Located at 8622 Lake Murray Boulevard, Pioneer BBQ was born from an all-star collaboration of local culinary talent. Launched in 2018 by Chef Hanis Cavin, the pork aficionado behind Carnitas' Snack Shack, along with Chef Willie DePasquale, barbecue consultant Ivan Muñoz, and Cohn Restaurant Group founder David Cohn, the restaurant brought a unique, chef-forward perspective to a genre typically dominated by tradition. Designed by longtime Cohn collaborator Philippe Beltran, the 4,600-square-foot space underwent a full transformation from its days as McCarter’s Bar & Grill, becoming a rustic-chic BBQ haven filled with smoked aromas and full pints of local beer.
Pioneer’s menu delivered bold takes on classic barbecue, from honey-glazed pork belly burnt ends to brisket burgers, pulled pork flautas, and sausage sandwiches piled high with housemade jardinière. Their signature Southern Pride smoker was the heart of the kitchen, cranking out ribs, chicken, brisket, and rotating daily specials that kept East County carnivores coming back.
While no specific reason for the closure was announced, Pioneer BBQ thanked its patrons in a heartfelt message posted to social media, writing: "It has been a pleasure to serve the San Carlos, El Cajon & La Mesa communities. Thank you for supporting Pioneer BBQ for the past 7 years." Guests are encouraged to stop by during the restaurant’s final days for one last taste of the pit.
For fans of Pioneer’s fare, all is not lost - sister restaurants Coaster Saloon in Mission Beach and Del’s Hideout in Del Cerro will continue to serve similar BBQ-centric menus, preserving a piece of the Pioneer spirit in other corners of the city. Pioneer BBQ’s closure leaves a smoky void in the local food scene—but its seven years of brisket, bourbon, and burgers won’t soon be forgotten.
Originally published on July 2, 2025.
