476239 Fri Jan 04 16:23:04 -0800 2008 163 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3262251 I love barbeque. All sorts - all styles - all meats - dry, wet, what have you. So, I'm on a mission to find the best in LA. Who's best in your opinion? Memphis / Texas / Carolina...doesn't matter which type...I'm just looking for the good stuff. I live in Silver Lake but would be willing to make the trek for something worthwhile. Until now, my favorite has been Baby Blues' pulled pork sammie, doused in their hot vinegar and dipped in their sampling of bbq sauces (yummm XXX). Help me branch out! Fri Jan 04 16:23:04 -0800 2008 68151 mmmyum 1 3262639 Seeing as how you are living in the Silver Lake area you should reallly pay a visit to Spring Street Smoke House in downtown LA. Check out their web site below. http://www.sssmokehouse.com/ Fri Jan 04 18:47:50 -0800 2008 3262281 108169 Servorg 1 3728243 I 'll probably get dinged for this, but a few places that I have aired on My TV Show, The Chef Knows, Blakes' Place in Anaheim, Tulsa Rib Co. in Orange and Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach are really good. I used to go to Dr. Hogly Wogly's often. You choose you won't be disappointed. Wed May 28 13:54:41 -0700 2008 3262281 195986 Ling of Cuisine 1 3262654 Well, Sherman Oaks is only around 20 minutes or so from Silver Lake, and the Boneyard Bistro on Ventura Blvd. just two blocks east of Woodman has some very good bbq which is smoked-on-premises, dry with sauce on the side, medium or hot. They do Santa Maria, St. Louis beef, baby backs, etc. Lots of other nummies available. Check out the menu here, then check out the restaurant itself. And if you like fried chicken, then theirs on Monday nights is definitely worthy of eating, and regularly. www.boneyardbistro.com Do a search on this board and read many comments regarding bbq all over. Can save much time, btw! Fri Jan 04 18:53:22 -0800 2008 3262251 10359 carter 2 4433079 I'm from the south and I'm a dry rub believer....that being said: Boneyard is good ribs...the smoke really penetrates the meat...but the sides are not so great - the collards were bitter and awful. Mr. Cecil's has gone a bit downhill but the sides are great and the ribs are still top notch for anything else around LA. ( the Santa Monica location still rocks, the Vent.blvd. location has a wierd crowd) Their char spec used to be too high , so I'd ask for it lower ( from50% to 30%)...now it's onthe lower end but the cooks at the Vent. blvd. location need to get back on thier game. meat still falls off the bone though! DO NOT go to Dr.Hoggly Wogglys... it's red water soaked meat... just horrendous and the sides taste like they came out of a can. ditto Ribs USA - they used to be okay... but now it's gristly and/ or dried out meat.. very sad. My Brother's BBQ in Woodland hills is okay..... not as authentic as I'd like... but good. Kansas City BBQ in North Hollywood is also a bit less than.. a dry rub...but LOADED with rub meaning coated with paprika... an unusual taste....a bit dry on the beef ribs.... but loaded with real smoke. Very low end spot.... I wouldn't even call it a joint..... Thu Feb 19 13:01:24 -0800 2009 3262654 268214 missliisa 3 4435508 Mr. Cecil's Please! The Dr. is so much better. Does Cecil's even have a smoker, I think not! and that sugar based sauce, GTFOH! Fri Feb 20 08:12:56 -0800 2009 4433079 11279 Burger Boy 4 4962032 Look, the OP was looking for all around good que. I have been to Rendezvous, and the Cozy Corner corner in Memphis both DO NOT SMOKE their meat and yes it is the south. The vous utilizes a dry rub, and the Cozy Corner grills their meat over a long period of time. Some parts of the south do not consider que as smoked meat. This is a matter of taste, and something to realize. I personally like Mr. Cecil's especially their beef ribs, succulent and tasty and yes I know it aint smoked!! Thu Aug 20 07:51:41 -0700 2009 4435508 13928 Schweinhaxen 5 4962832 Smoking or grilling over a long period of time is BBQ, several hours. dry rub or sauce is indeifferent. In Texas they usually use salt and pepper and no suace. places like Muellers, Kruez and the rest do not even have a sauce. Thu Aug 20 11:17:37 -0700 2009 4962032 11279 Burger Boy 6 4962896 Gang, please take discussion of BBQ styles and definitions to the General Topics board where it's appropriate. Let's keep on topic for this board and discuss the food found in L.A. Thu Aug 20 11:32:54 -0700 2009 4962832 2 The Chowhound Team 7 4963039 You know how it gets with BBQ, Burgers, Pizza and Sandwiches, We get CRAZY! Sorry about that. Maybe we can take you guys out for lunch and butter you up a bit? Oh wait, this is Chowhound, not YELP! Thu Aug 20 12:13:31 -0700 2009 4962896 11279 Burger Boy 5 4962949 Leaving aside the question of smoking, I don't like what parboiling does to ribs like Mr. Cecil's. As someone (Frommtron?) pointed out, the fat and connective tissue don't render properly. Thu Aug 20 11:46:29 -0700 2009 4962032 18466 a_and_w 1 3263255 My Brother's BBQ in Woodland Hills, Ribs USA in Burbank Sat Jan 05 00:52:39 -0800 2008 3262251 150319 wyatt3290 1 3264174 Since you like pulled pork, the best I've found is at Porky's -- juicy, succulent, with crispy crusty bits. A huge sandwich is only about $5. Their St. Louis pork ribs are also quite good, and an order of links is enormous. Haven't tried their brisket, but a plate or two I've seen going past me did not look like their strongest item. They also serve Golden Bird fried chicken. On Manchester, just east of La Brea and west of the Forum and racetrack. They are very friendly and try very hard, and offer delivery and drive-thru, but I'd eat in for the generous servings and because they often seem to forget something in the order. Sat Jan 05 11:15:54 -0800 2008 3262251 10855 nosh 2 3613760 Porky's recently changed their brisket. It use to be somewhat dry. Now it is really good. Porky's has a BBQ on premises. They serve the Q with the sauce on the side. Everything I have eaten there is very good. Sun Apr 20 23:59:25 -0700 2008 3264174 10301 Wes 3 3727393 The people at Porky's are super nice... we ordered the fried chicken (which, unfortunately, was sort of bland and a little too greasy) but they comped us a little sampler tray of their bbq and it was good to great. I'm having trouble recalling, but I do believe it was the brisket that was the standout item. Mr Taster Wed May 28 10:20:00 -0700 2008 3613760 17579 Mr Taster 4 3976952 And of course, they've just opened up a branch of Porky's in Long Beach, at Redondo a little south of Anaheim. Thu Aug 21 19:04:24 -0700 2008 3727393 28276 whomever1 3 4017412 I went to see a show at the Forum this past saturday so we took the opportunity to stop in at Porky's. I had read about it here and my oh my was it ever worth it. The husband and i took a 3 meat dinner plate and shared it. Pulled pork, pork ribs and brisket with dirty dirty rice and potato salad as sides. The rice was amazing, potato salad was creamy and filling. The rub they used on the ribs comes to a perfect crust of sweet smokiness. The pulled pork was good, but the tasty sauce made that happen. The brisket was heavenly, it made the meal. Texas toast was crunchy and buttery. Everyone was very nice and the owner couldn't stop thanking us when we told her it was some of the best bbq we'd ever eaten. Tried a fried chicken breast too, it was salty and yummy. You can't beat their price/quality ratio. Can't wait to go back. Mon Sep 08 09:53:35 -0700 2008 3613760 114051 GenevieveCa 2 4243003 Anyone know if Porky's serves beer/wine? Fri Dec 12 16:59:51 -0800 2008 3264174 21135 geekbruin 3 4243071 They only serve beer, and I only recall seeing two choices; Corona and Heniken Lite IIRC. I imagine they wouldn't have a problem with you bringing wine but I have never thought to ask. Fri Dec 12 17:35:09 -0800 2008 4243003 108169 Servorg 1 3264406 Try Moms BBQ house in Van Nuys on Vanowen just East of Van Nuys Blvd. It's tiny but the food is very good. I agree that My Brothers in Woodland Hills has good BBQ. Wood Ranch in Camarillo and in Agoura have good BBQ and a nice atmosphere for BBQ eating as well. However I have found that nothing is as good as homemade. Deeply marinated ~ in secret recipe sauces ~ grilled over charcoal yum. And slowly simmered perfectly seasoned homemade BBQ sauces. That's melt in your mouth BBQ. Sat Jan 05 12:43:22 -0800 2008 3262251 154852 Cynderella 1 3265863 Porky's. I've tried them all and Porky's is now the only place I'll have BBQ. The pork is especially good. When