Up In Smoke BBQ

Hello friends, This is a hard update to share.

Our Escondido restaurant is now closed. This was not a decision we made. The business who holds the master lease for the building decided to change direction and expand into our space, and because of how everything happened, we had to close much faster than we ever wanted or expected.

Reopening on Grand Ave last year meant so much to us. We got to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and feel the love this community has always shown our family. We are grateful for every meal shared, every hug, every “we missed you,” and every bit of support you all gave us.

But Up In Smoke BBQ is not gone.
Not even close.

Our Food Truck, Pop-Ups, and Catering are still going strong, and we are updating our website with our full schedule so you’ll always know where to find us. And with the holidays coming up, we would be grateful to be part of your family gatherings, office parties, and celebrations.

We’re also working on adding family-style pick-up meals soon — smaller portions so you can bring dinner home without needing to order full catering trays. More info on that soon.

To everyone who has checked in, shared our posts, and encouraged us — thank you. Your support has carried us more than you know.

This is not the end. Just a new chapter.
We’ll see you in the community.
Just look for the smoke. ❤️

— Briana, CJ & Family
Up In Smoke BBQ
www.UpInSmokeSanMarcos.com

🎉 We Made the Top 5! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that Up In Smoke BBQ has been named a Top 5 finalist in the 2025 San Diego Union-Tribune’s “San Diego’s Best” competition! As a small, family-run business with just one cozy location and a dedicated food truck, this recognition means the world to us.

Being nominated alongside some of San Diego’s most beloved BBQ spots is a true honor and a testament to the incredible support we’ve received from our community.

Voting has concluded, and we’re eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Top 3 winners at the Union-Tribune’s SD Best event on July 24. Regardless of the outcome, we’re filled with gratitude for the journey and for everyone who has cheered us on.

Thank you for being part of our story and helping us bring the smoke to San Diego!

Graduation season is here and we’re booking up quick!
Nothing feeds a hungry crowd like slow-smoked BBQ — lock in your date before it’s gone!

We’ve got options for every size party:
• Catering by the Tray for easy, self-serve goodness
• Pop-Up Tent Service to bring the smoke and flavor to you
• Our Food Truck for that full-on BBQ experience

Whether you’re feeding 20 or 200, we’ll keep the good food (and the good times) rolling.

Contact us today to reserve your date:
Website: www.upinsmokesanmarcos.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (442) 777-3196

Don’t wait — your graduates (and their appetites) will thank you!

🚨 We’re Back and Ready to Serve! 🚨

Hey BBQ Fam,
We hope you all had an amazing holiday season! As some of you may know, our family-run business took an unexpected break last week. Influenza A hit every single one of us like a ton of brisket, and for everyone’s safety, we had to close our doors temporarily.

But here’s the good news: we’re all healthy, recharged, and ready to fire up the smokers again! Starting tomorrow—New Year’s Day—your favorite slow-smoked BBQ is back on the menu, and we’d love nothing more than to welcome you back through our doors.

📍 138 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA
⏰ Special Hours on New Year’s Day: 11 AM - 6 PM
⏰ Regular Hours: 11 AM - 6 PM, Thursday to Monday

Running a family business has its ups and downs, and this past week has been tough. If you’ve been missing our brisket, brisket chili, Mac ‘n’ cheese and pulled pork, now’s the time to come show some love and help us bounce back stronger than ever. Let’s kick off 2025 with full bellies and great company!

Thank you for your understanding and support. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow and serve up the BBQ you’ve been craving!

— Your Friends at Up In Smoke BBQ