66554 Thu Feb 10 20:59:45 -0800 2005 44 2 Los Angeles Area 0 359979 Hello all, A year or so ago, someone told me about a little BBQ joint up in Altadena that was worth checking out- complete with genuine smokehouse, a rarity in these parts. I have since forgotten the name and was wondering if anyone has any ideas. Does this place actually exist? Thanks in advance. Thu Feb 10 20:59:45 -0800 2005 0 ABG 1 359984 Can't remember the name, it is at Lake and Woodbury, in the back of the (Rite Aid?) shopping center. Formerly Burnett's, but it is called something else now. Thu Feb 10 21:19:47 -0800 2005 359979 0 Chino Wayne 2 359992 Not Lake & Woodbury - it's Lake at Altadena Drive. NW corner. Thu Feb 10 21:51:16 -0800 2005 359984 0 judybird 3 360014 You are right, I was visualizing Altadena Drive, but my brain wanted to say Woodbury. Thu Feb 10 23:42:31 -0800 2005 359992 0 Chino Wayne 4 360023 I think Chino Wayne is talking about Martin's BBQ. They closed up about 4-5 yrs. ago. It was horrible. Ohio New Orleans took over from Martin's about maybe 2-3 yrs. ago. The owners name is Steve, nice guy. The place on Lincoln, Shack Pappy's Smokehouse has been closed for years. Almost as bad as Martin's. Burnett's was very good. Homer Burnett made a hot sauce that would burn the hair off your chest. He was from Texarkana, Texas & specialized in that type of BBQ. Many years ago you may remember Robbies Rib Cage on Lake Ave near New York Dr. They were legendary in their time. In the area now there is Hutch's BBQ which is worse than Martin's, Gus's BBQ in South Pasadena where they baked their ribs, Big Mamas which is more of a soul food place and Robin's Woodfire BBQ which is the most popular rib joint in Pasadena. They do a real nice job with their bbq. I believe they have a real pit smoker and they make a killer sweet blueberry corn bread. If you travel north to Montrose you'll find Zeke's Smokehouse. It's clean as a whistle, the bbq is pretty good but it's expensive. You won't go wrong with Robin's or Zeke's. Robin's is like a retro roadhouse with Blues playing and peanuts on the table. Zeke's has a slick steel, brick and lannon stone look. Kind of like those old supper clubs, cool. Fri Feb 11 00:25:01 -0800 2005 360014 0 tom 5 360027 Aahh...you remember Burnett's. I loved his sauce. First time I went there, he asked me how hot I wanted it. I said, make it very hot cuz you know its never as hot as they say. Homer said "you've never had my sauce son". I backed down to just "hot" and it was the hottest, most flavorable sauce I've ever had. God, I miss his place. Fri Feb 11 00:44:57 -0800 2005 360023 0 martyR 6 360029 When we lived in northwest Pasadena, Burnett's was where we would bring the 'Q home from, and it was good stuff. Robin's is very decent, just bring your own sauce, because all of his sauces are waayyy to pedestrian. The blueberry corn bread at Robin's is KILLER. Fri Feb 11 00:51:59 -0800 2005 360027 0 Chino Wayne 7 360031 Your right, that blueberry cornbread is decadent. I always ask for an extra to take home for my next days breakfast. At Burnett's I used to get a three meat combo with ribs, hot link and bbq ham. Not many of todays rib joints do a bbq ham. IT WAS GOOD. Homer Burnett was a legend in these parts. He was smoking way into his 70's. Fri Feb 11 00:59:50 -0800 2005 360029 0 tom 8 360062 Zeke's does ham. Fri Feb 11 11:41:51 -0800 2005 360031 0 gnarlex 9 360064 I'll check it out and report back on it. Fri Feb 11 11:52:42 -0800 2005 360062 0 tom 10 360160 Any comments on Gus's BBQ in South Pasadena. Haven't been there but they won Best BBQ in Pasadena 2004 in the Pasadena Weekly Best of issue. Fri Feb 11 17:22:11 -0800 2005 360064 0 ted 11 360162 It's very mediocre. Can't imagine how it won. Fri Feb 11 17:24:43 -0800 2005 360160 0 Tom 12 360164 perhaps for their signage? - i've always liked the neon pig ;-) Fri Feb 11 17:28:21 -0800 2005 360162 0 Local 13 360167 I love that pig neon. If that's the best Gus's has to offer I'll just admire the