I go there, I usually find I cannot resist the Golden Bird fried chicken. So I go there for lunch, have Golden Bird and take pulled pork and ribs home for dinner. Make sure you try the beans, which are filled with shredded pork. Sat Jan 05 22:26:23 -0800 2008 3262251 12509 Hackenbush 2 3265868 The name rings a bell. Where is Porky's? Hows the BBQ chicken? Sat Jan 05 22:28:28 -0800 2008 3265863 154852 Cynderella 3 3266114 Porky's is on the east end of Inglewood, on the north side Manchester east of La Brea and west of the Forum. In several visits there, I have never seen anyone order the BBQ chicken -- if customers want chicken, they order the Golden Bird. Sun Jan 06 04:54:45 -0800 2008 3265868 10855 nosh 4 3727413 I really wonder why people rave about the Golden Bird chicken... I only tried it once, and the chicken was crispy but bland, and way too greasy. Great fried chicken needs to have some seasoning on the super crispy skin, and not a speck of grease. On this occasion GB did not fit the bill. But the little complimentary sampler BBQ tray and the ultra friendly service would make us want to go back. Mr Taster Wed May 28 10:22:26 -0700 2008 3266114 17579 Mr Taster 3 3266739 Here is a link to the address. Porky's is near the Forum in a shop which used to be a KFC drive-thru. You can still drive-thru and pick up your order that way. The BBQ chicken is good but it isn't my favorite thing there. I prefer the pork items and the Golden Bird fried chicken. Take a good look at the list of side dishes as they always seem to be experimenting with new ones. Also if you order a sandwich (they are huge) and don't want cole slaw on it, make sure you tell them. Sun Jan 06 10:17:00 -0800 2008 3265868 12509 Hackenbush 3 3267155 I've never had the bbq chicken at Porky's but that's because it's a wasted trip if you don't include the Golden Bird chicken during your visit. Their fried chicken is da best. Sun Jan 06 13:04:26 -0800 2008 3265868 10764 monkuboy 3 4397495 Ok I hear the name Porky's a lot and I tried to Google it. So this is the one right? http://www.porkysbarbecue.com/restaurant.htm Sat Feb 07 23:42:09 -0800 2009 3265868 40923 kelvlam 4 4398173 I've only been to the Inglewood location, couple of times last summer but alas there have been several recent posts confirming that the Inglewood store is closed! Sun Feb 08 09:49:29 -0800 2009 4397495 10864 sel 4 4411306 Yes, the Inglewood location is closed, but they also have a new one in San Pedro. Both Long Beach and San Pedro serve Muggie's fried chicken. Excellent. Thu Feb 12 11:44:46 -0800 2009 4397495 62188 Ogawak 5 4411609 801 E. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301 is closed. lucky I posted here or else I would have driven over there already, since it's listed on their website. 937 Redondo Ave. would be the Long Beach location. But where's the San Pedro location? Thu Feb 12 13:04:41 -0800 2009 4411306 40923 kelvlam 6 4426775 The website has been out of date for maybe a year or so. The San Pedro on 6th St. just a few blocks east of Gaffey. 362 W. 6th Street San Pedro, CA 310-521-9999 Tue Feb 17 17:31:51 -0800 2009 4411609 62188 Ogawak 5 4884078 I agree. We've tried the Porky's in San Pedro several times now and it is very good. Pulled pork and fried chicken are both great Thu Jul 23 10:01:45 -0700 2009 4411306 14558 Ernie 2 3612673 After reading all the positive review I decided to give Porky's a try - what a disappointment! I ordered a two meet combo for take-out - Beef and Spare ribs. First, they got my order wrong. They gave me Baby Back and Spare ribs - no Beef ribs! I wasn't too upset because the Baby Back ribs were good. But with only two customers in the restaurant, they shouldn't be mixing up orders. The real problem was with the Spare ribs. The first two ribs (of three) were a little fatty. But the third Spare rib didn't even qualify as a "rib". It was shaped like a "rib", but was 100% fat - no bone no meat! Sun Apr 20 14:40:40 -0700 2008 3265863 185274 Mr.foody 3 3624204 You should complain to the owner about that. When she is there the food and service is noticeably better. I'm sure she would be very concerned about what happened and make it up to you in some way. She takes her restaurant very seriously! Wed Apr 23 18:09:02 -0700 2008 3612673 10764 monkuboy 1 3266692 Certainly not the best BBQ in LA (but often good enough), but super close to Silver Lake and a "nice" sit-down vibe: Zeke's in Montrose. Occasionally really delicious. http://silverlakeboulevard.blogspot.com/2007/05/zekes.html Sun Jan 06 10:00:13 -0800 2008 3262251 11379 Suebee 2 3623555 You don't give Zeke's enough credit. The Brisket and pulled pork are excelent and come are nice large portions. The sides are also very good. Get there early in the dinner hour to get some of the great Mac & cheese. Wed Apr 23 14:29:58 -0700 2008 3266692 162099 El Gordo 3 4296119 and the beef ribs Sun Jan 04 18:57:37 -0800 2009 3623555 59001 PurpleTeeth 1 3267390 admittedly, I am not a BBQ connoissier but my husband is - - we like Mr. Cecil's on ventura blvd. I hate Boneyard Bistro--I had a gamey tasting piece of chicken there once. There's the Swinging Door off of Vanowen near Vineland. Sun Jan 06 14:22:12 -0800 2008 3262251 154915 pickygirl 2 3267413 oh, and if you want a delicious bbq tri-tip sandwich on saturday afternoons, drive down to Handy's market on Magnolia and Buena vista, right by the 134. delicous. Sun Jan 06 14:32:56 -0800 2008 3267390 154915 pickygirl 2 3822832 You discuss bbq, yet mention the reason you hate the boneyard is because of a "gamy tasting piece of chicken"! What part of the ribs discussion did I miss? Their ribs are very good, their fried chicken on Monday nights only is truly wonderful. and the bistro side of the menu is very good as well. As to Swingin' Door, the less said the better. If you liked Love's, you will like Mr. Cecil's. Sat Jun 28 18:14:22 -0700 2008 3267390 10359 carter 1 3612746 For me, barbeque is slow-cooked, never paroiled first (Mr. Cecil's is out), and with a heavy heavy smoke that most people would argue is over smoked. I stongly prefer pork over beef, although I concede that beef brisket can be fantastic. Beef ribs just aren't my thing. If it's good I just think how much better it would be with pork. While I love a great pulled pork sandwich, I tend to go for pork ribs nearly everytime. That said, my top 3 are as follows: 1. Greece's 2. Woody's 3. Phillip's I've read some really intriguing places on this thread that I'm anxious to run out and try, but I think these 3 are excellent. Sun Apr 20 15:10:35 -0700 2008 3262251 101728 Frommtron 2 3615605 Frommtron, does Cecil's parboil their ribs? I thought there was something fishy there -- I've never once seen a smoke ring. Mon Apr 21 12:39:55 -0700 2008 3612746 18466 a_and_w 3 3616517 They do indeed. I don't understand the point of that if you're a BBQ joint. I mean, they taste okay at Mr. Cecil's but it's all sauce and no substance. Like fast food ribs. Mon Apr 21 16:19:24 -0700 2008 3615605 101728 Frommtron 4 3618942 Just to clarify, Cecil's doesn't sauce their ribs. Also, I'm not inherently opposed to parboiling -- Houston's does decent ribs that I'm pretty sure are parboiled. Still, if you're a purist, it is a perversion of true bbq. I'm trying to get a handle on which places in LA actually smoke their meat. Tue Apr 22 10:37:14 -0700 2008 3616517 18466 a_and_w 5 3618961 The best ones do or rather the ones with longevity; Phillips, Woody's, the good doctor. Tue Apr 22 10:42:41 -0700 2008 3618942 12909 Hershey Bomar 5 3620035 Mr Cecil's most certainly serves sauce with their ribs. They don't BASTE the ribs with it but sauce is there to be had and you better get it because the meat is bland city. Houston's ribs are definitely parboiled and that's okay for them. They are not marketing themselves as a BBQ place like Cecil's. It's also why I'd never order them there. It's not just a purist versus perversion thing. It's that parboiling means they just don't get a good, natural smoke flavor. It also means that the meat gets mushy-tender instead of rendering their fat and connective tissue and basting themselves properly. The texture is thrown off, the flavor of the meat suffers, and the smokiness is reduced or even eliminated (which is why places add 'Liquid Smoke' products to offer that generic and pale imitation of the real McCoy). You can get perfectly fine and enjoyable ribs that have been parboiled. And if you don't have a BBQ rig then that's probably the best way to go when making them at home. It's just that the very best