Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

San Jose, CA

North America

United States

# Little Lou's BBQ – Authentic BBQ Restaurant in San Jose, CA
Little Lou's BBQ, located at 2455 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA, is a vibrant restaurant known for its authentic barbecue and live music. This establishment has become a local favorite, offering a unique blend of American BBQ and Vietnamese dishes. Since its inception, Little Lou's has fostered a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both casual diners and music enthusiasts. The restaurant has garnered attention for its hearty meals, including ribs and burgers, and has received mixed reviews, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.

## History
### The story of Little Lou's BBQ
Little Lou's BBQ was founded with a vision to create a community hub where delicious food and live entertainment could come together. The founders aimed to provide a casual dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of barbecue while also incorporating elements of local culture.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a local BBQ destination in Campbell, CA.
- Expanded menu to include Vietnamese dishes alongside traditional BBQ.
- Introduced live music events, enhancing the dining experience.
- Adjusted operating hours post-COVID-19 to accommodate changing customer needs.

### Cultural and local influence
Little Lou's BBQ has become an integral part of the Campbell community, attracting a diverse clientele. The restaurant's incorporation of live music reflects the local culture, providing a platform for musicians and creating a lively atmosphere. This blend of culinary and cultural offerings has helped establish Little Lou's as a beloved gathering place.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold its founding principles by focusing on quality food and community engagement. Regular events, such as trivia nights and live music, ensure that Little Lou's remains a vibrant part of the local dining scene, fostering connections among patrons.

## Community
### Community involvement
Little Lou's BBQ actively participates in community events and supports local musicians by hosting live performances. This involvement not only enhances the dining experience but also strengthens relationships within the community, making it a go-to spot for locals.

### Community notion about the place
Patrons often describe Little Lou's as a friendly and welcoming establishment. The restaurant's casual vibe and attentive staff contribute to a positive perception among locals, who appreciate the blend of good food and entertainment.

### Events and gatherings
The restaurant hosts various events, including trivia nights and live music performances, which draw in crowds and create a lively atmosphere. These gatherings foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity for patrons to enjoy good food while engaging in fun activities.

## Offerings
### What Little Lou's BBQ offers
Little Lou's BBQ features a diverse menu that includes traditional American barbecue as well as Vietnamese dishes. This unique combination caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a versatile dining option for various occasions.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Little Lou's is characterized by a casual atmosphere and self-service model. Guests order at the counter, and food is promptly delivered to their tables. The menu features a variety of options, from ribs and burgers to vegetarian dishes, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

### Events and packages
Little Lou's offers special events and packages, particularly for trivia nights and live music performances. These events often feature food and drink specials, enhancing the overall experience for attendees and encouraging repeat visits.

### Facilities and features
- Casual dining atmosphere
- Live music and entertainment
- Self-service ordering system
- Outdoor seating options
- Friendly and accommodating staff

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Little Lou's BBQ highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. While many patrons rave about the quality of the barbecue and the lively atmosphere, others express dissatisfaction with certain menu items and service inconsistencies.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently compliment the restaurant's friendly staff and the quality of the barbecue, particularly the ribs and brisket. The live music events are also well-received, adding to the overall dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some reviews point out issues with food quality, such as dry ribs or inconsistencies in portion sizes. Additionally, the dual menu featuring both BBQ and Vietnamese dishes has received mixed feedback, with some patrons finding it confusing.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Little Lou's BBQ offers a unique dining experience that combines great food with live entertainment. While there are areas for improvement, the restaurant's strengths in customer service and community involvement make it a notable choice for those seeking a casual dining experience in Campbell.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Little Lou's BBQ is situated in Campbell, CA, a vibrant neighborhood in San Jose. The restaurant is conveniently located near shopping centers and entertainment venues, making it an ideal stop for those looking to enjoy a meal before or after a movie. The area is known for its friendly atmosphere and community events, adding to the appeal of dining at Little Lou's.

## FAQs
**What are the operating hours** Little Lou's BBQ is open Wednesday to Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:00/10:00 PM.  
**Is there live music at Little Lou's** Yes, the restaurant features live music events regularly.  
**Do they offer vegetarian options** Yes, there are several vegetarian dishes available on the menu.  
**Is there a parking facility** Yes, parking is available nearby for patrons.  
**Can I host an event at Little Lou's** Yes, the restaurant accommodates special events and gatherings.

## Visit Little Lou's BBQ Today
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at Little Lou's BBQ, located in Campbell, CA. With a unique blend of American barbecue and Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant is perfect for casual dining or enjoying live music. Join the community and discover why Little Lou's has become a local favorite, where great food and friendly service await.

