And I found an add that offered $5 off too, so I was looking forward to checking it out. Upon entering and placing my order ( with I assume now is the owner) I gave him my coupon. And just like earlier reviews, he literally frowned and looked disappointed. I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but after reading other reviewers similar reactions,,,Why put those coupons out there if it bothers you so much when your customers use them? Also, it's time for digital coupons. The other 2 employees were in their own little world and wouldn't make eye contact with me or my sons. In fact, one of said workers was washing the windows and doors right behind me and my kids,,I mean right behind me as in in inches, I moved my tribe to another table. The guy didn't say a word and just zombied along, ignoring that we were there. A smile and a pardon me would have gone a long way. It's called customer service. The food; Decent tri tip, flavors hit the spot. I'm familiar with Santa Maria style ( which is actually stolen from Alameda County, but that's another story) so I appreciate what they trying to create here. The salsa, cole slaw was excellent. The corn muffins were ok. I wish the meat had been sliced thicker, rather they were sliced super thin sandwich or salad style. When served as an entree and not for a sandwich, it should be thicker. We'll come back to try the chicken, ribs & desserts. Hopefully, the service won't be so depressing next time.
(3)
Trung N.

Well.. the gf wanted pulled pork, and after yelping a few places nearby this place came up the winner. So coming in very much close to closing time, the people there were kind and friendly even though you had that feeling they just wanted to finish cleaning up so they could close up shop. No worries.. just ordered the pulled pork sandwich to-go. Decently sized as well as fairly priced, the sandwich was good. The pork itself had a soft texture as if it was braised.. something I wasn't quite expecting as I prefer a nice smoked piece of pork for a pulled pork sandwich. The bbq flavor was also interesting. The sweetness and tomatoey flavors reminded me of a sloppy joe.. so instead of beef, it was pork. The coleslaw that was in the sandwich added a nice contrast and tasted good. Overall, it was ok.. but I rather get pulled pork elsewhere. The other menu items they have sound good though. Probably try it out another time.
(3)
Martin F.

I like BBQ and am game to try any new bbq place I can find. The food was good, filling and served hot and quickly. The bbq sauce was ok - but it doesn't jump out at you as something that wow's you. Looking at the meat, it is truly "wafer thin" - slicing like this is what I associate with philly cheese steak not tri tip. The meat had been "in holding" long enough that the red tell tale edges of freshly smoked meats was gone and left in it's place was a dull gray. The other thing that slicing the meat this thin does is hides / avoids any toughness in the food - so it's certainly easy to chew. The fries were fresh and tasty, the service was prompt and the place is clean. It's not bad but whatever it is, it isn't southern bbq. I would prefer to eat here vs. the subway across the parking lot,
(3)
Glenda J.

Like most places where you order at the entrance and get a number, I always feel so much pressure to pick something in a hurry. This was my first time in a long, long time. Ordered the Balsamic Salad With Glazed Pecans and added tri-tip. Came with Blue cheese crumbles and shaved red onion and a small cornbread muffin. This was nothing to write home about. Chopped romaine with 4 slices of tri tip is the bottom line. Water tasted like bleach. Ugh. Or at least what I imagine bleach to taste like! Sorry I really wanted to like this place.
(2)
J P.

I see that the owner, Mr. Painter, seems to monitor reviews. that is impressive. I just made my first visit and i have to say that if this is the best bbq in the area, I am a little depressed. In my group, we had pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. I expected the pork to have a smoky flavor. it may have had that originally, but, if so, it got quickly buried in the abundance of sauce. others may enjoy it, but i thought the sauce tasted like burnt taco sauce. really not for me. i had expected smoked meat, with the ability to choose a sauce from a couple of different types. this is just what i have come to expect. ribs were a little tough and also drenched in the same sauce. could have dealt with toughness, but that cumen taste can only be taken in small doses. my recommendations: scrap that sauce or make it optional. actually have some smoke. if tri-tip is it, then don't even try with the other stuff.
(2)
Victor G.

Red Smoke Grill has lots going for it. good tasting food isn't one of them. small dining area with wine and beer options. eats: 1/2# charbroiled angus burger, medium rare, 5.49 -came with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, on fancy bun -reddish, just a little juicy, juiciness came from mayo, lettuce added a side (.99) garlic mashed potatoes -garlic very lite, potatoe firm, not creamy, needed butter, bland taste. *good food value, 4 stars, rating: 3.5 stars. leftovers: -very friendly, fast service -overheard patron mention yelp rates the bbq high here. (should have read the reviews before ordering.).
(3)
Glenn L.

