A South Pasadena landmark since 1946, Gus’s BBQ was recently purchased and remodeled by brothers Chris & John Bicos (owners of The Original Tops in Pasadena). The new Gus’s BBQ specializes in Traditional BBQ - California Style. Dive into an enormous plate of Memphis style baby back ribs or St. Louis spare ribs. You’ll definitely be back for their juicy Carolina style pulled pork sandwich, delicious cast iron cornbread or one of their many 100% Nebraska Chuck burgers. In the mood for classic comfort food? Try their Jack’s Mac and Cheese smothered in 4 cheeses, applewood smoked bacon, crimini mushrooms & drizzled with white truffle oil. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times.
Recently named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine, Gus’s boasts a super hip bar that serves an impressive list of bourbon and draft beer.
"We had a variety of things. I personally found the house salad to be fresh with a wonderfully light vinaigrette, te chili was also quite good. The pulled pork tostada is also quite good as are the pork nachos."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"There were numerous issues with the food and service. The two things that standout is the check being placed on the table while eating and the server asking if I want change. I DO NOT GIVE A 40% tip. O’Well.
Pacific Dinning Car (Los Angeles) never has this type of service"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"Went for lunch on Saturday with a group of 6. Booked the restaurant because good on-line reviews. The BBQ, fish and chip, and local beer are all so good. Our waiter is great. Everyone at our party wants to come back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"My Wife wanted barbeque for Mother's Day, and being Pasadena residents, we wanted something close by. So we decided to try Gus's. OpenTable reservation system worked smoothly, followed by a confirmation call the next morning. We arrived for our reservation a half-hour early and the restaurant was kind enough to seat us almost immediately. Service was thoughtful, friendly and not too intrusive. My wife and I split a rib and two meat platter and we were both very happy with our choice. We have a small child and we thought the kid's menu was also thoughtful and our daughter loved her mac and cheese. All in all this made for a very happy Mother's day celebration. Thank you!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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"Go to Gus's for the Barbecued food, smoked in their quarter million dollar smoker with Pecan wood, but don't miss the Sangria (their own recipe), and if you are in the mood, the Gus's Famous Burger, served with Smoked Bacon and Crispy Onions, is the best you will ever have. Try it with the Sweet Potato Fries. Of course, one of our old stand-bys if you are not too hungry is the Pulled Pork Tostada, and if you are hungry, try the Pulled Pork Nachos for an appetizer. If you are there for a Sunday brunch, try the Pulled Pork Nachos with poached eggs on top. You won't regret it, unless you are in the mood for the Chicken & Waffles. In short, it's all good!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We have been to Gus's many times and it's always amazing. The pulled pork sandwich and pulled pork nachos are a hit! The service is great and the prices are right. The breakfast on the weekends is also really good!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"For the most part, it was an enjoyable experience. The food that was served was pretty good. When we went, they ran out of the type of ribs we wanted so we had to "settle" for the other. Also, service was mediocre, they forgot to bring the drink we ordered, and at the end of the meal, they messed up with the billing, but these could happy to anyone, so we would still recommend them as the ribs were pretty good and we definitely enjoyed the pulled pork."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
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"I have eaten here on several occasions. It is a popular lunch spot for business people and helps to have a reservation. The food is fresh and very good....especially the BBQ."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"After reading reviews, we went there with open minds... Greet promptly, table was ready, our waiter was very friendly and helpful since this is our first time,we order appertizer of bake cornbread which was served right away! Very impressive with unique jalapino jelly and cream served on the side. Our entres arrived quickly too, and the Tritip BBQ is melt in your mouth with a touch of smokey BBQ sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and cream corn are also very good. I believe they even make their icecream and dessert, or at least taste homemade and very very good to me. We went on Wednesday night and it was busy with take outs and walk-in customers. Overall, nothing as we read about their services, quite opposite we are definitely going back!."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We have always loved Gus's BBQ. It really is the best BBQ restaurant in Southern California. We recently found out that on the weekends they have brunch and it is so good!! Just make reservations beforehand because it does pack up quickly. ;)"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"First time and love it!! Those cornbread!! Awesome but fulfilling! Had the pulled pork sandwich and was delicious , you can even add more BBQ sauce that is made from Gus BBQ and those red pepper vinegar , wow! Also had the rib and combo, we picked baby back ribs and brick BBQ chicken. Those brick BBQ chicken was superb!! I would love to have that in a sandwich style!! Keep up the good work to the chefs and the waitress and waiters."