3126422f-a2e5-4b2d-b01d-a7a0446a1f83

I used to go to Little Lou's quite a bit at 2455 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008 They used to be open for lunch and dinner and had really great hours but once Covid hit, everything changed. Now their hours are a little bit on the unusual side. They no longer offer lunches and are open Wed-Sat from 4:00 to 9:00/10:00 PM, however, one of the things that is available is live entertainment every night. This place is not really good for younger family members, as it is primarily a bar and offers excellent dinners such as ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other delights. They even offer clam chowder and Pho Soup. During my visit I tried their pork ribs and let me tell you they were fantastic. They were a fall off the bone rib that had been slow cooking for hours. They're coleslaw is absolutely homemade and the corn on the cob was amazing. Even the garlic bread was great. They have a good selection of desserts and overall the restaurant is very clean and well maintained. This is a self service restaurant but the cashier's and bartenders are very nice and try hard to serve customers when needed. I found everything to be competitively priced. I really like Little Lou's and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them!

a03fee72-3f13-4c33-a595-063743d3527a

May 7, 2025 - stopped in for dinner and some live music. The music was so loud that conversation was impossible (but no big deal as that's a chance one takes with live music ). Great beer selection and decent wines too (not a "full bar"), but we knew that ahead of time (thanks YELP). And the gal behind the bar was very nice. Now for why it's a 2. The ribs were very dry. They came coated with some BBQ sauce (we ended up getting several more that came in to go containers). The cheeseburger was ordered with no onions and yet onions came with the sides (lettuce & tomato) so it was taken back to the counter so that those sides could be removed and replaced with new sides of just lettuce and tomato. Sat back down and lifted the lid of the bun to add mayonnaise only to discover that there was onion mixed in with melted cheese. The receipt even showed that it was ordered with no onion... Time for a re-fire. So much for having dinner together. The sliced brisket had a burnt taste and was 40+% fat (nasty). On the bright side, the couple of opossums that come through the backyard nightly will thoroughly enjoy the scraps!! Never again!!!

57ca5edd-2c54-45fb-8b51-3bae8f053fff

HORRIBLE flabby, fatty beef ribs. Bland beans. We won't be back. They are also trying to do too much in this place. They have American barbecue, and then Vietnamese dishes on the menu, too. It's just odd.

c1950699-405d-45db-9949-6a64e7f74fc1

We had dinner here on a Thursday evening, with the pro blues jam happening on stage. The place was packed when we arrived around 7:45pm, but luckily we found a couple open counter seats near the bar in the back (these were the only 2 seats available). The musicians, playing a variety of instruments, put on some great entertainment, performing songs like Chain of Fools for an older crowd who seemed to just be having a good time in the casual and carefree atmosphere. A welcoming setting with lovely decor on the walls (mainly sports-themed) and street lampposts decorating the stage. We got the brisket salad, regular combo (quarter chicken and 2 ribs), with mac n cheese and corn bread for the sides. The meats were so tender, falling off the bone, and very tasty, particularly the chicken and pork ribs. They had a modest amount of bbq sauce on them, but it didn't really need more, as the juices from the meat along with the fat added so much flavor. And these were large pieces with lots of meat on them, and not too heavy on the fat... some of the best bbq I've had (even without putting extra sauce on them, though they have condiments available to help yourself to if needed, including both sweet and spicy bbq sauce). The salad was also a large size and stacked with fresh and delicious ingredients. The garlic bread and corn bread were yummy too and not overly filling, even if the carbs added up and were too much to finish. The mac n cheese was a bit dry, but with all the other carb-heavy sides, it wasn't a big deal. Already so much good stuff to fill us up! There was no line to order at the counter in the back, and service was more than sufficient, bringing our food to the table without too long of a wait (around 15 minutes or so). We enjoyed our time here, the quality of the bbq being the most memorable part. Based on our recent experience, I'd highly recommend this spot.

aaeb9aa8-b612-4820-b0ed-5a982412cd60

I dinged the restaurant one star only because the food was not as good as last time. I got the brisket, juicy, and it was kind of tough and there were some hard pieces of meat. I pretty much left half my meal. This particular event was a birthday celebration for a friend and I had bought her dinner. Our main reason for attending this establishment was to see the band Engine Room which I am a huge fan of. Just a bunch of talented guys who have a large repertoire of music. Especially songs of the 70s, which I never hear played by other bands very talented musicians. They have a song that I've never heard another band perform which is by Grand Funk Railroad. They did not disappoint and played the song. If you ever get a chance to see this group, they are great. They pretty much play all dance music. If you don't have a good time you're doing something wrong.

aa56609a-f08e-42da-8d76-e92a959d0e33

Beef ribs taste boiled or steamed definitely not BBQ. It also was an inferior grade of beef. The bones were cut too close to the backbone.

