Cali Comfort BBQ

Score 84/100 · Order: Tri-tip sandwich, burnt ends · $16–26

Cali Comfort splits the difference between a neighborhood bar and a barbecue joint, with a long beer list and a smoker that does honest work. Tri-tip is the local specialty and they cook it medium-rare unless you ask otherwise.

Local tip: Burnt ends are a limited daily item — call ahead if that's the goal.

Score 84/100 · Order: BBQ burrito · $14

Cali Comfort BBQ takes a detour from traditional Mexican burritos and fills a flour tortilla with smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and beans. The result is a Southern California mashup that works because the brisket is genuinely smoky and the slaw adds a crunchy, acidic counterpoint. The tortilla is large enough to hold the generous filling, and the burrito is sliced in half for easier eating. It is not a classic burrito, but it is a creative and delicious one that earns its place on the list.