
Buster's Original Southern BBQ
A beloved roadside spot serving authentic Louisiana-style BBQ with a rich history and lively patio music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Buster's Original Southern BBQ

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved roadside spot serving authentic Louisiana-style BBQ with a rich history and lively patio music.
"You can't find real Southern BBQ in California, but this place proves me wrong."
Sauce on the Side?
Consider skipping the sauce to truly appreciate the smoky flavor of the meats.
Sunday Music Sessions
Visit on Sundays for jam sessions featuring top jazz and blues musicians.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(707) 942-5605
Address
1207 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
Website
busterssouthernbbq.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Southern BBQ
Mouthwatering tri-tip sandwiches, pork ribs, and hot links that rival the best BBQ west of the Mississippi.

Live Jazz & Blues
Enjoy soulful live music on the patio every Sunday afternoon, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Speedy & Friendly Service
Experience quick and efficient service, perfect for a satisfying meal without the wait.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sauce on the Side?
Consider skipping the sauce to truly appreciate the smoky flavor of the meats.
Sunday Music Sessions
Visit on Sundays for jam sessions featuring top jazz and blues musicians.
Tri-Tip Combo
Try the tri-tip sandwich with cornbread and chili beans for a flavorful meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sauce on the Side?
Consider skipping the sauce to truly appreciate the smoky flavor of the meats.
Sunday Music Sessions
Visit on Sundays for jam sessions featuring top jazz and blues musicians.
Tri-Tip Combo
Try the tri-tip sandwich with cornbread and chili beans for a flavorful meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buster's Original Southern BBQ is praised for its authentic, mouthwatering Southern-style BBQ, particularly the tri-tip and ribs, and the lively atmosphere with live music. However, some diners find the portions small for the price and express disappointment with the flavor of the chicken and certain sides like the pasta salad.
"Quick, kind and clean service! Food is served as you order. Didn't take us 5 minutes to get meals for 5. Plenty of seating inside. Napkin stations everywhere, and they were needed!
Tri tip sandwich and pulled pork sandwich was delicious. Baked beans and cold slaw great as well.
Restroom was also very clean!
Zero conplaints!"
Joseph Beckham
"Come for the beach, but in my opinion, leave the sauce out. Born and raised in the Carolinas, barbecue is a way of life and a diet staple. Decided I wanted to do something different here with trying to beef ribs as many places don’t serve beef ribs, but just pork ribs. The way they smoke their meat over and open fire elevated out in the open was unique to this place and tasted fantastic. The outdoor seating option was perfect for this beautiful Friday afternoon. For me the sauce was a complete miss however. Has spices in it that remind me of a Mole sauce, which was odd for barbecue. Love that they’re doing their own thing, just wasn’t big for me And not something I’m used to even though I often eat things that are out of the ordinary."
John Krajc
"I've said for years that you can't find real Southern BBQ in California. This place proves me wrong. Buster is old school and knows how to smoke meat, low n slow, the way it's supposed to be done. The sauce is a nice edition but the pork is able to stand without it. Whenever I get homesick, this is where I'll be going."
Culinary Anarchy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Buster's is known for its mouthwatering tri-tip sandwiches, pork ribs, pulled pork, and hot links.
Yes, Buster's features live jazz and blues music on their patio, especially on Sundays.
Some reviews suggest trying the meat without sauce to fully appreciate the smoky flavor, while others find the sauce an acquired taste.
Buster's is a casual eatery with efficient service, typically not requiring reservations. It's a popular spot, so expect a line.
Popular side options include baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread.
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The Best Restaurants In Calistoga - Calistoga
This spot is named after a real-life Buster, who’s often seen behind the grill and has been firing up Louisiana-style barbeque in California since the ’60s. Whether it’s the pulled pork and tri-tip sandwiches with pineapple slaw and baked beans, or the barbeque chicken and homemade sweet potato pie, all the food is good and worthy of a pitstop at some point during your visit. There are some picnic tables and indoor spots, but you should also know that this place attracts some of the best jazz and blues musicians in the Bay Area for jam sessions on the patio every Sunday afternoon.
Napa Valley Off The Beaten Path
Busters Original Southern BBQ – 1207 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga 707-942-5605 www.busterssouthernBBQ.com Showcased in National Geographic, referred to Busters as the “Best BBQ West of the Mississippi” and voted “Best Barbeque” by The Bohemian year after year. When in Calistoga, after a day of wine tasting, Busters patio is the perfect stop for their Authentic Southern BBQ dishes with recipes from the heart of Louisiana with pork ribs, beef ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip, BBQ chicken, savory baked beans. It’s makes your mouth water just thinking of it.
The Best Restaurants in Calistoga
Buster’s Southern Barbeque & Bakery is a true staple of Calistoga. His authentic family barbeque recipes and training comes all the way from Louisiana, but Buster’s been serving up ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, and other delicious creations to the people of southern California since 1965!. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for some southern comfort, live jazz music, and outdoor seating with a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
Bed and Breakfast Calistoga CA - Best of 2024
At this restaurant, you will get the real deal, such as mouth-watering and tender ribs as well as southern-style sides expertly served in an excellent dining room.Evangeline is another great choice. The best thing is that twinkling and beautiful lights and an elegant Maitre’d greet visitors warmly before they walk through the restaurant’s front. It is a casual and nice French-Creole place that has an awesome patio.
