I saw an article on KQED covering late night BBQ in San Bruno and when I discovered I lived less than 5 min away I thought to give it a try. The "shack" has a small parking lot next to a Boba place. The inside was really well put together I enjoyed all the hip hop memorabilia, the music selection, and there's plenty to do while you wait for your food, and you will definitely wait. I believe the chef/owner is the only person working there and she is a very hardworking, kind and polite woman. On to the food.First off, I didn't eat any of the actual BBQ meats due to dietary restriction (non halal and mostly pork) but I ordered the Mac n cheese, cornbread, corn om the cob, and the peach cobbler and pineapple upside down cake.Mac n cheese 6.5/10Cornbread 8/10Pineapple cake 6/10Corn on the cob and peach cobbler 1/10 tossed both of em.Overall I'm glad i tried the place but probably wouldn't go back again. My wait was 20 minutes and if ordering the actual BBQ expect to wait around 45 min.Wishing the place the best though. I know BBQ is definitely harder to cook and serve than most other cuisines and it's cool san bruno has a BBQ place, open til late night, and a very unique theme.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Marc Gamble
I've been a resident of San Bruno for over 18 years and I had no idea that a year and a half ago Chef May transformed this place into a deliciously Soulful BBQ Shack!The atmosphere and vibe was inviting relaxed and very pleasant. Plenty of seating but the menu is very limited. I strongly recommend that you get there early because food options run out quickly and choices become very limited. The line forms and I was there and watched Chef May have to turn away several customers because she had sold out.My son and I enjoyed burnt ends, ribs, beef, barbecue baked beans, collard greens and cornbread. It was all extremely filling, wonderfully seasoned and very flavorful.Chef May herself is a fantastic soul who totally enjoys what she's doing and the food she preparing. Felt like family instantly.Finally some delicious barbecue and soul food right here in San Bruno! Thanks Chef May, I'll make sure to tell everybody I know keep doing it!Parking: There is a free parking lot however you'll be lucky if there's ever a space available because it's extremely small. You're better off finding a spot on El Camino and just walking up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Jack Daniel’S Full Rack of Ribs, Beef Ribs
Ida Petitt
Parking: Small parking lot & street parkingKid-friendliness: Free games to playWheelchair accessibility: Ground floor
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cake, Famous Rib Shack Feast, Beef Ribs
Tiffany Yu
Such a gem. Authentic complex flavors. Soul food. Chef May is a one woman shop but a Michelin level chef! It’s a cozy hidden spot. If you want amazing southern soul food, this place is worth a try! Must eat. Must try. So much character and charm. Our new favorite spot! Support local business!We order Mac and cheese. Collard greens. Bourbon brisket. Fried chicken and waffles. Balance of sweet and salty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
NM
If someone told me the BEST Bay Area BBQ was coming out of a real life shack I’d say yeah right, but Chef May is amazing all the way around! Everything was delicious, she has a great family recipe for the rub. We had the Jack Daniels ribs + burnt ends, baked beans, bbq spaghetti, cornbread, Mac and cheese, hot links, and cakes! Chef was super fast considering the size of our order and was very generous in portions. Overall 10/10 experience any reason to go is a good one :)
I can't stop raving about this fantastic Soul food restaurant! The service was outstanding - the staff made us feel like family from the moment we walked in. As for the food, it was a symphony of flavors - the fried chicken was seasoned to perfection, the cornbread was soft and buttery, and the sweet tea was the best I've ever had. The ambiance was cozy and soulful, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. This place is a true gem in the world of soul food dining!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Beef Ribs
Walter Burger
Chef May is one of the nicest people I have ever met, on top of that she makes the best bbq I have ever had. Please do yourself a favor and just go. Grab the burnt ends (honestly grab anything it's all amazing)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom L.
Our company just had a friendsgiving dinner. & Hiphopbbq catered it. Let me just start off by saying I have never had Turkey so succulent, tender, juicey & just full of flavor. The hickory brisket melted like butta. Our whole team was in a euphoric state! Just like mentioned It was so easy to order, our only job was to happily devour the goods. OMG! The sweet potato rum pie & cognac peache cobbler was sinful.Yelpers if you need an event catered better book it here. Thanks Chef May.
Bryant L.
Thank you Chef May for such delicious southern comfort food and hospitality. We came in on a Wednesday night after coming from a brewery nearby when we needed something more filling to satisfy that late night craving. We check out this BBQ spot and the chef/owner said it's BYOB. We're like "YO, this the SPOT! Let's goooooo!" We ordered some ribs, brisket, some of that orgasmic corn bread, and collard greens to make it come out easy the next day if you know what I'm sayin. While Chef May was preparing our order, she said go ahead and stop by the liquor store and grab y'all some drinks and come back. And that's exactly what we did. Me and the boys grabbed a 4 pack of IPAs and came straight back, played some darts and arcade basketball, then when our order came started feasting. Everything was so delicious. We cleaned up! Chef May was such a delight to talk to and made us feel right at home. Thank you again for everything, we'll for sure be coming back! Oh and btw, they do catering so hit her up for your next event!
