- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
CatHead's BBQ
Category: Restaurants Barbeque Barbeque
1665 Folsom StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 861-4242
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 11 am - 8 pm
Wed-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for CatHead's BBQ
Review Highlights
"Their to-die-for pulled pork sandwiches rock my world; I..."
(in 14 reviews)
"The hot slaw was spicy hot, and good."
(in 3 reviews)
"And the adorable biscuit."
(in 2 reviews)
Loading...
48 reviews in English
-
Review from Andy B.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
BBQ in SF seems to be hit or miss, the food at this place is exceptional. Everything we tried was very literally great.
As the sign outside states, the restaurant itself is "nothing fancy", but the interior is clean, appropriately decorated and the employees were friendly and genuine. Who would want a fancy BBQ joint?
We tried the brisket and the pulled pork plates. Both were the best had this side of the arch. All of the sides, the pickled veggies, collard greens and BBQ beans were uniquely spiced and obviously homemade. The biscuit was appreciated too.
I wouldn't hesitate to come back here. The food I had at CatHead's was a significant improvement over what I experienced from Big Nate's, and frankly, every other west coast BBQ place I've tried. Very generous portions. Highly recommended. -
Review from LuLu M.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
ok so i work around the area and was excited to try this place. FAIL!!!!! Especially since i went to Baby Blues last night...this place does not compare. I ordered the pulled pork with no sides, seeing as i thought my biscuit and pickled veggies would be sufficient. WRONG! The biscuit was literally the size of a half dollar. I was like....REALLY???? What am i going to do with this. I got all this meat and I'm gonna eat it with this mini biscuit? If your gonna serve a biscuit that small, it better be the best biscuit in the world. And then the pickled veggies it was one cauliflower a slice of bell pepper and 4 slices of carrots. Not big huge carrots, like literally 4 slices of baby carrots. The pork itself was ok. But for $9...i'm hella cool off that. Won't ever be going back, no matter how good people say the food is. Go to Baby Blues on Mission, good bbq and great service!
Oh and the mac n cheese sucked. I've had better boxed mac n cheese. -
Review from Craig I.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
delivered to the office (SOMA)....
Nate's in my opinion was better. This place is ok, not good enough for me to want to order from here again. The chicken is so dry that they cover it up with their sauce....and the sauce was cold. Pulled pork was extremely oily. the brisket was the best of the trio. my wife makes better mac n cheese (seriously). Mini biscuits were dry. Kinda pricey but they did deliver on time.
follow up
received a vm this morning from cathead apologizing. i must say if anything their customer service is very good. from the time they took my order to the delivery and the follow up call. i appreciate that kind of service. -
Review from Matt J.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
I kinda liked this place! I liked Big Nate's okay, at least their pulled pork, which was more chopped. Anyway...
I had the ribs. I do have to say that the flavor of the rub/sauce was not what I'm used to. I can't quite place it but it had a sort of pungent quality to it, like plum sauce. Weird. Still good, but it shocked my palate a little bit. The good news is that it's more of a mop than a slather, so it doesn't overwhelm the meat.
The ribs were smoked to perfection. The meat didn't fall off the bone, the freakin' bone just fell out of the meat! Wicked.
Be forewarned about the chili-mac. This is a meal unto itself. If you are alone, don't order this as a side dish unless you want to be taking most of it home with you. Or bring some friends next time to help you.
I don't often mention the decor in places I eat, but I have to compliment CatHead on what they've done with the interior of Nate's. The layout is the same, but the wood paneling and new, rustic tables really create an atmosphere. Love the painting of the chicken in the back, too. Hand-painted, small menu on the wall. Faux-shack, but somehow it works. -
Review from Dafna C.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Just what the neighborhood needed! When CatHeads replaced our neighborhood BBQ joint, my roomie and I were pleased to see that they took it up a notch from Big Nate's which was here before! I love the decor -- just the right balance between hip and homey and the staff is that way too. Warm, welcoming and professional.
The menu is fairly simple; sandwich or plate, and sides are separate. It's standards like Brisket and Pulled Pork with an SF twist. The Coca-cola smoked brisket was perfect, tender with a slight crust, smoky, light sauce with just the right amount of sweet...mmmmm. The pimentos were a nice addition to the mac & cheese but the texture of the cheese sauce wasn't as creamy as I'd have liked.
