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Craving a Southern-style feast in Southern California? Here are Modern Luxury's picks for the best barbecue in Los Angeles.
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Website/ 609 N La Brea Ave 90036
Over a decade ago, Kevin Bludso opened a small barbecue stand in Compton and has since turned Bludso’s into an international operation. Franchising his recipes and signature seasonings and rubs, Bludso eagerly shares his barbecue expertise with anyone who wants to learn. Along with various meat selections, Bludso’s offers mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad and more. With locations in Hollywood and near LAX and a concession stand at the LAFC Soccer Stadium, Bludso’s is a must try for BBQ lovers.
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Website/ 808 Fair Oaks Ave 91030
Gus’s BBQ is Pasadena abides by primary principles: true Southern hospitality, strong community and honest barbecue. It’s what makes the restaurant a lively experience from the moment you walk in the door to the final bites of brisket, tri-tip of whatever meat you land on. What’s more, the menu here features cross-regional dishes from the Carolinas to Memphis and Texas, so you’ll be set whether you’re in the mood for Nashville hot chicken, fried catfish or Memphis baby back ribs.
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Website/ 3055 S La Cienega Blvd 90232
Slow cooking their meat with mesquite, white oak and pecan, Jr’s BBQ ensures customers that their barbecue is as “tender as a mother’s love.” Having been in business for over 20 years in Culver City, this Memphis-style barbecue joint is a fan favorite. While Jr’s is known for its classics like pulled pork, baby back ribs and brisket, they also have vegetarian and pescetarian options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
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Website/ 4729 N Eagle Rock Blvd 90041
This Eagle Rock barbecue joint elevates slow-cooked barbecue with the use of fresh, locally grown ingredients to live up to its philosophy that “barbecue doesn’t have to be bad for you. It just has to be delicious.” Case in point, try the signature wood-smoked ribs and pulled pork.
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Website/ 5759 Lankershim Blvd 91601
Over in North Hollywood, The Memphis Grill also embraces Memphis barbecue culture with their all-from-scratch menu and fresh ingredients. At The Memphis Grill, authenticity is at the forefront and this will prove true once you try their high-quality recipes. With meats sold by the pound and homemade sides that can feed up to 20 people, The Memphis Grill is a great spot for big parties and catered events. But if you’re just looking to stop in for lunch or dinner, they’ve still got you covered with ample small portion options.
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Website/ 13539 Ventura Blvd 91423
Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks takes the practices of traditional barbecue while adding contemporary flares to form an upscale barbecue experience. With weekend brunch starting at 11a.m., Boneyard Bistro perfectly combines brunch classics with barbecue-style cooking. You absolutely have to try the Texas BBQ Hash which includes smoked brisket, crispy potatoes, onions, green chiles, BBQ sauce and eggs any style.
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Website/ 11018 Vanowen St 91605
At Swingin’ Door BBQ, you’ll find authentic Texas barbecue in the heart of North Hollywood. Made on an offset smoker, the slow-cooked brisket and ribs will totally wow you in addition to the baked beans and cornbread muffins. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more Texas, Swingin’ Door also offers deep fried Oreos and Twinkies just like you’d find at the Texas State Fair.
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Website/ 6600 CA-27 91303
Slab Barbecue keeps customers coming back quick with their slow-cooked ribs, tender brisket, smoked chicken and Texas-inspired sides. This Topanga Social restaurant transports you to the south with their ultra-tender meats and flavorful baked beans. You can enjoy family-style sharing portions with various meal packages or order individually.
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Website/ 2118 N Broadway 90031
Known for their melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats and CaliMex influences, Moo’s Craft BBQ is an L.A. hotspot. With a permanent location in Lincoln Heights, head down to Moo’s for old-school Texas barbecue that won’t disappoint.
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Website/ Various
This family-run barbecue pop up is all about spontaneity which is why they have an ever changing menu full of new specials. From chicken poached in shoyu and then smoked to coconut curry brisket, Zef constantly leaves its customers wanting more. While the eccentric specials rotate, you can always count on Zef’s for classic barbecue ribs, slow-cooked brisket and more.
See also: These Are The 20 Most Instagrammable BBQ Restaurants in the U.S.
Photography by: Courtesy Slab
