This is my special treat BBQ, on the full moon or when I need comfort. I got the combo plate,loaded with plenty o meat (smoked chicken, tri tip, and pulled pork), and 2 sides (i chose mac n cheese, and potato salad) The meat is so good and fresh, perfectly seasoned, moist and rich! Living single, I ate the combo for 2 days, happily :) the cashier was super friendly and suggested i mix the bbq sauce with their white horseradish sauce and I LOVE IT! Next time im going to order 2 tubs of the mixed sauces, and an extra bbq sauce tub with my combo. The meat is so good I ate it cold for lunch and it was still delicious! The mac n cheese is rib-stickin' heavy and satisfying! Not watery creamy cheese, its thick rich cheese with elbow noodles. I love that i can get the perfect bite every time onto my fork because the mac n cheese hangs onto itself. The potato salad is perfect, fresh and tasty. I like how they ball the potato chunks, no skin, easy on the relish. This is my perfect combo order, i like going between each part, cheesey to meat, cheesy to potato salad, meat to meat. Their drinks are fab, they have canned sodas in cool summer flavors, sugar free! I got the sugar free cherry limeade, perfect with the bbq and hot walk back to Les Schwab.
Overview
If there’s one place in Crescent City that truly understands the soul of barbecue, it’s Redwood Curtain Bbq Co. tucked along 1124 US-101, Crescent City, CA 95531, United States. The first thing that hits you isn’t the sight but the smoky aroma wafting through the coastal breeze, teasing your senses long before you even see the rustic wooden sign out front. Walking in feels like stepping into a space where time slows down-where brisket is more than a meal; it’s a craft perfected through patience, fire, and tradition.
Having eaten at countless barbecue joints across California, I can say few balance authenticity and creativity like this one. The pitmasters here understand the science behind good barbecue: consistent low heat, quality cuts, and a steady hand when it comes to seasoning. They’ve clearly studied the methods of classic Southern smoking while adding their Northern California flair. For instance, their pulled pork sandwich doesn’t just rely on sauce; it’s layered with house-pickled onions and slaw that balance the richness perfectly. I learned from one of the staff that they use a combination of oak and applewood for their smoke, a detail that gives their meats that mellow sweetness instead of an overpowering char.
On my first visit, I ordered the tri-tip plate after seeing several glowing reviews online, and it didn’t disappoint. The meat was tender yet smoky, with that telltale pink ring that barbecue lovers chase. What stood out wasn’t just the flavor, but the consistency-each slice cooked evenly through, proof of careful temperature control. According to the National Barbecue Association, maintaining a smoker between 225°F and 250°F is ideal for tenderness and flavor, and you can taste that precision in every bite here.
The menu itself is straightforward but varied-ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and even smoked sausage, each cooked to showcase a different texture and depth of flavor. The sides deserve their own spotlight. The mac and cheese is creamy without being greasy, and the cornbread tastes like it came straight out of a Southern grandma’s kitchen. You can tell these recipes weren’t just pulled from a book; they were tested, tweaked, and perfected by people who live and breathe barbecue culture.
It’s also a place where community matters. I met a couple who said they stop by every Friday night after work, claiming it’s “the highlight of their week.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from fancy marketing-it’s earned through consistent food and genuine hospitality. Even locals I spoke with mentioned that this spot brings Crescent City together, especially during summer weekends when families gather for takeout picnics by the beach.
From a professional perspective, the restaurant’s approach aligns with what food service studies recommend: transparency, freshness, and local sourcing. They emphasize where their meats come from, and the staff proudly mention that their ingredients are mostly from nearby farms. This level of honesty builds trust-a cornerstone for any dining establishment that wants to thrive long-term.
Another sign of true expertise is how they handle feedback. I once overheard the manager personally checking in with a table about their meal, taking notes on what could be improved. That hands-on attitude, coupled with steady positive reviews across major platforms like Yelp and Google, reflects a business that values both its craft and its customers.
If you’re passing through Crescent City or just craving real barbecue that honors the smoke and soul behind it, this place should be on your map. Between the warm staff, carefully curated menu, and that unmistakable scent of wood smoke in the air, Redwood Curtain Bbq Co. delivers more than a meal-it delivers an experience steeped in care, community, and culinary skill that lingers long after you’ve left the table.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Drive-through ✓ On-site services ✓ TakeawayHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Table serviceAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I walked in and immediately felt so welcome. The employees happily answered all my questions, let me sample the different BBQs, and even gave me a free drink. Absolutely fantastic atmosphere. The menu was priced really reasonably as well. I got a 1/2 of pulled pork with both of the house made BBQs and it was SO good and totally filled me up (with leftovers, even!) All of the meats, the coleslaw, and the potato salad are gluten free. They said they usually close early due to selling out, so make sure to get there a ways before they close. So so delicious!!
Staff and service were fantastic. Was super kind and gave me a free soda and extra sauce (Thank you!). Truly great vibes. Tri tip was fantastic, Mac N’ Cheese was well seasoned and, the corn bread was good.
Shared a comfort cup with my husband. The comfort cup had your choice of meat with cornbread, Mac n cheese, and sauce. We chose pulled pork for the meat but they were out of it so we got the pulled chicken (they gave us a soda for the inconvenience). Mac and cheese was very good, it was hard to taste the cornbread because of everything else, so I would get a side of it next time. The bbq sauce was also very good. We got the largest size and the only "downside" is if you are the type of person that wants a bite of everything at once, that will be hard to get at first. I like to eat everything separately so for me it wasn't a problem, I just worked my way down. We enjoyed it and would be back. Service was very friendly. I do want to add that they were making more pulled pork it just would've been a wait and we did not have the time.
I stopped by Redwood Curtain BBQ Co. while I was in town for work and needed something quick and easy for dinner. I’m really glad I gave it a try. The service was friendly and fast, and the food was great. I ordered the combo plate without pork and got the tri-tip and smoked chicken, both of which were tender and juicy. The smoked chicken was honestly some of the best I’ve had. I also tried their tangy white barbecue sauce with my meats and absolutely loved it , such a great flavor. For sides, I had coleslaw and potato salad, which were both solid, but the real standout of the meal was definitely the meat. I’d definitely stop back in here the next time I’m in town
Absolutely amazing! It's better than I expected! No bones, love that! Fed me for 2 full days...4+ meals in 1 for me. Highly recommend this local family owned and operated business!! Food is fantastic! The pulled pork alone is excellent! Not to mention the tri-tip!
If you have noticed that historic Route 101 is a virtual desert for great barbecue, then here's an oasis for you. Excellent barbecue at a good value in a no nonsense location. It's run like a mom & pop shop where you're part of the family. This is your chance to have memorable 5 star barbecue to eat with the sea lions in the harbor.
Really enjoyed the concept of a meal in a cup. The tri tile was juicy and Mac and cheese was great. Was quite impressed coming from California. Will be my go to bbq in crescent city