When rocker-cum-restaurateur Sammy Hagar told us that Best Lil' Porkhouse—specifically their pulled pork sandwich with fried okra—was his favorite place to get a gut bomb in Marin, we knew that it was worth looking into.
The BBQ joint is an assuming locale in San Rafael, and like most hole-in-the-wall restos, offers up some delcious, indulgent food. Owned Ken and Christina Flach (you may remember Ken as four-time Grand Slam winner, two-time Wimbledon champ and Olympic gold medalist, all in tennis, or from the Q&A we did with him in 2011), and the two have truly brought a piece of the south to Marin.
The Porkhouse has a roadhouse feel, and the menu offers organic, humanely raised meats cooked in styles from around the US. Add a variety of homemade sauces (sweet & tangy, sweet & spicy, tangy & spicy and mustard-based) and you have real barbecue in Northern California—a rarity, indeed.
Ken was born and raised in Missouri, and has lived in both Atlanta and Nashville—all known for their impressive BBQ. When Ken found himself in Marin, which houses many restaurants but not much barbecue, he knew that he had a job to do.
Whether you're craving house-made pickles, beef brisket or mac n cheese, Best Lil' Porkhouse has it all.
2042 4th Street San Rafael, CA // 415.457.7675 // Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday