Barbecue Los Angeles
Thanks go out to Mr. BBQ Lover, a fellow BBQ enthusiast. He has suggested many barbecue restaurants to include in the BBQ Junkie reviews. Another shout-out to my other readers who have offered their BBQ recommendations as well. Over the summer, I would like to review as many of these establishments as is possible. So, I am taking recommendations on any additional barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles or anywhere else in Southern California.
Here is the list so far:
Phillip’s Bar-B-Que
4307 Leimert Blvd. Los Angeles
323-292-7613
Woody’s Bar-B-Que
3446 Slauson Ave. Los Angeles
323-294-9443
Lucilles’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
4828 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach , CA 90803
562.434.7427
7411 Carson Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90808
562-938-RIBS (7427)
1639 E. Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92821
714-990-4944
Del Amo Fashion Center
21420 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
310-370-RIBS (7427)
4828 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach , CA 90803
562-434-RIBS (7427)
Victoria Gardens
12624 N. Mainstreet
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
909-463-RIBS (7427)
Mom’s Bar-B-Q
14062 Vanowen St
818-786-1373
They open at noon on Sat.
Grandpa Fred’s Bar-B-Que
21040 Victory Blvd.
Woodland Hills, 91367
818-593-4269
Read the BBQ Junkie review
Zeke’s:
2209 Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, CA
818-957-7045
Prayer Assembly of God Church. BBQ
442 East El Segundo Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90061
310-523-2470
Jaybee’s BBQ
15915 S. Avalon Blvd
Los Angeles
310-515-9221
J & J Burger & Bar B Que
5754 Adams Blvd.
LA, CA 90016
323-934-5390
Bad 2 Da Bone
4565 W. Century Blvd.
LA CA 90304
310-671-6600
Benny’s Bar B Q
4077 Lincoln Blvd
Marina del Ray, CA 90292
310-821-6939
Tasty Q
2959 Crenshaw
323-735-8325
Valley Ranch Barbeque
16623 Sherman Way
Van Nuys
818-989-9045
Chris and Pitts
601 N Euclid St
Anaheim
714-635-2601
15975 Harbor Blvd
Fountain Valley
714-775-7311
Bellflower
9839 Artesia Blvd
562-867-9160
Downey
9243 Lakewood Blvd
562-869-9069
Hungry Al’s Bar B Que
116 N Vincent Ave. (right on the north side of the I10)
West Covina, CA 91790-2205
(626) 967-6998
Ranch House BBQ
6157 Van Nuys Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Barn Burner Texas Barbeque
1000 South Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403- RIBS
web site
It’s in the Sauce
7606 Fallbrook Ave. #10
West Hills, CA 91304
818-888-6513
it’s on the corner of Fallbrook and Saticoy.
Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, closed Sundays
It’s in the Sauce, Oxnard
1661 Pacific Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93033 #11
805-483-9110
It’s in the Sauce, Ventura
2050 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-652-1215
(it’s right across the street from Ventura High School)
The Original Texas BBQ King
867 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-437-0885
213-437-0881
Here is a list of BBQ restaurants that have a been reviewed by the BBQ Junkie.
Tasty Q
BBQ King.
Lucilles’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
It’s in the Sauce
Grandpa Fred’s Bar-B-Que
JR’s Barbecue
Glencrest Bar-B-Que
My Brother’s BBQ
Outdoor Grill
Santa Maria Barbecue Company
Mr. Cecils California Ribs
Wood Ranch BBQ
Baby Blues BBQ
Rib Ranch Bar-B-Q
Dr. Hogly Wogly’s
Barn Burner Texas Barbeque
Here are a few more places that I have tried.
