Fresno just got a serious upgrade.
Award-winning pitmaster, Fresno native Matt Horn has officially opened Horn Barbecue at Cedar and Ashlan in the Granite Park Center, and I had the chance to get an early look and taste. Short version: this isn’t just another BBQ spot. This is destination-level barbecue, and it absolutely changes the conversation around smoked meats in the Central Valley.
First impressions matter — and Horn nails it
Before you even walk inside, there’s a moment.
Out front, the bull statues immediately catch your eye and make for a killer photo op. They set the tone before you ever smell the smoke. Bold, confident, unapologetic. Exactly what you’d expect from a place that takes barbecue seriously.
Inside, the space is rustic and beautiful at the same time. It’s a very large building with multiple patios, open and airy, but still warm. The design feels intentional without trying too hard. This is a place built for families, friends, long tables, and lingering conversations over trays of food.
What makes great barbecue, really?
Great BBQ isn’t just about throwing meat in a smoker and hoping for the best.
It’s about:
- Time and patience — low and slow, no shortcuts
- Fire management — controlling smoke so it enhances, not overwhelms
- Texture — bark on the outside, tenderness inside
- Balance — salt, fat, smoke, and seasoning all working together
Horn Barbecue understands this at a level you can taste in every bite.
The food: where things get serious
I tried a bit of everything, because that’s what you do when you’re at a place like this…