While Los Angeles may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of great barbecue, diners looking for authentic grilled meats will not be disappointed. The LA area offers several world class dining options when it comes to good old American barbecue. Here are four of our favorites.
Texas Monthly’s acclaimed barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, a man who knows what great barbecue should taste like, named Maple Block Meat Co. not just the best BBQ in Los Angeles, but the best in the entire state of California! The Culver City BBQ spot is lead by a Southern-born chef who trained in Texas and knows how to work a grill and smoker. The seasonal menu at Maple Block Meat Co. serves traditional American BBQ dedicated to brisket and pork ribs, craft beers, and handmade soda. Lunchtime offerings include sandwich and BBQ combo plates, while foodies will enjoy the dinner menu which gets a bit fancier with small plates and Scottish ocean trout.
Holy Cow calls their menu “slow cooked goodness”. Voted Santa Monica’s Best Barbecue, this neighborhood favorite has become so popular that a second location was opened in Culver City. Founded by Rob Serritella, who learned the tricks of the barbecue trade when he was the Director of Operations at chain spot Wood Ranch, Holy Cow BBQ offers a large menu of choices, including buttermilk fried chicken, burgers, and all-American desserts like banana cream pie in a jar. The restaurant also has 30 beers either on tap, plus seven different wines, so diners can enjoy the smokey goodness of BBQ with a cool craft beer.
No list of LA barbecue eateries would be complete with Barrel and Ashes. Chef Timothy Hollingsworth is one of the most buzzed about chefs in the area, and the brisket is proof that he deserves all the praise he receives. Thrillist.com has placed Barrel and Ashes hoecake on their list of 50 things to eat in LA before you die. The menu focuses on family-style service with daily specials from the chefs, who draw inspiration from their travels and cherished family recipes.
Barbecue master and restaurant owner Kevin Bludso was born in California, but spent his summers in Corsicana, Texas, where his family originated. He learned the skills and techniques needed to become a pit master from his grandmother, Willie Mae Fields. LA Weekly raves that it is absolutely worth the wait to dine at Bludso’s, gushing that “The ribs fall apart as you inhale them, the sticky sauce burns just right, and the holy trinity of baked beans, mac ‘n’ cheese and collard greens provides the exact right balance of sweet, cheesy and palate-cleansing vegetable funk.“
Did your favorite BBQ joint make the list? Let us know who you think should be added to our top barbecue restaurants in LA list.