Inland Empire:
Redhill BBQ
8111 Foothill Blvd Ste B
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730-3108
909-920-0558
Joey’s
117 W.2nd St.
Pomona.CA.91769
909-865-0699
http://www.joeysbbq.com/html/home1.htm
Buckboard Catering Co
1386 E Foothill Blvd
Upland, CA
909-608-7393
Taste of Texas
545 N Citrus Ave
Covina, CA 91723-1508
(626) 331-2824
Gerald Whilhitte’s Spices BBQ
10431 Lemon Ave Ste H
Alta Loma, CA 91737-3763
909-948-9854
Valley
Bear Pit Bar-b-que Restaurant
10825 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345-1410
(818) 365-2509
Robin’s Restaurant
395 N Rosemead Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-8885
Long Beach/South Bay
R & W Bar B Que
522 W Willow St,
Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 426-2129
LBQ
1782 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.
LB CA
562-218-0040
Closed Sundays.
Downtown:
Original Texas Barbecue King
867 W Cesar E Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213- 437-0881
Orange Curtain
Burrell’s
305 N Hesperian St
Santa Ana, CA 92703-3751
714-547-7441
Tulsa Rib Co.
954 N. Tustin Ave.
Orange, CA 92867
714-633-3760
Ribs are baked, not smoked.
Enjoy and if you need another on your BBQ posse, I’ll be happy to try some of these places again.
BBQ Junkie,you must be in Hog heaven this weekend. There are a ton of bbq stuff? I might head to dr hogley wogley for my memorial day barbeque, or as some might say memorial day bbq needs!
I love memorial day and I certainly love Memorial day in Los angeles with BBQ
Would it be ok if I took pictures of the BBQ and the restaurant and post them? I always order pork spare ribs.
I plan to go to Jay Bees and that Church BBQ within the next week or so.
Please email me at vcookefan@yahoo.com.nospam.
Just make sure you take ou the no spam part at the end. A way to stop spammers.
If you’ve ever been to Bodacious Bar-B-Que, let us know if you find somewhere similar! There’s been a barbeque drought ever since it burned down. =(
Stew,
Where was Dodacious Bar B Que? I heard about a BBQ place in the Pasadena area that burned down but forgot the name.
There is a Bodacious BBQ in Ventura.
For review and pictures of Benny’s check out my blog.
http://thenewdiner.blogspot.com/
[…] Dr. Hogly Wogly’s is recognized as one of Los Angeles’ foremost BBQ destinations. Although it claims to by Tyler Texas style BBQ, this San Fernando Valley restaurant has become a significant ingredient in the Los Angeles barbecue vernacular. If you aren’t the type of person who likes to barbecue, or perhaps doesn’t have the time to barbecue, but are a fan of barbecue, I would recommend going to see the Doctor. There are many offerings on the menu such a spare ribs, center cut spare ribs, beef ribs, brisket, chicken, links and more. You get two choice of barbecue sauce that are place on the table not the meat, mild and spicy. They have the standard assortment of flavorsome side dishes, potato salad, slaw, baked beans and macaroni salad. Most places you either have good barbecue and dreadful side dishes or visa versa. They also offer a pretty good sweet potato pie… one recommendation is that you don’t get it warmed up, or maybe that’s just me. […]
Have you tried Pit Bar-B-Que?
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=5309+S+Vermont+Ave,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90037&spn=0.026365,0.045417&hl=en
I have been going there for years. Its the best I have had. I will definitely try some of the other places so I can have a few backups :).
I BEEN TO BURRELLS WOOD PIT BAR-B-QUE IN CITY OF SANTA ANA. I REALLY ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. THE RIBS & CHICKEN MMMM GOOD!!! AND I WILL MENTIONED TO MY FRIENDS WHO I PERFORMED WITH IN THE 3RD DEGREE (BLUES BAND) AND MAYBE A SONG CAN BE MADE.
(THERE’S NO BLUES IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO BURRELLS)
305 N. HERSPERIA
SANTA ANA, CA
PATTY
I hear all of this talk about Dr. Hogly Wogly and the food is adequate. But, if you are looking for the best Barbeque in Southern California they fall way short of Grandpa Fred’s BBq in Woodland Hills. I know, I was shocked to find them in the community with the worst reputation for Barbeque in L.A. county. Those Georgia boys can cook there as*** off. Try the collard greens and cornbread and see. Get this they have 20 levels of Hot BBq Sauce to go with mild and medium.