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Very tasty BBQ in a noisy atmosphere. I like their ribs, pulled pork and side dishes. Large portions generally so you may take some home. The service can be rushed at peak hours, but generally is efficient. All in all, one of the better BBQ places around, don't expect a quiet dinner."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"One of the best restaurants I've found. Their house barbecue sauce is delicious and the menu really has something for everyone. The Memphis style baby back ribs were both tender and flavorful. I ordered a combo dish with their Southern fried chicken, and it couldn't have been tastier if they tried. There are several sides to choose from. You can't go wrong with the roasted garlic mashed potatoes. And their drinks! Whoever was on bar that evening knows their stuff. Every beverage was just perfectly balanced and worth every penny. I'll be highly recommending the cucumber-jalapeño infused margarita on the rocks. We just asked our wonderful server, Juliana, to surprise us, so if that creation isn't already on the drink menu, get on it!!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We've been on a quest for the best pulled pork sandwich. Gus's is right up there in the top three places we've found. Good food. Friendly and accommodating service."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"great place for bbq ribs, pulled pork and fried chicken; everything else on menu is pretty average quality, nothing special, avoid overpriced steak(poor quality, small, and overcooked); cobbler a la mode for dessert is also good; servers are a little overwhelmed, but have nice attitudes and know the menu well"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Food was outstanding. We tried both types of ribs which were both equally as good. The Mac and cheese wasma little disappointing in terms of creaminess and flavor. The fries made up for it. We topped it off with the s'mores dessert which was amazing! The waiter was very knowledgeable about the menus and very attentive"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We had a very pleasant experience at Gus's BBQ and look forward to visit there again. Our waiter name was Jack and provided outstanding service. He was great in explaining to us menu, checking on us for anything else needed and then at the end taking our photos. Thumbs up to this place."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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"We went for a late lunch and the food was great and we had a fab server! More then enough food for pne person. I always take food home because it's too much. Each time I dine there the food is sooo good and I will return again very soon. Recommend this restaurant for any meal of the day."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We went for the spare ribs, 4 of 5 people ordered them, and they ran out. Only one person was able to get a order. Seeing as it was a Satuday night and only 6:30 it seemed like bad planning by whomever does the ordering. They did comp our appitisers for the inconvience."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
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"This was our first time going to Gus' Barbecue and we were very impressed! Everything was excellent -- from the super friendly greeting when we walked in to the last food tidbit we ate. I saw Gus' on the KTLA Morning News advertising their new mobile smoker. It has been in South Pasadena for years and I know why there is a constant crowd. We each had the chicken and 2 meat combo, coleslaw and mashed potatoes. I knew there would be a huge amount of food, but we wanted leftovers. We ordered the cornbread (which is a MUST!) and that came before the meal - YUMMY! The grilled chicken and the southern fried are both juicy and delicious and the pulled pork and brisket are delicious! Go to Gus' for outstanding food and service!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"The last two times I made reservations here through OpenTable and both times was seated almost immediately (normally 30-45 min wait) at the same table (wink). The BBQ platter always hits the spot when me and my friends are craving some ribs n fried chicken. Great service!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"A simply outstanding beef brisket sandwich, Craftsman 1903 ale, friendly (though a bit harried) service--top notch. It was a loud, busy Saturday night and parking was a bit of a pain, but still a memorable meal."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
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"We arrived 45 min before our reservation, and even though it was a busy Friday night, we were seated right away. We had a very knowledgeable and attentive waiter, who made excellent dinner suggestions. My entire party was satisfied with their choices. The pulled pork and rib sandwich were great! The smores dessert was a pleasant surprise. I am definitely going back the next time I feel like having BBQ. Great restaurant, great service, great ambiance, and great prices!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The tabletop was sticky, not because it was clean but the stickiness of old wood. The creamed corn was awful tasting and the kernels were crushed not whole. The chili was salty. Salad had too much dressing. Not a good experience overall!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2003
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