Hickory & Spice BBQ

Hickory & Spice BBQ sits on the bustling corner of Tustin Avenue and Meats in Orange, California, a hotspot for locals craving authentic competition‑level barbecue. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm (or until the meat runs out), the restaurant has no reservations—just a lively line of eager diners. Pitmaster Rick Mysse, a 300‑trophy champion, personally tends the smokers, delivering a 24‑hour smoked beef brisket that’s pink‑juicy inside with a thick, peppery bark. The pork spare ribs pull clean off the bone, while the pork belly burnt ends are crispy, sticky, and disappear by early afternoon. House‑cured pastrami, sliced thick with a peppery crust, rivals any deli in the nation. Signature sides include creamy mac and cheese with smoked Gouda, sweet‑potato casserole with pecan crumble, and the famed “fairy dust” onion rings—sweet onions battered in panko and dusted with a secret spice blend that earned Rick the nickname “Lord of the Rings.” Prices range from $17 for a pulled‑pork sandwich to $34 for a large brisket plate with two sides. The interior blends reclaimed wood, industrial lighting, and an open‑air smokehouse, creating a casual, family‑friendly atmosphere where regulars know each other by name. Hickory & Spice also offers full‑service catering across Orange County, starting at $35 per person for corporate lunches, weddings, or backyard parties. Whether you’re a local BBQ aficionado or a tourist exploring Orange County’s food scene, this spot promises a hands‑down unforgettable smoked meat experience.