Forgot there website is grandpafredsbbq.com
Grandpa Freds is on my to do list, for sure. Thanks for the website, I didn’t know they had one.
If you use the Metrorail, Grandpa Fred’s is right across the street from the new Orange Line.
I’ve been there and not only are they the nicest people around, they made me a fan of beef ribs. I’m not a beef ribs fan but since beef is the only type of ribs they have I “had” to eat them. But they were sooo good and the BBQ sauce is among the best.
When the Orange Line opens a buddy and I will make a Valley BBQ run using public transportation.
Grandpa Fred’s will be our first stop then Bear Pitt or Valley Ranch.
I didn’t care too much for Valley Ranch, maybe I caught them on a bad day. I am going to try to get to the Bear Pitt soon.
Hey - glad to see I am not the only one with a BBQ addiction!
Have you tried:
Mike’s Bar-B-Que
11513 Knott Ave, Cypress, CA 90630
714 799-6222
The food reminds me of JR’s on La Cienega (one of my favorites).
The sauces are very similar, down to the degrees of heat: mild, medium (which is hot), and hot (which is REALLY HOT). JR’s sauces are a bit better, I’d have to say.
The beans are a bit sweeter than JR’s (which is OK with me).
The ribs were pretty darn similar to JR’s (beef & pork - yummy), but the shoulder meat and brisket were better at Mike’s. I am a big fan of JR’s links (chicken and beef), but I did not try these at Mike’s…
I can’t wait to explore this website!
While downtown serving jury duty, I stumbled nose-first on Spring Street Smoke House. They offer Texas style hickory smoked meats with Carolina sauces. It was so good, I was actually sad to be dismissed from jury service, as I won’t be able to lunch there again. I will, however, be going back. They offer curb service as well, if you call in.
They are definitely worth a visit and review, and are close enough to walk to from Union Station.
Spring Street Smoke House
640 N Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-0535
www.sssmokehouse.com
I love your website! It’s great to have so many choices all in one place. And you reviews are great too.
Have you ever tried Johnny Reb’s in Long Beach? It’s located at 4663 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805. I think there are other locations, but this is the only one I’ve been to. I’m certainly no BBQ expert, but this is one of my favorites.
Bodacious is re-opening in same location. Should be open Mid-February. Enjoy
Has anyone heard of a great BBq joint near Valley View and Katella in Cypress, or vicinity?
Vince, Mike’s Bar-B-Que is located at Knott and Orangewood, which isn’t too far from Valley View and Katella. See posting number 16.
Baby Blues Bar B Q in Venice at 444 Lincoln is some really good Q. A better value than Mr. Cecil’s Ribs. Go early as it gets croweded!
Looking for feedback on two “BBQ” restaurants. First is one Elmer Dills reviewed today called Chick’s located at 23355 Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills, any one eat there yet? Second is Flames at 9350 Corbin in Northridge any feedback on this Q-place?
I have eaten at The Bear Pit and thought the ribs were horrible. Best I have found ever was a place in Noblesville, Indiana called Big Hoffa’s. Best darn ribs I have ever had and the rib tips were to die for. Sweet sauce and love for the cooking, the owner really took pride in his cooking.
I will travel to Indiana 4 times this year and this will be my first stop.
Great site - what Blogs are all about!
Little shack on 100th and Central on West side of street (yes get in and get out, rough area) called rib shack or rib nest. Not sure. Tried Google, but nothing listed - not exactly progressive types.
Make great ribs though, most of the time. Very good ribs and tips all sides are home cooked old school winners. Again, tough area be warned.
Best BBQ in OC I’ve so far is Beach Pit
1676 Tustin Ave
Costa Mesa, CA
ping me if you want to try it.
Matthew Cohen
I loved Woody’s
old school bbq
prayer assembly is the best of all bar b q’s that i’ve tasted from pasadena, ca. to kansas, mo. and i’ve been eating bar b q all my life. until i tasted prayer assemby cogic i was very pleased.