Sometimes a girl just wants to sit around in her PJs, watching trashy T.V. with a hunk of meat and a beer. Thank you CatHeads for facilitating! -
Review from Tammy C.
(See pics)
Review #1090.
On an eatery starved street, here sits CatHead.
St. Louis ribs dish was fairly good, juicy with enough meat, though the thicker slices should be cooked a bit more thoroughly. This combo also came with a biscuit that was not crumbly and had the nice chewiness to it. It also included baked beans as a side but and they were nice enough to let me have half as beans and half as Mac & Cheese. Both were very mouth watering good. It also came with a coleslaw that was very different as it was actually spicy!
This place was quietly giving you something to yearn for. Service was also very nice and fast. And since it opens thorough the day (no breaks between lunch and dinner) it gives the choice for late lunch or very early dinner. -
Review from liz p.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Vegetarian options!!! VERY tasty Cornmeal crusted BBQ tofu! Maker's Mark marinated mushrooms! Baked beans! Delicious little biscuits!... SWEET TEA! and so much stuff for the meat eaters too!
Its like having an indoor BBQ picnic! Lot's of lovely re-used wood, and a tv for sports folks. They offer delivery and catering too!
Portions are perfectly filling, until i chugged all my sweet tea, and then i was ready to explode!
They JUST opened, and theyre already doing great it seems, and I'm so glad! I will be back as often as possible.
NOM NOM NOMS! -
Review from Ruby H.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2012
A welcome addition to the neighborhood! I stopped by to try the pulled pork plate, which came with a small biscuit & some pickled vegetables. I also got the pimento mac&cheese as a side. My boyfriend got a half slab of ribs & some collard greens. The pulled pork was tender & delicious -- even better with more sauce poured over it (be careful of the habanero sauce though, it packs a mean kick)! The ribs were also cooked nicely, tender & pulling from the bone easily. The sides were good, but the unexpected star of the show were the pickled vegetables! Deliciously tangy & crisp, I would love it if this was an item for sale in the future...
The renovations they did look really snazzy & modern & the people working here are really nice! A great place to grab some dinner & a really good value. -
Review from Kendall D.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
First off, I have only eaten here once, so expect a more comprehensive and thus fairer review later on.
It smells delicious when you walk in. They have a brick pit, which will kick the shit out of a commercial box job every day of the week. And twice on Sundays.
Ribs: Good smoke flavor but overcooked. With one bite, all of the meat came sliding off the bone and I was left to eat the rest like a boneless chicken wing or something. You only get 3 ribs for 15 bucks which is kinda asking a lot. This place hasn't been open long, so the owners are just getting used to the pit.
Beans: Seemed made from scratch. The beans had a nice bite and good flavor but I think they could have benefited from the addition of some meat or something.
Habanero slaw: Good side. It's made from red cabbage and also seemed to be made in-house. I liked the spiciness. A nice departure from regular coleslaw but I would probably go traditional next time.
Biscuit and house-pickled vegetables: Probably the best thing I ate but I wished the biscuit was bigger and that I had been given more vegetables.
Sauce: Too sweet for my tastes, which is all personal preference. If you're from Tennessee this could be your thing.
Atmosphere: Love it. Feels like a BBQ joint.
Bottom line: Good enough to make me want to come back and see if the other items are any good and I hope the other meats I try will live up to the sides. -
Review from Cory R.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
I have been on a BBQ tasting spree lately. When Sneaky's was literally out of everything except wings one night (and I was fiending for brisket) we decided to try CatHead's.
I was glad we did. The guy at the register walked us through the menu and was quite friendly. I ordered the brisket (shocking) and my boy ordered ribs. The brisket was thinly sliced (I do prefer a slab) and lightly (thankfully) sauced. it had a great smoky flavor- which was what I was craving. The sides were pretty good too. I liked the potato salad better tan the mac n cheese.
I will say, the ribs were truly standout! I'm not a huge ribs guy, but these were quite remarkable. If you remotely like ribs, goto CatHead's. -
Review from h. w.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012
Hey I'll give them a pass since it only opened just last Wednesday.