parboiled ribs are not even in the same league as those that are properly cooked low and slow. Tue Apr 22 14:58:10 -0700 2008 3618942 101728 Frommtron 6 3621856 Cecil's has signs specifically urging you *not* to sauce their ribs. Besides that, I agree with most of what you say. I've often wondered why their meat was always falling off the bone -- something I can't stand in BBQ. Wed Apr 23 07:44:57 -0700 2008 3620035 18466 a_and_w 2 3617483 Greece's has been gone for awhile. NY is in the same place. Mon Apr 21 22:35:20 -0700 2008 3612746 12909 Hershey Bomar 3 3724310 And N.Y. BarBQ (bad name/great Q) has the best Beef Brisket that I have had anywhere, well I did have great stuff in TX but locally N.Y. is the best! Blows away the Dr. H.W. version!!! Tue May 27 12:11:06 -0700 2008 3617483 10864 sel 2 3727433 Never tried Greece's or Woody's, but I have to say after years of hearing about the raves on Phillip's (the main one in Leimert Park), we were terribly disappointed. The meat on the ribs was tough and stringy, and the chicken was dry. The hot sauce was all heat and no flavor, and the sides were all but forgettable (in fact, it appears I have don't just that). It was a good value for the quantity of meat served but the quality was sorely lacking. I've only gone once, so it's possible I hit them on an off day, but I'm not encouraged to go back. Mr Taster Wed May 28 10:27:11 -0700 2008 3612746 17579 Mr Taster 3 3727735 Nope they've never had a bad rib day -- maybe you were? The sides are never good but isn't that a Q credo? Wed May 28 11:49:38 -0700 2008 3727433 12909 Hershey Bomar 4 3728206 This was about a year ago, so the details are fading... I'll try to recall specifics, but the overall impression I describe is accurate. This was the universal impression of a group of 4 of us... my wife and two out of town bbq afficionado friends. The meat was just too tough. And by some freak of nature, somehow the baby backs were chewier than the st. louis ribs. We did sample everything on the menu except for the burnt ends, which they were out of. Mr Taster Wed May 28 13:48:36 -0700 2008 3727735 17579 Mr Taster 5 3728349 Phillips has never sold burnt ends but they often run out of small ends. Wed May 28 14:22:39 -0700 2008 3728206 12909 Hershey Bomar 6 3728665 There ya go... small ends. That's what they were out of. Did we miss out on something great? Mr Taster Wed May 28 15:55:43 -0700 2008 3728349 17579 Mr Taster 7 3728694 I'd say go back and try it again. I get mine dry with mixed sauce on the side. They run out early and i try to call ahead -- sometimes they take the phone off the hook. Wed May 28 16:04:53 -0700 2008 3728665 12909 Hershey Bomar 5 4534903 We tried Phillip's a couple of weeks ago and were a little disappointed. Had the St. Louis Ribs and they could have been more tender, they weren't tough, but I wouldn't call them tender. My husband found the baby backs dry. Good flavor though. The hot sauce could melt the shingles off your roof, but there was strangely no flavor to it. The smoked chicken was very good; juicy and tender. The Red Velvet Cake was wonderful, homemade taste and delicious -- I believe it's made my "Ms. Ruth's"? The mini sweet potato pies looked good too. Sides of macaroni and potato salad, plus coleslaw were *meh* They reminded me of the premade supermarket variety. They also wrap your bread in a napkin so by the time you get to it, it gets dried out. However, we would be willing to try again, we always give a place 2 chances if it wasn't horrific. Tue Mar 24 16:29:32 -0700 2009 3728206 136670 sweeterpea 6 4534924 Did you go to the one in Leimert Park? I'm stopping by later this week. I haven't been in some time and am not optimistic about the ribs, given the large number of "disappointed" reviews I've seen recently. Whatever else I have, I'll be sure to try the chicken -- "juicy and tender" is certainly the right strategy. Tue Mar 24 16:38:12 -0700 2009 4534903 77350 sbritchky 7 4537504 We are not from the LA area, not familiar with Leimert Park. Where we went was: 2619 Crenshaw Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016 The people lined up told us there was another one down the road a ways, but this location is better. Wed Mar 25 12:26:29 -0700 2009 4534924 136670 sweeterpea 8 4537534 Thanks. That's a newer location than 4307 Leimert Blvd. Wed Mar 25 12:33:52 -0700 2009 4537504 77350 sbritchky 2 3823109 I have to second that Greece's emotion. Greece sold it to some great people(who re-named it "NYC" or "NY" BBQ) and he taught them his magic before he left. The ribs maybe even better than before and the sides are truly outstanding as well. BYOB or grab whatever's on sale at the liquor store in same strip mall. Sat Jun 28 20:44:49 -0700 2008 3612746 12125 RoachCoach 2 4882193 Non-boiled and heavy smoke, then, if you're down in Long Beach some time, I'd suggest LBQ. Wed Jul 22 16:18:14 -0700 2009 3612746 61102 SoCalMuncher 1 3613775 You might want to try Dr. Hogly Woglys Tyler Texas BBQ on Sepulveda south of Roscoe. When I take my friends there I am sure to tell them to order the beef brisket with whatever else they may want. Its worthy of a last meal! For a change of pace I like Pecos Bills BBQ on South Victory just north of the 134. Its Oklahoma BBQ I *think* and its not as smoky or spicy but very moist and tender. I really like the spare ribs there. Make sure to take a lot of napkins its super messy :P Mon Apr 21 00:24:07 -0700 2008 3262251 154854 CharlesAllnut 2 3616648 Hogly's was my absolutely favorite restaurant in the world when I moved here in the early 80's. I've heard how much it has slid since then. Is it still regarded well? Mon Apr 21 17:15:59 -0700 2008 3613775 136188 Outerspace 3 3618924 I used to love HW for the beef ribs, but the last time I ordered them (to go) they were incredibly tough and close to inedible. A huge disappointment, especially since the meal is about $20. I would recommend taking a drive and going to Jay Bee's. I loved the food there and they were super nice. Down on Avalon. Not close, but worth it. And the beef rib dinner there is $13. Tue Apr 22 10:33:04 -0700 2008 3616648 20504 hpcat 4 4879756 I went there in the late 90's and thought it was just awful. Expensive and really nothing special. And the place was empty and dingy, not a good sign if you ask me. I'd rather go to the Bear Pit in Mission HIlls any day, or Mom's in Van Nuys. Wed Jul 22 03:15:03 -0700 2009 3618924 1095718 Harveycan 3 3623586 I agree with CharlesAllnut about the Brisket at Hogly Woglys, the best I have ever had! So tender you can cut it with your fork. Never been a fan of Beef ribs. Stick with the Brisket and you won't be disappointed. Wed Apr 23 14:38:52 -0700 2008 3616648 162099 El Gordo 2 3824028 YES! there is nothing like the Okiee Pork Sandwich at Peco's Bills BBQ! The spicy sauce is an ad or a side and its definitly spicy. Ribs only on weekends. It may be where the term hole in the wall comes from. look for the line and be there before 2:30 or 3 when they run out of meat. Sun Jun 29 11:10:57 -0700 2008 3613775 98362 cnote 1 3613827 My favorite for many years is Naples Rib in Naples (south of Long Beach past Belmont Shore, on 2nd Street). When they are cooked to perfection (which is most visits I've had over the years, though not 100%), they are among the best I've had anywhere. They have a great reputation in the Long Beach area, well deserved. I have also been to their OC locations (Newport Rib), found the Costa Mesa one consistently good, and the RSM location terrible. So bad, in fact, I will never go back to that one. Amazing what different management can do to what was a great recipe. Mon Apr 21 02:23:00 -0700 2008 3262251 183141 culinarycandy 2 3615814 If you're up for a drive, the best BBQ ribs I've ever had are at Raxx in Riverside. Such a haul...and they close early! But holy crap, they're amazing. Sorry to hear about the bad experience at Porky's - I've had nothing but excellent bbq there. Mon Apr 21 13:23:34 -0700 2008 3613827 40951 f_diva 1 3619037 Is it just me, or are BBQ joints inherently inconsistent? Anyway, top two favorites from my last obsessive tasting spree: Tasty Q for pork ribs, the little end pieces, they were INCREDIBLE. And had stunningly good beef ribs at Hogley Wogley's. When they're good, they're the best in beef. This last visit was about 30 days ago. (I've had one or two mediocre visits there, as compared to 10 or so great ones) Also liked Jay Bee's recently. Disappointment: Phillip's, haven't had a great experience there in over a year, about 3 or 4 visits. Tue Apr 