May isn’t just about wildflowers and sunny afternoons in El Dorado Hills. It’s National Barbecue Month, which means it’s time to light the grill, grab your tongs, and let the smoky goodness begin. Whether you’re a backyard pitmaster or a fan of letting someone else do the grilling, El Dorado Hills has everything you need to make this month delicious.

Sizzling Grilling Tips for Backyard Heroes

Before you throw those steaks on the flame, a few simple tips can turn good barbecue into unforgettable barbecue.

Start With the Right Tools: A sturdy pair of tongs, a reliable meat thermometer, and a grill brush are your best friends. Skip the fork-piercing the meat lets the juices escape, and nobody wants dry chicken.

Preheat Like You Mean It: Give your grill at least 15 minutes to get hot. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those picture-perfect grill marks.

Season Boldly: Salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder go a long way. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dry rub or a marinade. Just remember, sugar-heavy sauces should be added near the end to avoid burning.

Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave space between each piece of meat. This lets the heat circulate and gives you a better sear.

Let It Rest: Once your meat is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps all those tasty juices where they belong- inside the meat.

Keep It Clean: A clean grill means better flavor and fewer flare-ups. Scrub those grates after every use.

With these tips, you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood, and your barbecue will be the stuff of local legend.

Where to Get Your BBQ Fix in El Dorado Hills

If you’re more into eating than grilling, El Dorado Hills has plenty of barbecue spots ready to serve up smoky, saucy perfection.

Poppy’s Bar & Que
A local favorite, Poppy’s is known for its tender brisket, juicy ribs, and a laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel at home.

Brickyard Counter & Bar
This spot is perfect for those who want barbecue with a twist. Try their pulled pork sandwich or the tri-tip plate for a true California experience.

Oakhouse BBQ
Oakhouse brings the smoke and the flavor, with a menu packed with classics like baby back ribs and hearty sides.

Back Forty Texas BBQ
If you’re craving Texas-style barbecue, this is your place. Their slow-cooked meats and tangy sauces are a must-try.

Poor Red’s BBQ (El Dorado, CA)
Just a short drive from El Dorado Hills, Poor Red’s is a local legend. Known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked tri-tip, and the famous Gold Cadillac cocktail, this spot combines history, hearty portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss their creamy mac and cheese or their crispy fried chicken. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, Wednesday through Friday, making it the perfect spot to unwind after work.

Spotlight on Local Butchers and Markets

Great barbecue starts with great meat. Luckily, El Dorado Hills has some top-notch butchers and markets to help you stock up.

Adam’s Meat Shop
This shop is a go-to for marinated tri-tips, aged ribeyes, and house-made bratwursts. The staff knows their stuff and is always ready to help you pick the perfect cut.

Archer’s Butcher Block Meat Market & Deli
If you’re looking for something a little different, Archer’s offers specialty meats like bison, elk, and emu. Their jerky is a local favorite, and their deli counter is packed with grab-and-go options.

Folsom Quality Meat Market & Grocery
Just a short hop from El Dorado Hills, this market is known for its farm-fresh meats and wide selection of international spices. If you want to experiment with flavors, this is the place to start.

Kings Meats (Diamond Springs)
Kings Meats is all about quality. They dry-age their beef in-house, offer fresh sausages, and carry a variety of local produce, cheeses, sauces, and rubs. If you want to take your barbecue to the next level, ask about their dry-aged cuts.

Safeway Meat & Seafood
For those who prefer one-stop shopping, Safeway’s meat department offers fresh cuts daily, trimmed by expert butchers. Whether you need a thick steak or a rack of ribs, you’ll find what you need.

Barbecue Chicken, Ribs, and More: What’s Hot This Month

El Dorado Hills barbecue joints serve up a little bit of everything. Here’s what locals are loving this month:

• Ribs: Whether you prefer baby back or St. Louis-style, ribs are a barbecue staple. Look for spots that smoke them low and slow for the best results.

• Tri-Tip: This California classic is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for slicing thin and piling high on a sandwich.

• Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked until it falls apart, then tossed in tangy sauce and served on a bun with slaw.

• Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate barbecue sidekick.

• Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Make May Your Tastiest Month Yet

National Barbecue Month is the perfect excuse to gather friends, fire up the grill, or explore the best barbecue spots in El Dorado Hills. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or letting the pros handle the smoke, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a plate full of barbecue and a table full of friends.

Sources: cozymeal.com, google.com, yardbarker.com
Header Image Source: Sandie Clarke on Unsplash