BACKWOODS BBQ IN CORONA JUST OFF THE 91 & GREENRIVER SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST. THEY USE A HUGE SMOKER THAT SITS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE RESTERANT. THIS THING IS THE SIZE OF A SMALL LOCAMOTIVE. THE FOOD IS GREAT AND THE PRICES ARE RESONABLE.
You have to visit THE SWINGING DOOR TEXAS BBQ in North Hollywood on the corner of Vineland and Vanowen. The LA Times had a great write up on it in it’s special grilling Food edition out on Wednesday, June 28th. You have a link to it here on your web site. Almost a full page write up. Here is a copy of the link for easy viewing.
http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-find28jun28,1,505944.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Or visit the web site www.swingingdoorbbq.com to read the article on the home page. Hope you enjoy!
Try Ranch House BBQ & Grill for some outstanding tri tip! 6157 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, (818) 908-8399
Your truly missing out on some great BBQ if you haven’t tried Canyon City BBQ on San Gabriel & 4th Street in Azusa. They are closed Monday & Tuesday. (626) 815-4227
They are one of the best BBQ restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley. Not only is their food awesome, but the owners are a great couple who always make you feel welcome. It’s a great family type restaurant.
there was a guy who use to be on the corner of rosecrans and long beach blvd in compton,He use to be outside with a canopy and a big klose smoker best bbq i’ve tasted in ca.i always look for him on weekends has anybody heard of him he was called smokey k’s, xcellent ribs, brisket,chicken and he had real texas elgin sausage rings.Real good food real nice younger guy.
I grew up in L.A. and my parents used to take us to “The Original Barbecue”. It was on a corner, I think it was Vermont and 8th or Olympic. It had the best bbq ever, and a vinegar-based cole slaw that I couldn’t get enough of.
I now live in North Carolina - “Q” out here is a whole, different affair. There’s no beef at a good bbq place, nor ribs, and the place is often more of a “shack” than a restaurant. Sandwiches are of chopped pork (shoulder cut), topped with slaw inside of a hamburger bun. Chicken - fried or barbecued - are on the menu as are hush puppies (so-so), and the side is usually potato salad (also so-so). The q sauces are vinegary. East NC and West NC differ in being either tomato-based or not. Not as big of a deal as they make it out to be.
I’ve been to a number of “barbecue festivals” here, the largest, I think, is in Lexington, NC, but the best is in Tryon, NC, in June. They have national competitors vying for a booth for the following year. Beautiful setting in the foothills of the Appalacians, music & entertianment, some crafts vendors. But, a great range of bbq outfits at the same venue.
My favorite bbq places are: Stamey’s in Greensboro, NC, and Bessingers, in Charleston, SC. Incidently, moving from L.A., where I grew up, and after 16 years in San Diego, I’m very happy living here in Raleigh, NC. Also enjoyed Charlotte for a few years - could have lived without spending a year in Greenville, NC, though. Beautiful state, wonderful people.
cheers,
Howard
I’m a “Q” hound and some of the best & most consistent “Q” I’ve had over the last 2-3 years is at Robin’s Woodfire BBQ in Pasadena. You can see and smell the smoke in the rear of the parking lot and that’s a good sign. The place looks like a down south roadhouse with its red checked tablecloths, peanut shells on the floor, blues & motown playing in the background and its bowling shirt clad servers. Our favorites are the blueberry cornbread, blue cheese-pecan coleslaw and the Garbage Can Combo which gives you a large sample of all of there meats. It’s really big enough for 3 diners. The service is good and we find it definately is worth the 2-3 times monthly drive from Encino.
Question: a friend with a bad memory tells me of what he says is a fabulous BBQ place in Topanga; he said it was “right on the main road,” but can’t tell me anything else about it. Anyone know of any ‘cue worth writing home about in Topanga?
