Cold Smoke BBQ

Low & slow. Small batches. Real backyard BBQ.

Pre-order online for pickup — no dine-in or delivery.

📍 Pickup in Rancho Bernardo / 4S Ranch
Exact pickup address is sent after you order
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Tap Order Now to see menus, pricing & upcoming pickup dates

1. Pick a pickup date & time  →  2. Order & pay online  →  3. Pick up your food (to-go only)

Why People Keep Coming Back

5.0 · from 8 reviews on Google & Nextdoor
"I'm so happy to have such a delicious BBQ spot nearby. I've tried nearly everything on the menu. Everything is delicious, but the rib tips and baby back ribs are my favorites. This is better than any BBQ I've had in San Diego, and I'd even say it's just as good as, if not better than some of the BBQ restaurants I've visited in Austin, Texas. Jim puts a lot of care into his food and it shows in every bite. If you're a BBQ fan, this place is a must try!"
Karen C.Google
"The portion sizes are fantastic and delicious. The chicken was moist, tender, and massive. The ribs are well seasoned and tender, the meat comes off the bones easily. Be sure to grab extra BBQ sauce since the BBQ sauce is absolutely amazing."
Raymond Q.Google
"I agree with Patricia. The star of the show was the tangy bbq sauce which brought everything together nicely! He dished out huge portions which made for a few meals already and still some left. Great job, Jim!!"
Lynda R.Nextdoor
"The food was excellent, and we'll definitely be making this one of our go-to places for dinner. It truly feels like a homemade BBQ experience."
Heather M.Google
"All of the meats were juicy and well-seasoned, and the homemade BBQ sauce was great. The cornbread was delicious as well."
Kevin S.Google
"Great place to get BBQ!! Meat was fall off the bone and flavor is fantastic. Highly recommend!!"
Casey Z.Google
"Jim's food is always super flavorful and delicious! We ordered the three meat combo to try a little bit of everything and added on the pulled pork stuffed jalapeno and a giant cookie. All was amazing! I love his homemade BBQ sauces too."
Lara M.Google
"Without a doubt the BEST bbq I have ever had. The chicken was sooo moist and flavorful. Your cornbread was delicious and you make a MEAN chocolate chip cookie to die for! Also loved your homemade tangy bbq sauce. This was my first order but will definitely not be my last! If anyone wants delicious, high quality food all around, order from Jim and you will not be sorry! Thank you again, Jim, and see you next time!"
Patricia W.Nextdoor

Why Cold Smoke BBQ?

Hi, I'm Jim.

Cold Smoke BBQ is based in Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) and built around something I've always enjoyed: cooking food for people.

Everything you see here is done by me. I do the cooking, manage the orders, run the social media pages, and even built this website myself because I enjoy doing it.

Everything on the menu is something I'd happily order myself. If I don't love it, it doesn't make the cut. That's why the menu stays intentionally small and focused.

For example, you won't find mac and cheese on the menu. I know it's a BBQ staple, but I don't like mac and cheese. If I don't know what great mac and cheese tastes like, how would I know if I'm making a good one?

It wasn't that long ago that $20 bought a really good meal. These days it's easy to spend that on a drive-thru value meal and still leave disappointed. If you're going to spend that kind of money, I think you deserve a meal that feels worth it: generous portions, food made with care, and something you'd actually look forward to eating.

I'm not trying to build the biggest menu or crank out as many meals as possible. Every drop is cooked in small batches so nothing gets rushed and every order gets the attention it deserves.

I started Cold Smoke BBQ because I enjoy cooking, but what I enjoy most is seeing people enjoy the food I make. If you decide to order from me, I appreciate the opportunity to cook for you.

Don't Miss the Next BBQ Pickup Event

I cook in small batches, so orders fill up fast. Join the list and I'll text or email you when it's time to order.

Get in Touch

Email Me

Questions about an order, the menu, or anything else — send me a message and I'll get back to you.

Find Me Online

Follow along for behind-the-scenes content and drop announcements.

About Cold Smoke BBQ

Licensed Home Kitchen

What is a MEHKO?

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation  ·  Permit #: DEH-FFPP-022172

Cold Smoke BBQ operates under California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program, which allows licensed home kitchens to legally prepare and sell food directly to customers.

My kitchen is permitted and inspected by the local health department and follows the same food safety requirements expected of commercial food businesses.

Because MEHKO operations have daily meal limits, every drop is genuinely limited. When spots are gone, they're gone.