But I can only hope to return to some improvement. Namely the menu is freaking confusing! The portion to price ratio is out of balance, and having eaten BBQ across the country from Arthur Bryant's to Smithfields I come to expect that the que west of the Mississippi to be at best nothing special. So arriving at Cat Head there was no smell of smoke, no sausage! Yes you read that right. A que joint without sausage? That is a giveaway to not expect much. The pulled pork I suffered to swallow was everything to fly home about to taste something real. The slaw side was more price and portion. There is room to grow, and I hope that's what might happen at Cat Head. -
Review from Chad E.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2012 1 photo
I'm seriously not sure what all of the recent one star reviews are. I think someone would have to spit in my food or use profanity on me in order for me to give one star.
With that said, CatHead's serves some damn delicious food -- BBQ in general, and I was born and raised in the south so they had a lot to prove on my end. I grew up eating cathead biscuits out of a cast iron skillet so to see a restaurant named after my favorite comfort food, I was in heaven.
The really awesome thing is that they take these traditional southern dishes which can sometimes be rather heavy and monotone and elevate them to another level. Something I would expect from a San Fran BBQ joint.
I had the sweet tea BBQ chicken sandwich with a side of pimento mac and cheese as well as a giant cathead biscuit.
BBQ chicken has a tendency to be dry and caramelized, but not this stuff. The chicken was so delicious and juicy. It had just the right amount of sauce mixing the right amount of sweet and sour.
Then there's cole-slaw. We've all had this mayonnaise driven dish. Have you ever thought of it as a spicy and crunchy sandwich topping? With just the right amount of spice, acid and fat - so good.
I added just a touch of the Habanero sauce that they have on the table and it put this sandwich over the top for me.
I love mac and cheese, but they add in the flavor of pimento which gives it a fresh new flavor I'd never thought of before. Rich and creamy with a light crunch on top. Old meets new in a tasty way - I'm sitting here the day after wishing I had more.
Over all, this was a great end to the week. Super friendly staff and some delicious chow. I know that I'll be back for more in the future. -
Review from Kyle S.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
When it comes to BBQ I must say I'm fairly picky. This is why I was a Big Nate's fan. So when I pulled up to the building I thought was Nate's and noticed new paint a new BBQ spot had taken its place I had to evaluate my hunger and was hesitant on trying something new. The menu is very similar to Nate's, but don't think it tastes the same. All the recipes are new. I always start with a brisket when it comes to a new place so thats what I ordered. The brisket was pulled from the "smoker" after I ordered, placed in a tinfoil pan, and the put into the oven. HUH? I didn't want to question so I continued to watch the cooks prepare my order. after about 10 minutes in the oven the brisket was out and the sauce was poured over it like they were almost out or its really expensive, and after biting into it the brisket was only about room temp.?. After my visit I can only say I was impressed with the cornbread(and its pretty freakin good) I'm really going to miss Big Nate's brisket that fell apart and was nice and hot when he pulled it from the smoker and dredged it into his BBQ sauce and washing it down with free refills of the bomb sweet tea :(
-
Review from Delicious U.
San Francisco, CA
1/12/2012
Words of advice to this place.
Please go taste real BBQ in KC, Memphis, TX anywhere please.
Go taste your SF competition as well. Steal from them all.
With BBQ, you've got to come correct!
Smoke your meat, work on the sauce(s) a bit more.
Let us kneel down and pray to the Gods and Goddesses of flavor.
I sincerely hope that they will smile upon you and your offerings.
I'll try you again in a few months. -
Review from Drew T.
1/21/2012 1 photo
Small little hole in the wall place, but they've got some pretty decent bbq here. More of a lunch and go kind of place, but it's still holding it own since there aren't many bbq-only places around.
-
Review from Dorian S.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
OK First this joint just opened this week (replacing Nate's) so the previous reviews can't possibly be about Cathead's in its current incarnation.
So me and my friend went tonight. The place is freshly painted. Bathroom and tables are clean and staff was friendly. Granted it was fairly empty but the first impressions were good.
The prices are reasonable. A full plate - meat plus side - at $11 is very reasonable even though my big-appetite me left a bit hungry still. My less-hungry friend was satisfied with his portions.
As for the food. I had the pulled pork - was delicious and melty. So they definitely get points for it since meat is their focus. But the mac'n cheese, albeit pretty good in a fairly mundane kind of way, was served not nearly hot enough which was a turn-off.
My friend was less happy with his brisket. It was pre-cut too thick ahead of time (why couldn't they leave the loaf as is and cut it to order to reheat it? It is not like it was busy) and was therefore not nearly as tender as a brisket should be. Plus they left too much fat on it.
