Old San Luis Barbecue

Old San Luis Barbecue serves Santa Maria-style barbecue, built around Angus tri-tip grilled over red oak in open fires. The menu also includes pulled pork, chicken and linguiça sandwiches, pit plates, salads and sides like the Cowboy Corn Pie, which the restaurant calls its most famous side. Founder Matt Pearce started the business as a catering operation in 2010 before opening restaurants.

The downtown location at 670 Higuera Street takes takeout and online orders, and it sells gift cards. Both locations have self-pour tap walls with rotating craft beers, and happy hour runs on weekday afternoons. Family Days offer a free kids meal with a $20 purchase Monday through Thursday, and the restaurant offers discounts for students, military, first responders and birthdays. A catering service handles events and weddings.