neon and pass on the "Q". Fri Feb 11 17:32:10 -0800 2005 360164 0 ted 14 360171 The neon is great...it's why I had to try it. But the pig inside can't hold a candle to the pig outside. Fri Feb 11 17:38:20 -0800 2005 360167 0 Tom 15 360179 Admire the neon from afar, do not let it be a siren song. I too was attracted by the sign, and my then companion, to have breakfast there circa 1989...it was any easy decision to never return. Fri Feb 11 17:52:03 -0800 2005 360171 0 Local 16 360229 I heard recently that Gus's is either for sale or has been sold. By the feedback here I can understand why. Fri Feb 11 20:18:40 -0800 2005 360179 0 dave 17 360356 Anyone want to comment on Hutch's BBQ, Big Mamas or Gus's BBQ( besides the cute neon pig) Sat Feb 12 18:37:53 -0800 2005 360229 0 only 18 360421 "Anyone want to comment on Hutch's BBQ, Big Mamas or Gus's BBQ( besides the cute neon pig)" Anyone want to take the time to read the threads on the page? Sun Feb 13 00:58:42 -0800 2005 360356 0 Briggs 18 360478 Avoid Hutch's and Gus's. Sun Feb 13 17:02:46 -0800 2005 360356 0 Chino Wayne 12 360166 Maybe they had their staff stuff the ballot boxes, who knows. Often those "best of" contests are usually won by who is most ambitious. Fri Feb 11 17:28:45 -0800 2005 360162 0 ted 6 360030 Several years ago I saw Burnett's BBQ sauce for sale at Smart & Final. It wasn't the inferno hot sauce that you mentioned but it was as good as I remember it at the restaurant. Fri Feb 11 00:53:58 -0800 2005 360027 0 tom 5 360055 Where's the Wayback machine when you need it, but at least you can still get Robbie's BBQ Sauce...see link. Link: http://www.robbiesnatural.com/ Fri Feb 11 11:02:35 -0800 2005 360023 0 Local 6 360107 Well no wonder he closed down the restaurant; he has a corporation to run. I think perhaps this is the place my source told me about. They lived in Altadena for many years, but moved to NYC years ago. The way they rhapsodized about the place made it sound like it was an institution, so I assumed that it must still be around. I'm beginning to think that the success of the sugarless sauce has taken it away. Oh well, I suppose Robin's will suffice, but it's just too clean, with that manufactured BBQ feel. I can never bring myself to eat in there; I always get take out. At least their ribs are smoked and their hot sauce is decent. Are there any other BBQ places around Los Angeles that you would recommend? Fri Feb 11 14:49:41 -0800 2005 360055 0 ABG 7 360157 Hopefully the others will respond...(i don't eat meat, so am no expert on good Q, but at the time Robbie's existed, my mom would bring home ribs- my take was dipping rolls in their sauce or doctoring the coleslaw with it). Fri Feb 11 17:12:59 -0800 2005 360107 0 Local 7 360169 Robin's does have a real pit smoker and it does have that chain sort of look but I think it's owned by one guy and it's his only place. Fri Feb 11 17:34:54 -0800 2005 360107 0 lisa 5 360072 What is good at Big Mama's? Fri Feb 11 12:51:41 -0800 2005 360023 0 WildSwede 6 360073 I stay away from the ribs, but like the jambalaya and their gumbo. The hush puppies are really good too. Fri Feb 11 12:53:08 -0800 2005 360072 0 martyR 7 360089 Thanks! I have driven by it and often wondered... BTW, have you tried that Salvadorean place across from Food 4 Less yet? Fri Feb 11 14:16:26 -0800 2005 360073 0 WildSwede 8 360144 Not yet. Possibly this weekend Fri Feb 11 16:30:18 -0800 2005 360089 0 martyR 6 360095 I second it. the BBQ at Big Mamas is not good at all. They should really re-name it to Big Mamas Cajun Kitchen. The jambalaya & greens are good. The catfish & fried chicken is pretty good too. I was extremely disappointed in the bbq the both times I ordered it. Best bet would be the fried chicken & greens. Fri Feb 11 14:31:17 -0800 2005 360072 0 tom 7 360153 Although it must be said that the fried chicken and greens at M&M, just a few blocks away on Washington at Rutan, are far, far superior. Fri Feb 11 16:55:54 -0800 2005 360095 0 condiment 1 360006 Ohio