Destination Smokehouse Menu With Prices and Hours
If you’re searching for the Destination Smokehouse menu with prices, looking for the Destination Smokehouse Murrieta CA menu, want to know more about their famous smoked oxtail, or simply need to find top BBQ near you in Murrieta — this is the only guide you need. We’ve compiled the complete 2026 Destination Smokehouse menu, including up-to-date prices, menu highlights, and tips on what to order at one of Southern California’s fastest-growing BBQ spots.
Destination Smokehouse began as a family-run coffee shop in Hemet, California in 2016. When the pandemic hit in 2020, founder Nick and his team pivoted to Texas-style barbecue, quickly building a cult following thanks to their slow-smoked meats and bold flavors. The brand expanded with the Murrieta location at 41539 Kalmia St, which opened on July 4th, 2024, drawing huge crowds and establishing Destination Smokehouse as one of the most talked-about BBQ destinations in the Inland Empire. Today, the menu centers on slow-smoked meats sold by the pound — including brisket, oxtail, pastrami, pork ribs, and pork belly burnt ends — along with sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and classic BBQ sides.
What Is “Tendernism”?
Before the menu: Destination Smokehouse coined the word “Tendernism” — their term for the fall-off-the-bone, deeply smoked meat texture that their oxtails, brisket, and ribs deliver. It’s not just a marketing word; regular visitors and food reviewers consistently use it as shorthand for exactly what makes this smokehouse different from conventional BBQ joints. The oxtails in particular — smoked low and slow until the collagen breaks down completely into rich, unctuous braising liquid — have become the defining item that puts Destination Smokehouse on bucket lists for California BBQ enthusiasts.
Destination Smokehouse Smoked Meats Menu With Prices (By The Pound)
Destination Smokehouse’s primary format is ordering smoked meats by the pound, platter-style — choose your proteins and add sides.
| Meat | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Brisket | $35/lb |
| Oxtail (Black Diamond) | $45/lb |
| Pastrami | $40/lb |
| Pork Belly Burnt Ends | $30/lb |
| Pork Ribs | $25 half rack / $40 full rack |
| Smoked Turkey | Market price (~$28–$32/lb) |
| Dino Rib (Beef Short Rib) | Market price (~$30–$35/lb per bone) |
Prices confirmed via verified food reviewer documentation of the Murrieta location opening and subsequent visits (2024–2026). Per-pound pricing fluctuates with meat costs; confirm current pricing at (951) 319-6007 or on the online ordering platform.
The Brisket ($35/lb) is smoked in-house using Pit Master Will’s technique on their signature smoker “Big Red” (and the newer silver custom smoker from Titus Smokers at the Murrieta location). The bark is deep and peppery; the interior is moist and separates at a touch. Multiple reviews from Southern California BBQ enthusiasts place it alongside the state’s best.
The Black Diamond Oxtails ($45/lb) are the item that built the brand’s reputation and the reason the word “Tendernism” exists. Oxtail is collagen-heavy by nature; the extended smoke time breaks that collagen into gelatin-rich braising liquid that coats every bite. The result is a piece of meat with smoke-ring depth on the outside and a texture that literally falls from the bone — no knife required. At $45/lb, a single serving runs $20–$25 and is worth every dollar to the people who drive from Los Angeles and Orange County to order it.
The Pastrami ($40/lb) is the deli hybrid that sets Destination Smokehouse apart from purely Southern BBQ joints — seasoned with classic pastrami spice, smoked rather than steamed, yielding a cut with smoke flavor and pastrami bite simultaneously. It’s the most unusual meat on the menu and arguably the most interesting.
Pork Ribs ($25 half / $40 full rack) are smoked 5–6 hours and are the most accessible entry point for guests who want the Destination Smokehouse experience without the premium oxtail price. The half rack at $25 is the standard order for a solo visitor.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends ($30/lb) are the BBQ-world’s current darling cut done right — fatty pork belly cubed, double-smoked, and glazed until each piece is caramelized outside and molten inside. A quarter-pound is a reasonable add-on; a half-pound is a meal on its own.
