News Summary
Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano marks its five-year anniversary with a celebration at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Attendees can enjoy live-fire barbecue, contributions from renowned pitmasters, and a lively atmosphere with food, beer, and music. Founded by Daniel and Brenda Castillo, the restaurant has gained acclaim, receiving a James Beard Award nomination and being recognized as the best eatery in Orange County. The event underscores the restaurant’s community commitment and dedication to barbecue craftsmanship.
San Juan Capistrano is set to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Heritage Barbecue, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant that has gained popularity and acclaim since opening in 2020. The celebration will take place on Saturday, August 9, at Bolsa Chica State Beach, where guests can indulge in live-fire barbecue and experience contributions from renowned pitmasters from Illinois and Texas.
Founded by Daniel and Brenda Castillo, Heritage Barbecue has garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: California in 2025. The restaurant was also highlighted as the best place to eat in Orange County in 2022 by restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson. This beach event not only celebrates the anniversary but also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to barbecue craftsmanship and community connection.
At the anniversary event, attendees will enjoy a variety of offerings including live-fire barbecue prepared by Daniel Castillo and his team. Guests will also have access to delicious food from SeaSalt Honky Tonk, a nearby concession run by Alicia Cox. In addition to the mouthwatering food, the beach fête will feature beer, live music, and raffle prizes, creating a lively atmosphere for all who attend.
Heritage Barbecue offers a diverse menu featuring whole smoked chicken, maple-glazed pork ribs, tri-tip, and a range of specials that highlight the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality barbecue. The establishment has built a reputation for delivering not only great food but also friendly service, creating a welcoming environment for its guests.
The journey of Heritage Barbecue began with Daniel Castillo’s catering business in 2005, which evolved from backyard pop-up barbecues into a successful restaurant that has gained nationwide attention, particularly during the pandemic when it remained open as one of the few dining options available. Daniel Castillo has since become a recognized pitmaster with a devoted following.
Aside from culinary achievements, the Castillos also focus on promoting mental health awareness among their kitchen staff. They aim to mentor other chefs who may be facing challenges in the industry, illustrating their commitment to fostering a supportive environment in addition to serving exceptional food.
As the couple reflects on their journey, they are also planning to expand their culinary offerings further. Earlier this year, they launched a diner called Le Hut Dinette in Santa Ana. Additionally, they are preparing to unveil a new concept called SeaSalt Smokehouse, which will feature tri-tip sandwiches and nachos, set to open on May 3.
The Castillos express deep gratitude toward the community for its continued support over the past five years. They emphasize the importance of creating connections through food and maintaining respect for the art of barbecue. The upcoming beach event not only signifies a milestone for their business but also aims to celebrate the strong bonds formed through the love of food.
As Heritage Barbecue reflects on its five years of operation, the upcoming celebration at Bolsa Chica State Beach promises to be a memorable event that honors the restaurant’s growth and the community that has embraced it. Join in the festivities to enjoy a taste of Heritage Barbecue while celebrating the connections that good food can foster.
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Daniel Castillo Opens Retro Diner Le Hut Dinette in Santa Ana
SeaSalt Honky Tonk Opens at Bolsa Chica State Beach
Additional Resources
- LA Taco: Daniel Castillo Bio
- Eater LA: Best Barbecue in Los Angeles
- LA Times: Restaurant Story
- KCRW: James Beard Finalists 2025
- OC Register: Heritage Barbecue Five-Year Celebration
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: Cooking Barbecue
- Google Scholar: Barbecue History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: Barbecue News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