About the Valley Ranch BBQ info, the phone number is incorrect. it is (818) 989-1300. I encourage everyone to go there, the prices are abit above average but they have the best ribs in the valley (SFV) and the beans are TO DIE FOR! The place itself could use a little upgrade but great place nonetheless.
9 out of 10!
THE BEST THIS SIDE OF…. WELL EVERY PLACE ELSE…………IF YOU CAN’T GET TO NEW ORLEANS,,,,THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO………..IT’S HIDDEN IN URBAN OF AREA OG OC/SANTA ANA….
You have to try Taylors steak house. They have the best dry rub baby back ribs. The place is ancient, awesome ambience. The steaks there are excellent, very inexepensive and the sides are amazing. The ribs however are only served on Wednesdays. You can call ahead of time to reserve yourself a rack since they do sell out sometimes. Full rack with sides, fresh bread and the best mushroom soup on the planet is all under 20 dollars. Try it, you’ll love it, its addictive. Sam
Taylors steak house is located:
DOWNTOWN L.A.
3361 West 8th St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 382-8449
/and/
LA CANADA
901 Foothill Blvd.,
La Canada, CA 91011
(818) 790-7668
http://www.taylorssteakhouse.com/
I just found their website, suprising that they had one, but sorry, forgot to leave the info earlier.
I work in Iraq and get back to SoCal only once or twice a year. I have family in the Antelope Valley, and when I was home in February 05, I treated every one to dinner at a newly opened restaurant. At the Antelope Valley Mall, there are a number of restaurants in stand alone buildings on one side of the parking lot. Famous Dave’s BBQ was our choice. There were 12 of us, including kids and even though we had a reservation, we had to wait about 20 minutes. As it turned out, it was worth the wait. We ordered 2 large combos that was served family style on a garbage can lid. Spare ribs, chicken, brisket, and links. All came naked (no sauce added), with a choice of 5 sauces at the table. Mild, sweet, smokey, mustard and spicy. The links were fair but not spicy enough for my taste. The chicken was very good and moist, as was the brisket, but the ribs topped everything. Seasoned perfectly, good smoke flavor and tender, but not falling off the bone. We found the ribs to be so good, adding sauce took away from the flavor. As for the sides, the beans were good but nothing really special about the cole slaw or the corn muffins. I won’t order the corn on the cob again, it was of the frozen variety (what would I expect in February?) and mushy. There was more than enough food, even a little left over, and the service was very good. Including the drinks and tip, the bill came to right at $200, which ain’t bad for that many people. My next visit to Lancaster was November of 05. My brother and I went back to Famous Dave’s to see if it was really as good as we remembered, or if we hit them on a good night. This time, we both ordered spare ribs because we enjoyed them so much in February. The ribs were just as good if not better, and once again, we did not defile them with sauce. I was surprised Famous Dave’s was not listed on your site. I know it is quite a drive from (what people in the AV call) down below, but I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I am trying to compile a list of real BBQ joints (smokehouse)that DELIVER (even if it is just in their immediate neighborhood). Already know about Zeke’s. Who else delivers? Thanks in advance for any help.
I been going to the Prayer Assembly of God Church BBQ, when it was a tarp on four poles by the sidewalk and a line down the street. And a hole in the ground where the Church is now. I went to several places looking for good Q, Woody’s,Phillip’s,Mr Jims, Leo’s, H&H, JayBee’s… . But stopped looking when I stumbled on The Church. It’s all take out from a catering truck in the parking lot now, Fri & Sat only. Nice wood flavor I get sauce on the side, their Q made Me go buy My own smoker. The side are OK but it’s all about the meat.
I don’t remember if I read about The Spring Street Smokehouse here or on The New Diner site just now. But I read a review before in The Downtown LA News and went there a year ago. I’ll never go back again, I think it was the worse Q I ever had. Small dried up ribs they had Sweet Potato Pie & Cheesecake both were green!
