54632 Mon Jun 16 21:37:26 -0700 2003 20 2 Los Angeles Area 0 282043 Are there any good rib places near Sherman Oaks? Mon Jun 16 21:37:26 -0700 2003 0 Derek 1 282064 We recently went to Mr. Cecil's or whatever it's called that's the offshoot of a famous westside place. It was okay. (Mind you I'm willing to drive down to Phillips for the real deal). I thought kind of pricey for what you got and I absolutely hated the vibe, the waitstaff forced to hammer you to buy more drinks, appetizers, desserts, etc. I like a BBQ joint to be down and dirty, not cutesy cocktails. Also, by default re-tried Ribs USA in Burbank and thought the beef ribs were okay, all else nothing spectacular, but all ruined by lousy sauce. Good collards though. Tue Jun 17 01:57:58 -0700 2003 282043 0 dre 2 282074 For a different take on ribs, try Thai and I on Ventura near Louise in Encino. Tue Jun 17 10:45:44 -0700 2003 282064 0 brian h 3 282075 I agree about Thai N I. Some of the best ribs in LA. Make sure to ask for extra sauce on the side. Tue Jun 17 11:18:22 -0700 2003 282074 0 Eric 2 282145 I agree that Mr Cecil's is just so-so. And after hearing about Dr. Hogly-Wogly's, I tried it last week and was not impressed. I did find a place on the edge of downtown called Barbeque King that was really good. Big smokers outside...go for the smell alone! It's mostly takeout, though they do have some picnic tables. Good greens and beans too. Tue Jun 17 19:06:24 -0700 2003 282064 0 Mandy 3 282311 I am glad you liked BBQ King. It was not to my taste at all. Thu Jun 19 09:16:56 -0700 2003 282145 0 Just Larry 1 282077 While many a debate has raged on this venue about this, I still recommend (my favorite place), and not that far from your target area: Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ on Sepulveda Blvd. in Van Nuys (a few blocks south of Rosoce Blvd.). Like I said, this is MY favorite BBQ place. I find their Beef ribs meaty and tender with great flavor. The Pork (spare) ribs are large and also excellent, probably some of the best restaurant spare ribs I've ever had. The beef brisquet is fork splitting tender and delicious. The hot links are okay, too garlicy for me though. I love their chicken, I've never seen such big chicken anywhere else!! Unbelievable. Their sauces are good, a mild and a spicy. I'm partial to the spicy, not too thick and a good little kick to it. I find the sides unexciting, but they have fries, and that's enough for me. The decor is minimal but I've always had great service (Cindy has been there forever and is by far the best server). I recommend you go with at least 2 others and order a 3 way (I like Beef and pork ribs and chicken) the way you like it. It's enough to feed 3 people easily, 4 if you're not all voracious eaters! Now I know I'm going to get a lot of flack from nay-sayers about HWTTBBQ, but guys, remember, Derek asked for good BBQ in the Sherman Oaks area. I agree totally with (dre) about Mr. Cecils, been twice, first and last. Eric has an interesting suggestion, I'll have to try it. Tue Jun 17 11:26:18 -0700 2003 282043 0 LesThePress 2 282080 Thai n I also has very good chicken. The only thing is to make sure to order it well done as sometimes they tend to undercook the chicken. The sauce is a clear hot and sweet sauce and very addictive. Tue Jun 17 11:49:50 -0700 2003 282077 0 Eric 2 282099 I'm with you Les. I believe in the Dr. too. Beef ribs are so tender and flavorful..... Tue Jun 17 13:55:03 -0700 2003 282077 0 Home Chef 1 282083 Although I have not eaten here... a friend swears by this place. Mom's BBQ 14062 Vanowen Van Nuys Tue Jun 17 12:12:39 -0700 2003 282043 0 Sandra W. 2 282093 I used to live near Mom's BBQ several years ago. I never found anything special about it. It certainly is not a place to dine in! It's okay for take out and that's about it. I rememeber it as being very ordinary, nothing special at all. Living close by if it was good I'd have been a regular. Please note I haven't been there in several years. It did seem to do a brisk business as evidenced by the fact it's still there. If any Chowhounds around there try it and let us know your thoughts. Tue Jun 17 13:31:55 -0700 2003 282083 0 LesThePress 1 282306 Ok Ive been to all of the places mentioned, and you guys are all missing out. You have to go to the Bear Pit, its a bit further, but well worth it. Its on Sepulveda Blvd, North of Devonshire. Their sauce for the beef ribs is so sweet that I think I might have to go tomorrow Thu Jun 19 02:11:39 -0700 2003 282043 0 Razorslt 2 282312 I've been to the Bear Pit and to Hoggly. I thought the Bear Pit was inedible and gross. Rather go to Hoggly any day over the Bear Pit. I also do not like El Paso. A friend went to El Paso and did not like it. She brought left overs home for the dog and the dog would not even eat it. Thu Jun 19 09:27:21 -0700 2003 282306 0 Eric 3 282321 I'm with you, Eric. I went once to the Bear Pit, many many years ago. I did not like it and have never been back. It was so long ago I don't remember any details other than the smoke flavor overpowered the meat and I also recall the food not looking fully cooked. About the same for El Paso. It changed owners several years ago, and while never great, it's gone downhill from there. Haven't been back in years here either. I again reiterate, I've never had a bad experience (food or service) at the Dr.'s and I've been going there since the mid 70's. I guess each to his own, especially when it comes to BBQ!!! Thu Jun 19 11:50:42 -0700 2003 282312 0 LesThePress 4 282324 I've always liked the Dr's, too. There's another place I like even more, but I won't mention it as it just results in an onslaught of personal attacks. (It's not a consensus favorite.) Thu Jun 19 12:10:06 -0700 2003 282321 0 Paul 5 282359 Paul, I've noticed a lot of things about the people who post here, but shyness isn't one of them. Since we both like the Dr.'s, I'm curious as to what could be better? If you're still afraid of the response (onslaught), feel free to email me. My curiosity is killing me (or at least my BBQ taste buds)!!! Thu Jun 19 16:12:24 -0700 2003 282324 0 LesThePress 6 282395 It was Mr. Cecil's, WLA location. Thu Jun 19 19:15:31 -0700 2003 282359 0 Paul 4 282396 Were is El Paso located? Thu Jun 19 19:23:33 -0700 2003 282321 0 cassy 5 282443 It' on Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana. If you're not near to it, don't waste the time and gas to try it. Fri Jun 20 10:12:31 -0700 2003 282396 0 LesThePress 6 282476 Have to disagree with you on El Paso BBQ, if you want a good steak that won't cost you an arm & a leg this is a good place. They use only Certified Angus beef according to their menu. Very good fries and onion rings also. I only had the ribs once as I usually go for the steaks, but as I remember they were good. Only been to Hogly's once a couple years ago and was not impressed, have no desire to go back. Fri Jun 20 14:29:17 -0700 2003 282443 0 markn 3 282351 Sad but true about the Bear Pit, Eric. It looks sooo promising from the outside and the large number of people waiting for it to open at noon was sooo encouraging. Their ham was dry and the beef sandwith was fatty. Good pickle, though. Thu Jun 19 15:12:56 -0700 2003 282312 0 TomSwift