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ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ in Culver City
Best BBQ Ribs in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Outdoor Grill
7.7
A no-frills BBQ stand parked next to a car wash on Washington Place, running a tight smoke program focused on ribs and tri-tip at prices that undercut most sit-down BBQ joints by a wide margin. The draw is the price-to-quality ratio on smoked meats—order at the counter, grab a spot outside, and eat well without thinking about the check. Best suited for a fast weekday lunch or a low-effort takeout run when you want real smoke flavor without the production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribs, Tri-Tip, Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Counter-service BBQ stand tucked next to a car wash, turning out legit smoked ribs and tri-tip at rock-bottom prices on Washington Place.
Who should go: BBQ lovers who prioritize flavor over ambiance.
When to visit: Lunch on weekdays to beat the line.
What to order: Start with the ribs or tri-tip as your main, add mac and cheese and coleslaw on the side — portions are generous so one meat plus two sides feeds most people.
Insider tip: Get your car washed next door while you wait for your order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and a small shared lot next to the adjacent car wash—access is tight and awkward, but spaces are usually available
Weekend wait: Expect a line—peak times can mean 30+ minutes before ordering; call ahead for pickup to skip it
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several salads (garden, Caesar, feta romaine, BBQ chopped, Italian chopped) plus sides like steamed vegetables, rice, mac and cheese, baked beans, and fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a casual, counter-service BBQ spot with an easygoing outdoor vibe, not a sit-down romantic setting. That said, it works well for a laid-back, low-pressure first meetup where the focus is on great food and conversation over picnic-style seating. Best for someone who values authenticity over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-up, order-at-the-counter BBQ joint, so no reservations are needed or accepted. During weekday lunch (11am–1pm), expect a line as the local crowd packs in. Off-peak afternoons are easy. Open Monday through Friday only (10:30am–8pm), so plan accordingly — no weekend service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, outdoor counter-service format is naturally kid-friendly. No fine-dining pressure, no noise concerns, and BBQ staples like chicken, ribs, and sides are generally crowd-pleasers for children. The relaxed open-air setting lets kids move around without disturbing anyone. Dedicated kids menu not confirmed online — call (310) 636-4745 to verify.
Is it good for groups? Yes for small to medium groups — the casual outdoor setup accommodates flexible seating. For larger parties (8+), space may be limited depending on the day. No private dining or formal group bookings. Best approach: arrive slightly before peak lunch to grab enough seating together. Not suited for formal group events, but great for casual get-togethers.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is the primary dining format here, which is core to the experience and reflected in the name. The setup is casual open-air seating. Whether it includes shade covers or heaters is not confirmed online — given the Mar Vista location, it's comfortable most of the year. Call to confirm specifics about covered areas during cooler months.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable BBQ—grab a tri-tip sandwich or a rack of ribs at counter service prices under $12, eat at the outdoor picnic tables or take it to go
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dinner with table service and ambiance—this is counter-service BBQ on a busy corner with paper plates and shared picnic seating
Hours
Monday10:30am - 8pm
Tuesday10:30am - 8pm
Wednesday10:30am - 8pm
Thursday10:30am - 8pm
Friday10:30am - 8pm
Saturday10:30am - 8pm
Sunday11am - 8pm