Business Details
Award-Winning Texas-Style BBQ Catering in San Francisco
At Love & Smoke Barbecue, we specialize in crafting authentic Central-Texas style barbecue using a meticulous 'low and slow' pit-smoking method. Our dedication to tradition begins with hand-rubbed meats and real Texas pecan wood, ensuring every bite delivers an unforgettable flavor profile where sauce remains optional. With years of expertise, we cater events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals across the San Francisco Bay Area, prioritizing quality, freshness, and customer satisfaction.Our commitment extends beyond events to farmers' markets, pop-up locations, and future delivery services, bringing Texas-style barbecue to communities throughout Northern California. By blending time-honored techniques with modern convenience, we aim to redefine barbecue experiences while maintaining the integrity and passion that define our craft.
Services
Catering
Farmers' Markets
Pop-Up Events
Drive-Up Service
Delivery
Smoked Meats
Plant-Based Options
Event Catering
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Central-Texas pit-smoked barbecue with handcrafted dry rubs and pecan wood.
- Our catering services accommodate diverse events, from corporate functions to festivals.
- We prioritize freshness, serving meats hot and freshly sliced at events.
- We offer plant-based alternatives and vegetarian-friendly sides for inclusive dining.
- Our team brings extensive experience in large-scale catering, including PGA Tour and NFL Alumni events.
What people say
Best brisket ever
Tender and flavorful
Passion really pays off
Unforgettable flavor
Most personable caterer
Services
Catering
We provide full-service catering for events of all sizes, from weddings to corporate functions. Our Texas-style barbecue includes smoked meats, vegetarian options, and sides, served buffet-style with professional staffing. Clients appreciate our attention to detail, flexible menu choices, and ability to accommodate unique event requirements.
Farmers' Markets
We operate at select Bay Area farmers' markets, offering fresh and pre-smoked meats. This service allows direct customer interaction and showcases our commitment to quality. Customers enjoy convenient access to award-winning barbecue in their local communities throughout the year.
Pop-Up Events
Our pop-up locations provide temporary retail opportunities for customers to purchase smoked meats and merchandise. These events create community engagement while maintaining the same quality standards as our catering and market services, with regular updates through our online calendar.
Drive-Up Service
We are developing a drive-up operation for convenient meat purchases. This service will offer freshly smoked and refrigerated options for quick pickup, combining Texas barbecue tradition with modern accessibility for Bay Area customers.
Plant-Based Options
We cater to diverse dietary needs with smoked plant-based proteins like black bean burgers and Impossible Burgers. These options maintain our signature flavor profile while ensuring inclusivity, reflecting our commitment to serving all customers without compromising quality.
People
Mark Johnson
Owner/Pitmaster
Mark Johnson is the founder and pitmaster of Love & Smoke Barbecue, bringing decades of Texas-style barbecue expertise to Northern California. His dedication to traditional smoking methods and customer satisfaction has earned the company numerous accolades, including a Peoples Choice Award at the San Francisco BBQ Festival.
Cathy Johnson
Partner
Cathy Johnson collaborates with Mark to deliver exceptional barbecue experiences, contributing to the company's operational success and customer relations. Her involvement ensures consistent quality across all services, from catering events to product preparation.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, birthdays, corporate events, festivals, and unique gatherings like skateboard contests across Northern California.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, we provide smoked plant-based proteins including Beyond Meat patties and Impossible Burgers with vegetarian-friendly sides.
Are your meats available for individual purchase?
Yes, through farmers' markets, pop-up events, and our upcoming drive-up/delivery service for fresh or refrigerated smoked meats.
How far in advance should I book catering?
We recommend booking at least a week in advance, with a 50% deposit required for reservations.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding regions.
Can I customize my catering menu?
Yes, choose from multiple meats and sides combinations priced per person, with options for dietary preferences and event size.
