Welcome to Gus’s Barbecue
At Gus’s Barbecue, southern hospitality meets culinary excellence in a vibrant, inviting atmosphere. Founded with a passion for authentic barbecue, this Claremont gem specializes in flavorful, smoked meats and creative twists on classic southern dishes. Each bite, whether it’s the tender brisket or the indulgent pulled pork nachos, bursts with rich, savory goodness. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in everything from the homemade sauces to the house-made cornbread. With accommodating service and a diverse menu, including vegan options, Gus’s Barbecue is the perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone craving a genuine taste of the South.
- 500 W 1st St Claremont, CA 91711 United States Hotline: (909) 445-0931
Welcome to Gus’s Barbecue, a quintessential Southern gem nestled in the heart of Claremont, California. Known for its laid-back charm and mouthwatering BBQ offerings, Gus’s is your go-to destination for a delicious family meal, a casual gathering with friends, or a festive brunch. Their warm ambiance paired with an inviting atmosphere makes every visit memorable.
Located at 500 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711, Gus’s Barbecue brings the Southern spirit alive with a wide variety of offerings. Whether you're craving pulled pork nachos piled high with savory toppings or their famous Memphis baby back ribs, the menu is a testament to both hearty flavors and culinary craftsmanship. Highlights include:
- Cast Iron Cornbread: Served with jalapeño jelly and honey butter, this appetizer is a must-try and sets the tone for a comforting meal.
- Southern Fried Chicken: Tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy, this dish comes boneless for ease, nestled alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
- Brisket: Many guests rave about its tender texture and rich flavor, making it a standout choice on the menu.
- BBQ Quesadilla: A fusion delight filled with smoked mozzarella, fontina, and your choice of protein, served with corn salsa—perfect for those who love a little spice.
Customer reviews consistently underscore Gus's commitment to quality service and food. With a wide range of choices that cater to various dietary preferences—including vegan and numerous vegetarian options—Gus's ensures that everyone finds something to relish. The heated outdoor seating and family-friendly vibe allow guests to enjoy their meals comfortably, regardless of the occasion.
Moreover, the attention to detail doesn't stop at the food. As one reviewer noted, the service is remarkable, striking a perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness, which adds to the overall dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant strikes a harmonious tone with subtle modern decor, making it both trendy and inviting.
Gus’s Barbecue is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you pop in for a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a weekend brunch, this charming eatery guarantees delicious flavors that bring a slice of Southern hospitality right to your table. With a full bar, happy hour specials, and a casual yet trendy setting, it’s no wonder why locals keep returning for more.
So, gather your friends and family, make a reservation, or just drop by for a bite at Gus's Barbecue. You won’t just be enjoying a meal; you'll be savoring a delightful journey through Southern flavors, exquisite service, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels just like home.

Flavor 4/5 - I enjoyed the brisket a lot here, and both side dishes I tried were pretty good. Notably, the blue cheese cabbage slaw was incredible. I got a side of it to take home and eat with lunch the next day. Price 3.5/5 - The price is pretty standard for restaurants in downtown Claremont, and the portions are good. Quality 3/5 - The brisket is really good, and you can tell it is made with craft. All the menu items taste fresh, and the menu has a good variety of choices. However, I do not believe any of the ingredients are organic, and the quality of the cooking oil is unknown. Service 3.5/5 - The service was pretty good, and our food came out fast. They are pretty busy, and they handle the volume well. Ambiance - Modern BBQ, clean, weekend dinner.

I don't go to Gus's enough, I don't think. First of all, I love their Southern fried chicken ($22.95). The entree comes with half a boneless chicken, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, braised southern greens + classic gravy. Don't come for me, but I kind of like that I can knife and fork a boneless piece of chicken. Boneless or not, this chicken is so juicy with a nice crispy batter. Dunk a lil piece into the gravy and it's the most perfect bite. I also like ordering the pulled pork nachos ($16.95). The chips come topped with a three cheese sauce, bbq baked beans, smoked mozzarella, jack cheese, tomato, red onion, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, cilantro + original bbq sauce. There's a whole lot going on with the nachos, but they're not so inundated that it looks or tastes overwhelming. There's just the right amount of everything for a bbq themed nacho situation. Gus's is a solid spot if you're looking for a lil BBQ.

My partner and I came on a Friday night, I believe and we were sat immediately on their outdoor patio. It was nice that we didn't have to wait considering that Gus's is very popular and it was a Friday! Our server was super great! It's been a few weeks since we've gone and sadly I don't remember her name, but I would hope to run into her again on our next visit. She was super nice and even recommended me the Hurricane cocktail as I was having trouble selecting what I want. Our food was extremely delicious as well! The pulled pork nachos came out at as an appetizer and we devoured them like there was no tomorrow. The meat was fresh and everything together just melted in your mouth! For our entree we got the 2 ribs combo. I honestly forgot the meats we picked but again, they just melted in your mouth. Our table was nice and clean and I truly just loved the vibe of the restaurant. They were also kind enough to turn on the heaters as it was a bit chilly outside. Thank you Gus's!!! :)

Had an amazing experience at Gus' BBQ! Service was great--our server was super nice and attentive. The food? Phenomenal. We started with the Whiskey Two Step, which not only tasted great but also had a super cute presentation with a mini fire pit--such a fun touch! For the main course, we ordered the beef brisket and pulled pork, along with sides of creamed corn, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious, but the highlight was definitely the tender, flavorful meat. The house-made BBQ sauce was a standout--so good! To top it all off, we had the butter cake for dessert. It was rich and tasty, though we could've used a little more ice cream. Overall, a fantastic meal!

