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Barrel & Ashes
Barrel & Ashes
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12 Smoky Barbecue Destinations in the San Fernando Valley

Where to get the good, smoked stuff in the 818

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Barrel & Ashes
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For years South LA was considered the LA mecca for barbecue, as places like Bludso's in Compton and Phillip's held sway over the rest of the city. Folks would drive south in search of the next best ribs and brisket joint, often managing the massive commute from parts well north in the San Fernando Valley.

Well thankfully that's no longer true today, as great smoked meat can be found all over the city — including in more than a dozen spots in and around the Valley proper. There are lots of iconic options like the longstanding Dr. Hogly Wogly's and the more modern Boneyard Bistro, but a wave of newer iterations have come through in recent years as well, eager to up the Valley's meat game. Here you'll find a collection of the strongest of those efforts, from the weekend-only Handy Market option in Burbank to one of the most eclectic dining experiences you can have anywhere at Buffalo Bruce's in Sylmar. Here are twelve Valley barbecue options to know about.

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Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ

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While not everyone is a fan of the good Dr. Hogly Wogly, there’s no denying the place’s history in the greater Valley barbecue lexicon. A Texas-style adherent with a kitschy vibe, the Van Nuys option has been around for decades working a menu full of beef ribs and brisket.

The Bear Pit Barbeque

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A Mission Hills staple with a family vibe, Bear Pit knocks out a Missouri-influenced menu full of baby back ribs in sauce, brisket, and smoked meats like turkey, lamb, and even ham. Expect a blend of diner booths and sawdust-covered floors inside, with the occasional wagon wheel chandelier to boot.

Handy Market

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Though the market is going on fifty years in business, the Saturday only barbecue is relatively new at a decade old. It’s drawn a crowd almost since day one though, with customers lining up for smoked chicken, ribs, links, and lots of other great stuff sold by the pound.

Boneyard Bistro

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This Ventura Boulevard slow-cooking staple is more than fan favorite: it’s a neighborhood institution. Mixing straight-up barbecue with bistro fare and craft beer, Boneyard is an option for the modern diner who needs more than just some butcher paper and a picnic table.

Barrel & Ashes

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Pricey newcomer Barrel & Ashes has been turning up the smoke in Studio City for a while now, to a discerning clientele of regulars and travelers looking to enjoy some grub from chef Timothy Hollingsworth and his team. Open lunch through dinner, this is the place for a casual midday sandwich or blow-out evening meal with friends of piles of high quality meat.

The Pit BBQ

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Don’t expect much in the way of frills at The Pit in Burbank, where a full rack of baby backs runs well under $30 and the decor is mostly just a bunch of picnic tables pushed into a storefront space. Folks have been crowding in for lunch since 2014 though, opting for chopped brisket sandwiches or the popular wings.

The Hollywood Way BBQ

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A pan-regional barbecue spot in Burbank The Hollywood Way is as much a bar as it is a barbecue spot. The main draw may well be the Carolina pulled pork or the Kansas-style pork ribs, while tri-tip also remains popular. You’ll find burgers, sandwiches, nachos and more on the menu as well, along with a strong drink menu and lots of TVs hanging from the walls.

Texas Best BBQ

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A true hole in the wall, this Valley Village staple does everything from brisket to tri-tip to with just a few chairs inside. No matter, the focus is as it should be — on the smoker in the back.

Big Pop's BBQ & Grill

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A strip mall spot serving strongly sauced ribs, Pacoima’s Big Pop’s is a local favorite that leans on its popular sides like corn bread while serving some strong tri-tip and ribs.

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile

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This Sylmar option is an eclectic stop-off for anyone in the area, serving everything from coffee and breakfast plates to grilled cheese sandwiches and smoked chicken sliders. There are full racks of ribs and well-smoked tri-tip options as well, along with an owner that’s among the kindest souls in the Valley.

