08.02.2023

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Today’s Forecast

57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

🍖 Grill, please

Meat, smoke, and sauce: A guide to local San Jose barbecue spots

A large platter of barbecued meats and sides.

South Winchester BBQ sure knows how to pack a plate. | Photo via @southwinchesterbbq

While California may not be known nationwide for its barbecue, our local grillmasters are still slinging the tastiest of smoked meats, saucy ribs, and delectable fixings. Check out these four barbecue spots that will surely have you riskin’ it for the brisket.

South Winchester BBQ, 1362 S. Winchester Blvd.

And the survey says... don’t miss out on the tri-tip or burnt ends. The two fan-favorite menu items continue to draw crowds and sell out daily. This joint also hosts pop-ups, so catch its upcoming event on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 5-9 p.m., with a draft + can release party from Promised Land Brewing Co.

Smoking Pig BBQ Company, 1144 N. Fourth St. + 530 Newhall Dr.

Since 2011, this spot has been a top choice for barbecue in the Silicon Valley, and has grown from its first restaurant on Fourth Street to locations in Fremont and Las Vegas. Try the handmade rolls + sauces — and don’t leave without tasting their juicy brisket.

A platter of large ribs. — Smoked Out BBQ calls these their “Zilla Ribs.”
|
Photo via @smokedoutbbq

Smoked Out BBQ, 807 Aldo Ave., Ste. 106, Santa Clara

What started out as a barbecue sauce company has turned into this highly sought-after pit stop. Order the Zilla Bonez, a large rib bone weighing a little over a pound, and top it with their homemade Ghost Honey sauce.

Mesquite & Oak BBQ, 856 N. 13th St.

The word on the street is to grab the Pitmaster Plate with brisket, and you won’t be disappointed. Second best option: the Dino Beef Ribs — which slide right off the bone. Pro tip: Order ahead of time as most meats sell out early.

We’d love to make this a growing list, so hit us with your saucy suggestions.

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Paint the CitySJ | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | South First + Post streets, San Jose | Free | Paint your own masterpiece led by San Jose Downtown Association’s in-house art instructor.
Wax Wednesday | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Camino Brewing Co., 718 S. First St., San Jose | Free | Hear from the folks behind Needle to the Groove and score $1 off pints.
Dustin Nickerson | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $20-$70 | This Seattlite jokes about parenting, marriage, and his general thoughts about people.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Gordon Biersch Night Market | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Gordon Biersch Brewery, 357 E. Taylor St., San Jose | Free | This week’s market will feature pro wrestling — the first match starts at 6 p.m.
Pobladores Night Market | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Parque de los Pobladores, South First + South Market streets, San Jose | Free | Enjoy live music, art displays, a beer garden, and food trucks at this weekly night market.
Batman Trivia Night | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | The Plex, 800 Embedded Way, San Jose | Free | Test your knowledge on the adventures of the Caped Crusader.

Friday, Aug. 4

The Plant Party | Friday, Aug. 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Garden at the Flea, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose | Free admission, $5 parking | Browse a selection of rare and exotic plants to purchase, hear music from the 408 Collective, and enjoy food trucks + craft beer.
Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Indie Dance Party | Friday, Aug. 4 | 9 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $18 | Dance the night away to The Strokes, Tame Impala, MGMT, and more.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Open

DoorDash Kitchens, a new food hall at The Plant, recently opened and is hosting a bunch of local eateries including Aria Korean Street Food, Koi Palace, The Melt, Academic Coffee, and more. You can place orders for pick-up, or dine in at the hall from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The Mercury News)

Community

Santa Clara County’s Vector Control District has identified the presence of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in ZIP code areas 95035 + 95134, which will be treated starting at 10 p.m. tonight. But don’t worry, the treatment poses minimal risk to people, pets, and the environment — so no need to relocate.

Transit

In case you missed it, Caltrain has been giving people a sneak peek into its new electric fleet which is set to debut in Fall 2024. The new trains feature real-time trip info, free WiFi, and power outlets at every seat. Continue to follow Caltrain for updates on its next unveiling event. (The San Francisco Standard)

Pets

The San José Animal Care Center is waiving adoption fees through the end of this month as part of a nationwide “Clear the Shelters” campaign. On Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m., the center will host a special event with adoptions, activities, resources, and more.

Community

🇮🇹 È una celebrazione

41st Italian Family Festa returns to History Park

A picture of Pacific Hotel with "Italian Family Festa San Jose" superimposed.

Get ready for this annual Italian culture festival. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons, graphic by SJtoday staff

Preparati — the 41st Italian Family Festa returns to History Park this weekend from Saturday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 6.

Hosted by the Italian American Heritage Foundation, you can expect a full extravaganza of Italian cuisine, live entertainment, arts + craft vendors, cooking stages, and more.

🚗 Know before you go

Admission is free, but parking is limited and festival organizers encourage carpooling. There will be free parking at 1870 Senter Rd. and paid parking at:

Kelly Park, 1300 Senter Rd. ($10)
South Campus Garage, 10th + Alma streets ($10)
Kelly Park Disc Golf Lot, 799 Phelan Ave. ($6)

🍝 What to expect

A cooking stage with nine chef demonstrations
Family-friendly magic + sword fighting shows
Cultural exhibits exploring Italian history + heritage within Santa Clara County
A wine tasting garden accompanied by music from The Gold Money Band
A “Celebrity Grape Stomp” featuring the mayors of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Milpitas

Shop

Wellness

Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

Travel

Searching for the perfect luggage set that’s both lightweight + durable? We love this set for its polycarbonate shell and quiet double spinner wheels.

Eat

Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.

Pets

It’s time to treat your fur baby with a product worth barking about. Check out the Martingale Collar in peach + gold from Major Darling.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

Every time I write up a foodie roundup like this barbecue one, I immediately have to go and satisfy the craving. My wallet says I should stop... but you know it and I know it — I won’t be stopped.

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