barbecue Archives

Circa Smokes Out DTLA’s Sizzling BBQ Scene

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.

Circa grill BBQ at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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.

Moos Craft BBQ near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 BBQ near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 BBQ near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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 BBQ near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

Dive into DTLA’s Smokin’ BBQ Scene

The heat is on, but not just the summer weather! The tantalizing sizzle and smoke of BBQ is igniting Downtown LA with hot grilled goodness. Whether you like your chow Texas-style, classic American, or served with a twist, we’ve smoked out some of DTLA’s best BBQ joints, including your old favorites and some exciting new options. Vegetarians take note – many menus offer salads and other meatless sides, so don’t be shy about joining your carnivorous friends for some BBQ action.

Circa Outdoor Amenities

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.

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

There’s an exciting new spot for smoked meats and cocktails in the DTLA Arts District. 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 their guests. Smoke City Char Bar celebrates the legacy of smokehouse culture with every chef-driven creation and regional-inspired recipe, that delivers an explosion of succulent awesomeness to your mouth with each and every bite.

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

Recognized by Food & Wine’s Best Barbecue 2020 and acclaimed by LA Times and Eater LA for creating the best underground barbecue cooking in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue started as an underground BBQ pop up in a small East Los Angeles backyard in 2017. Inspired by Texas Barbecue, Moo’s uses old school techniques to produce delicious, melt in your mouth smoked meats with a Cali Mex twist.

Horse Thief BBQ Grand Central Market 324 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Named named one of the best BBQ restaurants in Los Angeles by Eater LA, Horse Thief BBQ was founded by two native Texans, Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi, to showcase the classic smoked meats of Central Texas, along with smoked meats and gourmet sides. Signature dishes include pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and turkey breast butter brined, as well as ingredient-driven sides and desserts such as fennel-apple slaw, vegan heirloom beans, and banana pudding.

Spring Street Smokehouse BBQ 640 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Spring Street Smokehouse is an American Bar-B-Que joint offering all the classic barbecue meats, hickory-smoked from four to 12 hours. The meat is wonderfully dense and smoky and includes all the favorites you’d expect: Beef and Pork ribs, Texas hot links, Brisket and Pulled Pork. The down-home sides of mac & cheese, beans and cornbread round out a truly authentic BBQ experience. Spring Street also features some surprises, such as chicken stuffed with peppers, onions, and cheese, then wrapped with bacon and pit-smoked. Fresh made desserts include Bourbon bread pudding and peach cobbler.

Smoke Queen BBQ at Smorgasburg 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

In the midst of the pandemic, chef and restaurateur Winnie Yee-Lakhani was looking for a distraction away from her business closures. She stumbled upon a brisket and started a lovely affair with live fire cooking. Mixing the spices and flavors of her Chinese & Malaysian heritage with the traditional American style of smoking, she creates a unique style of barbecue in a class of its own. From backyard pits to multiple 1000 gallon smokers, she now offers California Prime Beef Brisket & Heritage Pork slow smoked with white oak and infused with the flavors of her childhood.

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. All meats are smoked with wood. 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. Open for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

L.A. Brisket 736 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

A popular destination originating in Artesia, L.A. Brisket specializes in hand crafted sandwiches loaded with all-natural meat sold by the pound, with house BBQ sauce and bread. The menu offers brisket, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and BBQ Bowls served with LA slaw, salsa verde, garlic, and jasmine rice. Sides include elote (grilled Mexican corn), French fries, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries.

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

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Moo’s Craft Barbecue

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Smoke City Char Bar

Photo #4: Moo’s Craft Barbecue

Photo #5: Horse Thief BBQ

Photo #6: Spring Street Smokehouse

Photo #7: Smoke Queen BBQ

Photo #8: Bo Daddy’s BBQ

Photo #9: L.A. Brisket

Photo #10: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

The Heat is On: Sample Sizzling Barbecue in DTLA

Labor Day is right around the corner and the heat is one! And what better way to celebrate than the tantalizing taste of barbecue sizzling on the grill. Whether you like your chow Texas-style, classic American, or served with a twist, we’ve smoked out some of DTLA’s best BBQ joints, many just a short distance from Circa. 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.