Came for a birthday celebration. We were seated immediately on a Sunday afternoon. We ordered a nice round of mixed drinks and beer. The warm corn bread with sweet butter appetizer was 9/10. We had a tri tip sandwich which was bland and dry. 6/10 The brisket sandwich was ok and was cold. 7/10 The baked potato was delicious and nice size. 8/10 The service overall was friendly and checked in often. They topped off the birthday with a little ice cream and candle. We were satisfied with the quality of the food and very impressed with the service overall. Not the best BBQ we've ever had but enjoyed the experience. 8/10 in my book.

Stopped by Gus for a late Sunday lunch after a snowy morning in Mt Baldy. We were seated in ~20min for a party of five. Our table ordered the cast iron cornbread to start; it was quick, fresh, and almost like a bit of a "pudding" texture in the middle. Our table loved it with the butter and jalepeno jam, since we find most corn breads to be on the drier and grainy side. Our favorite meat by far was the Memphis baby back ribs! So tender, full of flavor, and the right amount of fat. This didn't need any sauce, perfect on its own. The St. Louis ribs were definitely on the drier side. The tri tip was tender, but it did need some bbq sauce. Our favorite sides were the creamed corn and potato salad. Both were flavorful and a perfect blend of flavors. Beef flight was only 8.5, great value.

I've been to Gus's BBQ in Claremont many times, and every visit has been consistently great. Whether dining in or catering, the service is always top-notch. The staff is attentive, kind, and genuinely welcoming. Our most recent visit was for my daughter's birthday--her one request was Gus's mac and cheese. Our server, Kate, was incredibly sweet with her, and as any parent knows, you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat your kids. My wife and I really appreciated that extra kindness. Since we went mid-week on a rainy evening, the restaurant was quieter than usual, which was a nice change from the typically lively weekend crowd. I started with an Arnold Palmer, which was perfectly balanced, and we shared an order of sweet potato fries--crispy, flavorful, and paired with an amazing dipping sauce (not sure what's in it, but it was a hit with everyone). For my main meal, I went with the ribs and two-meat platter, choosing St. Louis ribs, brisket, and jalapeño cheddar sausage. Every bite was packed with flavor, and I devoured it all. My sides--creamed corn and dirty rice--were just as good. To top off an already great meal, they brought out a sundae for my daughter's birthday, which was such a thoughtful touch. If you're looking for great BBQ, a warm atmosphere, and excellent service, Gus's BBQ never disappoints.

I went with a party of 11 and was good. We were seated at inside without a wait for a Saturday night, I had just ordered water to drink when it came we were ready to order appetizers and entrees including cornbread (very good), chips with spinach and queso dips (good), onion strings (good but greasy), and then entree was two meat with ribs combo. Server Kelly suggested Memphis style with more meat than St Louis and he's right. I chose beef brisket and sides fries and Mac and cheese. Our orders didn't take long; ribs were good, both brisket and fries were too salty and Mac and cheese was good. I didn't had room for dessert. I didn't try and any sauces by the way. The place was clean, server was friendly though didn't asked me how was meal was or I would've asked to replaced the fries Will return .

We brought my in-laws to brunch here today and they were very impressed with the venue, the service and the food! My father-in-law said the ribs were the best he'd ever tasted and wished they had a Gus' in San Diego! Our server Dillon was super friendly, sociable, and attentive. We were seated at an elevated booth inside that was super comfortable. We ordered the spicy chicken with Cole slaw and potato salad; a BLT with fruit on the side, and the pork ribs with sweet corn mash and dirty rice. Everything was very flavorful and all the meats cooked to perfect tenderness. We'll be back!

Gus's Barbecue is an absolute gem, especially if you're looking for an amazing dining experience in the evening or at night. The location is lovely, with seating options both inside and out, but I highly recommend sitting indoors to fully enjoy the beautiful ambiance and decor--it's warm, inviting, and perfect for any occasion. The seating accommodates all party sizes, so it's easy to find a spot whether you're with a group or dining solo. The food was incredible--I ordered the pulled pork nachos, one of their signature burgers, and a Charred Citrus Mule. While everything was fantastic, the nachos were the star of the show, packed with flavor and an absolute must-try! Our waitress made the experience even better--she was fun, helpful, and made sure we had everything we needed with a smile. Before leaving, I picked up a bottle of their branded honey mustard sauce, and I highly recommend grabbing one of their sauces to take home--it's that good! Gus's Barbecue is a must-visit for delicious food, great service, and a memorable evening!