Swingin Door Texas Bbq

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A popular North Hollywood option with a Texas heart, Swingin’ Door does everything from tri-tip to pulled pork, though the most popular order is almost always the brisket. Grab combo plates of a bunch of stuff, or opt for by-the-pound ordering with a slew of sides like chili cheese fries.

Rosie's BBQ

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A Northridge favorite just off Nordhoff Way, Rosie’s is a longtime classic that's been decked out to recreate the stagecoach days. As much a place for grilled meats as smoked, Rosie’s is a convenient option for anyone in the area, and comes with a strong array of sides — plus a salad bar.

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Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ

While not everyone is a fan of the good Dr. Hogly Wogly, there’s no denying the place’s history in the greater Valley barbecue lexicon. A Texas-style adherent with a kitschy vibe, the Van Nuys option has been around for decades working a menu full of beef ribs and brisket.

The Bear Pit Barbeque

A Mission Hills staple with a family vibe, Bear Pit knocks out a Missouri-influenced menu full of baby back ribs in sauce, brisket, and smoked meats like turkey, lamb, and even ham. Expect a blend of diner booths and sawdust-covered floors inside, with the occasional wagon wheel chandelier to boot.

Handy Market

Though the market is going on fifty years in business, the Saturday only barbecue is relatively new at a decade old. It’s drawn a crowd almost since day one though, with customers lining up for smoked chicken, ribs, links, and lots of other great stuff sold by the pound.

Boneyard Bistro

This Ventura Boulevard slow-cooking staple is more than fan favorite: it’s a neighborhood institution. Mixing straight-up barbecue with bistro fare and craft beer, Boneyard is an option for the modern diner who needs more than just some butcher paper and a picnic table.

Barrel & Ashes

Pricey newcomer Barrel & Ashes has been turning up the smoke in Studio City for a while now, to a discerning clientele of regulars and travelers looking to enjoy some grub from chef Timothy Hollingsworth and his team. Open lunch through dinner, this is the place for a casual midday sandwich or blow-out evening meal with friends of piles of high quality meat.

The Pit BBQ

Don’t expect much in the way of frills at The Pit in Burbank, where a full rack of baby backs runs well under $30 and the decor is mostly just a bunch of picnic tables pushed into a storefront space. Folks have been crowding in for lunch since 2014 though, opting for chopped brisket sandwiches or the popular wings.

The Hollywood Way BBQ

A pan-regional barbecue spot in Burbank The Hollywood Way is as much a bar as it is a barbecue spot. The main draw may well be the Carolina pulled pork or the Kansas-style pork ribs, while tri-tip also remains popular. You’ll find burgers, sandwiches, nachos and more on the menu as well, along with a strong drink menu and lots of TVs hanging from the walls.

Texas Best BBQ

A true hole in the wall, this Valley Village staple does everything from brisket to tri-tip to with just a few chairs inside. No matter, the focus is as it should be — on the smoker in the back.

Big Pop's BBQ & Grill

A strip mall spot serving strongly sauced ribs, Pacoima’s Big Pop’s is a local favorite that leans on its popular sides like corn bread while serving some strong tri-tip and ribs.

Buffalo Bruce's Mercantile

This Sylmar option is an eclectic stop-off for anyone in the area, serving everything from coffee and breakfast plates to grilled cheese sandwiches and smoked chicken sliders. There are full racks of ribs and well-smoked tri-tip options as well, along with an owner that’s among the kindest souls in the Valley.

Swingin Door Texas Bbq

A popular North Hollywood option with a Texas heart, Swingin’ Door does everything from tri-tip to pulled pork, though the most popular order is almost always the brisket. Grab combo plates of a bunch of stuff, or opt for by-the-pound ordering with a slew of sides like chili cheese fries.

Rosie's BBQ

A Northridge favorite just off Nordhoff Way, Rosie’s is a longtime classic that's been decked out to recreate the stagecoach days. As much a place for grilled meats as smoked, Rosie’s is a convenient option for anyone in the area, and comes with a strong array of sides — plus a salad bar.

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