Back again for the tri-tip! I really like the chicken tortilla soup as a side. This time I had the corn salad as a side (nice). This place is a real find. Tri-tip was tender but still firm. This place is still my tri-tip leader in the area.
(4)
Sara A.

The food here is very good. The tortilla soup cures just about anything and its delicious! Very friendly staff and good location.
(4)
Sandyann G.

I went here the other day with Candace G because she only had 30 minutes for her lunch. Perhaps if I worked in the area I would come back...maybe not. The Chicken Tortilla Soup was hearty and had big chunks of chicken. But the chicken tasted sweet like bbq sauce. 'Tortilla' in my mind implies Mexican and spicy. Candace likes the sandwiches though ans since she works over there I guess that is all that matters. It wasn't bad in my mind but then again I wasn't really impressed either.
(3)
Chavonta E.

We used Red Smoke Grill to cater my husband's birthday party. The food was delivered on time, tender and tasty. We ordered the Chipotle shrimp, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, beans and corn muffins. It was delicious at the party and then again for left overs during lunch the next day.
(5)
Mackenzie S.

it is a very good quick eat out restaurant, you just have to get there at the right time when the right people are working. There are often highschoolers working and they aren't always the friendliest. The Balsamic Salad is delicious!
(3)
Kevin J.

The Tri-Tip Blue is well worth the drive! Good quality food, fresh bread and great taste. Service is average, but again the food makes up for any shortcomings with the counter service. This is one of my favorite lunch spots in the Tr--Valley. It's not cheap, but it is worth it.
(4)
JV J.

Best BBQ spot in The Tri Valley Area. Everything is good and its Santa Maria Style BBQ. Off the hook!
(5)
Marcus D.

First time there. Hamburger and garlic fries were great. For the cost of the burger and no fries, we felt the value wasn't quite there. For about the same price, you can go to a few other burger places and get fries with the burger. Its a good place to go, just expensive for what you get.
(3)
Haoming H.

Got the protein lunch combo to-go ($8.25 after tax) which is a choice of a meat with a side salad. I chose the BBQ pork which was just ok. I've had much better in the same price range but it wasn't bad. The salad was much worse. It was just plain romaine lettuce with parmesan cheese. I asked for the lemon vinegrette dressing which they either didn't put on or had absolutely no taste. I'm guessing the former since my salad was dry. I like to eat healthy so I didn't really care for dressing on my salad anyway but others would likely complain. Portion sizes are moderate. $6.25 is a better price for the amount of meat given. Food was ready in 3 minutes.
(1)
Melissa R.

Food Journal Entry 6/11/13: Thinly sliced Tri-tip goodness is back in my lunch time rotation. After having an ok dinner experience the owner informed me that I can have Tri-Tip the way I want it. I can have it sliced thick or thin. I appreciated that bit of information and gave it another shot. Nostalgia didn't betray me and my Tri-Tip protein plate was just as good as the first time I had it. And I now know that I can have a tri-tip dinner thinly sliced. It's really the way to go in the way of taste. So tender and so good.
(4)
Joseph B.

I went there with some friends from my unit today. The portions were rather small vs the price for the food. Our meat was a little on the cold side (tri tip). My tri tip sandwich didn't have too much meat on it but the actual meat on the tri tip sandwich was really good. What was odd especially, I ordered a sandwich and asked for a side which should be 1.25. But the guy charged me 3.99. For the 3.99, the portion was way too small. I was excited to try this place but truly felt it was a waste of money. I will not be visiting again unless someone else is driving.
(2)
Arun M.