22 11:04:12 -0700 2008 3262251 151099 la tache burger 2 3623270 la tache, I would agree with you. I think one big reason is that many BBQ places aren't willing to throw away BBQ that didn't sell: in other words, they may keep (and sell to you) BBQ that's not as fresh as something just finished cooking, to keep profit margins up. Whereas if a place wanted to maintain maximum quality, they should throw out BBQ that just didn't sell past a certain time period and make a fresh batch. Wed Apr 23 13:22:21 -0700 2008 3619037 113442 exilekiss 3 3724011 There has to be a middle ground here. Yes, I agree I don't want to be served meat that has sat around and lost its freshness and crackly skin and goodness. But to just throw it out? Some places take that meat and put it in the beans. Others might discount it as a grab-bag by the pound special deal where the customer might surmise he or she isn't getting the best but is getting quantity at a reduced price. Porky's, the place that I love and recommend, has a potluck special on their board for over a pound of meat for a reduced price -- if I ordered it I would assume I'm not getting the prime stuff but a large plateful at a very good bargain. Tue May 27 11:02:16 -0700 2008 3623270 10855 nosh 4 3726046 Hey nosh, Great suggestion / idea. :) As a customer, I'd be totally open and would understand if the restaurant was serving something like the "potluck special" or used it for the baked beans, etc. It's just that for their "star dish" (BBQ Ribs / Pulled Pork), if they want to gain a reputation for the best BBQ *consistently*, then I think there needs to be something like this (after X# of hours of sitting around, if it doesn't sell, then move it on to a "potluck special" or into Baked Beans, etc.), and make a new batch. Tue May 27 21:40:20 -0700 2008 3724011 113442 exilekiss 3 4433012 This enlightened discussion is a year old re: the inconsistencies of BBQ. I just finished a return visit to Bludso's and had a nice discussion with Kevin Bludso as to why he only offers his beef ribs on weekends. He stated he got tired of throwing out perfectly good beef; people seem to want pork in that area. So he only smokes it on weekends. Given how impossible it would be to anticipate how much meat to smoke each day, I would personally empathize with the plight of local BBQ chefs, especially given the quality of meat one gets at places like Bludso's. My second visit to Bludso's was as good as the first. I had a two-meat dinner with brisket and pork shoulder. I like their brisket so much, this is the first time I ever ordered something other than ribs at a BBQ place. I wonder if others have found inconsistency at Bludso's. But it certainly is worth a trip. One day I will make a weekend trip to try their beef ribs. Thu Feb 19 12:40:00 -0800 2009 3623270 62188 Ogawak 4 4435797 This is a VERY perceptive comment about the plight of BBQ chefs trying to guesstimate how much meat to smoke each day. Fri Feb 20 09:26:41 -0800 2009 4433012 18466 a_and_w 1 3725129 I vote for Zeke's in Montrose for their pulled pork sandwiches. The one in West Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd - not so much. Tue May 27 16:20:55 -0700 2008 3262251 125343 prainer 1 3727867 I'd have to say the best is Kansas City BBQ Company on Magnolia just east of Vineland. Its KC style obviously which is a dry rub, and a great sauce. Definitely the best BBQ I've had in LA so far. Wed May 28 12:25:35 -0700 2008 3262251 157831 ldodb 2 3728026 I'll STRONGLY second Idodb's endorsement. As a frequenter of Kansas City BBQ Company since it opened at the Lankershim location, I followed to the new location on Magnolia I throw down the "Damn-Fine-Q" flag in their general direction. Their baby-backs, beef ribs and barbecued beans are the best I've eaten in LA since . . . well, since ever. I'm just sayin'. Wed May 28 13:05:27 -0700 2008 3727867 110328 Steve2 in LA 3 3749135 thanks for this tip - checked out kansas city bbq on saturday night and was blown away! 2 of us shared a combo plate with baby backs, brisket, and hot links. all three meats were great but i literally can't stop thinking about the brisket - it practically melts in your mouth. i third the sentiment of best bbq i've had in l.a.... Wed Jun 04 11:01:33 -0700 2008 3728026 13139 felicia d. 4 3749182 ... man you've got to go back for the beans. The best thing there. Wed Jun 04 11:10:52 -0700 2008 3749135 12909 Hershey Bomar 4 3750111 I pretty much go by there once a week to get a brisket sandwich. I can't help myself. I also like that I can get sweet potato fries when I am in the mood. And its cool that they finally serve beer. Wed Jun 04 15:00:00 -0700 2008 3749135 157831 ldodb 2 4295810 Finally got a chance to try KC BBQ (I live in WLA), and was impressed. I got a 3way combo (standard for me at BBQ spots) with baby back ribs, Brisket and links and sides of beans and sweet potato fries. The brisket was awesome - the best I've had in LA (Phillips was top). Juicy, tender and just enough fat to give it great flavor. The ribs were good, but not great. The links were a disappointment however; they tasted like some Vons bought Aidell's or Louisiana brand links. The beans - as mentioned - were AMAZING!!! Highlight of the meal, and I loved the brisket. Sweet potato fries were solid, but I should've known they don't travel well (got it to go). I also liked the sauce (which came on the side), even though I usually like spicy sauce (they didn't ask and I forgot to mention), this was just the right amount of sweet vs tang. All in all, this was the first time I've been impressed by a BBQ rec on CH since Phillips and Woody's and those were my first two BBQ spots in LA (and are 2 of my top 3 along with KC BBQ now). My one other complaint would be it seemed like I didn't get as much meat with this 3way vs other places (I think it's the baby backs; I only got 3). I usually can eat a little over half of a 3way combo (and sides) and be pretty full and have the rest for dinner or another meal, but I only have half a link and a little bit of beans leftover (and cold, soggy fries). Sun Jan 04 17:16:31 -0800 2009 3727867 67980 mdpilam 3 4298185 mdpilam, regarding your opinion that Phillips BBQ has the best Brisket in LA, the sliced beef at Phillips BBQ is Tri-Tip, not Brisket. Phillips BBQ does not offer Brisket. Mon Jan 05 13:09:51 -0800 2009 4295810 11646 Norm Man 1 3728734 Big Mamma's Rib Shack on N. Lake above Washington in Pasadena. Family owned and operated and it shows in quaility of the Q. Tender and delouis. I really love the ribs and the black-eye peas. Wed May 28 16:17:52 -0700 2008 3262251 183791 SeaCook 1 3733148 I also recommend Mom's in Van Nuys. Vanowen at Hazeltine. I ate there last night. It's like a take out in someone's kitchen. Very low prices. $6.00 for a BBQ beef sandwich with a side. Friendly service. The best homemade chocolate cake in the universe. I've eaten there since about 1990. For a sit down place in the Valley, try the Valley Ranch on Sherman Way near Balboa. More expensive but very good. Great cole slaw. I've eaten there since 1975. Thu May 29 21:51:03 -0700 2008 3262251 196419 Kate is always hungry 2 3746618 Mom's is where I would go for Q when I lived in the San Fernando Valley. I loved thier peach cobbler. I like Valley Ranch too but loved Mom's prices even more. Tue Jun 03 15:54:06 -0700 2008 3733148 183791 SeaCook 1 3822700 YES! KANSAS CITY BBQ RULES!!! The beans...WOW. Never had beans like those before. Very savory not sweet and full of meat! I like a touch of the BBQ sauce in mine. Baby backs for me please. Best cut ever! Another must try is Peco's Bills' in Glendale/Burbank area. Its just North of the 134 fwy and just West of the 5. Its on Victory Blvd just above Riverside. Its a tiny hole in the wall...literally. You must get there before 2:30 or 3 when they run out of meat. Weekends you can get ribs but order them in advance or be out of luck. I like the Okie Pork Sandwich the best with a bit of spicy on the side. Never had a sauce like theirs...its just about folklore to some. Savory not sweet...must be alot of renderings. I dont know you tell me. Thats my 2 bones...ENJOY! Sat Jun 28 16:44:32 -0700 2008 3262251 98362 cnote 2 3822851 I think what you like in the beans is the liquid smoke flavoring. There is no way the brisket alone is imparting that smokey flavor. If you order the brisket you will notice it does not taste very smokey at all. So enjoy the (way too heavy handed) liquid smoke in the beans. And where do they get their potato salad, Smart and Final? Also, the thimbles