The smoky sweet smell of barbecue wafting through the air can make anyone’s mouth water. From tender brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs barbecue has a special place in the hearts and stomachs of people across Los Angeles. With so many tasty barbecue restaurant to choose from how do you decide where to go to get your fix of slow-cooked, wood-smoked meat? In this article we talk about: Craving BBQ Perfection In LA? Dive Into Los Angeles Top-Rated Smokehouse.
This guide to the top-rated barbecue restaurants in LA will help you find barbecue perfection. We’ll explore the different regional American barbecue styles and highlight the best places to experience them in LA. Whether you prefer Memphis-style ribs, Texas-style brisket, or Kansas City-style burnt ends, the city best smokehouses have you covered.
A Brief History of American Barbecue Styles
Before diving into the specific LA barbecue restaurants, it helps to understand the differences between the major regional barbecue styles across America. Here a quick overview
Memphis
Known for ribs, pork shoulder, and sausage smoked with hickory and oak. Often served with a tomato-and-vinegar-based sauce.
Carolina
Pork-focused, served with a vinegar-based “Carolina gold” sauce. Whole hog cooking is also common.
Texas
All about the beef brisket, smoked low and slow over oak. Simple salt-and-pepper dry rub.
Kansas City
A mix of Memphis and Carolina influences. Pork ribs and burnt ends take the spotlight, with a tomato-and-molasses sauce.
With the basics covered, let’s explore some of the highest-rated spots to experience these styles in Los Angeles.
The Best Barbecue Restaurants in Los Angeles
Every barbecue restaurant in LA offers its own unique take. But a few consistently rise above the rest in terms of reviews, ratings, quality, and that perfect smoky flavor.
Hanu Korean BBQ
- Rating: 5.0/5 (955 reviews)
- Address: 2999 W 6th St Ste 104 Los Angeles, CA 90020
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
BBQ + Rice
- Rating: 5.0/5 (231 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5706 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
King Chang – LA
- Rating: 5.0/5 (314 reviews)
- Address: 3732 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
BBQ + Rice WeHo
- Rating: 4.5/5 (361 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7363 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
Fire Up Your Barbecue Quest
The smoked meat options in Los Angeles go far beyond basic ribs and pulled pork. From Korean barbecue joints to Texas-style smokehouses, this guide only scratches the surface of the incredible barbecue available. Wherever your barbecue cravings take you in LA, follow your senses to find tender, juicy, smoky perfection. Just be ready for the mouthwatering smell to draw you in and leave you wanting more! I sincerely hope you find this “Craving BBQ Perfection In LA? Dive Into Los Angeles Top-Rated Smokehouse” article helpful.
Julio Figueroa is a seasoned chef with over 12 years of experience in fine dining. He holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu and is passionate about culinary innovation. As the lead contributor to chefdecuisinelosangeles.com, Julio shares his expertise and unique recipes with food enthusiasts. Connect with him on Instagram for more culinary inspiration.