Not real BBQ!!! HOWEVER....... The food was cooked perfectly and presented well and the staff was friendly but the flavors needed work and I wouldn't call it BBQ. My likes: chicken, Tri-tip, coleslaw, corn muffin, and extreme cookie. My dislikes: Ribs, potato salad, lack of smoke on the food, ,and a weird odar when I walked in. This place is casual dinning. You order your food at the counter, they prepare your food, and they call your number when you're done. They have beer and coke products. I got the 3 meats combo because when I go to any place that is labeled as BBQ the ultimate test is to see how well they can fix up a plate of BBQ and not a sandwich. Meat: The first thing I noticed in the ribs was that it had a taste of cumin in it. Cumin is for chili and not Q so they lost points on that. Then I tried the Tri-tip which I don't see common in BBQ places. It was juicey and had a good beef taste but no smoke flavor. The same was with the chicken. I was given a chicken breast with bone and it was juicey but lacked any smoke flavor. One problem I saw was that they didn't have a house BBQ sauce or any BBQ sauce. Even though I don't like sauce it should still be there in order to be called a BBQ joint. Sides: They had the best cole slaw I've ever eaten, it's a mayonaise base but very lite and was full of flavor. Which is something I can't say about the potato salad. You could barely identify the potatoes in the potatoe salad because it was diced so small. The red onions were bigger than the potatoes. I did like the addition of egg in it. What made things better was the corn muffin with bell peppers in it and their cookie that had chocolate chips, walnut, and coconut. Overall I would go back if I was craving meat or if I went on an Atkins diet. I would have been more disappointed that this place wasn't serving real BBQ if I overpaid, the food wasn't cooked right, and if the people were rude but because the price was reasonable, the food was cooked well and the staff was friendly I would consider this place again.
(4)
Tracy P.

Ordered the pulled pork sandwich...it was lukewarm and not enough sauce. Kind of tasted like it has been sitting out for awhile. Also ordered the tri-tip sandwich...haven't tried it yet but it looks really sad. The cheese isn't even melted. Friend ordered the grilled chicken. He feels ripped off...his sandwich was also cold and the chicken looks pink inside. NSFW
(2)
Dora L.

Wow. I have to say I'm surprised at the extreme reviews on this place. I really like this place for a quick lunch or takeout since I work in the area. My company used to cater a smorgasbord of food from here but since I've changed jobs, now I have to make oh-so-difficult meal decisions since everything is so yummy! Great sandwiches and even better sides! I love their sides. The chicken tortilla soup is awesome - perfect savory, spicy, salty, and even a tad sweet. Roasted corn salsa is also really good. The sandwiches are big and filling, with plenty of meat in my opinion (read another review complaining about that). They offer them in two sizes so if you need more for your belly, opt for the large size. I like the tri-tip chipotle sandwich or the BBQ chicken. The bread is hearty and soft, but it would be better if it were a little toasted though. Other: easy parking, clean restaurant, nice owners. Right by Starbucks too! It seems like people either had a great experience or a terrible one. Consistency is key for a restaurant. Lucky for me, I've always had positive experiences but the owners might want to consider some of the comments here. I'll keep coming back in the meantime!
(4)
Patrick M.

Rotiserie Chicken with citrus bbq sauce - OFF THE CHARTS GOOD. Have not had chicken this good since Huli Huli chicken in Hawaii
(5)
Matt V.

Sometimes I feel like I'm going to hear, "No soup for you!" when I ask for my salad with no tomatoes. The food is great though.
(5)
David K.

Update: Thanks for the follow up Jim... Good to know there is BBQ sauce, and thanks for the feedback on the chicken. I'd encourage your staff to interact with customers a little more and share some of the info you did in your response. Our experience was not a fantastic one, but overall Yelper's this is an example of "If you don't ask, you don't get". Your experience will probably a better one if you are the kind of person to get the attention of staff and ask about your food, or for the things you expect to be available, rather than hunting through the selection of sauces and shrugging your shoulders.
(3)
Rachel G.

I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and a side of garlic fries. The pulled pork sandwich was tender and marinated well. The flavor kind of reminded me of a "sloppy joe", but went well with the pork. The garlic fries were great! The fries were crispy and came with a lot of garlic. Will definitely come back to try to rest of the other items on the menu.
(3)
A P.

Went for lunch and had the Tri-tip platter with au-jus and had coleslaw and garlic mashed potatoes as the sides. The tri-tip was okay nothing special, I could make it better at home with more flavor. The corn muffin was probably the best thing on the platter. I had to ask for some of the BBQ sauce because I need some sort of flavor to eat the tri-tip. The sauce was okay the best part about it was that it was warm. Not really a place that I would go back to.
(2)
Cathy P.

