One of the best things about summertime, are those backyard BBQ vibes. If you can’t quite wrestle together the whole squad for a backyard hangout, you can still get your BBQ fix in around the city. Satisfy those tangy, sweet and savory cravings at one of these hotspots for the best BBQ in LA (there’s vegan options too)! Let’s be real, as much as the main course is cool, the side dishes are just as tantalizing! We hope you’re hungry because here is the best BBQ in LA.
1. Saddle Ranch Chop House
Location: 8371 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Is there anything more nostalgic than Saddle Ranch Chop House? If you’re from LA you probably grew up visiting this iconic establishment. Serving tri-tip, ribs, barbecue chicken, signature specialties and more, this is a go-to for BBQ and beyond. They don’t disappoint with the side dishes either, like the loaded baked potato, buttermilk biscuits and jalapeño cornbread. You might need to heal your inner child with the giant cotton candy tower for dessert.
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2. Bludso’s BBQ
Locations in La Brea, Santa Monica & Van Nuys
If you’re looking for that authentic Texas BBQ meal, Bludso’s BBQ is the place for you! With locations in La Brea, Santa Monica, and Van Nuys, this spot caters to every corner of LA. They have just about every classic you could imagine like brisket, rib tips, turkey, pulled pork, and chicken. If you’re in the mood for something healthier, their BBQ chicken salad with ranch dressing (dare we say, better ranch than Wingstop) will fulfill both your BBQ cravings and desire to stay healthy. You can order family style with meats and sides separately, but don’t forget to grab one of their to-die-for desserts, like the banana pudding or blackberry cobbler.
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3. Baby Blues BBQ
Location: 444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Recently reopened after a fire in their old location, Baby Blues BBQ is back on their feet! If you’ve been looking for a great BBQ place since becoming vegan, they recently added new vegan options to their menu. They’ve also been featured on Food Network, so they’re definitelly a go-to for BBQ in LA. Satisfy those craving with the Smoked Seitan Skewers – the 100% plant-based main dish that make you forget about the meat. Their vegan corn muffins dipped in their “Magic Sauce” are the perfect side dish. Now if you are still looking for something meatier, you can’t go wrong with their a la carte meat options, pulled pork sandwich or chopped brisket platter.
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4. Holy Cow BBQ
Location: 4130 Sepulveda Blvd B, Culver City, CA 90230 & 264 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Can it get any better than chili at your favorite BBQ restaurant? Holy Cow BBQ in Culver City and Santa Monica is serving up some of the best smoked chili you’ve ever had. For the cheese pull you’ve been seeing all over your FYP, we also recommend the cheese curds dipped in, of course, BBQ sauce. They also offer the classic BBQ must-haves like Texas brisket, hot links, smoked chicken, and scratch sides.
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5. Whiskey Flats BBQ
Location: 530 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Step into that true southern charm at Whiskey Flats BBQ. They have that BBQ aesthetic down with a barn-shaped building and smokers cooking your food fresh outside. Grab a combo plate with pulled pork, brisket, and ribs or get your favorite dishes a la carte. If you’re looking for an authentic BBQ experience with the best charred chicken, you need to try Whiskey Flats BBQ. P.S. They cater events too.
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After indulging in your BBQ cravings, you might need to relax for a bit. Finish off your day with one of these sporting events in LA.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cow BBQ.
