If you find yourself in Rancho Cucamonga, you’ll inevitably crave proper barbeque at least once a season. It’s just a fact of SoCal living, like dodging sprinklers or debating avocado toast. Accepting this smoky destiny means you need a strategy before firing up the search. Our list ensures you hit all the juiciest spots and minimize time spent deciphering sauce menus.
Radical DOGG BBQ and FISH Restaurant
$$ | (909) 652-0213 | WEBSITE
Grabbing the Dogg Sampler at Radical DOGG is essential. This small barbecue spot has four meat options—brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken—along with sides that include potato salad and green beans. They’re flavorful, generous, and great-value. The catfish dinner is also a must-try, always hot, crispy, and full of flavor. Don’t let the size fool you—the food delivers.
RC Mongolian BBQ
$$ | (909) 652-0963 | WEBSITE
RC Mongolian BBQ serves all-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue made with fresh proteins and vegetables that, surprisingly, includes a lot of options. Expect everything from quality meats to perfect sauce selections, but the egg rolls are our go-to order. We challenge anyone to come here and try these bad boys without entering a very serious and slightly obsessive conversation about the egg flower soup.
U Grill Korean BBQ
$$ | (909) 899-1111 | WEBSITE
The rallying cry of this Korean BBQ joint is “All-you-can-eat, come and get your grill on!” Laughter echoes, soju bombs are poured with energetic flair, and a sizzling tabletop grill is loaded with meats that look like marbled works of art. There are different cuts to choose from—pork belly, bulgogi, short ribs—and the latter are the perfect tender counterpart for a generous dip of the savory, house-made ssamjang.
NOODOS
$ | (909) 803-0474 | WEBSITE
Grab a big bowl of noodles after ordering at NOODOS. The generous portions from the clean, modern restaurant are piled high with fresh, chewy noodles and savory broths, and will steam up your glasses and warm your soul no matter how chilly the evening is. Get the classic noodle bowl with tender slices of meat, crisp vegetables, rich broth, and house-made chili oil.
STONEFIRE Grill
$ | (909) 243-7440 | WEBSITE
At STONEFIRE Grill, the early dinner gets the best seat. Although the restaurant serves until closing, come in the evening when the family rush hasn’t reached full swing. Wipe-clean tables and plastic baskets of cutlery give it a fast-casual feel, and the food is hearty, satisfying stuff. Our go-to is the rich, smoky tri-tip with garlic chicken and cheesy macaroni and cheese.
King’s Mongolian BBQ
$ | (909) 899-7486 | WEBSITE
King’s Mongolian BBQ is named after the traditional cooking style where you build your own meal—you’ll appreciate the customization as you select from the array of fresh ingredients. The authentic Korean grilled meats served with vegetables and noodles are excellent. They’re perfectly seasoned (you can adjust the spice level) and make for one of the most satisfying, healthy meals you can find in Rancho Cucamonga.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (909) 646-7701 | WEBSITE
The ribeye steak at LongHorn Steakhouse in Rancho Cucamonga is one of California’s best cuts of beef. All you need to know is that it’s boldly seasoned, generously portioned, and served with crispy brussel sprouts, and if you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is the place to go. So make a reservation to avoid the wait. And order the surf and turf if you want to treat yourself right.
Thai Diamond Bar.B.Q.
$ | (909) 941-1432 | WEBSITE
If you leave Thai Diamond BBQ without pineapple fried rice and bbq ribs on your plate, you’re doing it wrong. This Thai spot has been around for ages and serves lunch specials, full entrees, and half-sized portions full of flavors you’d usually find in central Thailand. You’ll be tempted to try the chicken pad thai and the spicy catfish, but save those for your next visit. This place believes in big portions—you’ll only need one.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$$ | (909) 481-2271 | WEBSITE
The families digging into fall-off-the-bone ribs and house barbecue sauce at Famous Dave’s have got the right idea. These tender meats—served with three signature sauces like devil’s spit and rich & sassy—are the meal that’s made this barbecue spot rightly popular. If you’re after a lively yet chill vibe, swing by the bar area, where Mayra provides excellent service and creates a great mood for a fun dinner, especially when planning to catch a movie afterward.
Myungdong Restaurant Tofu B.B.Q.
$$ | (909) 481-1957 | WEBSITE
Finding parking at the 99 Ranch plaza can sometimes be a hassle, but not at Myungdong;. So if there’s a wait for a table at this Korean spot, know the sizzling beef BBQ is worth it. Our go-to order is the Galbi Combo with a bowl of rice, four side dishes, and that small tofu soup with kimchi and a raw egg. Grab a pile of napkins, settle into a clean booth, and dig in.
Sun’s Wok & Mongolian BBQ
$ | (909) 646-9933 | WEBSITE
Speaking of Mongolian BBQ, the build-your-own bowl at Sun’s Wok—fresh noodles and tender orange chicken piled high—is a thing of beauty. If you want to keep things kind of simple, get the plantains instead. This casual spot is open every day, even on holidays, and there’ll be a crowd at peak times, but it moves fast.