The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Los Angeles is a diverse and exciting barbecue scene, with a variety of restaurants offering classic Southern-style barbecue, as well as inventive dishes that incorporate local flavors and ingredients. From the long-standing institutions like Phillip’s Barbecue to the hidden gems like Trudy’s Underground Barbecue, each restaurant on our list brings something unique to the table.
1. Bludso’s Bar & Que: Located in the heart of Hollywood, Bludso’s Bar & Que, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is a popular barbecue spot that has received numerous accolades for its delicious meats and sides. Customers rave about the melt-in-your-mouth brisket and juicy ribs, as well as the tasty collard greens and mac and cheese.
2. Maple Block Meat Co.: This Culver City establishment, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, offers a modern take on classic barbecue, with a focus on using high-quality, sustainably raised meats. Their Texas-style brisket and pork ribs are especially popular, and the homemade sauces and sides add an extra layer of flavor to every meal.
3. Phillip’s Barbecue: With multiple locations across Los Angeles, Phillip’s Barbecue, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. Their slow-smoked meats and tangy sauces are legendary, and the cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
4. Baby Blues BBQ: This West Hollywood joint, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, serves up classic Southern barbecue with a California twist. The ribs and pulled pork are top picks, but customers also love the inventive sides like jalapeño cornbread and mac and cheese with bacon.
5. Trudy’s Underground Barbecue: Located in a nondescript parking lot in Northridge, Trudy’s, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, has gained a cult following for its authentic Texas-style brisket and ribs. The menu is small but mighty, with a focus on quality over quantity, and the communal outdoor seating area adds to the rustic charm.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Los Angeles
Bludso’s Bar & Que
Address: 609 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm
Phone Number: (323) 931-2583
Bludso’s Bar & Que, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is a highly rated barbecue restaurant located in the heart of Hollywood. The restaurant’s interior features a rustic decor with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a bar lined with an impressive selection of whiskey and bourbon bottles. The restaurant is known for its Texas-style barbecue, and the menu boasts an array of smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and hot links.
One of the signature dishes at Bludso’s is the beef brisket, which is slow-smoked for 14 hours and served sliced or chopped with a side of pickles and onions. The ribs are another popular choice, with a perfectly seasoned rub and a tender, juicy texture. The sides at Bludso’s are equally as impressive, with favorites like collard greens, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
What sets Bludso’s apart from other barbecue joints in LA is the attention to detail and commitment to quality. The meats are sourced from high-quality suppliers, and the team takes pride in preparing everything from scratch, from the dry rubs to the house-made sauces. Additionally, the restaurant offers a daily happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers, as well as a popular weekend brunch featuring dishes like smoked brisket hash and shrimp and grits.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Brisket – Slow-smoked for 14 hours and served sliced or chopped, with pickles and onions on the side.
▣ St. Louis Ribs – Tender, juicy ribs with a perfectly seasoned rub, served by the half or full rack.
▣ Hot Link Sausage – House-made sausage with a spicy kick, served with white bread and pickles.
▣ Pulled Pork – Smoked low and slow for maximum flavor and tenderness, served with a side of coleslaw.
▣ Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
The service at Bludso’s is friendly and attentive, with servers happy to make recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works efficiently to ensure that everyone gets their food in a timely manner.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket and it was absolutely delicious. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the sides were just as good. Can’t wait to come back.”
“The ribs were amazing – so tender and flavorful. The mac and cheese was also a standout. This place definitely lived up to the hype.”
“I tried the hot link sausage and it was spicy but so good. The atmosphere is great too – perfect for a casual meal with friends.”
Overall, Bludso’s Bar & Que is a must-visit for any barbecue lover in Los Angeles. With its commitment to quality and delicious menu offerings, it’s no surprise that the restaurant has received so many accolades and rave reviews. They rank amid the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles for good reasons.
Maple Block Meat Co.
Address: 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
Phone Number: (310) 313-6328
Maple Block Meat Co., one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Culver City. The interior is industrial chic with wooden tables, an open kitchen, and a large bar area featuring a variety of craft beers and cocktails. The restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue, using high-quality, locally sourced meats and traditional smoking techniques.