of bbq sauce they serve are a joke. Sat Jun 28 18:25:09 -0700 2008 3822700 20663 Josh90004 3 3920893 no liquid smoke. the beans are cooked in the smoker under the brisket four 24 hours, collecting fat and smoke. the owner gave me a peek into his smoker to prove it. Thu Jul 31 23:27:15 -0700 2008 3822851 98362 cnote 1 3822873 I work nearby so maybe I'm biased (and blessed) but Zeke's in West Hollywood (Santa Monica and Formosa) is pretty damn fine and convenient. All sauces housemade and the food is really tasty. It ain't Black's or Kreutz' but it's a miracle here in LA-LA land. Give it a shot: http://www.zekessmokehouse.com/ Sat Jun 28 18:36:33 -0700 2008 3262251 75879 Pigeage 2 4447280 Well, Black's ain't Kreuz either, Pigeage -- especially the vast new Kreuz (pronounced "Krites"), a cathedral in construction and in capturing the great Texas BBQ spirit -- but I appreciate the point. Any 'hound who knows the Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Tex., and calls Zeke's "a miracle here in LA-LA land" deserves a hearing. I'll try the place and return to testify. Tue Feb 24 08:24:02 -0800 2009 3822873 77350 sbritchky 3 4447684 I never been to Kruez but i have seen pictures, not much in LA, brisket or sausage, compares. Tue Feb 24 10:18:25 -0800 2009 4447280 11279 Burger Boy 1 3828810 In your survey you must try J N J's in culver city. Truly smoked in a wood yard. Very authentic and down home. J N J Burger & Bar-B-Q, 5754 W. Adams Blvd., L.A., (323) 933-7366. Open Mon.–Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. Cash only. Lunch or dinner for two, food only, $6–$28. Recommended dishes: pork ribs, barbecued chicken, sweet-potato pie. Also in Eagle Rock The Oinkster, For slow fast food. Good pulled pork, but the house cured pastrami is awesome. (off topic i know) And in South Pasadena, the new Gus's BBQ, has managed to put it all together in a nice setting and decent drinks, ie mint julip! Mon Jun 30 23:45:43 -0700 2008 3262251 192049 FITZMO 1 3891444 OMG Mom's was the worst. Not only does she and her staff cater to the regulars they got our order wrong. The rib tips were greasy as he** and it just sucked. Man Famous Dave's is better and Woody's in L.A. is the bomb. I am trying to find a great bbq place w/out having to go to my fav spots in L.A. but, I will try My Brothers and after that I give up. Tue Jul 22 11:10:53 -0700 2008 3262251 212167 qteondty 1 3969977 I am from the South and hadn't searched out BBQ here in L.A. until yesterday. I lost my job, my lover, and my life is a mess. I needed some comfort food and began craving, then reminiscing about the BBQ we used to get in the carolinas. I googled BBQ and found 2 places Close to where I live in Sherman Oaks. I chose the closer one with the great reviews. I have to say that the succulent BBQ beef sandwich send me into sort of a happy place. The cost - ONLY $6, and it comes with one small side. I got the cole slaw + an additional side of green beans for a $1. I figured I needed to get in a little veges in. Not only was the food AMAZING, but the owner "Mom" is the sweetest little business owner I've met in a long time. VERY NICE SERVICE! I know about service! I have waited tables and served in quite a few restaurants in Los Angeles. In my experience, many times, the management/Owners are simply awful human beings who know nothing about customer service. I only mention this because we need to stop supporting businesses that do not treat customers right. Mom's BBQ was so good yesterday that I went back again today and ordered the same BBQ beef sandwich w/cole slaw. Only instead of green beans I got a slice of yellow cake topped with white frosting and coconut, and filled with a pineapple filling. "mom" actually waited on me! She was so nice and friendly and genuine it made me homesick. She actually let me sample the chocolate cake...who does that anymore? Anyway, the food was just as succulent and tasty the second day as the first. All I can say is "Yum!" Thank you Mom's for the awesome comfort food and the down to earth friendly service. Once I took a bite of the coconut pineapple cake I couldn't stop! Simply delicious! They are located in Van Nuys at the corner of Hazeltine and Vanowen street. Google for exact address. Tue Aug 19 14:01:22 -0700 2008 3262251 219752 vquade 2 3970875 here 'tis Tue Aug 19 20:05:58 -0700 2008 3969977 85884 maxzook 1 3971079 I'm from the South too, and I'm something of a bbq nut. Wherever I live I always try to find the best bbq in the area. Needless to say, quality varies from place to place, but when I first moved to LA I was optimistic due to the large African-American population and the sheer number of bbq joints in town. I've travelled around LA for bbq quite a bit, often dragging other southerners with me, as well as native 'cue fans. So far, I'm sad to report, I have not found any bbq in LA, or anywhere else in California for that matter, that even rivals the above-average places in the southeast. Of course this is a matter of taste (ahem), and bbq judging is particularly controversial, so you might find otherwise. But in my opinion you are best off not hoping for the best 'cue you've ever had no matter what recommendations you follow on this post. That said, there are several places that will make even a serious bbq lover happy. Starting with the most ridiculous, Dr. Hogly-Wogly in Van Nuys will seduce you with its incredibly delicious smell as soon as you reach the parking lot. They say they are Texas style, but I think that only refers to the size of the portions, which are outrageous. The sauce is very sweet and very addictive, and while the meat is just okay, the sauce and general vibe of the place more than make up for it. I definitely recommend going here with a group of friends. It's fun. Junior's in Culver City is a small, family run place that has tasty ribs and fun Southern deserts like 7-up Cake. The owner is a really nice guy who loves a good joke - when I ordered an Arnold Palmer once he insisted I call it a Tiger Woods. I definitely recommend this place for a quick stop after work, but don't make a destination out of it, it's good enough but not worth a lot of planning. The best bbq I've had in LA proper is at the aforementioned Mom's. It's also family run, and the service is excellent. They are from Louisiana, so expect a lot of sweet sauce on their ribs as well (though not as sweet as Hogly Wogly). Their cakes are very simple but delicious, as is their cobbler, which is served the proper way in a styrofoam cup. They also have very good fried chicken and the best homemade lemonade I've had in LA (not too sweet, thank you). The restaurant is tiny, so it's not great for huge groups, though I've been there with 6 people before and it was fine. I brought an entire family of Louisiana foodies in there and they all raved about it, so don't listen to any of the haters on this board - you will find someone who doesn't like every single restaurant on Chowhound, believe me (except maybe Urusawa). Again, this place is not going to impress anyone from central Texas, but I guarantee a smile at the end of your meal. Tue Aug 19 21:44:20 -0700 2008 3262251 16495 hungrymungry 2 3972635 I'm glad to see someone with Mason-Dixon street cred stick up for Dr. Hogly Wogly's, it's hard to mention it on most L.A. food blogs without someone ripping it to shreds. And I guess I gotta try Mom's ... -- Max Z., who isn't allowed to have an opinion on 'cue 'cause he grew up in Connecticut ;) Wed Aug 20 12:20:23 -0700 2008 3971079 85884 maxzook 1 3989433 Does anyone know where (if) I can buy the original “dem bones” sauce? 