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Best Bbq Ribs Restaurants in LA Arts District (90021)

2 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$$$ Arts District
Winnie Yee-Lakhani’s Thai-Malaysian-Chinese spin on Texas barbecue lands here as a weekly Smorgasburg stall, with deeply smoked meats and bright, savory-sweet glazes. The ribs hit a satisfying balance of bark, fat, and spice, and the sides lean comfort-classic with subtle Southeast Asian accents. Expect lines, early sellouts, and a lively open-air market vibe.
Must-Try Dishes: 14-Hour Smoked Brisket Plate, Mama Leah's Coconut Beef, Ann's Cornbread Bibingka
What makes it special: Market-day BBQ with Filipino-influenced sides and sauces.

Worthy Picks

$$ Downtown Los Angeles
A low-key, community-oriented rib specialist best known for market pop-ups and catering, centered on its sticky-smoky “black sugar” glaze. The ribs skew tender and saucy with a backyard-BBQ vibe, and portions are built for sharing. It’s less polished than big-name pits, but reliably scratches the ribs craving in the heart of DTLA.
Must-Try Dishes: Black Sugar pork ribs, Pulled pork sandwich, Smoked hot links
What makes it special: Signature black-sugar glaze gives the ribs a caramelized edge.