Best Upscale BBQ in San Jose | Top 1 Upscale Spots

19 restaurants in Best Upscale BBQ in San Jose | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Double D's Sports Grille — American · rated 5/5: This high-energy hub pulses with the electric buzz of game day, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the smoky aroma of glazed Korean BBQ ribs and crispy, sauce-tossed wings fills the air. The kitchen elevates the classic grille experience by pairing indulgent favorites like golden mozzarella sticks and cheesy garlic bread with fresh, inspired bites of Ahi poke and crisp chicken lettuce cups. It is a spirited neighborhood destination where communal tables and bold, global flavors turn every meal into a shared celebration of sport and spirit.
• Stadium Tech Cafe — American: Stadium Tech Cafe pulses with a high-energy, modern spirit where the smoky allure of regional barbecue meets the bright, clean flavors of the American coast. Guests navigate a vibrant culinary landscape that journeys from the tender, slow-cooked traditions of Texas and Memphis to the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian Huli Huli and fresh Pacific Northwest catches. This dynamic space balances artisanal nourishment like tahini energy bites and avocado toast with whimsical, inventive snacks, offering a sophisticated yet fast-paced oasis for the modern palate.
• Fred's Burger — American: The air at Fred's Burger is thick with the savory perfume of searing beef and the irresistible sizzle of the flat-top grill, inviting guests into a space of pure, unpretentious comfort. Each creation is a masterclass in classic Americana, where molten cheese drapes over juicy patties and smoky bacon adds a satisfying crunch to everything from the tangy, BBQ-drenched Western to the bold, hearty flavors of the Colorado burger.
• Best Artisan Empanadas — Mexican: This charming spot celebrates the art of the handcrafted pastry, where golden, flaky crusts give way to an imaginative world of global flavors tucked into perfectly crimped pockets. The air carries the enticing aroma of savory fillings ranging from zesty Spicy Thai and fragrant Chicken Cilantro to the rich, smoky depths of BBQ pulled pork and traditional Lomo. The journey concludes on a sweet note with warm, fruit-filled delights like Granny’s Apple, offering a comforting and elevated take on the classic empanada.
• Little Lamb Hotpot & BBQ — Chinese: Fragrant clouds of steam rise from bubbling cauldrons of the legendary "God of the Soup Broth," where diners swirl paper-thin ribbons of Supreme Lamb into rich, aromatic elixirs. The communal energy is punctuated by the savory sizzle of Mongolian BBQ and the hearty, slow-simmered depth of the House Special Lamb Chine Bone Pot, offering a soulful journey through bold, rustic flavors.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: This vibrant island escape brings the soulful tradition of the Hawaiian plate lunch to life, where the aroma of caramelized barbecue glazes and smoky kalua pork fills the air. Generous portions of sizzling short ribs and golden-fried katsu are paired with the essential comfort of creamy macaroni salad and steaming white rice, offering a hearty taste of aloha in every bite. It is a casual, sun-drenched retreat where the rich flavors of a Pacific paradise turn a simple meal into a celebratory island feast.
• South Winchester BBQ — American: The air at South Winchester BBQ is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked hickory, drawing diners into a rustic haven where the art of the pit is celebrated from sunrise to sunset. Mornings begin with hearty breakfast tacos and sandwiches overflowing with tender, salt-and-pepper brisket, while the afternoon brings a parade of towering sandwiches like the spicy Firebird and the iconic Squealin' Pork, each bite offering a masterclass in succulent, smoke-kissed flavor.
• Com Tam Thanh — Vietnamese: This lively Vietnamese gem captures the essence of fresh, herbaceous street food, where the air is filled with the tempting aroma of sizzling shrimp paste on sugarcane and golden-fried egg rolls. Diners explore a colorful tapestry of hand-rolled delights, from translucent wraps bursting with savory BBQ pork and crisp lettuce to zesty green papaya salads that awaken the palate with bright, clean flavors. It is a welcoming space that celebrates the art of the roll, offering a vibrant and authentic taste of tradition in every bite.
• Sakoon — Indian: Sakoon invites guests into a serene sanctuary where a world of flavors converges, from the zesty brightness of Mediterranean olives to the decadent richness of melt-in-your-mouth Tokusen Wagyu. The kitchen artfully balances global traditions, serving up everything from tender roasted duck drizzled in a vibrant orange sauce to smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. Whether tucked into a plate of herb-infused lamb chops or sharing vibrant stuffed peppers, diners experience a sophisticated tapestry of international cuisine designed to soothe the soul and excite the palate.