Destination Smokehouse Build-Your-Own Platter
The signature Build-Your-Own Platter format lets you mix any combination of smoked meats in the portions you want, paired with your choice of sides. Reviewed platters have included:
- Brisket + Oxtail + Pork Ribs + sides (~$35–$50 per person depending on portions)
- Brisket + Smoked Turkey + Ribs (3-meat platter, the most-reviewed combination)
- Pastrami + Pork Belly Burnt Ends + sides (~$30–$40)
There is no fixed “combo” pricing — you are charged per pound for each meat and per item for each side. Ask the counter staff for current tray sizes and minimum order weights.
Destination Smokehouse Sandwiches & Burgers Menu With Prices
| Item | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Pastrami Sandwich | $18.95 | Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard, rye bread |
| El Paso Burger | $18.95 | Brisket, cheddar, red onion, BBQ sauce, brioche bun |
| Brisket and Cheddar Sandwich | ~$17.95 | House-smoked brisket, cheddar, toasted bun |
| Maui Pulled Pork Sandwich | ~$15.95 | Hawaiian-inspired pulled pork, pineapple slaw |
| Pork Sandwich | ~$14.95 | Pulled pork, house sauce, toasted bun |
Prices for NYC Pastrami Sandwich ($18.95) and El Paso Burger ($18.95) confirmed via verified food reviewer pricing. Additional sandwich prices based on visitor reports and cross-referenced delivery listings.
The NYC Pastrami Sandwich ($18.95) is one of the most distinctive items in Southern California BBQ — Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard, and house-smoked pastrami on rye bread. It bridges the New York deli world and the Texas BBQ world in a single sandwich and is the item that surprises guests who came expecting only Southern BBQ.
The El Paso Burger ($18.95) — a brioche bun stacked with house-smoked brisket, cheddar, red onion, and BBQ sauce — is what happens when a BBQ joint takes a burger seriously. The brisket topping means you’re getting the full smokehouse flavor in a hand-held format, and the BBQ sauce ties it to the pit rather than to a typical fast-casual burger experience.
The Maui Pulled Pork Sandwich (~$15.95) is the most frequently praised sandwich in casual reviews — the Hawaiian twist (pineapple slaw, tropical seasoning) cuts through the richness of pulled pork in a way that makes it more sessionable than the heavier brisket and pastrami options.
Destination Smokehouse Tacos Menu With Prices
| Item | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oxtail Tacos | ~$8–$10 each | Smoked oxtail, house slaw, tortilla |
| Pork Belly Tacos | $6 each | Avocado crema, red onion, cilantro, tortilla |
| Tuesday Tacos (Special) | ~$4–$6 each | Rotating proteins: turkey, pork belly, pulled pork, brisket |
Pork Belly Tacos at $6 each confirmed via verified reviewer visit pricing. Oxtail Taco pricing based on delivery platform listings (~$8–$10 range). Tuesday Tacos are a popular weekly special with rotating BBQ proteins at reduced pricing — confirmed via visitor reviews (“Tuesday tacos featuring turkey, pork belly, pulled pork, and brisket, especially popular with affordable prices”).
The Oxtail Tacos are one of the most reviewed items on Yelp — described consistently as some of the best tacos in Southern California, balancing the smoky tenderness of the oxtail with fresh taco toppings. They represent the clearest crossover point between the Texas BBQ program and California taco culture.
The Pork Belly Tacos ($6 each) — avocado crema, red onion, cilantro — are the most accessible taco format and one of the best value-per-bite items on the menu. Two is a solid appetizer; three is a full meal for lighter appetites.
Destination Smokehouse Sides Menu With Prices
| Side | Price |
|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | $5.99 |
| Baked Beans | $3.95 |
| Yams | $4.95 |
| Coleslaw (Honey-Based, Orange Zest) | $3.95 |
| Other seasonal sides | ~$3.95–$5.99 |
Prices confirmed via verified food reviewer visit documentation.
The Coleslaw ($3.95) — honey-based with orange zest — is the side that gets the most specific praise in reviews. Multiple visitors specifically note the orange zest as the differentiator from generic BBQ coleslaw: it adds brightness that cuts through the fat of brisket and ribs. If you’re picky about coleslaw, this is the one to order.
The Mac & Cheese ($5.99) develops a crispy top layer from either oven finishing or the ambient heat of the smokehouse environment. Reviews consistently mention the crunchy top as the distinguishing feature; getting it “on top” rather than stirred through is the regular-visitor move.
The Baked Beans ($3.95) are the most traditional side — slow-cooked, smoky, and the correct accompaniment to the ribs and brisket.