So in the end it was a decent meal for reasonable prices but not nearly the tip-top fantastic experience a BBQ meal can be. -
Review from Cheezy P.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
I've always been a fan of Nate's. The old joint wasn't the best bbq in town but it was very passable, affordable and reliable. I was completely surprised to find Nates replaced, but I was in the mood to experiment so I tried the ribs at the new place.
Let me say that Cathead sides are the best I've ever experienced. So far, I have tried only the spicy, vinegar driven slaw and the beans, but both were terrific. The problem is you don't go to a bbq joint for the sides. You go to bbq for dead animal flesh. I ordered the St. Louis Ribs and was kind of surprised to discover that midwestern city altered their recipe with hoisin and five spice, maybe a touch of ginger in the rub. Mind, I don't object to an Asian note in my food, I just want to know when it is coming. Its too much, and it does not compliment the rich sugary beans and the capsaicin slaw. I know the tendency now is toward fusion but you can throw too many curves around an old classic. There really isn't anything wrong with altering classic recipes, just tell me when you are doing it. Also, considering the price of the combo, I would expect the meat should be at least warm. I do not understand the pickled veg. Pickled carrot would be nice on a burrito, why here?
Have to say the little biscuit is a nice touch. Precious, but nice.
After all that, I would likely still go four stars if it weren't for the service. Their front of house (isn't it sad this town has gotten so precious that I can, with a straight face, write "front of house" about a bbq joint) is really good but the kitchen staff looks like a bunch of cub bears trying to jack off with boxing gloves on. (Awkward. The colloquialism means awkward.) One of the nice thing about Nates was I could get a great hunk of meat from order to table in less than ten minutes. The new place required thirty minutes to complete the order. Likely because they were busy pickling their carrots. -
Review from john s.
Daly City, CA
1/20/2012
Had the St.Louis Ribs and Coca Cola brisket. Mouth watering and delicious, an orgasmic tastebud experience. MMMMMMM Good. A+
-
Review from Edna T.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
Food is excellent! If you have not gone yet drop what you are doing and go! Everything i have eaten there is wonderful. Sweet tea drink awesome! Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, mac and cheese, beans too die for. And dont get me started on the slaw, i have never in my life liked slaw but what they do to the slaw here is incredible! Cathead biscuit is warm and soft like if they made just for me. I have never written a review on yelp but I felt that everyone should know how yummy Cathead's is.
-
Review from simon m.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
was walking home from work wondering what i could eat on my low carb dinner diet.. and i turn and see a lit up BBQ and figure that would do. im glad i tried it out.. nice priced, tons of meat. i had the pulled pork, i think i will stop by a few more times to try their other things.
-
Review from frank s.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
Ill definitely be back. walked here after shopping at rainbow tonight and had their $12 plate which was a great value (chicken, spicy slaw, baked beans, pickles and a biscuit). The BBQ sauce is delicious and the meat tender and flavorful. The staff was super nice too. I live in the neighborhood, the only drawback was the customers eating there were mostly hipster (bleh) so I won't eat in and have to listen to inane conversations around me, but Ill definitely order to pick up without hesitation. super yummy!
-
Review from corey d.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011
Catheads BBQ recently donated food to Health Initiatives For Youth Open House. Some of the BEST BBQ ever. The pulled pork (melted in my mouth), topped with slaw and finished off with a tangy mustard BBQ sauce...DELICIOUS!!!!!
Catheads is a remarkable BBQ experience you should not miss. -
Review from ivan t.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012
CatHead's takes over the two big brick smokers and the SOMA address of the former BigNate's BBQ, and really raises the bar for barbecue establishments in the City by the Bay. The menu remains classic: smoked meats and comfort-food sides, but the recipes are lovingly prepared new takes on the traditional. Why 5 stars after only one visit? Because until now, SF barbecue for me has been mostly disappointing dive-joint mummified meat served through a window by a hairy arm. I want CatHead's to stick around for a long time! CatHead's tasty grub is served in good-sized portions, with a friendly smile. On my recent visit, the slab ribs were tender and meaty, a finger-lickin' base for their excellent peppery sauce. The pimento mac and cheese was perfection. The BBQ beans were nicely barbecue spiced (tho a bit chewy). The tasty greens verged on too rich, but surprisingly are made without lard or meat stock, so guilt-free. The dandelion potato salad was a revelation, but I found the mustard slaw wet and sour. Go for the excellent habanero red cabbage slaw instead. The pulled pork sandwich was also soggy and mustardy, but I finished it all and sopped up the juice with the bun anyway, it tasted so good. If you've been looking for a basic BBQ joint that rises to the high standards of Bay Area foodies, check out CatHead's! And here's a hint (until they get a beer license): BYO PBR. See you there!
