Baby back ribs at Carbon (Instagram)
Food, South Park

New Barbecue Joint Wafts Into South Park

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

San Diego continues upping its game when it comes to ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and other carnivorous delights at the long-awaited Carbon BBQ in South Park.

The quaint eatery was recently launched in part by chef Hanis Cavin, who founded Carnitas’ Snack Shack before taking a culinary detour to Spokane, WA – and then returning for this venture. Through the front kitchen window, we’ve twice spotted the pork maven running the show.

Carbon is also backed by Italian chef Matteo Cattaneo of the esteemed, nearby Buona Forchetta restaurant and its local offshoots. His foray into Texas-style barbecue comes after a few years of planning, which was delayed by the pandemic, partnership holdups, and menu finalizing.

The end result is a concise choice of slow-smoked meats that land on platters or inside sandwiches. The latter includes a decadent pork belly “smash” burger with American cheese, charred onions and house mayo on a potato bun. (That will be our first order of business after the holidays.)

Sidekicks range from jalapeno corn and baked beans to sweet-spicy coleslaw and bacon-kissed mac and cheese. Craft beer, wine, and hard cider are also available.