Gorilla Barbeque - Pacifica

Best: Philly Cheese Steak and Pork Ribs

2145 Coast Highway 1, Pacifica, CA 94044
650-359-RIBS (7427)
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Wed - Mon 12pm -8pm or sell out, Closed Tuesdays
http://www.gorillabbq.com/

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
Last Visited: June 20, 2012

I saw this funny place on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and I couldn't resist checking it out.  Pacifica offers such gorgeous views that it's easy to drive past the orange train car sitting along Highway 1.  Locals tell me that Gorilla BBQ was not thriving - business was fairly slow until Guy featured the place on his show.  Now there are lines out the door.

There isn't any place to sit, so be prepared to eat in the car or take the delicious BBQ with you.  One of the owners,  Rich Bacchi, was there when we ordered.  You'll recognize him because of the many rings and the letters PORK RIBS tatooed to his fingers.

- Philly Cheesesteak - Made with their brisket, bell peppers and onions are grilled on the flat top along with the meat and a little of their homemade BBQ sauce.  The combination fills a lightly toasted soft roll that contains melted cheese.  The meat is so tender and the bread is super fresh.  I ate it before I remembered to get out my camera - it was that good.  The sandwich combo also comes with a side (choice of mac N' cheese, coleslaw, grilled veggies, corn on the cob, potato salad, and beans over rice).  The mac N' cheese doesn't even enter the picture for me - while the pasta is well-flavored, I think a lot of the seasoning is powdered and I prefer a creamier sauce.   It was a little cold by the time I got to eat it (probably because I was devouring the cheesesteak) so I tasted a lot of garlic powder - more than I would like for my mac. The cheesesteak is a must try though. $8.50

- Pork Ribs - Available as part of a combo or a side dish, you can enjoy the 'bark' on the pork rib and the richness of the meat.  While it wasn't completely fall of the bone, some pieces were very close.  The tangy and slightly spicy bbq sauce really pairs well with the meat.  The portion is generous - three large ribs with lots of meat on them.  $5.75, Rack of ribs $23

Other items on the menu include beef brisket, rotisserie chicken, hot links, and pulled pork.  A lot of folks end up enjoying their meal in the parking lot, and somewhere on the premises are some picnic tables.  It's usually too cold and windy to be eating outside there, but you're bound to be full after eating some Gorilla BBQ.  I will definitey be back!