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If you’re lucky, you may get to meet the actual Buster (the owner) at this authentic Southern Louisiana BBQ joint. If the mouthwatering smoked meats at bargain prices weren’t tantalizing enough, the restaurant shucks fresh Pacific Oysters on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays. There’s indoor seating as well as a gazebo and outdoor picnic tables, with live jazz and blues music in the Springtime.
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BBQ fans know that great BBQ is often found in hole in the wall joints where the food, not the decor, is the star. At Busters you'll find the real deal, mouth watering, tender ribs and southern style sides served in a dining room that makes a VFW hall look like a 5 star restaurant. There's nothing fancy here except for the cooking, slow roasted by Buster himself.
Best Restaurants to Dine Outside in Napa Valley
A local favorite, Buster’s is located on Foothill Blvd., right at the entrance to Calistoga. The rustic outdoor seating, with ribs on the wood-fired grill close by, will put you in the mood for this classic, sweet Southern-style barbecue. Buster's has a limited selection of wine and beer, and on Sundays you can enjoy live jazz & blues on the patio.
Family Friendly Visit to Napa Valley on a Budget
Farther up the valley in the town of Calistoga is Buster’s Southern BBQ. Buster has been here since 1965 (!) serving his BBQ recipes from Louisiana. My kids especially enjoyed this meal (Gabe raved about the ribs, and we all enjoyed the chicken breast with BBQ sauce and bean side dishes), and we appreciated that it was kid-friendly and affordable.
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Lunch or dinner, you better be hungry when you pull into the parking lot at Buster's Southern Barbeque in Calistoga. A favorite with locals and wine country visitors, Buster's serves good food in a fun, casual setting. The menu covers all of the traditional Barbeque favorites: Tri-Tip, Pork Loin, Pulled Pork, hot links and even chili dogs.
Hot spots in Calistoga to enjoy live music while you sip and dine
Buster’s BBQ on Foothill Boulevard has a long-standing tradition of offering tasty, hearty southern-style barbecue, from ribs to hot links. The casual eatery also has a shaded patio in the back with live jazz and blues every Sunday afternoon from 3 pm-6 pm with a changing schedule of talented performers. Buster’s BBQ, 1207 Foothill Blvd.
Travel with Kids: Eating in Napa Valley, California with Kids
This certainly isn't your typical "wine country" meal, but if you want to feed the whole family something everyone will enjoy in a very relaxed environment, this is a great choice. The location, close to the Old Faithful Geyser makes this a good lunch choice. The barbecue here is juicy and highly flavored, and portions are generous.
The 8 Best Restaurants in Calistoga
1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-5605. The down-home, authentic Louisiana-style barbecue at Buster’s Southern BBQ & Bakery in Calistoga will make you feel like you’re far from the wineries of Napa Valley. Leave your cocktail attire at home: this place is as casual as it gets and the ribs can get messy.
5 Things to Do this Fall in Calistoga CA
Plop down to your patio table with a pile of BBQ ribs, tri-tip, or pulled pork menu options at Buster’s Southern BBQ. Soulful jazz and blues melodies will have you happy dancing in your seat. You can look forward to this weekly jam session every Sunday from 3 to 6 pm, one of the best free things to do this fall!
Calistoga Dining Guide of The Best Restaurants
For some of the Best BBQ in Napa Valley head over to Buster’s BBQ in Downtown Calistoga. This is a favorite I’ve been visiting for years and I always love whatever I have!. Buster fills the streets with the incredible aroma of authentic Louisiana barbecue using the highest quality meat that is just delightful!
Calistoga Restaurants in Napa Valley, California
1207 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga * 707-942-5605 * busterssouthernbbq.com. In a region not known for barbecue, Buster's serves unusually tender and juicy pork, beef and chicken dishes, plus all the Southern-style sides: baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, corn bread and more. Is your mouth watering yet?
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If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering barbecue, Buster’s Southern BBQ is the place to go. This casual eatery serves up true Southern-style barbecue, featuring smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The smoky aroma and friendly vibe make it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
Best Lunch in Napa Valley
Buster’s Southern BBQ is located on the edge of downtown Calistoga, at the end of Lincoln Avenue, the city’s main drag. From pork and beef ribs to tri-tip steak, pulled pork, and hot links, you’ll find all of your barbecue favorites here. Be sure to try the seasonal barbecue oysters!
Where to Eat, Stay and Play
Buster's has been cooking up authentic Louisiana BBQ since 1965. Sample their award-winning family recipes at their casual joint at the end of Lincoln Ave. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and live Jazz and Blues on Sundays from 3-6 p.m.
The 20 Best Things To Do In Calistoga, CA
If you’re looking for Southern comfort food, Buster’s is a sure bet – what’s more comforting than Louisiana BBQ and fresh oysters?. They also feature live Jazz, hosted in their outdoor patio area, starting in the Spring.
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Authentic Louisiana BBQ with excellent flavors and quality meat. Dine-in, take-out and catering. All Seasons Bistro serves a casual but unique cuisine for lunch and dinner.
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So if that’s how your group rolls, head to the roadside Busters in Calistoga for a casual and substantial lunch, which it’s been dishing out since 1965.
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