-
Review from Grayson J.
Rohnert Park, CA
12/16/2011
My buddy and I ordered chicken biscuits and the second they came to our table we were only able to communicate in satisfied grunting noises because eating our food was suddenly the most important thing in the world. They also brought out two very nice sauces: BBQ and honey mustard which were both awesome with the sandwich. It came on a pie tin, and had a small side of assorted pickled vegetables that made me wonder why we don't eat more pickled things because they were delicious.
I also got a Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA from the bar, which was awesome because I don't normally see the 90min on tap.
Great staff too, they were very friendly and made sure we got everything we needed.
Chicken Biscuit was $8, IPA was $7. -
Review from Jason B.
8/7/2011
Candles, paper towels and mind blowing pork and beef.
Chicken was not on the menu tonight. Faced with not eating or living a little, we went with the pulled pork plate. The waitress earlier had highly recommended it. After ordering, she came back to they were almost out. Would we be OK with half pork and half brisket? As a certain crazy conservative might say, you betcha.
They were absolutely delicious. Served in a tin tray with paper towels and candles on the side. It's like you are at an intimate BBQ. The pork is topped with a house mustard sauce. The beef is topped with a house BBQ sauce. More sauce is available if desired. Slather liberally.
Plates also come with two sides and mini biscuits. We had a hard time choosing between the green bean casserole, mac & cheese and baked beans. So we added a third. Amazing decision. Amazing flavor. Amazing dishes. Do not miss any of them.
All the above washed down with a beer cocktail. Yes you read that right. Beer. Cocktail. The Tabby Cat, a house concoction of ginger ale and beer. One of three available. So incredibly awesome.
We saved room for a slice of pie with berries. Recipe inspired by one of the chef's grandmothers. She'd be proud. My grandmother would steal bites of everything.
Speaking of the chefs, each came over to say hello. Such warm, genuine and friendly people. Everything seemed to taste even better after talking with them. That's magic.
This was my first time at the revamped Corner. Turning it into a series of rotating pop-ups was a brilliant idea. Might otherwise have never discovered Cathead's and their BBQ brilliance.Listed in: Dinner
-
Review from Lois M.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
If you like juicy, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, I am old school when it comes to rib. I don't want them falling off the bone until I give a little tug. They were very moist --overly so even without sauce. Everything is served on pie plates so all the juices run together. Very mushy. I think the plates should be sectioned, each holding what they should and keeping the coleslaw juices off the meat etc. The pulled pork was also very soft and juicy. Good flavor. I give it 3 stars because some people like this type of cooking. I would rather have a little dryer rib that when lifted doesn't fall apart like it has been steamed
-
Review from Panthea J.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011 1 photo
I grew up in the south, but the only things I miss are family, food and football in no particular order.
I'd like to thank ESPN and the power of prayer (his, not mine) for bringing Tim Tebow to sports bars throughout the Bay Area. I'd like to thank Dick Branson for flying the people I love, Wi-Fi'd and mood lit, straight to SFO. And now I'd like to thank the fabulous people at CatHead's BBQ for bringing pulled pork to SoMa in a way that pork isn't usually pulled in SoMa.
Amen. -
Review from Jan N.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2011
Wait a minute; five stars for this stuff? This proves that San Franciscans will eat anything. First of all, only open 6PM- on Saturday. Originally, I did not like this, but I'm glad their is limited access to this mediocre BBQ.
The $15 got me four tiny bones, the sauces were watery and without flavor. The tablespoon of beans were tasteless and cold. However the pickled veggies were great, I wish I would have had more. The slaw was the best on the plate, which arrived with a wax paper on it, and by the time I finished, i wan not sure if I was eating slaw or paper. Not worth eating there. it's no Memphis Minnies... -
Review from Stephanie A.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/12/2011
Called Richard up to help me out of a jam.