Orlando B.
The Bbq is even better the next day! The old school games are cool as well.Make sure to BYOB and play the mini NBA Jam!
My boyfriend and I came in at around 10:00 pm on a Sunday. We were attended to right away, restaurant all to ourselves! We got the last two bourbon ribs, the honey buttered cornbread, and the Cajun turkey leg. Oh my God, juiciest turkey leg I've ever had! Everything was amazing! Not pictured is the 7up Caramel Cake, which my boyfriend and I devoured in less than a minute! We are definitely going to become regulars!
Chad B
It was a pleasure having an awesome meal by Chef May! The ribs and hot links were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baby Back Ribs
Eddie H.
So this place gets 5 just on the strength of the chef who is present, personable, and just a sweet lady. Lovely big smile, anytime you see something like in the kitchen it reminds you of home loving.. So the food... ordered the bourbon ribs, lobster crawfish truffle Mac and cheese, corn on the cob and the honey cornbread. I'm missing part of the honey cornbread cuz it was another ingredient in the title but oh well I don't care I know I destroyed that shit the min I got back to work. Ribs hella good!!!! Hella good. Mac and cheese, which I don't order out often but anything with truffle always gets my attention. That Mac was . This was my first time going so I got a medium. My dumb azz should've got a large. Medium didn't even last long with me. Cornbread cornbread cornbread. Just order it. Enough said. Go check the food out
Michael M.
Never written a review before but I thought this place really deserved one. Love this spot! Great BBQ, dunno what style it is but damn is it good. Slowly working my way through the menu (only have had the beef ribs and baby backs) but I've never been disappointed. In terms of sides, love the Mac and cheese, but if there's one thing to make sure you get it's the cornbread. SO GOOD. Practically a dessert. But yeah love this place, felt so welcome, and the woman who runs it is just the best. Felt like I went meal came straight out of her kitchen at home.
Isaac Kim
Chef May is the best! Love the decor and style, not to mention the beef ribs were awesome. They've also got mini pool tables you can play while waiting.
I saw an article on KQED covering late night BBQ in San Bruno and when I discovered I lived less than 5 min away I thought to give it a try. The "shack" has a small parking lot next to a Boba place. The inside was really well put together I enjoyed all the hip hop memorabilia, the music selection, and there's plenty to do while you wait for your food, and you will definitely wait. I believe the chef/owner is the only person working there and she is a very hardworking, kind and polite woman. On to the food.First off, I didn't eat any of the actual BBQ meats due to dietary restriction (non halal and mostly pork) but I ordered the Mac n cheese, cornbread, corn om the cob, and the peach cobbler and pineapple upside down cake.Mac n cheese 6.5/10Cornbread 8/10Pineapple cake 6/10Corn on the cob and peach cobbler 1/10 tossed both of em.Overall I'm glad i tried the place but probably wouldn't go back again. My wait was 20 minutes and if ordering the actual BBQ expect to wait around 45 min.Wishing the place the best though. I know BBQ is definitely harder to cook and serve than most other cuisines and it's cool san bruno has a BBQ place, open til late night, and a very unique theme.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
I've been a resident of San Bruno for over 18 years and I had no idea that a year and a half ago Chef May transformed this place into a deliciously Soulful BBQ Shack!The atmosphere and vibe was inviting relaxed and very pleasant. Plenty of seating but the menu is very limited. I strongly recommend that you get there early because food options run out quickly and choices become very limited. The line forms and I was there and watched Chef May have to turn away several customers because she had sold out.My son and I enjoyed burnt ends, ribs, beef, barbecue baked beans, collard greens and cornbread. It was all extremely filling, wonderfully seasoned and very flavorful.Chef May herself is a fantastic soul who totally enjoys what she's doing and the food she preparing. Felt like family instantly.Finally some delicious barbecue and soul food right here in San Bruno! Thanks Chef May, I'll make sure to tell everybody I know keep doing it!Parking: There is a free parking lot however you'll be lucky if there's ever a space available because it's extremely small. You're better off finding a spot on El Camino and just walking up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Jack Daniel’S Full Rack of Ribs, Beef Ribs
Parking: Small parking lot & street parkingKid-friendliness: Free games to playWheelchair accessibility: Ground floor
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cake, Famous Rib Shack Feast, Beef Ribs