3b59e603-ee38-4060-8b2e-6566e4d15ee8

I really wanted to give more stars but it just isn't worth it. I've been here a few times for the Tuesday Trivia (super fun!!) and ordered different menu items. What works: -- their ranch is really good! -- the order of fries is sizeable -- they have a lot of vegetarian options -- the salad is pretty fresh -- most of the sides are good (fries, fried pickles, chicken wings, etc) -- staff is friendly -- Tuesday trivia is a lot of fun, and the host, Jeff, clearly works hard to make it enjoyable What doesn't work: -- the prices are way too high. I paid $7 for a side salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, and dressing) and it's $7 for boxed Mac n cheese. If the food isn't going to be really good, then it should be a large portion. And if it can't be really good or a large portion, the price should reflect that. -- the quality of the food is okay. I haven't tried most of what's on the menu but my friends say that everything is really average and all the food I've tried is very average. I'm not even sure what their signature dish is Overall, definitely come for the Tuesday Trivia, maybe not so much for the food. I'll stick to ordering drinks and sides when I visit as those are always consistent

aafcd816-e5af-4ffb-a691-7f3daacdf86e

Come for trivia on Tuesdays at 6:30! Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** Staff here is really friendly, you definitely get small business/family-owned vibes. Trivia is hosted by Head Games trivia and starts at 6:30PM on Tuesdays -- this started recently so you can actually form a team (up to 6 people I think) and have the chance to learn something new and win a gift card (a pitcher of beer, $30 for 1st place team, $20 for 2nd place team, or $10 for for 3rd place team). **Price & portion, 5/5** You get a good portion size, ideal for getting a few different items and sharing. **Taste of the food, 2.5/5** Food here has been a hit or miss for me. The chicken wings are fantastic -- piping hot and crispy; the salad is fresh; and the fried pickles are crisp and flavorful. But the bbq chicken leg I got was super dry despite it being dark meat, and the garlic bread tasted a bit stale and didn't really hit the spot. **Other notes** Parking is super easy to find and the restaurant is located right next to the movie theatre. They also have live music that caters to an older audience; you can check out their website for event updates!

58a5ddb4-f096-4913-9b77-e82171dd3a13

Top notch service. Came in super close to closing but the entire team was extremely accommodating. Very much appreciated. The foods good and quick I got the cheese sticks and chili. Live music good drinks all vibes. Definitely check it out if you get the chance

0913c56e-6d35-4504-8f1b-cad267c2bf18

This is a nice local restaurant located in the strip mall with the movie theaters and the Dollar Tree. You order at the counter and food is brought to you. They offer Vietnamese food as well as American BBQ options. We came in for dinner, and the printed menus did not match the menu on the board behind the register area, so I recommended you look at a printed menu. I ordered the tri tip meal with coleslaw and beans. My husband had a baby-back ribs meal with corn on the cob and cornbread. Our meals came with a piece of garlic bread, which was okay, not very flavorful. My tri tip was fine, and it came with an au jus. I asked for BBQ sauce, and their sauce is not very sweet, unfortunately for me. The beans were fine. My husband enjoyed his meal. They have live music on some evenings. We saw someone setting up but did not stay long enough to hear them play. The service was friendly and efficient. They are closed on Sundays.

Discover Little Lou's BBQ in San Jose, CA for mouthwatering, authentic barbecue. Experience rich flavors and cozy ambiance. Visit us today for a true taste of the South.

Little Lou's BBQ in San Jose, CA - Authentic Southern Flavors

Campbell

Little Lou's BBQ

California

Explore the full menu at Little Lou's BBQ in San Jose, CA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 2455 S Winchester Blvd.

Little Lou's BBQ Menu – Food & Drinks in San Jose, CA

Learn about Little Lou's BBQ in San Jose, CA. Experience authentic BBQ, friendly atmosphere & great service. Located at 2455 S Winchester Blvd.

About Little Lou's BBQ, San Jose, CA

Opening hours for Little Lou's BBQ, San Jose, CA. Find opening hours for Little Lou's BBQ, San Jose, CA on 2455 S Winchester Blvd.

Little Lou's BBQ Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Little Lou's BBQ

Locanda Sorrento

Sweet Treats Boutiquet Gref

Blue Sky Chinese Restaurant