Destination Smokehouse Nachos & Extras
| Item | Approx. Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nachos | ~$12.95–$16.95 | Topped with smoked protein (brisket, oxtail, or pork), queso, jalapeños |
Reviews note the Nachos serving is generously large. The recommendation from experienced visitors: get the cheese on the side to prevent the chips from becoming soggy before you can finish them. The spicy BBQ sauce is cited as the best addition — “the right amount of spicy sweetness.”
Destination Smokehouse Dessert Waffles & Drinks
Per the official Facebook page: “Make Us your Destination for the Best BBQ, Classic Deli Sandwiches, Dessert Waffles and much more!” — Destination Smokehouse serves Dessert Waffles as part of their specialty offering. Specific waffle prices and flavors vary; confirm current options at the counter or via their social media.
Beverages:
- Guava Lemonade — the most-mentioned drink in casual reviews, a house specialty that pairs with the smoke-heavy menu
- Standard sodas and bottled beverages
Destination Smokehouse Catering 2026
Destination Smokehouse offers full BBQ catering for events, with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sides available in bulk for group orders. Per the official website: “Indulge in the smoky goodness of Destination Smokehouse BBQ catering! From tender brisket to savory ribs, we bring authentic BBQ flavors to your event.”
For catering inquiries: destinationsmokehouse@gmail.com or DestinationCBB@gmail.com. Catering info at destinationsmokehouse.com/Catering.
Destination Smokehouse Locations 2026
Murrieta (Main Location — Open 2026)
Address: 41539 Kalmia St, Murrieta, CA 92562
Phone: (951) 319-6007
Hours: Thursday–Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (or sell-out); Closed Monday–Wednesday
Online ordering: destinationmurrieta.com
Instagram: @destinationmurrieta / @destinationsmokehouse
The Murrieta location opened July 4, 2024, with a massive custom Titus Smokers build-out and the full menu including the Black Diamond Oxtails, Dino Ribs, and all sandwiches/burgers. This is the location relevant to all searches for Destination Smokehouse Murrieta, Destination Smokehouse Murrieta CA menu, and Destination Smokehouse Murrieta menu with prices.
Hemet (Original Location — Status Verify Before Visiting)
Address: 100 W Florida Ave, Hemet, CA
Phone: (951) 502-6777
The Hemet location on West Florida Ave is where the brand was born — the original pivot from Destination Coffee Bar to Destination Smokehouse in 2020. As of early 2026, the Hemet location has been listed as temporarily closed on some platforms. Confirm current operating status at destinationsmokehouse.com before making the drive. For searches specific to Destination Smokehouse Hemet, check the restaurant’s official social channels for updates.
How to Order Destination Smokehouse Online 2026
- Direct online ordering (Murrieta): destinationmurrieta.com
- Destination Smokehouse Eatery online: destinationsmokehouse.com
- DoorDash delivery: Available at the Murrieta location
- Curbside pickup: Available at both locations
Note: The online ordering platform shows “not accepting online orders at this time” during non-operating hours or sell-out days. For the most accurate menu PDF equivalent, the official platters menu images are posted on destinationmurrieta.com/menu.
Gift cards are available — confirmed via Yelp Q&A.
Best Items to Order at Destination Smokehouse in 2026
Best first-visit order: Brisket by the pound ($35/lb) + Mac & Cheese + Coleslaw — the foundational Destination Smokehouse introduction.
Best item overall (and most legendary): Black Diamond Oxtails ($45/lb) — the item that built the brand. Drive however far you need to. Arrive early so they’re not sold out.
Best sandwich: NYC Pastrami Sandwich ($18.95) — the most distinctive item in Southern California BBQ and the clearest expression of the kitchen’s deli-smokehouse hybrid identity.
Best taco: Oxtail Tacos (~$8–$10) — some of the most reviewed tacos in Inland Empire BBQ, full stop.
Best value side: Coleslaw ($3.95) — the orange-zest honey base is the best slaw at any BBQ joint in the region and a $3.95 item that outperforms sides at restaurants charging three times as much.
Best weekly special: Tuesday Tacos — rotating proteins at affordable prices. The brisket Tuesday taco is the specific recommendation from regulars.
Best meal for non-BBQ diners: Maui Pulled Pork Sandwich (~$15.95) or Pork Belly Tacos ($6 each) — accessible, lighter entry points for guests who find the by-the-pound format intimidating.