One of the standout dishes at Maple Block is the brisket, which is slow-smoked for 16 hours and served with a side of house-made barbecue sauce. The pork ribs and smoked chicken are also popular choices, as are the inventive sides like the creamy cauliflower gratin and the tangy pickled beets.
What makes Maple Block unique is their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. The restaurant partners with local farmers and ranchers who practice ethical and sustainable farming practices, and they use eco-friendly products and practices whenever possible. Additionally, the restaurant offers catering and takeout options for those looking to enjoy their barbecue at home.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket – Slow-smoked for 16 hours and served with house-made barbecue sauce.
▣ Pork Ribs – Tender, juicy ribs with a savory rub and a hint of smokiness.
▣ Smoked Chicken – A half chicken smoked to perfection and served with a side of slaw.
▣ Cauliflower Gratin – Creamy and indulgent, this side dish is a must-try for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
▣ Pickled Beets – A tangy and refreshing side that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory barbecue meats.
The service at Maple Block is friendly and efficient, with servers happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that everyone is seated and served in a timely manner.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket here is amazing – so tender and flavorful. I also loved the cauliflower gratin – it’s the perfect side to balance out the richness of the meat.”
“The ribs were fall-off-the-bone delicious and the smoked chicken was perfectly cooked. This is definitely one of the best barbecue spots in LA.”
“I’m not usually a fan of beets, but the pickled beets here were really good. The brisket was the standout though – it’s clear that they take the time to smoke it to perfection.”
Overall, Maple Block Meat Co. is a great spot for those looking for high-quality, sustainable barbecue in a stylish setting. The menu is inventive and the meats are perfectly cooked, making it a must-visit for any barbecue enthusiast in Los Angeles. They stand out among the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles.
Phillip’s Barbecue
Address: Multiple locations across Los Angeles, including 4307 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Hours: Vary by location
Phone Number: (323) 292-7613
Phillip’s Barbecue, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is an institution, with multiple locations throughout the city. The interior of each location is casual and unpretentious, with simple tables and chairs and a no-frills vibe. The restaurant specializes in Southern-style barbecue, with a menu featuring slow-smoked meats, tangy sauces, and classic sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
One of the signature dishes at Phillip’s is the beef ribs, which are slow-smoked to perfection and served with a side of hot sauce. The pork ribs and hot links are also popular choices, as are the sweet and tangy barbecue beans and the buttery cornbread.
What sets Phillip’s apart from other barbecue spots in LA is its history and legacy. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for more than 30 years, and the family behind it takes pride in keeping the traditions and flavors of Southern-style barbecue alive.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Ribs – Slow-smoked and full of flavor, served with a side of hot sauce.
▣ Pork Ribs – Tender and juicy with a perfectly balanced rub, served by the half or full rack.
▣ Hot Links – Spicy and smoky, with a crisp casing and juicy interior.
▣ Barbecue Beans – A sweet and tangy side dish with chunks of smoky pork.
▣ Peach Cobbler – A classic Southern dessert, made with fresh peaches and a buttery crust.
The service at Phillip’s is friendly and efficient, with servers happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that everyone is seated and served in a timely manner.
Customer Reviews:
“The beef ribs here are some of the best I’ve ever had. The mac and cheese and collard greens are also amazing – definitely worth the trip.”
“Phillip’s has been a go-to for me for years – the pork ribs and hot links are always on point. The barbecue sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”
“I tried the beef brisket and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The beans were also really good – I loved the chunks of pork in them.”
Overall, Phillip’s Barbecue is a must-visit for anyone looking for classic Southern-style barbecue in Los Angeles. The meats are tender and flavorful, the sides are delicious, and the history and legacy of the restaurant add an extra layer of charm. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles.
Baby Blues BBQ
Address: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Phone Number: (323) 656-1277
Baby Blues BBQ, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is a popular barbecue joint located in West Hollywood. The interior is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen. The restaurant specializes in classic Southern-style barbecue, with a menu featuring smoked meats, homemade sauces, and creative sides.
