While reading my RSS feeds over lunch, I came across an article from Eater LA about the closure of My Brothers BBQ in Woodland Hills. I had known about the closure already, from one of the various Valley Facebook groups to which I belong. Near the end of the article, however, was something raised by ire, and prompted me to post this while finishing my lunch. Here’s what bothered me:
Whatever the ultimate reason, it’s still a loss for the Valley, as My Brothers had been serving up reliable plates of ribs and roasted chickens for generations, and at some very respectable prices. No word on what, if anything, will replace the corner location, but Valleyites needing their barbecue fix will now need to head east to the likes of Dr. Hogly Wogly’s or Boneyard Bistro.
I call Bullshit and Bias. For a long time, Eater LA has been regularly ignoring the excellent food options in the Valley, believing the only decent food is on the LA side of the hill. Their recent discussion of Phad Thai is an example; they ignore some of the best Thai places in the valley (e.g., Lum Ka Naad). And as for BBQ, well, everyone I talk to believes that Dr. Hogly Wogly’s is overpriced and overrated. I haven’t been to Boneyard Bistro. Here’s some BBQ that Eater LA missed:
- Mom’s BBQ House. SE Corner of Van Nuys and Hazeltine, Van Nuys. Perhaps my favorite place for Southern BBQ and soul food.
- Rogers Rib Shack. 9350 Corbin Ave, Northridge. Another southern style BBQ, with wonderful brisket and tri-tip. They recently moved from a small location to a former Kenny Rogers Roasters. Hopefully, they will last longer than other tenants at that location.
- Les Sisters. 21818 Devonshire St, Chatsworth. New Orleans and Southern Style BBQ in Chatsworth.
- The Bear Pit. 10825 Sepulveda Boulevard, Mission Hills, CA 91345. Missouri Style.
- Rib Ranch BBQ. 4923 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, not far from My Brothers. Western Style.
- All American BBQ. Shopping Center at Reseda and Devonshire, NW corner. They took over from the Outdoor Grill, and just opened.
- Rosies BBQ. Now at 8930 Corbin, Northridge. They have changed owners, and I’ve only been once under the new owners.
- Rosies Chatsworth. Originally part of Rosies Northridge, but now seemingly independent. Primarily take out.
- Ribs USA. 2711 Olive Avenue, Burbank. More Western Style.
- Reds BBQ. 3090 Cochran, Simi Valley. Western Style
- El Paso BBQ. 18938 Ventura, Tarzana.
- The Bar-B-Que Bar. 10863 Magnolia, North Hollywood. We often eat here before going to shows in NoHo.
These are just the places that I’ve been to. I know there are more from some quick searches. There are also the chains, for those that like chains: Lucilles Smokehouse, Wood Ranch, Stonefire Grill, Dickies, Famous Dave’s, Tony Romas, and the like. So where are your favorite places?
[Edited to Add (ETA): In a discussion with the author of the EaterLA article on Twitter, she mentioned Barrel and Ashes in Studio City as worth trying.]