New Orleans BBQ. Corner of Altadena and Lake in the Rite-aid center. Across the walkway from the old Burnetts place. I don't think they have a smokehouse. There was a place on Lincoln just above Woodbury called smokehouse BBQ, but its been closed for a long time. Ohio New Orleans is OK. I thought it was very good until I tried more Q places in South L.A., etc. But, since I can walk to it I still go occasionally. Their pork ribs are pretty good. The sauce is got a nice flavor, but they don't do a hot version. Thu Feb 10 22:55:41 -0800 2005 359979 0 martyR 2 360037 Interesting how the Pasadena area has a lot of BBQ places. I wonder why some of these places weren't mentioned when somebody going to the Rose Bowl asked about BBQ in the Pasadena area. Fri Feb 11 01:54:30 -0800 2005 360006 0 RUBulldog 3 360051 Actually it doesn't. Two of the places talked about on this thread no longer exist. The one left in Altadena is 2nd tier quality, just convenient for me. Fri Feb 11 09:24:44 -0800 2005 360037 0 martyR 3 360197 As I recall, the Rose Bowl poster who inquired about BBQ was from Texas and was told they'd be better off eating it there. Fri Feb 11 18:41:48 -0800 2005 360037 0 Mongo 1 360105 Last year I visited this place (Ohio New Orleans BBQ) and reported back. I found the food VERY uneventful. The brisket sandwich was served on white bread that looked like wonder bread from the grocery store, and the ribs were so-so. I did like how they kept everything warm in crock pots, and the side dish of green beans was good. But that's about it. I would put a big "stop" sign for my fellow chowhounds. Fri Feb 11 14:45:50 -0800 2005 359979 0 kotatsu 2 360163 Just as an FYI, white bread served with 'Q is about as authentic as it gets. So if you visit any other 'Q emporium, don't let the presence of Wonder Bread throw you off, just judge the 'Q. If for nothing else, you can use the bread to wipe the sauce off your face and hands when you are finished. Fri Feb 11 17:27:34 -0800 2005 360105 0 Chino Wayne 3 360173 Yup, it HAS to be white bread, and yes, it's best used as a napkin. Fri Feb 11 17:39:33 -0800 2005 360163 0 Tom 1 360238 Sounds like the golden days of Altadena BBQ are long gone. I imagine that my source was talking about either Burnett's or Robbie's- they both sound familiar. It's sad that their void has not been filled. I suppose Robin's will suffice for now. I already asked someone on the thread, but I'll repeat it for effect: if not in Altadena, where's the best BBQ in Los Angeles? Fri Feb 11 20:43:38 -0800 2005 359979 0 ABG 2 360332 Do a search, or just scroll down. This question comes up three times a week. If you want an answer try being specific. Ask who has the best hot sauce, the smokiest meat, or best sides. Sat Feb 12 15:25:13 -0800 2005 360238 0 Hershey Bomar 3 360378 No BBQ in LA? You're kidding, right ? Best BBQ in LA is Dr. Hoggly Woggly's Tyler Texas BBQ in the Valley, no questions. Been going there since 1984. I opt for the BBQ Beef Brisket (A la carte) & a loaf of bread (2 rolls to make good samiches). Also, Macaroni Salad to die for. Save room for Sweet Potato or Pecan Pie (warm) w/ a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Heading there tomorrow for lunch! Sat Feb 12 20:45:45 -0800 2005 360332 0 Dirty V 4 360398 There is plenty of good to great BBQ in L.A. I think that Dr. Hoggly Woggly's best days have past but I do like the brisket. Sat Feb 12 22:50:11 -0800 2005 360378 0 ted 2 360340 There is no barbeque in Los Angeles. Sat Feb 12 16:18:17 -0800 2005 360238 0 Edward 3 360490 No BBQ in L.A.? Maybe none that meets your standards, but in L.A. County the following establishments purport to serve BBQ in one form or another: J.R.'s Bar-B-Que Culver City Rosie's BBQ Grillery Canoga Park Zeke's Smokehouse Montrose Mr. Cecil's California Ribs L.A.. ChoSun Galbi L.A. The Barbeque Club Bar & Grill Saugus Western Smoke House L.A. Big Mama's Rib Shack Pasadena Baby Blue's BBQ Venice The Pig L.A. Benny's Barbecue Marina del Rey Pete