Mount Diablo BBQ revives a Lafayette landmark with bold flavors and a fresh look

A new barbecue spot is coming to Lafayette soon. Mount Diablo BBQ will take over the former Horn BBQ building at 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd. The restaurant brings a fresh look and a menu packed with smoked meats, breakfast dishes, and ribs.

An opening date has yet to be confirmed, but preparations are well underway.

The building has seen four barbecue restaurants over the decades. Now, it’s getting a bold makeover. The old wood shingle siding has been stripped away, replaced by smooth red panels and matching window frames. The new barn-red exterior gives the place a modern farmhouse feel—cleaner and more polished than before.

Mount Diablo BBQ draws its flavours from barbecue traditions stretching from California to the Carolinas. The kitchen will smoke meats using California oak wood, staying true to regional techniques. On the menu, customers can expect breakfast plates, hearty sandwiches, ribs, and a range of barbecue classics. Behind the project is an owner with deep local barbecue roots. Their experience includes launching over ten successful restaurants. The new venture is also linked to Real Smoked BBQ, a Northern California company known for its old-school values and focus on regional barbecue styles.

The restaurant’s transformation is nearly complete, with only the opening date still to be announced. Once launched, Mount Diablo BBQ will add another flavourful option to Lafayette’s dining scene. The updated building and diverse menu aim to attract both barbecue regulars and newcomers alike.