I've had several different items here. Here's a list. Ribs - good. Prepared oddly. Taken out of a wrapper and thrown into a warmer/oven. Sauce is good, not great. Ribs are tender. Pulled pork - OK. The pulled pork itself is lean, but soaked in a sauce. I prefer it dry with the sauce on top - semantics. The roll is crumbly and does not hold up as a good sandwich bread. The coleslaw has onions. Tri Tip - once very good, once fatty and chewy. Again, the bread is not strong enough to hold the meat in a sandwich. I just falls apart. Chicken tortilla soup - comes with onions, tortilla strips and cheese. Is good. Cornbread - full of onions. Basically the only side you can get without onions are the French fries. Potato salad - meh. Full of onions. The service is fast and the place is clean, otherwise, the food is OK.
(2)
Henna P.

We come here as a backup when the line for Sweet Tomatoes (next door) is too long. They serve yummy Southern style food and whatever we order, we always enjoy! Last time I had the pulled pork, with corn salad, coleslaw, and sweet potato fries. YUM! :9 My husband got the tri-tip with cilantro horseradish, which was delicious, cornbread, and tortilla soup. My parents ordered the chicken sandwich and the rotisserie chicken. Everything was flavorful and delicious. Everyone's various types of meat were juicy and not dry at all. It's not as healthy as Sweet Tomatoes, but everyone needs a hearty Southern meal every once in awhile :D
(4)
Norma B.

My absolute favorite salad is from here. U have to like southwest style food, and if u do their chopped salad is delicious! I especially love the chili lime dressing. Yum!
(5)
Ken B.

Love the food here and I always get the corn salad as a side. Good family meals to go when you are in a hurry. The only reason that I am taking one star off is that I am currently on a diet and they do not provide calorie counts for their menu.
(4)
Carrigan J.

Great local sandwich spot. The walnut blue cheese salad and sweet potato fries are my personal favorite.
(4)
Angie T.

Walked in and got a weird vibe when ordering. Like the guy didn't know what he was doing. Ordered my salad and added cranberries and chicken. Paid extra. Salad came out, no chicken. Asked the guy who took our order as he walked by if he charged me for the chicken. Said yes and told him there was non on it. He walked by the kitchen, told the cooks and nothing happened. I had to take my salad up to the counter and tell them there was no chicken. Cooks acted surprised and put it on. Wasn't till I got back to my table that I realized there was no cranberries either. Counted my losses and ate it anyway. Salad was good just terrible service and communication. Won't be returning.
(2)
Jovar T.

First off, no where is it mentioned there is NO WAIT SERVICE - not even on the website. Don't sit down because you have to get your own menu, order your food at the counter, get your own drinks, get your own silverware and bus your own table when you're done. Had we known this, my physically challenged friend and I would have gone elsewhere. However, we seated ourselves in the back, on the cushion bench, where we had room for walkers (all other seats are hard wood). They saw us struggling and maneuvering thru the tables, and slipping on the floor. AFTER we were seated is when they told us we had to go get menus and place our order at the front counter. We came to Red Smoke based upon positive comments. I give 2 stars since Food was good (we had tri-tip). Tables dirty, floor slippery, music loud, parking bad, service terrible. We will not be back.
(2)
Evan K.

A bit torn. Should I give this place 2 or 3 stars. Mixed thoughts. I am a carnivore (low carb). You'd think that I would be attracted to places like this. Passed by this place several times, and looked at the menu. BBQ places in general put sugary stuff on the meat, I hate that. But I get it, I know what I should expect when I go somewhere. That being said, inside they have a sign that says Low carb Lunch platter! Something along those lines. I'm thinking great!! It might be my new go to after work. Probably should've given 3 stars because of this alone. Let's get to the review. Owner was really friendly. I picked up my order and he said I'll see you again! I echoed the same sentiment. Picked up the tri tip. Seemed like it would be a good bassline to review the quality of what they offer. I was overwhelmed by the amount of salad that there was. Underwhelmed by the amount of actual meat I got. Au jus soaked into the meat. The meat wasn't too bad. Trimmed thinly, nice and fatty, but ultimately for almost 9 bucks territory, I just expect more meat. Not a salad guy. They give you a tiny little cup of dressing for that massive salad. It had cheese on it. Mozzarella? You'd think in a salad you'd want something with a bit more of a kick. Idk I guess there's not much of a demand from heavy meat eaters like myself. I suppose I should just cook more, but it would be nice to have a great place to go get a satisfying meal. This carnivore says pass on Red Smoke Grill.
(2)
Natalia H.

