From smokehouse to hoghouse and roadhouse, we've rounded up the best in barbecue. Sure, preferences abound when it comes to matters of the grill. So maybe it's a pulled pork sandwich on squishy white bread you crave or Texas brisket with a side of coleslaw and sweet tea. One day you might like your ribs slathered and glazed in tomato sauce; the next day rubbed with special spices; and the next marinated and drenched in tangy vinegar. Whatever your pleasure, try one of these Top 10 spots, presented in alphabetical order, for the best barbecue around.
From smokehouse to hoghouse and roadhouse, we've rounded up the best in barbecue. Sure, preferences abound when it comes to matters of the grill. So maybe it... more
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1
The Bear Pit
10825 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345 / 818-365-2500
Let others flock to the hot barbecue spot of the moment. We keep returning to The Bear Pit, which has been packing in devotees of its hickory-smoked Missouri-style beef, pork, ham, lamb (yes, lamb!), and turkey breast since the 1950s. The sprawling joint hasn't changed a jot in all those years, from the complimentary relish bowl (crudités of the Eisenhower era) that welcomes you, to the sawdust-covered floors, to the murals of a cartoon bear family cooking dinner in the great outdoors. We usually opt for the piled-high sandwiches of thinly sliced, smoky-sweet meat, always paying just a little bit more to get ours on the exceptional cheese-crusted garlic toast. The ribs also lure us, especially the baby-backs, which come in half- or full-rack portions. Side dish choices, standard with all sandwiches and dinners, are definitive: ultra-crisp fries, deeply savory baked beans and one of the best non-creamy coleslaws in town, refreshingly spiked with celery seed. Come early on weekends or you'll join the hungry throng huddled near the entrance, mesmerized by the passing plates of fragrant food.
2
Benny's Bar-B-Q
4077 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292 / 310-821-6939
You can smell the barbecue cooking at Benny’s from at least two blocks away! This mostly take-out joint has superb ribs bathed in a fiery sauce and what may be the best hot links in town, with lots of peppercorns and plenty of bite.
3
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 / 818-906-7427
The loud atmosphere shouldn't deter diners from stopping in at this lively bistro that serves up loads of barbecue and ribs.
4
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler, Texas Barbecue
8136 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91402 / 818-780-6701
Named for original owner Johnny Greene, who got his nickname in 1932 when he was a chubby delivery boy for a Piggly Wiggly market in Texas, this unassuming joint’s décor is a comforting mélange of Early American vinyl and Formica. Dive into tangy Texas hot links, way-above-average spareribs, tender chicken and juicy beef brisket. All the meat is smoked on the premises. You may be full, but you probably will have a tough time resisting the down-home pecan and sweet-potato pies.
5
J.R.'s
3055 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 / 310-837-6838
The baby back ribs at J.R.'s live up to the restaurant's motto, tender as a mother's love, as do the pork ribs. Parking is limited, making the take-out option attractive, but there is seating, either at the horseshoe-shaped bar, where the staff will make you feel at home, or at one of several tables. Make sure to try the baked beans and save room for a piece of 7-Up Cake.
6
Mr. Cecil's California Ribs
12244 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 / 310-442-1550
If you're craving baby-back ribs, there's no need to book a flight to Memphis or Kansas City. Mr. Cecil's is one of a handful of L.A. spots that should be able to satisfy your desires. And, of course, that also includes the obligatory hushpuppies, baked beans, coleslaw and sweet tea on the side. Before you tuck into those ribs---the meaty St. Louis-style variety happens to be our favorite---you might want to start with catfish nuggets with Cajun cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. And to finish, Mr. Cecil's pecan pie squares add just the right amount of sweetness. This quirky little hatbox of a place is also one of the few rib joints in the world where you're likely to find a bottle of 1986 Château Lafite-Rothschild (at a mere $950) on the wine list!
7
Mom's Bar-B-Que House
14062 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405 / 818-786-1373
The décor may leave something to be desired, but no one cares, because Mom’s serves some of the city’s best barbecue. The delicious beef and pork ribs, chicken, hot links, fried chicken, fried chicken livers and rib tips will render you blind to your surroundings. The side dishes are fantastic, and the portions are huge. We especially like the macaroni and cheese, collard greens, homemade potato salad and the cooked-forever baked beans. For dessert, don’t miss the pineapple-coconut cake or famed peach cobbler, a cooling antidote to Mom’s combustible barbecue sauce. Sorry, no alcohol.
8
Phillips
4307 Leimert Blvd., Ste. 3, Los Angeles, CA 90008 / 323-292-7613
Homesick rib lovers from the Deep South head to Phillips, where the beef, pork and baby back ribs are just the right blend of wood smoke and seasoning. But there's more to the menu, like the chewy, smoke-infused sliced beef links, small ends and not-too-sweet baked beans. The house sauce just borders on spicy so if you prefer to rev up the chile level, ask for it hot.
9
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036 / 323-937-6800
Tucked away in the heart of health-conscious L.A. is the Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill at The Grove, an unapologetic bastion of butter and barbecue sauce. Barbecue fans take heart---this is the real thing. The restaurant's most popular item, a tri-tip roast, is slow-roasted overnight and mesquite-grilled to order, accompanied by potatos, grilled corn, baked beans or coleslaw. The meat is tender and flavorful, though the accompanying seasoned fries are nothing special. Meat is king of the menu here, though lighter options like salads and fresh fish are available, along with one or two vegetarian options. Portions are generous, so plan ahead if you want to sample their homestyle cheesecake or made-from-scratch fudge brownie.
10
Zeke's Smokehouse
2209 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020 / 818-957-7045
Charming as it is, downtown Montrose has never been home to a hot dining scene, but Zeke’s is drawing ’cue aficionados from all over SoCal. Although it’s a venture of two Beverly Hills veterans, Leonard Schwartz (from trendy Maple Drive) and Michael Rosen (previously with swanky Reign), Zeke’s is a homespun, casual (order-at-the-counter) eatery. The ribs---Memphis-style baby backs or Kansas City spare---rank among the best in town, and every table is equipped with three barbecue sauces, including a mustard-based sauce well-suited to the slow-cooked Carolina pulled pork that is pure Southern comfort. The Kick-Ass Chili, a Maple Drive favorite, is worth sampling, too.
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