30 years after I had it for the last time, I still can’t get it out of my mind! It’s the greatest sauce ever made! Thanks in advance. Tue Aug 26 17:28:48 -0700 2008 3262251 221840 BarryP1 1 4017580 On the westside, our best is BABY BLUES BBQ at 444 Lincoln Blvd. Mon Sep 08 10:40:12 -0700 2008 3262251 58602 la chienne 2 4296009 Tried Baby Blues for the first time today. I had the pulled pork sandwich, my guest had the brisket sandwich. Both were delicious. The bun is also great. The place was packed at 3:00PM on a Sunday and when we left, about 45 minutes later, there was a line outdoors. We sat at the counter. The folks next to us were eating ribs and all kinds of sides. They were very enthusiastic about their food. Sun Jan 04 18:28:00 -0800 2009 4017580 67720 maudies5 3 4297284 Make sure to try the ribs and chicken. I prefer them to the pulled pork, which also has its fans. I also love their mashed sweet potatoes -- not too processed or overly sweet. Mon Jan 05 09:08:12 -0800 2009 4296009 18466 a_and_w 1 4018020 Larkins in Eagle Rock for some southern style ribs the way momma (she is literally in the kitchen) makes 'em. They also have killer corn bread! Mon Sep 08 12:48:15 -0700 2008 3262251 224705 4houmeal 1 4230140 There's the BearPit in Mission Hills on Sepulveda and the 118 freeway(best BBQ Beef RIBS!) and Brothers and Doc HogWogly is just OK. And in South LA, Woodys and Phillips are the best. Dem Bones in west LA was the best and Its a shame they closed down. They had the best sauce around! Does anybody know their recipe? Mon Dec 08 13:29:53 -0800 2008 3262251 246765 Gonzafr 2 4411246 I still need to try Bledsoes in Compton. Anyone been lately? Thu Feb 12 11:32:52 -0800 2009 4230140 66416 orythedog 3 4411460 I highly recommend Bludso's. They have a Texas sampler that gives you a piece of each of their BBQ offerings. It's massive and can feed a family of four for $25.00. I think you will find that it's the quality of their rub that sets them apart from other BBQ places. I found the beef brisket fabulous, and I'm mostly a pork ribs and pulled pork fan. My previous favorites were Baby Blues and Porky's. The people there are very friendly and helpful. A place is really good when you crave something, you think of that place. For pizza, it's Vito's. For BBQ, it's Bludso's. Thu Feb 12 12:22:08 -0800 2009 4411246 62188 Ogawak 4 4416921 Wow...I'm totally going to check this place out! To clarify, is it Texas style, or is that just a reference to the style of brisket? Sat Feb 14 08:17:44 -0800 2009 4411460 18466 a_and_w 5 4433053 Went back to Bludso's again. Fabulous brisket and pork shoulder. First time I didn't order ribs (I always order ribs for BBQ) but I love the brisket so much. The sign in front says Texas BBQ, and they love their Cowboys. I need to get there on a weekend and try their angus beef ribs sometime. Thu Feb 19 12:51:50 -0800 2009 4416921 62188 Ogawak 3 4413238 I went a couple weeks ago after hearing some buzz about them (and I think my post about it got deleted or the OP was deleted), and was impressed. I got the pork ribs and beef brisket. The ribs were very delicious; tender, but not quite fall off the bone and smoky. The brisket was good, but I wouldn't quite call it great. The sides were whatever. I actually didn't care for the beans - they had a distinct flavor which I can't quite put my finger on (maybe Jack Daniels?) that just kinda put me off. I can see some people liking them though. Potato salad was standard. Service was very friendly - and there was even a little counter to eat (which was great b/c I was heading out and not going back home). One final thing - the meat was almost swimming in sauce, which might turn some people off, but I actually like sauce so I didn't care. I'm sure you can get it on the side too. Overall, very good BBQ, I'd probably put it in my Top 3 for LA (behind Phillips and KC BBQ). Thu Feb 12 23:41:47 -0800 2009 4411246 67980 mdpilam 4 4414431 We just did a BBQ crawl 2 weeks ago, and Bludso's is CLEARLY on top of the 'Q game in town (even against Philips) http://sinosoul.com/?p=15 previous Chowhound mention here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/577719 To its credit, Bludso's isn't using baby back and the briskets are friggin fantastic and far superior to anything else in town (vs. Jay Bee's, vs. Porky's, etc.) As far as the sauce: ALWAYS on the side. Doesn't matter how much you love the sauce. Fri Feb 13 10:24:33 -0800 2009 4413238 12458 TonyC 1 4414196 While I haven't been to all the 'Q places in town, the few I've visited have their high and low points as other posters have noted. Each of the 2x I've been to the swinging door in NoHo, the food has been cold, even though I've been the only customer. I've tried to be nice to the lady behind the counter and tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but you shouldn't have to ask more than once to get your food zapped in the micro. or something. The babybacks were OK but fatty, and the beef ribs were tough and gristly. I'll never go back. JnJ in Adams district...the sauce was sweeter than what I'm used to, but the ribs were incredible. The sweet baked beans were...again, sweeter than I'm used to, but it was all good. The meat was falling off the bone and it was def. worth the wait. Hogly's well, I love their brisket when their brisket's good, but sometimes its rubbery and gross. Maybe 25% of the time it's this way. When it's good, it's succulent and tender and the marinade is nice to sop up with the yummy homemade bread. Baby Blues is good, too. I had the baby backs and even the burnt end pieces were good! The Bear Pit...maybe it was an off day and I'll try them again, but the beef ribs were really tough. A few weeks ago I tried N.Y. BBQ on LaBrea. OMG. Bridget, the owner, was super--she was attentive and friendly and man-oh-man, this fat chowhound gal was happy as a fat clam with the brisket, collards and beans. With white bread. The brisket was hot, fresh, and so tender. In someone else's kitchen, and with a few more minutes of unattended cooking, it would have been mushy but here, no. The flavor was complex, there was just the right amount of sauce on top, and cutting into it with a plastic fork was effortless. The collards were just like my grandma used to make: smoky and piquant all at once, and the beans were not overly sweet. It was perfect. I'm going back tomorrow. Fri Feb 13 09:26:02 -0800 2009 3262251 15552 shelleykelly 2 4414683 Well you don't have to worry about The Swinging Door - it closed quite a while ago. I have not been to J & J, Dr. H. H. or Baby Blues in a long time and never been to The Bear Pit so I'll reserve comments. The 3 or so times that I went to NY BBQ the meats were off the chart good, especially the brisket which was flavorful, smoky and dripping with juices! I have read some more recent less than favorable reports here so I'll have to go back and check it out soon. Fri Feb 13 11:24:02 -0800 2009 4414196 10864 sel 1 4415032 I just tried Old Fashion Flavor BBQ this weekend and they make quite possibly the best short ribs and brisket in town. Definitely worth a try if you're seeking BBQ in LA. Located on Western just south of Century on the east side of the street. Fri Feb 13 12:54:51 -0800 2009 3262251 118060 mrshankly 2 4415428 Porkey,s in Inglewood is now closed shop. They have another branch open in Long Beach. It just goes to show, we have to support our favorites 'lest they go by the wayside. Fri Feb 13 14:34:38 -0800 2009 4415032 10493 sassille 1 4415845 No mention yet of Harry's Oklahoma Style BBQ in Lomita. It's only take out, but they have 2 tables outside. Highly raved about by the Food Dectective, Chris Cognac of the Daily Breeze and Food Network. He goes as far as saying the best bbq sauce in the country, having lived in the boondocks of the South and Midwest for many years. The owner told me the majority of their business is catering the entertainment industry. http://www.harrysokstylebbq.com http://www.culinarydetective.com/pages_cafepopups/pop_rest_harrys_barbecue.htm Harry's Oklahoma Style Smokehouse BBQ 25501 Narbonne Avenue Lomita, CA 90717 Fri Feb 13 17:13:25 -0800 2009 3262251 188853 jzalvidea 2 4416956 I thought the food at Harry's was average at best, drenched in oversweet sauce. It didn't suit my taste. Sat Feb 14 08:32:55 -0800 2009 4415845 10023 Professor Salt 1 4416925 Quick update re Baby Blues. The cue suffered for a few weeks -- probably because their attention was focused on the branch opening up north in SF. But I'm happy to report that, ever since the Super Bowl, the ribs and chicken are back to being as fantastic as they always were. Sat Feb 14 08:19:47 -0800 2009 3262251 18466 a_and_w 2 4417663 Sorry, a_and_w, but I have to disagree. I hope Baby Blues moves their whole operation up north, because I was at the Venice location last week and thought that, except for the collards, the food varied from merely OK (the ribs) to downright disgusting (the brisket). I'll say more in an upcoming post on several BBQ places. Sat Feb 14 14:14:02 -0800 2009 4416925 77350 sbritchky 3 4417693 I've had their food twice in recent weeks, and both times the long ribs were spectacular -- as good as they've ever been. Which type of ribs did you order, and have you tried the chicken? I've never had the brisket, but plenty of hounds have reported disappointment, so you're experience is pretty typical in that regard. PS: I'm not wild about their collard greens, which aren't cooked with pork, as I recall. Have