This place is SO GOOD!!! Friend suggested stopping by for salad on our way to Yosemite. I was a bit surprised since he's a big guy, so I didn't think he'd eat salad and second, I've been to Pleasanton and uhm...there is NOTHING in this town! Turns out the salad portions are HUGE and you can even add meat on it. Not just any kind of meat. The best tri-tip in town!!! This place kinda reminds me of Pluto's, except 5x better =D The balsamic salad with tri-tip I got was DELICIOUS! I loooove the tri-tip, it was so tender!!! And when you eat it with the au-jus sauce...YUM!! perfecto! The meal came with a corn bread too, but it looked dry so I didn't have any. My other friend ordered the 2 platter combo and she got tri-tip and ribs with a side of mashed potato and tortilla soup. Friend got a side order of sweet potato fries also, which I thought was OK. I definitely don't mind coming back to Red Smoke Grill for their salads if I'm ever in Pleasanton area. I think the salads were $8 each. Combo platter was around $12. I was so happy after our meal!
(4)
Cat N.

I got the Tri Tip and Bleu for lunch based on other yelpers review... I was really excited to try it, but my expectations were not met :( The tri tip meat was actually okay. Not the best, but it was decent. Probably would have tasted better over a salad.. But what killed it for me was the bread! The bread they used was really dry, and did not compliment the overall sandwich what soever. I ended up throwing away the whole bread of the sandwich, and just ate the meet, bleu cheese, and onions. What a waste of 10 bucks. HOWEVER, if its one thing that I would come back here for is their chicken tortilla soup. omg, that soup was BOMB. Super warm, and such a mellow taste. They did not skimp on the chicken either. I got the soup as part of the combo, and this little soup bowl is what leaves Red Smoke at 2 star for me. Skip the sandwich. And just try the soup! I haven't tried anything else on their menu, so try those at your own risk. :)
(2)
Peter K.

The place is attractive inside but the food is just OK. Those who reviewed it and indicated the food was great are the same people who would give 4-5 stars to McDonald's. This is not BBQ, but mediocre grilled food. The Chicken was awful, it was undercooked and pink. The tri-tip was good but not really tender, more like chewy flank steak. If you get a combo plate know that one person may get a chicken breast the other the remainder of a chicken half and that remainder is an awful looking leg and thigh. Ugh! We had ours cooked additionaly time to make it somewhat eatable but still it was just OK. The pulled pork is good, the beans spicy, and that it about it. I would not go back. If you do not know what good food is, this place will appeal to you, something you can see from the ratings of 4 stars from some here who as stated earlier have no idea what good food is.
(1)
Amanda H.

I would not reccomend this place. I had the tri tip sandwich with Carmelized onions and jack cheese with BBQ sauce. The meat was cold. The only thing keeping it warm was the onions. Which werent very good as well. There was way too much onions. If I wanted an onion sandwich with meat I would've asked for that instead. The sauce was alright. Like something an ametuer would make in their home. If you want good BBQ I suggest you either do it yourself, or find somewhere else. As for the service, that was perfectly fine. TMI but if you want diarrhea I would recommend this place in a second. Needless to say me and my boyfriend were fighting over the toilet that night.
(1)
Kevin G.

This place is bomb. Huge portions and solid pricing, this is definitely the choice place in Pleasanton for BBQ. Get their tri-tip and blue sandwich, you won't regret it
(4)
Jennifer L.

They have the best tri-tip in Pleasanton! My favorite is their pulled pork. It's barbecued to perfection.Salads are hefty, fries and onion rings are fresh and crispy, and their chicken tortilla soup also gets honorable mention. Their lunch protein platters keep you full for hours. The only thing I don't like is their bread. It could be a little softer. I've had a couple of the sandwiches fall apart on me. Nonetheless, their food is delicious!
(4)

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Address : 4501 Hopyard Rd
Pleasanton, CA, 94588
Phone (925) 734-0307
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :9:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes

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Red Smoke Grill

4501 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA, 94588

Red Smoke Grill Menu

Salads

Siganature Sandwiches

Platters

Certified Angus Burgers

Sides

Kids Meal

Extras

Beverages

Healthy Meal suggestions for Red Smoke Grill

Salads

Siganature Sandwiches

Platters

Certified Angus Burgers

Sides

Kids Meal

Extras

Beverages

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