For those in the know, and especially for San Francisco locals, Pete’s BBQ isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a landmark. Celebrating 40 years, this beloved eatery, helmed by Pete Koutoulas since his early 30s and now into his 70s, stands as a testament to quality, tradition, and family. Pete himself is a fixture, arriving at 7 a.m. daily to begin the rotisserie process, using equipment he believes is as seasoned as his recipes – perhaps 60 years old! This isn’t just a business; it’s a family affair, with Pete’s son having dedicated 20 years after a detour from real estate, all to keep the legacy alive.
Pete’s is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub. Regulars gather, stories are shared, and the comforting aroma of roasting meats fills the air. It’s a space where time seems to slow down, and the focus is on good food and good company.
However, despite the “BBQ” in the name, first-timers might be surprised. Pete’s BBQ isn’t your typical barbecue joint. Think of it as a delightful hybrid of a classic hofbrau and a comforting diner. The star of the show is their rotisserie – a mesmerizing display of chickens, beef ribs, roast beef, turkey, and ham, slowly rotating and basting in their own juices. This method creates incredibly flavorful and tender meats, and the drippings work magic on the crispy-skinned baked potatoes, reminiscent of the enticing street food aromas of Paris’s Rue Mouffetard.
(Image: Crispy rotisserie chicken and golden baked potatoes, evoking a Parisian street food vibe, highlighting the delicious and simple food at Pete’s BBQ.)
Imagine Paris, but with the warm, unpretentious charm of a Greek-American diner – that’s the unique essence of Pete’s.
(Image: A heartwarming photo capturing three generations at Pete’s BBQ: Pete, his son, and their delicious rotisserie offerings, emphasizing the family-run aspect and legacy of the restaurant.)
Beyond the rotisserie, Pete’s offers a Polish sausage and spaghetti dish, adding to its diverse menu. You can enjoy any of their signature meats as a dinner plate or à la carte. Opting for the dinner provides a generous portion, including the famous baked potato, two side salads from a selection of three-bean, tomato/cucumber/lettuce, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or beets, and bread. For the truly adventurous, a whole turkey leg is sometimes available – a testament to their lunchtime turkey sandwich popularity.
Evenings at Pete’s are a testament to its popularity. From around 6:30 p.m. until their 7:30 p.m. closing time, a line forms, filled with locals eager to take home whole rotisserie chickens or racks of ribs for their families. This nightly ritual speaks volumes about the consistent quality and value Pete’s delivers.
(Image: A bustling interior shot of Pete’s BBQ, showcasing the line of customers waiting to order, illustrating the restaurant’s popularity and local appeal.)
Stepping inside Pete’s, you’ll find it’s not about frills. The ambiance is bright and straightforward, a touch worn but undeniably homey and welcoming. Pete’s cheerful banter about his age adds to the friendly atmosphere. For returning customers, like the reviewer, it’s a comforting step back in time, a familiar taste of San Francisco.
On one visit, the BBQ ribs were the order of the day.
(Image: Mouthwatering BBQ ribs at Pete’s BBQ, highlighting the tender meat and flavorful sauce, showcasing a signature dish.)
The ribs were indeed a standout – incredibly tender and meaty. The sauce, while a bit thin and brownish, had a pleasing savory flavor that wasn’t overly sweet. The coleslaw side salad was fresh and tangy, a classic accompaniment. But the real star, alongside the ribs, was the baked potato. The crispy skin, the generous pat of butter, and the recommended addition of sour cream (a worthwhile extra 75 cents) elevate it to something truly special. Many would argue, a trip to Pete’s is worth it for the potatoes alone.
On another visit, roast beef was the initial craving, but by 7:00 p.m., it was sold out – a testament to its popularity. “Out of roast beef? Never!” was the good-natured reply, leading to a satisfying ham dinner instead.
(Image: A hearty ham dinner plate at Pete’s BBQ, featuring generous slices of ham, spaghetti, and the signature crispy-skinned baked potato, emphasizing the generous portions and comforting sides.)
Even with a few stray spaghetti noodles finding their way onto the plate, the ham was a winner – flavorful and tender, piled high enough for a bonus sandwich with the accompanying Dutch crunch bread, complete with a hidden butter slab inside. Pete’s doesn’t shy away from indulgence. And, once again, the crispy potato skin steals the show. The beet salad, possibly made with fresh roasted beets, offers a nice earthy counterpoint to the richness of the meal.
A return visit brought the chance to sample the chicken.
(Image: Pete’s BBQ chicken plate with BBQ sauce, alongside potato salad and spaghetti, showcasing another popular rotisserie meat option and diverse side choices.)
Opting for a quarter chicken (dark meat) proved to be more than sufficient, especially with the flavorful BBQ sauce – a significant improvement over the plain rotisserie chicken. Surprisingly, the simple lettuce, cucumber, and tomato salad, seemingly pre-dressed, remained crisp and flavorful, with a fresh, homemade-tasting dressing and well-marinated vegetables. For research purposes (and for the reader’s benefit), the spaghetti side was also sampled. Despite its unassuming appearance, it was surprisingly enjoyable, with a unique, almost nutmeg-like seasoning that added warmth. Forget fancy Parmesan – Pete’s embraces the classic green-can “parm,” generously shaken over well-cooked noodles, just like a comforting home-style meal.
Finally, the elusive roast beef was secured – a generous five pounds of thinly sliced, flavorful, and tender beef, swimming in au jus. Paired with a side of macaroni salad.
(Image: A satisfying roast beef plate from Pete’s BBQ, featuring thinly sliced roast beef in au jus and a side of macaroni salad, highlighting a classic and comforting meal option.)
While the macaroni salad was deemed somewhat bland, the roast beef meal was a resounding success.
Pete’s BBQ is a place you’ll find yourself returning to, perhaps to grab a half chicken and ribs to take home, along with those unforgettable potatoes. When asked about daily chicken production, Pete simply shrugs, “Oh, I don’t know… A hundred, maybe?”
In essence, Pete’s BBQ is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall gem. It serves consistently delicious, generously portioned comfort food at incredibly reasonable prices to appreciative San Francisco families. Here’s to hoping Pete’s BBQ continues to thrive for another 40 years and beyond.
(Image: The exterior of Pete’s BBQ, a simple storefront in San Francisco, inviting readers to visit and experience this long-standing culinary institution.)
Pete’s BBQ
2399 Mission St. (corner of 20th)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-1009
Cash Only
