Best Bbq Restaurants in LA Arts District (90021)
2 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Worthy Picks
7.9
A compact Arts District smokehouse doing California-leaning barbecue with Santa Maria-style tri-tip at the center. Meats are straightforward and well-seasoned, and the short, punchy sides menu (think esquite and garlicky cheesy bread) keeps the trays balanced. Best for a quick, satisfying BBQ fix rather than a long, destination meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Maria Tri-Tip Plate, Esquite (corn elote off the cob), Garlic Cheesy Bread
What makes it special: Santa Maria tri-tip BBQ in the heart of the Arts District.
A Smorgasburg/ROW DTLA vendor bringing live-fire brisket and Filipino-California touches to the Arts District. The brisket plate delivers deep oak smoke, while sides like coconut beef and cornbread bibingka add a personal, heritage-driven spin. A strong low-commitment stop for market days and a clear hidden-gem pick in the zip.
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.