Such a gem. Authentic complex flavors. Soul food. Chef May is a one woman shop but a Michelin level chef! It’s a cozy hidden spot. If you want amazing southern soul food, this place is worth a try! Must eat. Must try. So much character and charm. Our new favorite spot! Support local business!We order Mac and cheese. Collard greens. Bourbon brisket. Fried chicken and waffles. Balance of sweet and salty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If someone told me the BEST Bay Area BBQ was coming out of a real life shack I’d say yeah right, but Chef May is amazing all the way around! Everything was delicious, she has a great family recipe for the rub. We had the Jack Daniels ribs + burnt ends, baked beans, bbq spaghetti, cornbread, Mac and cheese, hot links, and cakes! Chef was super fast considering the size of our order and was very generous in portions. Overall 10/10 experience any reason to go is a good one :)
Recommended dishes: Hickory Smoked Bourbon Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Peach Cobbler, Cake
I can't stop raving about this fantastic Soul food restaurant! The service was outstanding - the staff made us feel like family from the moment we walked in. As for the food, it was a symphony of flavors - the fried chicken was seasoned to perfection, the cornbread was soft and buttery, and the sweet tea was the best I've ever had. The ambiance was cozy and soulful, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. This place is a true gem in the world of soul food dining!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Beef Ribs
Chef May is one of the nicest people I have ever met, on top of that she makes the best bbq I have ever had. Please do yourself a favor and just go. Grab the burnt ends (honestly grab anything it's all amazing)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our company just had a friendsgiving dinner. & Hiphopbbq catered it. Let me just start off by saying I have never had Turkey so succulent, tender, juicey & just full of flavor. The hickory brisket melted like butta. Our whole team was in a euphoric state! Just like mentioned It was so easy to order, our only job was to happily devour the goods. OMG! The sweet potato rum pie & cognac peache cobbler was sinful.Yelpers if you need an event catered better book it here. Thanks Chef May.
Thank you Chef May for such delicious southern comfort food and hospitality. We came in on a Wednesday night after coming from a brewery nearby when we needed something more filling to satisfy that late night craving. We check out this BBQ spot and the chef/owner said it's BYOB. We're like "YO, this the SPOT! Let's goooooo!" We ordered some ribs, brisket, some of that orgasmic corn bread, and collard greens to make it come out easy the next day if you know what I'm sayin. While Chef May was preparing our order, she said go ahead and stop by the liquor store and grab y'all some drinks and come back. And that's exactly what we did. Me and the boys grabbed a 4 pack of IPAs and came straight back, played some darts and arcade basketball, then when our order came started feasting. Everything was so delicious. We cleaned up! Chef May was such a delight to talk to and made us feel right at home. Thank you again for everything, we'll for sure be coming back! Oh and btw, they do catering so hit her up for your next event!
The Bbq is even better the next day! The old school games are cool as well.Make sure to BYOB and play the mini NBA Jam!
Restaurantji Recommends
My boyfriend and I came in at around 10:00 pm on a Sunday. We were attended to right away, restaurant all to ourselves! We got the last two bourbon ribs, the honey buttered cornbread, and the Cajun turkey leg. Oh my God, juiciest turkey leg I've ever had! Everything was amazing! Not pictured is the 7up Caramel Cake, which my boyfriend and I devoured in less than a minute! We are definitely going to become regulars!
It was a pleasure having an awesome meal by Chef May! The ribs and hot links were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baby Back Ribs
So this place gets 5 just on the strength of the chef who is present, personable, and just a sweet lady. Lovely big smile, anytime you see something like in the kitchen it reminds you of home loving.. So the food... ordered the bourbon ribs, lobster crawfish truffle Mac and cheese, corn on the cob and the honey cornbread. I'm missing part of the honey cornbread cuz it was another ingredient in the title but oh well I don't care I know I destroyed that shit the min I got back to work. Ribs hella good!!!! Hella good. Mac and cheese, which I don't order out often but anything with truffle always gets my attention. That Mac was . This was my first time going so I got a medium. My dumb azz should've got a large. Medium didn't even last long with me. Cornbread cornbread cornbread. Just order it. Enough said. Go check the food out
Never written a review before but I thought this place really deserved one. Love this spot! Great BBQ, dunno what style it is but damn is it good. Slowly working my way through the menu (only have had the beef ribs and baby backs) but I've never been disappointed. In terms of sides, love the Mac and cheese, but if there's one thing to make sure you get it's the cornbread. SO GOOD. Practically a dessert. But yeah love this place, felt so welcome, and the woman who runs it is just the best. Felt like I went meal came straight out of her kitchen at home.
Chef May is the best! Love the decor and style, not to mention the beef ribs were awesome. They've also got mini pool tables you can play while waiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5