you tried the cole slaw and mashed sweet potatoes? Sat Feb 14 14:27:23 -0800 2009 4417663 18466 a_and_w 4 4417870 I have to say my last experience with the long ribs was really wonderful too. Do you see these type of ribs elsewhere? I can't recall being given the option to order them at other places. Thanks for your report. Sat Feb 14 15:46:30 -0800 2009 4417693 108169 Servorg 5 4418922 I believe they're untrimmed spare ribs. I haven't encountered this style before, either. PS: Can't wait for that report sbritchky! Sun Feb 15 08:01:05 -0800 2009 4417870 18466 a_and_w 2 5044665 Went to Baby Blues in Venice for the first time today. There was a line of a few of us at opening (plenty of tables, we just got there a tad early). First I've got to say I love the environment in there. Comfy, cool, down-home, A/C and ceiling fans and enough darkness that it's almost like being in a well-A/C-ed joint in the South. A little cold steaminess came off the top of the soda I ordered as the guy was bringing it over. The music was kind of cool too. Just a nice vibe. Now, on to the ribs... are these what you all call dry rub? They were good, not 'must eat entire plate immediately' good though. In Florida the good ribs places would have falling off the bone tender smoked ribs swimming in a vinegary and not too sweet barbecue sauce, and that's the kind I personally prefer (that might be what's called Western Carolina Dip, AKA Lexington Dip and Piedmont Dip). So someone who specifically likes dry-rub ribs (or whatever variety these are supposed to be) might like these better than I did. I would still definitely go back because of the whole package and geographic convenience. I got Memphis ribs and 1 beef rib about 12" long with meat about the size of a giant, tall filet mignon hanging off of it. It was impossible to not feel a little Flintstones. (Not even at Dr. Hogly Wogly's ...) I got stewed okra that was actually really good and the collard greens which were quite good too (no, not apparently cooked in bacon or anything else rich, but still tasty). There was an awesome-looking slab of rich cornbread that I brought home... along with at least half my platter. There's a decent basic barbecue sauce that's in a squeeze-bottle tableside, and a hot barbecue sauce, and a tabasco-based sauce (good) and a nice vinegar-and-peppers liquid. Some gentleman who served the ribs said the vinegar-and-peppers sauce was good on the collard greens. I found that I could concoct a good sauce with some of their basic, a healthy shot of the vinegar-pepper liquid, and a little of the tabasco sauce. So I swam my ribs in that. But I found myself wishing they'd been swimming in that stuff for the last couple hours. Like I said, I think it's just a style preference. Would love to know what spots in L.A. - especially on the Westside - may have that falling-off-the-bone vinegar-sauce thing I love (the Western Carolina variety with tomato sauce or the East Carolina sauce that's even thinner and sharper, without it). I don't want any Tex-Mex roasted pepper chipotle vibe going on, nor any sweet, thick brown-sugary sauce. Sun Sep 20 17:44:31 -0700 2009 4416925 40486 Cinnamon 3 5050592 Although I shudder at the thought of "ribs falling off the bone and swimming in sauce" . . . mostly because they can't even remotely be referred to as "barbecue", I think you'll find ribs similar to those you describe at Mom's BBQ in Van Nuys, Uncle Andre's in Sherman Oaks and Ribs USA in Burbank. Like you said, preferences are subjective so, who am I to judge? Tue Sep 22 17:21:35 -0700 2009 5044665 110328 Steve2 in LA 4 5054182 Long smoking times. Sauce mop. Less emphasis on hideous "rubs." I'd say save trying it for when you find yourself somewhere in the Southeastern U.S. - if you find it done properly, it is not a bastardization but a thing of beauty. Wed Sep 23 21:35:41 -0700 2009 5050592 40486 Cinnamon 1 4418881 OK, as previously promised, I returned to NY BBQ yesterday and ordered the beef ribs. With a soda, the total was under $12. Collards and beans as the sides...love them too much to change right now. I'm a traumatized beef rib eater, having survived my mom's (Chinese and an excellent cook in all other ways but this...sorry mom!) boiled beef ribs smothered with orange marmalade and brown sugar glaze. A few run ins with really bad beef ribs over the years haven't helped either. So for the $12, I got two very meaty, smokey ribs marbled with fat that wasn't gross at all and while I had to fight a bit to rip the meat from the bone (no extra bone to hold onto) the flavor was indeed yummy and the meat, once wrested from the bone, was easily chewed and not laden with gristle. I have to add that Bridget is as sweet as pie and a damned good businesswoman, too. I seated myself at the sole table that is of regular height and the guy that was helping her didn't realize I was there. So as I made a few phone calls and relaxed, my food was sitting on the counter for probably ten minutes. When Bridget realized I was in the corner, she freaked and the guy said "I didn't even see you there...I thought you left!" (Come ON! Without my food? Are you crazy?) Well, Miss B was so horrified and apologetic that she gave me a free dessert of my choice. And while it was no big deal to me, she insisted. The banana pudding was divine. I don't know of any proprietors that would do that these days. Anyway, I'm starting Atkins so...no BBQ for me for awhile. I'll have to live vicariously through my fellow 'hounds! Sun Feb 15 07:43:46 -0800 2009 3262251 15552 shelleykelly 2 4418974 IMO, that's actually a good thing that the meat resisted just a bit being ripped from the bone. Do I gather from your Atkin's comment that they serve their ribs sauced? Because I thought bbq meat (not the sides or sauce) was just the thing for Atkin's people. Sun Feb 15 08:27:33 -0800 2009 4418881 18466 a_and_w 3 4419097 a_and_w, ITA about the meat resisting...I meant only that there wasn't any extra "lollipop handle" worth of bone to hang onto with my left hand :-) which made the resistance a little messier. They do indeed serve the beef ribs sauced. In fact, the sauce is baked on. And not in a bad way...I think the meat was basted with it all through the cooking process. That said, yes, BBQ meat by itself--and as long as it hasn't been basted/marinated with anything that contains sugar--is fine on Atkins. Anything roasted/grilled/fried "naked"/boiled, etc. is fine. Cheers! Sun Feb 15 09:18:06 -0800 2009 4418974 15552 shelleykelly 4 4435598 i guess you can just get the beef ribs sans sauce. voila, welcome atkins. Fri Feb 20 08:37:04 -0800 2009 4419097 10866 kevin 5 4435798 Look for places that do a dry rub. Fri Feb 20 09:27:21 -0800 2009 4435598 18466 a_and_w 1 4882281 Quick report on Kansas City BBQ Company in North Hollywood. Went for lunch today with a buddy who grew up in KC so keep that in mind. I ordered the brisket plate with a side of beans and sweet potato fries. The brisket came pre-shredded; I was hoping to have it sliced, but regardless it was tender, smoky and quite good. The sweet potato fries were outstanding and the beans were just ok; way too smokey for me. My friend got the burnt-ends sandwich with a side of beans and the regular fries. Overall, he said his food was just OK compared to his favorite BBQ joints back home. He thought it was strange that the burnt ends came pre-shredded and felt there was too much smoke and not enough spice. The beans were mediocre; again, too smokey, no bacon and the sauce was too runny. Overall, if you put aside the comparisons to real KC BBQ, we thought it was pretty good and worth visiting again. Wed Jul 22 16:45:23 -0700 2009 3262251 74451 vinosnob 2 4884069 Pre-shredded burnt ends? No pork in the beans?! Thu Jul 23 09:58:06 -0700 2009 4882281 18466 a_and_w 3 4884511 Smoked beef (not sure but I think brisket) in the beans. . . personally, I really like 'em. Different from "Pork & Beans" but seriously fit t'eat. Thu Jul 23 12:02:10 -0700 2009 4884069 110328 Steve2 in LA 4 4887149 Yup, there's brisket in the beans, but no hog. If they could just mellow out the overt smokiness the beans would be better. Fri Jul 24 09:08:54 -0700 2009 4884511 74451 vinosnob 5 4887172 OK, I can deal with brisket, but would prefer pork. Do you guys think they're using artificial smoke flavoring? Fri Jul 24 09:12:22 -0700 2009 4887149 18466 a_and_w 6 4887304 Nope. This place really is fantastic ... sure it may not be up to the level of the best KC places, but then nowhere else in LA is going to be able to match its respective "Style Homeland" for taste, texture, flavor, and authenticity either. I would definitely check this place out. Fri Jul 24 09:55:51 -0700 2009 4887172 198245 a213b 7 4887354 Thanks -- it's definitely at the top of my list of bbq places to try. I love smoke flavor as long as it's not that "liquid smoke" stuff. Fri Jul 24 10:13:05 -0700 2009 4887304 18466 a_and_w 8 4887370 I didn't detect any artificial smoke flavor; the beans were just over-smoked in my opinion. My buddy thought his burnt-ends were over-smoked as well. It's definitely worth a visit; killer lineup of beers on tap too! Fri Jul 24 10:17:21 -0700 2009 4887354 74451 vinosnob 6 4889828 I do not think there is an artificial smoke flavoring, just liquid smoke, which actual comes from wood that is burned and run through a still like machine and turns the smoke into liquid. It is all natural. Sat Jul 25 10:57:46 -0700 2009 4887172 11279 Burger Boy 7 4890173 which joint are you talking about that does this? thanks. Sat Jul 25 14:23:06 -0700 2009 4889828 10866 kevin 8 4890917 I be,ieve he is talking about the beans at Kansas City BBQ Company in North Hollywood. I was just commenting on the use of liquid smoke and how it is not artificial. Sat Jul 25 22:07:42 -0700 2009 4890173 11279 Burger Boy 7 4891381 I consider that artificial, or at least processed. Either way, it has no place in good bbq, like it sounds Kansas City BBQ Company is. Sun Jul 26 08:32:02 -0700 2009 4889828 18466 a_and_w 8 4891772 I agree to some point, hard to get a smokey flavor in certain things without it. Processed, not really it is real smoked that has been liquified naturally. Pastuerized processed cheese food is artificial. You would never use it in a marinade or rub, but then I know some pit masters use hickory salt in their rubs instead of straight sea salt, then smoke it. is that cheating? I do not know, to me as long as it is smoked I do not care what they use in their rub or marinade, taste is the bottom line. Sun Jul 26 11:48:04 -0700 2009 4891381 11279 Burger Boy 9 4891877 After all, isn't great Q heavily "processed" through the use of wood smoke and dry rub? Sun Jul 26 12:48:51 -0700 2009 4891772 108169 Servorg 10 4891915 I have a lot to say on this subject, but I think we should probably take it over to general topics. Sun Jul 26 13:10:31 -0700 2009 4891877 18466 a_and_w 11 4892084 Okay...here it is: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/639585 Sun Jul 26 14:32:27 -0700 2009 4891915 108169 Servorg 2 4893734 Thanks for this - I've been hoping to find some place in LA that does burnt ends after having them in KC and getting hooked. Mon Jul 27 08:43:10 -0700 2009 4882281 110491 odub 1 4887391 Has anyone been to Jaybee's in Gardena? Fri Jul 24 10:22:07 -0700 2009 3262251 251532 bgazindad 2 4887461 Overrated. Very meh. Fri Jul 24 10:41:18 -0700 2009 4887391 67980 mdpilam 3 4887573 What did you order? What specifically disappointed you? the sauce, the texture of the meat, the sides, ?? Thank you in advance. Fri Jul 24 11:15:38 -0700 2009 4887461 251532 bgazindad 4 4889093 Sorry for the quick reply earlier, I was in a hurry. It was about a yr ago that I went, but I ordered a 2 Way combo, with Pork Ribs and brisket, with a pulled pork sandwich. I don't remember the meal exactly, but I do recall that the best thing was the pork sandwich, which was more of a chopped pork, but still pretty good - though the bun was a typical grocery store cheap hamburger bun. I think the ribs were a little "less tender" and flavorful than other BBQ places that I like in LA (at the time mainly Phillips). Sorry I can't give a better review, but it was a while ago. But I would like to get across: this is not one of the better BBQ places in LA. I love BBQ and have tried a number of different Q places in LA, and the top 3 are: BigMista, Bludso's and Phillips. If you do a search for JayBee's here on CH, I'm sure you'll find that most weren't too impressed by it (though, by no means am I saying it sucks, but there's just better to be had). Fri Jul 24 23:39:27 -0700 2009 4887573 67980 mdpilam 5 4889114 That is the only thing worth getting, but probably the best pulled pork sandwich in LA. Sat Jul 25 00:15:31 -0700 2009 4889093 254809 A5 KOBE 6 4947370 agreed Fri Aug 14 15:25:11 -0700 2009 4889114 151099 la tache burger 1 4894357 Bludso's Bludso's Bludso's Order the $25 Texas Sampler (which is enough to feed 3-4), take it down to the beach, and have a party. Mr Taster Mon Jul 27 11:35:35 -0700 2009 3262251 17579 Mr Taster 2 4947126 Blusdo's is by far the best in town. Have gone there numerous occasions and while there were some slight inconsistencies (lack of rub) when they are on they cannot be beat. First time we went the mac n cheese did not have any egg, but came back and sure enough the mac n cheese was great. Mr. Taster is right, get the texas sampler and go find a nice parking lot and eat it on the hood of your car. This place is getting so popular and lines are getting longer and longer everytime we go. Fri Aug 14 13:48:35 -0700 2009 4894357 254809 A5 KOBE 3 4947376 Very interesting, can't wait to try. BTW, is it just me or has the bbq in general become WAY more inconsistent -- strike that, BAD -- even at the best places since the great recession hit??? Fri Aug 14 15:27:18 -0700 2009 4947126 151099 la tache burger 2 5044587 Tried the Texas Sampler from Bludso's today, and it is alot of meat! I usually get a 3way combo, but I figured, hey, it's only $7 more or so, and it should give me an extra meal out of it. The ribs - as usual - were great. Brisket good as well. I didn't care for 2 of the 3 links, though. The chicken and beef (?) were just not very good; they have a weird spice/herb in them. I'm not sure I've even got to all the meat in there yet. Not a big fan of their sides: mac n cheese and potato salad were average at best - I hated their beans the first time I had them. Also, their sauce is a little thin and not spicy at all (yes, I ordered hot). Overall, Bludso's is good, but to me BigMista's is EASILY the best Q in LA, and Phillips and Bludso's are 2 and 3. Sun Sep 20 17:08:39 -0700 2009 4894357 67980 mdpilam 3 5045462 Check out JnJ Burgers & BBQ on Adams, if you have a chance. I agree that BigMista and Phillips are great. Mon Sep 21 06:20:20 -0700 2009 5044587 11279 Burger Boy 4 5046217 I've been a couple times and found them to be mediocre BBQ; I preferred Phillips and Woody's (and now BigMista and Bludso's). Mon Sep 21 10:33:56 -0700 2009 5045462 67980 mdpilam 5 5046464 I just visited JNJ recently and sampled their ribs and their hamburger. The place had real character, with the locomotive themed bbq grill and all the newspaper reviews on the wall, I was hopeful. After tasting Bludo's and BigMista's, I found the ribs here lacking. The ribs had no character, no sense of rub or smoke and the sauce was flat. It was the worst BBQ I've had in my Chowhound ventures. I did like the hamburger, and the german chocolate cake was terrific. But as for the ribs, it may have been a really bad day, but I don't plan to come back. Mon Sep 21 11:45:44 -0700 2009 5046217 62188 Ogawak 6 5051222 Big portions, but mediocre at best. The rib dinner is huge. I'll stick with Bludso's. Tue Sep 22 23:30:34 -0700 2009 5046464 254809 A5 KOBE 6 5051643 My statement, that this was the worst BBQ in my Chouhound ventures came off stronger than I had intended. What I meant was that of all the recommended spots I wanted to try from CH, this was the weakest. My ranking thus far (very general) BigMistas Bludsos Porkys Baby Blues Phillips JNJ Wed Sep 23 07:05:52 -0700 2009 5046464 62188 Ogawak 1 4961707 I used to go to Woody's on Slauson a lot (it's been 8 yrs since I lived in LA). Does anybody know what regional style of BBQ they claim to be, if any? I grew up in KC, and it always reminded me of the stuff I had growing up, but I could never put my finger on what what it was exactly that triggered my memory. Thu Aug 20 06:14:17 -0700 2009 3262251 1103071 jllbass 2 5015213 Pretty sure they claim to be Texan but it sure seems more Mississippian. Tue Sep 08 20:28:12 -0700 2009 4961707 12909 Hershey Bomar 1 5017139 Such an old post and so many restaurants, but I didn't see anyone mention M & M Soul Food in Carson. Great BBQ with daily specials (pork ribs on Fridays--from what I remember, but come early cuz' they sell out!) Everything I tried was good here... fried oysters, greens, beef ribs that just swept right off the bone. 18427 Avalon Blvd Carson, CA 90746 (310) 324-5317 http://talk.2itch.com Wed Sep 09 13:43:52 -0700 2009 3262251 262237 kushnerom