Did you know a recent study ranked L.A. the fifth-best BBQ city in America?  Los Angeles’ high score was largely due to the superb quality and significant number of vendors and smokehouses, particularly those that have glowing reviews from happy customers. We’re not surprised that our fair city has won BBQ kudos, given the incredible creativity and diversity of our local pitmasters. From classic American to Texas-style, Korean, Cambodian, Brazilian, Filipino, Japanese, and more, you’ll find choices to please every palate. And vegetarians take note – many menus offers salads and other meatless sides, so don’t be shy about joining your carnivorous friends in DTLA’s sizzling BBQ scene.

Feel like playing grill master at home? Circa offers exceptional outdoor amenities including deluxe barbecue grills, open air fireplaces, and congenial spots to gather and entertain.

Moo’s Craft Barbecue 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Moo’s Craft Barbecue was founded by Andrew and Michelle Muñoz as a BBQ pop up in their small East Los Angeles backyard in 2017. Their dedication and the quality of their food quickly garnered a loyal following, leading them to open a permanent location in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Moo’s Craft Barbecue has received acclaim for its authentic and flavorful barbecue, earning a spot among the top barbecue joints in the city, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for two years in a row. The restaurant is celebrated for its smoked meats, house-made sausages, and traditional sides, all crafted with the Muñoz family’s personal touch and commitment to quality.

Battambong BBQ at Smorgasburg DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Chad Phuong, AKA the Cambodian Cowboy, has earned a glowing reputation for smoking meats with a Cambodian influence at his Long Beach pop-up Battambong BBQ. He’s also a regular presence at Smorgasburg, held each Sunday at Row DTLA in the Arts District. Phuong’s Texas-style barbecue trays come piled high with brisket, tri-tip, chicken or pulled pork, while his delicious Cambodian num pang sandwiches are stuffed with smoked meats and herbs for a new twist on your meal.

Mano Po at Smorgasburg DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

While you’re eating your way through Smorgasburg, make sure you stop by Mano Po, a family-owned Filipino business specializing in fam faves such as Manila BBQ Chicken, Liempo (pork belly grilled to smokey perfection), and Chicken Inasal (ginger, lemongrass, calamansi, coconut vinegar, grilled over mesquite with garlic rice and atchara). Filipino cuisine’s use of complex ingredients, procedures, and taste displays the multi-cultural heritage of their recipes. With this in mind, Mano Po offers tradition and respect, and goodness of course, in all their offerings with the warm embrace of their Filipino culture.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 514 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, provides authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming smokeless grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, and frosty cold beers. Gyu-Kaku offers a wide range of meats including the best-seller Harami Skirt Steak in Miso Marinade and Prime Kalbi Short Rib in Tare Sweet Soy Marinade.

Bo Daddy’s BBQ 1415 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Bo Daddy’s BBQ specializes in a tantalizing selection of smoked meats including ribs, pulled pork & chicken, beef tri-tip, brisket, and links. Choose from sides such as mac & cheese, mango coleslaw, collard greens, baked beans, potato salad, and mac & tuna salad. Top off your meal with peach cobbler, key lime pie, or a decadent banana pudding. 

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse 518 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is a new take on Brazilian food, brimming with healthful recipes. The restaurant was founded by Henrique Huyer with the mission of bringing authentic, traditional Brazilian barbecue from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil to the American market. H&H is committed to working with only the best suppliers, serving top-quality organic, grass-fed meat and local produce that you can enjoy with a unique wine from South America. The menu caters to nearly every food preference with a variety of beef, lamb, pork and chicken dishes. The extensive salad bar presents gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well. 

DTLA AYCE Korean BBQ 686 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

DTLA AYCE Korean BBQ is a fun, hip, and hopping spot where people come together to eat authentic Korean barbecue and food under the beautiful city lights of downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant enjoys a unique location in the heart of Chinatown where they are pleased to share their Korean culture, along with a DTLA twist in flavor. In addition to a huge menu, DTLA AYCE also offers a great selection of beer, sake, soju, and soju cocktails.

Smoke City Char Bar 899 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Smoke City Char Bar was founded with an adventurous spirit and a driven culinary objective: to bring the unique experience of locally-sourced and naturally smoked meats to guests each and every day. In the kitchen, food is revered, inventiveness is encouraged, and superior quality is prized above all else. Smoke City Char Bar celebrates the legacy of smokehouse culture with every chef-driven creation and regional-inspired recipe. Smoke City Char Bar’s vision: To deliver an explosion of succulent awesomeness to your mouth in each and every bite!

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Smoke City Char Bar

Photo #2: Circa 

Photo #3: Moo’s Craft Barbecue 

Photo #4: Battambong BBQ

Photo #5: Mano Po

Photo #6: Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Minneapolis

Photo #7: Bo Daddy’s BBQ

Photo #8: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

Photo #9: DTLA AYCE Korean BBQ

Photo #10: Smoke City Char Bar