One of the standout dishes at Baby Blues is the Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs, which are coated in a flavorful blend of spices and served with a side of tangy barbecue sauce. The pulled pork and beef brisket are also popular choices, as are the unique sides like the jalapeño cornbread and the mac and cheese with bacon.
What makes Baby Blues unique is its California twist on Southern barbecue. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and the menu features inventive dishes that incorporate fresh produce and unique flavors.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Memphis-style Dry-Rubbed Ribs – Tender and flavorful ribs coated in a blend of spices, served with barbecue sauce.
▣ Pulled Pork – Slow-smoked and served with a side of slaw and homemade pickles.
▣ Beef Brisket – Sliced and served with a side of barbecue sauce and pickles.
▣ Jalapeño Cornbread – Spicy and moist, with chunks of fresh jalapeño baked in.
▣ Mac and Cheese with Bacon – Creamy and cheesy with smoky bacon bits mixed in.
The service at Baby Blues is friendly and attentive, with servers happy to make recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works efficiently to ensure that everyone gets their food in a timely manner.
Customer Reviews:
“The Memphis-style ribs here are amazing – so much flavor and the meat falls right off the bone. The jalapeño cornbread is also a must-try.”
“I loved the pulled pork here – it’s so tender and the homemade pickles and slaw add the perfect crunch. The mac and cheese with bacon is also a standout.”
“The brisket was amazing – so juicy and smoky. The sides are all really good too – it was hard to choose just a few.”
Overall, Baby Blues BBQ is a great spot for those looking for classic Southern-style barbecue with a California twist. The meats are flavorful, the sides are inventive, and the cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles.
Trudy’s Underground Barbecue
Address: 7996 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306
Hours: Fri-Sun 11am-6pm
Phone Number: (818) 851-9042
Trudy’s Underground Barbecue, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles, is a hidden gem located in a parking lot in Winnetka. The restaurant is only open on weekends, and the interior is rustic and minimalistic, with a few picnic tables and a smoker in the corner. The restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue, with a menu featuring brisket, ribs, and sausage.
One of the standout dishes at Trudy’s is the beef brisket, which is slow-smoked for 16 hours and served with a side of homemade barbecue sauce. The pork ribs and sausage are also popular choices, as are the simple but flavorful sides like potato salad and beans.
What makes Trudy’s unique is the underground vibe – the restaurant is only open for a few hours each week, and the location is tucked away in a parking lot. Additionally, the meats are cooked on an offset smoker, which gives them a distinct smoky flavor.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Brisket – Slow-smoked for 16 hours and served with a side of homemade barbecue sauce.
▣ Pork Ribs – Tender and flavorful, with a perfectly seasoned rub and a smoky finish.
▣ Sausage – Juicy and flavorful, with a crispy casing and a spicy kick.
▣ Potato Salad – Creamy and tangy, with chunks of potato and a hint of dill.
▣ Beans – A classic barbecue side dish, made with smoky pork and a blend of spices.
The service at Trudy’s is friendly and informal, with the owner working the smoker and chatting with customers. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that everyone gets their food in a timely manner.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket here is worth the trip – it’s so tender and smoky. The ribs are also really good. Just be prepared to wait in line!”
“The sausage was the standout for me – so juicy and flavorful. The potato salad was also really good – I loved the chunks of potato.”
“Trudy’s is a hidden gem – the brisket was amazing and the beans were the perfect side. The simple setting and informal vibe only add to the charm.”
Overall, Trudy’s Underground Barbecue is a must-visit for those looking for authentic Texas-style barbecue in Los Angeles. The meats are tender and flavorful, the sides are simple but delicious, and the underground vibe makes it a unique and memorable dining experience. They can definitely be counted among the top Barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re in the mood for slow-smoked brisket, tangy ribs, or inventive sides, these top 5 barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles are sure to satisfy any barbecue enthusiast.
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