Discovering Local: Smokin’ Oak BBQ…and more!

You know the name. Now discover something more.

From slow smoke to sweet connections.

While I was in Mariposa last week, I decided it was time to try Smokin’ Oak BBQ. I hadn’t visited this newer addition to town yet, and I love a good tri-tip sandwich, so choosing lunch was easy.

It was a good choice. The tri-tip had excellent flavor, with enough smoke to complement the meat without overpowering it. For me, that’s just the right balance.

That same day, I met Christi Fournier at the newly opened Reimer’s of Mariposa and learned that she and her husband, Dan, also own Smokin’ Oak BBQ. I hadn’t realized the two businesses shared the same owners.

That’s part of what I enjoy about discovering local. Sometimes a stop for lunch and a conversation lead you to connections you might otherwise miss.

The Oak Behind the Name

Smokin’ Oak opened in November 2024 at its Highway 140 location in downtown Mariposa. Its Southern-influenced barbecue cooks low and slow over local live oak, according to the restaurant.

After tasting the tri-tip sandwich, that detail caught my attention. The oak behind the name is also part of what ends up on your plate.

The restaurant says its seasonings, sauces, sides and pickles are made from scratch daily. Those are details that can be easy to overlook when the meat gets most of the attention, but they’re part of what makes a barbecue meal worth exploring. Restaurant background

The offerings extend beyond the sandwich I ordered. The restaurant’s website highlights brisket, ribs, pulled pork, barbecue platters and loaded macaroni and cheese, along with a tri-tip French dip served with brisket jus. There’s room to return and try something different—which is often how a first visit becomes a familiar lunch stop. Menu highlights

One Stop for Barbecue and Local Beverages

When you visit Smokin’ Oak, the barbecue is only part of the setting. Order your food, then take a seat inside Twisted Cedar Tap House, where the restaurant’s dining area is located. The two businesses share the space, so sitting down for lunch feels like one connected experience.

Twisted Cedar opened in January 2025, shortly after Smokin’ Oak. Its beverage offerings include Wicked Mead, beers from 1850 and Southgate, and Indigeny cider, according to the restaurant. For those who enjoy a local drink with their meal, there’s plenty to explore right where you’re sitting. Restaurant and tap house

The two businesses have also earned recognition together. The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce named Smokin’ Oak BBQ/Twisted Cedar Tap House its 2026 Business of the Year. Chamber awards

From Savory to Sweet

For me, the unexpected discovery was the connection to Reimer’s.

Readers may remember our recent Discovering Local visit to Reimer’s in Oakhurst. Now, the newly opened Mariposa location gives us another place to explore.

Meeting Christi put a face to the connection between the two Mariposa businesses. I hadn’t gone into the day knowing that the Fourniers were behind both the barbecue restaurant and the new sweet stop.

It’s a detail that makes a trip through town a little more personal. And if your idea of an enjoyable afternoon includes lunch followed by something sweet, the connection offers an easy starting point.

Local Discovery

Smokin’ Oak BBQ is located at 5040 Highway 140 in Mariposa. Its website lists hours as Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., or until sold out.

For current hours and offerings, visit Smokin’ Oak BBQ or call 209-966-2244.

I went looking for a good tri-tip sandwich and found one. Learning a little more about the people behind it made the stop even more memorable.

Next time you’re in Mariposa looking for lunch, it’s a place worth getting to know.