You know that smell? The one that hits you three blocks away and suddenly makes you forget you were actually headed to the DMV or just driving to work? For years, if you were cruising down Broadway in Tahoe Park, that scent belonged to Momo's Meat Market Sacramento California. It wasn't just a restaurant. It was a sensory landmark. You’d see the smoke billowing out of the parking lot from those big black smokers, and if you had any sense at all, you’d pull over.
Honestly, it looked like nothing from the outside. A tiny, slightly weathered building with a hand-painted sign. But that's where the best stuff always is.
The Heart of Tahoe Park BBQ
Momo’s wasn't some corporate "concept" restaurant with a reclaimed wood interior and a $15 craft beer menu. It was a family-run operation. Glenn and Sharon Miller started the place back in 2010. They ran it with a vibe that felt more like a backyard cookout than a business. If you walked in, you weren't just a ticket number; you were likely getting a "how’s it going" from Glenn himself.
The community wasn't just there for the food. They were there for the people. It’s rare to find a spot where the owners’ personalities are as much a draw as the smoked tri-tip.
👉 See also: Getting a music business degree online: What most people get wrong about the industry
What Everyone Kept Coming Back For
Let's talk about the food because, man, it was something else. They didn't do brisket. If you came in asking for Texas-style brisket, you were in the wrong shop. Momo’s was all about the California classics:
- Tri-Tip: This was the heavy hitter. Sliced thin, incredibly tender, and usually dripping with their signature house sauce.
- The Ribs: We’re talking fall-off-the-bone, messy, "need-ten-napkins" ribs.
- Hot Links: Spicy enough to make you sweat a little but not enough to ruin your day.
- Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese: Most people will tell you this was the secret weapon. It had a kick that most BBQ sides lack.
They also did this fried cabbage that had chunks of meat in it. Basically, it was a vegetable dish for people who don't actually like vegetables. It was greasy, salty, and perfect.
The Sudden Silence on Broadway
If you’ve driven by recently and didn't smell the smoke, there’s a sad reason for it. Momo's Meat Market Sacramento California officially closed its doors in early 2025. This wasn't because of a lack of customers—the line was almost always out the door—but because of health issues.
✨ Don't miss: We Are Legal Revolution: Why the Status Quo is Finally Breaking
The community was hit hard when news broke that Glenn Miller had suffered a stroke. For a business that relied so heavily on the presence and passion of its founders, his health meant the end of an era. By February 2025, the permanent closure was official. It’s one of those local tragedies where a neighborhood loses its "third place."
"It was the only reliable place I could go if I didn’t feel like smoking ribs myself," one regular noted on a local forum. That sentiment pretty much sums it up for the Tahoe Park crowd.
What's Happening With the Old Space?
You can’t leave a prime spot on Broadway empty for long. Recent reports suggest that Pure Soul Plant-Based Eats, another local favorite, has been eyeing the former Momo's location. It’s a bit ironic—going from a heavy-duty meat market to a plant-based spot—but that’s the way the city is shifting.
🔗 Read more: Oil Market News Today: Why Prices Are Crashing Despite Middle East Chaos
While the neighborhood is happy to see the building being used, the "meat and smoke" gap left by Momo's is still wide open. People are still arguing on Reddit about who has the next best tri-tip. Some say Tank House in Midtown, others point to Daddy O's in Rancho Cordova, but for the Tahoe Park locals, nothing quite tastes the same as what came off Glenn's grill.
The Legacy of a Small Business
Momo’s was a masterclass in how to build a brand without a marketing budget. They didn't need Instagram ads. They had a smoker in a parking lot. That was the marketing.
They also proved that you don't need a 50-item menu to be successful. They did four or five meats and a handful of sides, and they did them better than anyone else in a ten-mile radius. It was a "no-frills" experience that reminded everyone that BBQ is supposed to be simple.
Taking Action: Where to Find Similar Vibes
If you're still chasing that Momo's high, you won't find an exact replica. But you can support the same kind of spirit elsewhere in the city.
- Check out MacQue's BBQ: Another family-owned spot with deep roots in the community.
- Visit Our Family BBQ and Pies: Located on Fair Oaks Blvd, they've been getting a lot of the "Momo's refugees" lately for their generous portions and home-style sides.
- Keep an eye on the location: If you're a fan of the new tenant, Pure Soul, support them too. Tahoe Park thrives when these small storefronts are full.
The story of Momo’s is a reminder that in the world of food, the people behind the counter matter just as much as the recipe. When you find a spot like that, don't take it for granted. Get the extra side of mac and cheese while you still can.