0 Followers
Bludso's BBQ
Master Critic Review
Bludso's BBQ
8.6
Kevin Bludso's Texas-style smokehouse serves prime brisket with a pronounced smoke ring, tender pulled pork, and fall-off-the-bone ribs in a casual sports bar setting. Originally from Compton, this La Brea location has become a neighborhood staple for group dinners and game-watching with its communal picnic tables and excellent craft beer selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning pitmaster's low-and-slow Texas barbecue pioneering LA's modern BBQ movement
Who should go: Groups, sports fans, and BBQ purists seeking authentic Texas-style
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-6pm or weekend game days
What to order: Prime brisket by the pound, baby back ribs, party tray for groups
Insider tip: Order the party trays for groups of 6+ for best value per person
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant plus street parking on La Brea - fairly easy most times, fills up during prime dinner rush
Dress code: Casual BBQ joint - jeans, t-shirts, sports jerseys all welcome
Noise level: Loud during games with TVs and crowds - not ideal for intimate conversation, great for group energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (6-8pm), walk-ins available but call ahead for large groups
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seat immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - mac and cheese, coleslaw, beans (may contain meat stock)
Vegan options: Essentially none - this is a meat-focused establishment
Gluten-free options: Most meats are GF but sauces and sides contain gluten - ask kitchen to accommodate
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love BBQ and casual vibes - loud sports bar atmosphere isn't romantic, but fun if you're catching a game together
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small groups (2-4), but weekends get packed - arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm to avoid peak crush. Groups 6+ should definitely call ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - casual picnic table setup, kids menu available, no one minds messy BBQ eating. Can get loud during games so smaller kids may be overwhelmed
How much should I budget per person? $25-35 per person with meat, two sides, and a beer - party trays drop per-person cost to $20-25 for groups
What's the difference between this and the Compton location? La Brea is more sports bar atmosphere with bigger space and more seating - Compton is the original, smaller and more neighborhood-focused. Same pitmaster, same quality meat
Best For
Better for: Authentic Texas-style brisket with proper smoke ring, large group gatherings, watching sports with great BBQ - this is LA's most awarded Texas-style pitmaster doing what he does best
Skip if: You want refined date-night ambiance, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer Kansas City or Carolina-style BBQ, or want a quiet conversation - hit Maple Block for craft BBQ fusion or Barrel & Ashes for upscale smokehouse instead