Destination Smokehouse Hours 2026
Murrieta Location (Primary)
Address: 41539 Kalmia St, Murrieta, CA 92562
Phone: (951) 319-6007
Email: DestinationCBB@gmail.com / destinationsmokehouse@gmail.com
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or sell-out) |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or sell-out) |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or sell-out) |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or sell-out) |
Hemet Location (West Florida Ave)
Address: 100 W Florida Ave, Hemet, CA
Phone: (951) 502-6777
The Hemet location has been listed as temporarily closed as of early 2026. Confirm current status at destinationsmokehouse.com before visiting.
Critical note: Destination Smokehouse regularly sells out before closing time — especially on weekends. Arriving early (11:00–11:30 AM) maximizes your selection. Popular items like the Black Diamond Oxtails, Dino Ribs, and Pork Belly Burnt Ends often sell out by early afternoon. Follow @destinationsmokehouse and @destinationmurrieta on Instagram/TikTok for daily meat updates.
FAQs — Destination Smokehouse Menu
What is Tendernism?
“Tendernism” is a word coined by Destination Smokehouse to describe the fall-off-the-bone, fully rendered texture of their slow-smoked meats — particularly the Black Diamond Oxtails. It has become a signature brand term embraced by their community and frequently used in reviews and social content.
What is the Destination Smokehouse oxtail?
The Black Diamond Oxtails are smoked low and slow until the collagen converts fully to gelatin, creating a texture that literally falls from the bone. At $45/lb, they are the most premium item on the by-the-pound menu and the most-searched item on the brand’s Yelp page. They regularly sell out before close.
What are Destination Smokehouse’s hours?
Thursday–Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or sell out). Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Arrive by 11:30 AM for full selection — popular items sell out regularly on weekends.
Is the Hemet Destination Smokehouse still open?
As of early 2026, the Hemet location (100 W Florida Ave) has been listed as temporarily closed on some platforms. Confirm current status at destinationsmokehouse.com or call (951) 502-6777 before visiting.
How much does Destination Smokehouse cost per person?
A typical meal — a half-pound of brisket or oxtail, two sides, and a drink — runs approximately $30–$45 per person depending on protein choice. A sandwich or burger meal with a side runs $22–$28. The Build-Your-Own platter with multiple proteins runs $40–$60+ per person.
Does Destination Smokehouse have a menu PDF?
Destination Smokehouse does not publish a static universal pricing PDF, as by-the-pound pricing adjusts with meat market costs. The current menu is at destinationmurrieta.com/menu (Murrieta) and destinationsmokehouse.com (Hemet). Follow their Instagram for daily availability updates.
What makes Destination Smokehouse different from Phil’s BBQ?
Phil’s BBQ is a San Diego-based chain with a broader menu, table service, and a more accessible price point. Destination Smokehouse is a smaller, family-run craft operation in Murrieta — focused on premium by-the-pound smoked meats (including oxtail and pastrami, which Phil’s doesn’t carry), with a build-your-own platter format and a tighter, more intentional menu. The oxtail and pastrami at Destination Smokehouse represent BBQ territory Phil’s doesn’t cover.
Does Destination Smokehouse do catering?
Yes. Full BBQ catering is available for events, social gatherings, and corporate orders. Inquiry at destinationsmokehouse@gmail.com or DestinationCBB@gmail.com.
Destination Smokehouse 2026 — Final Take
Destination Smokehouse in 2026 is a passion project that became a destination — the rare BBQ joint that genuinely earns the word “destination” in its name. People drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego for the Black Diamond Oxtails at $45/lb and the brisket at $35/lb because there is nowhere else in Southern California doing exactly this: Texas-inspired smoking technique applied to oxtail, pastrami, and pork belly in a family-run environment with sides that are as carefully made as the meat.
The Thursday–Sunday 11 AM–6 PM hours (or sell-out) and the Closed Monday–Wednesday schedule mean planning is required. But that planning is worth it. The sell-out reality is itself a signal: this is a kitchen that makes exactly as much as they can smoke perfectly, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Murrieta location: 41539 Kalmia St, Murrieta, CA 92562 · (951) 319-6007
Online ordering: destinationmurrieta.com
Full menu & updates: destinationsmokehouse.com + @destinationmurrieta on Instagram/TikTok