• Tao Tao — Chinese: Tao Tao invites diners into a vibrant space where the sweet, smoky aroma of glazed BBQ pork and tender baby back ribs creates an immediate sense of warmth and anticipation. The table quickly transforms into a landscape of golden textures, featuring shatter-crisp tiger prawns and delicate fried wontons that offer a satisfying crunch alongside the fresh, bright notes of a signature chicken salad. It is a celebration of communal dining, where every shared plate brings together classic flavors and a joyful, lively atmosphere.
• The Counter — American: The Counter pulses with a vibrant, social energy, where the savory scent of parmesan-dusted fries and tangy buffalo sauce sets the stage for a modern celebration of comfort food. Golden, hand-crafted tots and loaded fries arrive piled high with smoky hickory BBQ and zesty chipotle, while charred vegetables tossed in sweet sriracha glazes offer a bold, fiery crunch. It is a lively destination where elevated snacks and indulgent shared plates turn a casual gathering into a flavorful, sensory experience.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: The air hums with the sizzle of the grill as the sweet, smoky aroma of teriyaki-glazed short ribs and crispy chicken katsu fills this vibrant island-style eatery. Each plate lunch offers a generous taste of aloha, where hearty portions of tender kalua pork and savory loco moco are anchored by the classic comfort of fluffy white rice and a side of chilled, creamy macaroni salad.
• Starbird Chicken — American: This vibrant eatery transforms the humble chicken tender into a canvas for global inspiration, where the irresistible crunch of hand-breaded poultry meets a bright, contemporary energy. Diners dive into a world of bold contrasts, ranging from the fiery kick of Nashville hot spices to the savory depth of Japanese BBQ glazes and the refreshing, citrusy zest of garden-fresh elote salads. Every bite balances indulgent textures with vibrant, chef-curated ingredients, creating a fast-casual experience that feels both playful and sophisticated.
• Q-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot — Korean: Stepping into this high-energy destination, guests are greeted by the rhythmic sizzle of tabletop grills and the fragrant steam of simmering hot pots that invite a truly interactive, communal feast. Diners curate their own culinary journey through a landscape of premium marbled meats, savory jap chae, and indulgent cheese corn, creating a multi-sensory experience that hums with lively conversation and bold, smoky flavors.
• 10 Butchers Korean BBQ — Korean: Step into a sleek, high-energy sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of tabletop grills and the intoxicating aroma of charred, soy-marinated meats signal an elevated journey through Korean culinary tradition. Marbled A5 Wagyu and the prized Butcher’s Secret Rib Cap take center stage alongside comforting classics like tender, cheese-topped Galbi Jjim and crisp seafood pancakes, creating a communal feast that balances refined luxury with soulful, smoky flavors.
• Rosy's At The Beach — Seafood: This sun-drenched coastal escape captures the vibrant spirit of the shore, where the air feels salt-kissed and every table invites a relaxed, vacation-inspired lingering. The kitchen celebrates the ocean’s bounty through bright, citrus-infused ceviches and crispy ahi wontons, balancing delicate seafood with the smoky indulgence of rib eye tacos and savory BBQ sliders. It is a place where the rhythmic clinking of chilled seafood cocktails and the warmth of shared plates create a lively, effortless atmosphere perfect for savoring the golden hours of the afternoon.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue captures the laid-back essence of the islands, where the smoky aroma of char-grilled meats and the sweet tang of teriyaki glaze fill the air. Generous plate lunches overflow with tender BBQ chicken and savory seafood paired with traditional scoops of white rice and creamy macaroni salad, creating a hearty, sun-drenched dining experience that feels like a trip to the Pacific.
• Ming's Garden Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: Ming's Garden invites diners into a world of classic comforts where the air is thick with the sweet, smoky aroma of glazed BBQ spare ribs and the savory steam of hand-pleated pot stickers. Golden-fried treasures like creamy crab rangoon and shatteringly crisp spring rolls take center stage, offering a nostalgic journey through beloved flavors that turn every meal into a festive, shared celebration.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: The vibrant spirit of the islands comes alive through the sizzle of the grill and the sweet, smoky aroma of teriyaki-marinated meats. Heaping plate lunches anchor the experience, pairing crispy golden katsu or tender, slow-roasted kalua pork with the essential scoops of white rice and creamy macaroni salad. From the savory richness of gravy-smothered loco moco to the crunch of garlic shrimp, every dish offers a generous, comforting taste of authentic Hawaiian hospitality.