Circa outdoor grill at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Top quality barbecue grills and intimate open air dining spaces are among Circa’s most popular outdoor amenities.

Belcampo Meat Co barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Belcampo Meat Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Stock up on choice cuts for your next BBQ and grab some sides to go, including bowls, salads, and fries.

Moos Craft Barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

Recognized by Food & Wine’s Best Barbecue 2020 and acclaimed by LA Times and Eater LA, Moo’s Craft Barbecue started as an underground BBQ pop up in a small East Los Angeles backyard in 2017. Inspired by Texas Barbecue, Moo’s uses old school techniques to produce delicious, melt in your mouth smoked meats with a Cali Mex twist. Moo’s recently opened a new restaurant location in Lincoln Heights and they will also be popping up at Smorgasburg LA starting August 29.

Horse Thief Barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Horse Thief BBQ Grand Central Market 324 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Named named one of the best BBQ restaurants in Los Angeles by Eater LA, Horse Thief BBQ was founded by two native Texans, Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi, to showcase the classic smoked meats of Central Texas. Signature dishes include pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and turkey breast butter brined, as well as ingredient-driven gourmet sides and desserts such as fennel-apple slaw, vegan heirloom beans, and banana pudding.

Spring Street Smokehouse barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Spring Street Smokehouse BBQ 640 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Spring Street Smokehouse is an American BBQ joint offering classic barbecue meats, hickory-smoked from four to 12 hours. The meat is wonderfully dense and smoky and includes all the favorites you’d expect: beef and pork ribs, Texas hot links, brisket and pulled pork. The down-home sides of mac & cheese, beans and cornbread round out a truly authentic BBQ experience. Spring Street also features some surprises, such as chicken stuffed with peppers, onions, and cheese, then wrapped with bacon and pit-smoked. Fresh made desserts include Bourbon bread pudding and Peach cobbler to complete your meal.

LA Brisket barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

L.A. Brisket 736 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

A popular destination originating in Artesia, California, L.A. Brisket specializes in hand crafted sandwiches loaded with all-natural meat sold by the pound, with house BBQ sauce and bread. The menu offers brisket, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and BBQ Bowls served with LA slaw, salsa verde, garlic, and jasmine rice. Sides include elote (grilled Mexican corn), French fries, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries. Order online for pick up or delivery.

TBLA Catering & Cafe barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

TBLA Catering & Cafe 765 Santee St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

A cozy spot in the DTLA Fashion District, TBLA Catering & Cafe specializes in American comfort food. Try their signature Memphis Style BBQ baby back ribs served half and full rack or their BBQ pulled port sandwich. Sides include a choice of mac n cheese. sweet potato fries, potato salad, and onion rings. TBLA also offers salads, bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and pastas.

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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.

Bo Daddy's BBQ barbecue near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Horse Thief Barbecue

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Belcampo Meat Co.

Photo #4: Moo’s Craft Barbecue

Photo #5: Horse Thief Barbecue

Photo #6: Spring Street Smokehouse

Photo #7: L.A. Brisket

Photo #8: TBLA Catering & Cafe

Photo #9: H&H Brazilian

Photo #10: Bo Daddy’s BBQ

Smoke ‘Em Out! DTLA’s Best BBQ

It just wouldn’t be summer without the tantalizing aroma of barbecue wafting in the breeze! Whether you like your chow Texas-style, hot and spicy, or classic American, we’ve smoked out some of DTLA’s best BBQ joints, guaranteed to tempt your tastebuds with fresh grilled goodness. For the vegetarian in your household, many menus offers salads and other meatless sides. Check their websites for takeout, delivery, and patio dining details.

Horse Thief BBQ Grand Central Market 324 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Horse Thief BBQ is a Grand Central Market window from proprietors Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi, serving central Texas inspired BBQ, along with smoked meats and gourmet sides. Signature dishes include pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and turkey breast butter brined. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, BBQ baked beans, potato salad, banana pudding, sweet potato casserole and corn bread. Order ahead for pick up. Delivery is available through Caviar or Doordash.

L.A. Brisket 736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A popular destination originating in Artesia, L.A. Brisket recently opened a spiffy brick-and-mortar location in Chinatown. The restaurant specializes in hand crafted sandwiches loaded with all natural meat sold by the pound, with house BBQ sauce and bread. The menu offers brisket, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and BBQ Bowls served with LA slaw, salsa verde, garlic, and jasmine rice. Sides include elote (grilled Mexican corn), French fries, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries. Order online for pick up or delivery.

Moo’s Craft BBQ

Acclaimed by LA Times and Eater LA as perhaps the best underground barbecue cooking in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue is smoking up a storm this summer! With owners Michelle and Andrew Muñoz at the helm, the Texas-styled menu includes classics like ribs and brisket, smoked meats, and homestyle sides. Check their website to order ahead for curbside pickup in the LA Arts District.

Spring Street Smokehouse BBQ 640 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Spring Street Smokehouse is an American BBQ joint offering all the classic barbecue meats, hickory-smoked from four to 12 hours. The meat is wonderfully dense and smoky and includes all the favorites you’d expect: Beef and Pork ribs, Texas hot links, Brisket, and Pulled Pork. The down-home sides of mac & cheese, beans and cornbread round out a truly authentic BBQ experience. Spring Street also features some surprises, like chicken stuffed with peppers, onions, and cheese, then wrapped with bacon and pit-smoked. Fresh made desserts including Bourbon bread pudding and Peach cobbler. Open for sidewalk dining, take out and delivery.

TBLA Catering & Cafe 765 Santee St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

A cozy spot in the DTLA Fashion District, TBLA Catering & Cafe is open for pick up and delivery. Specializing in American comfort food, try their signature Memphis Style BBQ baby back ribs served half and full rack, or their juicy BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Sides include a choice of mac n cheese. sweet potato fries, potato salad, and onion rings. TBLA also offers a selection of wraps such as Texas BBQ, Rajun Cajun, and Charbroiled Gal Bi, along with salads, burgers, sandwiches,and pastas.

Nickel Diner 524 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Featured on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives, the Cooking Channel and Jonathan Golds 101 List, this vintage-style diner serves updated versions of old-school comfort fare on the site of a long-forgotten eatery, with the original hand-painted wall menus still intact. Specialties include beer braised brisket with ancho chile sauce, charred broccolini & cowboy beans; pulled pork sandwich; and fried chicken with maple bacon jam. They also serve an array of creative sweets and desserts like their famous glaze bacon doughnut. Check their website for order and pick up details.

Red Herring LA 770 S Grand Ave A, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Red Herring is offering BBQ Boxes to go! Box #1 contains one meat, one sauce, one side, pickles & Texas toast (Feeds 1-2). Box #2 contains two meats, two sauces, two sides, pickles & Texas toast (Feeds 2-3). Box #3 contains three meats, three sauces, three sides, pickles & Texas toast (Feeds 4). You can also order their BBQ sauce to enjoy at home, which comes in three flavors: St. Louis BBQ Sauce, Vinegar Sauce, and South Carolina Mustard Sauce. Founded by husband and wife team Chef Dave Woodall and Alexis Martin Woodall, Red Herring offers Refined New American cuisine with global influences. Order ahead for curbside pick up.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Horse Thief BBQ

Photo #2: Horse Thief BBQ

Photo #3: LA Brisket

Photo #4: Moo’s Craft BBQ

Photo #5: Spring Street Smokehouse

Photo #6: TBLA Catering & Cafe

Photo #7: Nickel Diner

Photo #8 -Red Herring