He did & his staff pulled thru with sass & grace, so def. five stars for professionalism, attitude and customer service. I'm grateful.
Food:
Pulled pork sandwich w/spicy slaw: Juicy, smoky, sweet & spicy.
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers w/cream cheese. It has bacon and they make it on a grill. I dunno if there is anything I can say that would help sell this, other than they are awesome.
Chicken & Gravy & Biscuits: Perfect breakfast. The chicken was tender and melted in your mouth. The gravy was not gluey or lumpy. The biscuits were thankfully there to soak up all that gravy so it didn't go to waste.
Grilled portobello sandwich: Thick ass slabs of mushroom, marinated in something a little salty & it's so...meaty & juicy.
Book them for your next event, they are so great to work with and the food is amazing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/1/2009
Richard knows his bbq.
He's at most of the Bay Area Derby Girls bouts selling pulled pork and grilled… Read more »
-
-
Review from Dmitry L.
New York, NY
7/13/2011
Good food, but overpriced for something close to a microwaved meal.
-
Review from carmen f.
South San Francisco, CA
3/28/2011
A friend at work gave me a flyer for CatHeads so I decided to check it out.
I don't go to the Mission much, but Iafter reading about them online and reading everyones reviews I decided to go Saturday for dinner.
The neighborhood has changed a lot, last time I was down there was about 5/6 years ago. I like the way it is now. More restaurants open late.
Anyways, the food was OK, i got to try ONLY the chicken because everything else was GONE (it was only 8pm and they are open till 11pm) The place is small, but nice. Definitley not kid friendly, but will go with my husband on our date nights.
I'll go again soon to try the pull pork and the lamb, I just hope they don't run out of food ;)Comment from richard p. of CatHead's BBQ 3/29/2011
Thanks so much for making the trip to check us out. We… More » -
Review from Rikki W.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2010
There are days when I wake up and the only thing that will satiate my appetite is a portobello slider and a side of hot slaw from CatHead's.
I first tasted their mouth watering creations at the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival and watched people get in line over and over just for a plate of cream cheese and golden raisin stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon.
CatHead's knows what's up and doesn't leave behind their vegetarian friends. Anything soaked in whiskey has gotta be good :) We recently had a birthday party for my boyfriend and CatHead's hooked us up with pulled pork and portobello sliders, hot slaw, and two sauces for a reasonable price. Everyone loved it and wanted more!
If you're looking for something different, delicious, and made with love - hit up CatHead's and they'll help you get your food fix! -
Review from June W.
Pleasanton, CA
7/31/2011 2 photos
We were in the neighborhood yesterday and this looked good. There was only one other group in there, but they'd just opened for dinner. They had a Weber kettle going outside the place, but I wasn't sure what they were cooking. It was a good lure though, because nothing attracts your attention like a BBQ going!
We had the Summer Punch (melon juices with champagne). I thought it might have been a little sweeter, but it was ok.
My dining partner got the pulled pork, which came with 2 sides, pickled vegetables, and a cute, tiny biscuit, served on an aluminum pan. For sides, he got the freshly creamed corn and the hot slaw. There were generous portions of both sides. The pork was good, flavorful, and a good amount. The hot slaw was spicy hot, and good. Maybe slightly too much mustard though. The standout was the creamed corn. It was sweet and very good! The pickled vegetables that others wrote about were ok too.
I had the BBQ ribs, with pickled vegetables, and the dandelion greens potato salad and the creamed corn as my sides. (And the adorable biscuit!) The BBQ ribs were good. I had read other reviews that stated the price ($16) seemed a lot for 4 ribs, but it seemed ok. (Ok, maybe a tad pricey.) The interesting thing about the ribs was they didn't taste like other ribs I'd had (this is a good thing). They almost tasted a bit like Chinese char-sieu, which was surprising and good. I tried them with both of the BBQ sauces on the table (one was ketchup or tomato based, the other, mustard based). Both sauces were excellent. I enjoyed the ribs because they were not dried out. They may have been a little fattier than some people like them, but they were very tender and juicy to me. Again, good size portions of both the dandelion greens potato salad and the creamed corn. I don't think I've ever had dandelion greens before, but they were ok with the potato salad. And the creamed corn was again a standout!!
One thing the management may want to do is not serve the dishes in the aluminum pans. I got a nice metallic taste that distracted me from fully enjoying my food!!