Wood Bar-B-Que Monterey Park Robin's Wood Fire BBQ & Grill Pasadena The Original Texas Barbecue King L.A. The Pig Universal City Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill The Grove at Farmers Market, L.A. AAA BBQ Dimsum Restaurant L.A. Aloha BBQ Montebello Aunt Jenny's Barbecue Etc. Hawthorne Bahooka Ribs & Grog Rosemead Banh Cuon BBQ Rosemead Bar-B-Que Unlimited Hawthorne BBQ Bakery Banh Mi So Pomona Joey's BBQ Pomona BBQ City Downey BBQ Express El Monte BBQ KING II Monterey Park BBQ Number 1 Rosemead BBQ Shack Reseda Bear Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant Mission Hills Bennett's Pit-Barbecue Culver City Big Daddy's Barbeque L.A. Bob Morris' Beverly Hills BBQ L.A. Bodacious Bar-B-Que Carson Boulevard Bar Bq Palmdale Bryan's Pit Barbecue Farmers Market, L.A. Caesar's Mongolian Bar-B-Q Cerritos Chicago For Ribs Pasadena Chicago for Ribs Westchester Chicago for Ribs Redondo Beach Chicago For Ribs L.A. Chicago for Ribs Long Beach Chinda Barbeque & Restaurant Glendale Clark's Outpost Inglewood Cocary Bar-B-Q Restaurant Monterey Park Country Chicken & Ribs Bar-B-Que Azusa D & A Pit Bar-B-Q Compton Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas Barbecue Van Nuys El Paso Barbeque Company Tarzana Emperor Mongolian BBQ West Covina Fortune BBQ Restaurant El Monte Full Kee Barbeque Restaurant Rosemead Glencrest Bar-B-Q Venice Golden BBQ L.A. Golden Camel Mongolian Bar-B-Q Torrance Golden City BBQ Restaurant Monterey Park Golden Lion Mongols Bar-B-Q Pasadena Greece's BBQ L.A. Hawaiian BBQ Express Glendale Heae Wond DAE Barbecue Rstrnt L.A. Hungry Al's Bar-B-Que West Covina Huston's Pit BBQ L.A. Hut BBQ Restaurant Cerritos Jocko's House Of Bar-B-Que Inglewood Johnny Reb's Bellflower Kim Tar BBQ Restaurant La Puente KING Genghis Khan Bar-B-Q Harbor City KING Genghiskhan Barbeque Bfft Cypress King's Mongolian Barbeque Reseda King's Mongolian Barbeque Northridge Korea Bar-B-Que House Canoga Park L&L Hawaiian Barbecue City of Industry Lei Loy Barbecue L.A. Lighthouse Bar-B-Q L.A. Little Woody's Bar-B-Q West Covina Love's Great Rib Restaurant Lakewood M J Ranch West Covina Maxim Barbeque Monterey Park Mesquite Ranch BBQ Canoga Park Mike's Barbeque Bellflower Mogo's Sherman Oaks Mom's Bar-B-Q L.A. Mom's Bar-B-Q House Van Nuys Monterey Park Bar-B-Q Monterey Park Mountain View BBQ Saugus Mr P's Bar B Que & More Culver City Mrs Wright's Bar-B-Que Pasadena My Brothers Barbeque Woodland Hills Naples Rib Company Long Beach Pecos Bill's Pit B-B-Q Glendale Phillip's Barbecue L.A. Phillips Bar-B-Q Inglewood Pit Bar-B-Que L.A. PJ's Thai & Barbeque Long Beach Rattler's Bar-Be-Que Santa Clarita Red Lava BBQ Hawthorne Reddi Chick BBQ Santa Monica Rib Hut L.A. Rib Rack Pacoima Rib Stop L.A. Roda Vida City of Industry Rosie's BBQ Grillery Northridge Sam Bok Jung Korean BBQ Artesia Sam Woo BBQ Monterey Park Sam Woo BBQ Montebello Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant San Gabriel Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant Van Nuys Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant L.A. Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant Alhambra Sammy's Thai BBQ West Hollywood Seoul Korean BBQ Burbank Shabawz Fine Foods & BBQ L.A. Smoke House BBQ Altadena Studio Bar-B-Q North Hollywood Sugars 4 Ribs San Pedro Sung's BBQ Torrance Tasty Q Bar-B-Que L.A. Teppan BBQ House Santa Monica Three Bear's Bar-B-Q L.A. Three Flames Mongolian Bar-B-Q L.A. UNCLE Eric's BBQ L.A. Valley Ranch Bar-Be-Que Van Nuys Victor's B-B-Q Restaurant Tujunga Walker's Smoked Pitt Inglewood Winfrey's Pit Barbecue Compton Won Tin Restaurant Alhambra Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Agoura Hills Woody's B-B-Q Encino Woody's B-B-Q L.A. Zeke's Smokehouse West Hollywood *NOTE: The numerous branches of Tony Roma's have been omitted from this list, cause boiling water and indoor ovens do not produce BBQ, only BBQ style ribs, for when you are really, really desperate. Sun Feb 13 18:40:23 -0800 2005 360340 0 Chino Wayne