Robins in Pasadena is edible but I wouldn’t eat there again. Don’t be fooled by the smell of smoke in the parking lot, I couldn’t taste it on the meat.
hey the pit bbq on vermont 5309 is the best i’ve had in a long time its been there since 1958 try them hidden treasure in L.A….their listed under sweet baby jeans bbq
Have you tried Johnny Reb’s? They have a website and also have locations in Bellflower, Orange and Victorville. Very good. Let us know what you think.
I think that the perfect BBQ spot is Lucille’s in Long beach but if u dont want to go out that far go to your nearest Marie Callenders for a full rack and its as good and they also serve homemade corn bread .
Im a lifelong bar be que junkie. Introduced to Southern style bar be que in high school…I never recovered.
I would list Philips, Woody’s, and Tasty Que as the best.
No one seems to list Gadberrys bar be que. Why not?
I remember but lament the loss of Leo’s and Carl’s bar be que. The original Greeces bar be que was also grand.
Finally, Hogley Wogleys is always a special treat.
Have I covered the waterfront?
What am I missing.
Recovering Que Addict.
Honestly speaking los angeles is a nice place.When i saw the pictures i was really amased.How did you build this town?It is so particular!
Still courage you guys from los angeles,i really like your beautifull town.Viva Los Angeles.
karim
Bodacious Q (in Carson) had burned down but has been rebuilt. The new place is in little strip mall, with a Ralph’s, on the corner of University and Avalon (near the 110 and 405) and supposedly has been there a year or more.
I’ve tried many of the places on this list (Philips, Woody’s, Barn Burner, Rib Ranch-Topanga, Mr. Cecils, Dr. Hogly Wogly’s, Gus’ BBQ-Pasadena, My Brother’s BBQ, Wood Ranch-bleh, Quincy’s-Encino, Swinging Door, Lucille’s, El Paso Texas BBQ-Tarzana and Bear Pit) and have to say that Bodacious is one of my favorite and ties with Philips and Woody’s for best in LA. Hogly Wogly and Bear Pit both make certain things well. The others just aren’t in the same league.
I second the review of Bodacious by Mike W. Been going there since it was on Avalon (?) near Ikea off the 405. The absolutely best chopped brisket sandwiches. Great spicey BBQ sauce. I really missed the place after it burned down but it reopened at the same location - University and Avalon I believe. Looked it up - 637 E University Dr. Carson. Great beans also and slices of cheap white bread with the hot links.
i’ve seen a few people on this blog mention the pit on vermont in south Los Angeles,I work at U.S.C like i have for the past 17 years and also for the past 17 years i’ve been faithfully traveling way down to woody’s on slauson and crenshaw..I did not know i had a great bbq restraunt just 5 mins from my job..I must admit its some of the best if not thee best bbq i’ve had in L.A.,I had the ribs and brisket combo it was fabulous,the ribs had a very nice smoke to them execelent flavor and the brisket was as tender as baby’s *&%$,,,they even gave me a homemade beef link that they make on sight it was excellent.They said they been there since 1958 but they closed last year for remodeling and family issues but they now its all good with the family they told me the mississippi side and the texas side of the family came together to save the pit…i’m glad they did look out woody’s and phillips i love u both but the Pit is back and gas is high
Regarding the question about Flames in Northridge, this place is worth a try. Not as authentic or as old as some of the others in the valley, but the baby back ribs are tender and juicy and the sauce is decent. They don’t have brisket, but they make shredded chicken, tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches that are almost perfect for my taste. They’ve had some off-days but they beat Rosie’s and Gandpa Fred’s hands-down.
You should review Lucky Devils they just started offering BBQ. They have the best beer selection in all of LA. They include a belgium beer in there BBQ sauce. Its awesome. Great look, Great taste! 6613 Hollywood Blvd. at Cherokee
Burrell’s in Santa Ana rocks. Down home feel, located right in the middle of a residential neighorhood. The outside dining area is really cool with the shade trees and fountains made from old barrels. Had the chopped pork shoulder with the spicy sauce and some great slaw. MMMMMMM. Will definitely be going back.
Jim
Hey check out Baby Blues BBQ over in Venice. It’s Fantastic.