Anyhoo, this was a good experience, and I'd recommend it. -
Review from Nickolas M.
Mill Valley, CA
4/12/2009 1 photo
I was at the Union Street Fair on Easter Sunday, and stumbled across Cat Head's BBQ's booth.
Being a barbecue fanatic, I couldn't help but stop to check it out. In all fairness, it should be noted that I also own a barbecue concession business myself, so technically speaking, these guys are my competition. It would have been nice to find major faults with them, but that just wasn't the case.
The menu was true to their motto, "Nuthin' Fancy." They had only one barbecue item--a pulled pork sandwich. (They also offered a portabella mushroom and chicken wings, but I pretended not to notice those non-traditional-barbecue items).
I'm very picky about what I consider to be acceptable pulled pork, let alone really good stuff. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these guys really "got it." Served on a small hamburger bun (as is traditional), the big heap of pulled pork had all the obvious signs of being authentic southern barbecue. There was a good mix of crusty "bark" from the outside of the pork butt, and tender, juicy meat from the inside. It was tender without being mushy, and a noticeable smoke ring could be seen on chucks taken from the outside.
In Memphis there is an age-old debate as to weather the coleslaw belongs on top of the pulled pork (in the sandwich) or on the side. I'm one of those "on the side" people, so I was a little disappointed to see the guy in front of me get his sandwich with the coleslaw on top of the pulled pork. He didn't ask for it that way--it's just the way it came. He didn't seem to mind a bit, but I wanted to taste the pulled pork in all its glory, so I elected not to have any slaw at all--just pork and bun.
The pork was absolutely delicious. I could taste just enough seasoning and just enough smoke to complement the natural flavor of properly smoked pork butt. I can tell you from personal (and business) experience, that accomplishing that task is NOT an easy thing to do. If you don't believe me, try it at home some time when you've got eight to twelve hours to kill.
After walking around the street fair for a while, I stopped by the booth again and talked with Richard, who identified himself as one of the owners. He said he is from Tennessee, which accounts for his good taste in barbecue. He told me that along with his partners, Cat Head's BBQ is just getting started doing street fairs and the like. I have to say, they are off to a great start.
Given the plethora of street fair food vendors with their charcoal-and-lighter-fluid-grills masquerading as real barbecue, the authentic smoked barbecue that these guys offer really stands out. Ordinarily, I would be concerned that they would be major competition for me, but I have to say that having another serious barbecue team out there only helps make a better case for the real thing, and that is good for everyone.
I wish these guys the best of luck and encourage anyone who has a chance to give them a try. -
Review from Mark R.
Oakland, CA
6/23/2009
Found these guys at a booth in a Fort Mason pavilion during a Bay Area Roller Derby Girls event. They were amazing. Not to mention a great, friendly staff.
The pulled pork sandwich was really freaking good. I could have eaten about 3 of them.
Stop and check them out if you see them at a street fair. You won't regret it. I can't wait to have an excuse to get them to cater a party for me. -
Review from kelly G.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2010
Oh man, I love me some CatHead's BBQ. Their to-die-for pulled pork sandwiches rock my world; I can eat those bad boys all day long. And this from a girl who claims she doesn't eat pork.
I'm not sure what a CatHead is, but if it's what it sounds like, and that's their secret ingredient, that wont stop me from having another. -
Review from Lonn L.
Fremont, CA
11/13/2010
Food was great! Everyone in the office raved! Cathead's BBQ made me the hero of the day! Several people said it was the best lunch of the year. Thanks so much for making and delivering such tasty BBQ!
Lonn at Nitro PDF -
Review from h w.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2011
Congratulations on your victory Sunday! Your food was AWESOME and for us it came down to which side "made" the BBQ experience for you. Glad you came out on top - job well done!
-
Review from Enzo R.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011
The meat, tried the brisket and the pulled pork, was very good but the bread totally sucked. Straight out of the bag and still tasted like plastic. Maybe toasting it or letting it air out would've helped. I'd have it again but I'd ask for it sans bread.
-
Review from Anne W.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2011
They did a fantastic job catering the Glenridge Co-op's 40th anniversary picnic lunch. Foods was hot, creative and delicious with something for everyone, kids, vegetarians, non-glutens and the rest. The pork, btw, was terrific.
