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Maple Block Meat Co

3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
$$
American

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Master Critic Review

Maple Block Meat Co 7.8
Culver City
Texas-style smokehouse using peach wood smoking techniques serves wood-fired meats in a casual industrial setting with outdoor patio seating. While brisket can run dry, sandwiches and tacos showcase the meats better, and the honey-glazed poblano cornbread is exceptional. Daytime drinkers and coworkers on lunch breaks fill the patio for beer and BBQ.
Must-Try Dishes: Poblano Cornbread with Honey Glaze, Spare Ribs, BBQ Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Texas BBQ using whole peach wood logs for smoking
Who should go: BBQ fans and groups seeking casual patio dining
When to visit: Lunch or happy hour for the outdoor patio experience
What to order: Cornbread with poblanos, spare ribs, pulled pork sandwich
Insider tip: Skip the dry brisket, order meats in sandwiches or tacos instead
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site with ample spaces, plus street parking on Washington Blvd - easy access
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all welcome in this laid-back BBQ spot
Noise level: Moderate to loud - outdoor patio buzz makes intimate conversation challenging, better for groups
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for patio tables during prime hours, counter service means no long waits
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - popular with office crowd but moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - a few salads and sides like cornbread, mac and cheese, coleslaw
Vegan options: Minimal - some vegetable sides available but most contain dairy or animal products
Gluten-free options: Possible but limited - meats are naturally GF but cross-contamination likely, skip the cornbread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the loud patio environment and casual counter-service setup works better for groups than intimate conversation. Save this for a more relaxed group hangout or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - it's counter service with open seating, so no reservations needed. Arrive early for prime patio spots during lunch rush or happy hour (11:30am or 4pm).
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual outdoor setting, simple meat-focused menu, and counter service means kids can move around. High chairs available, though noise level is high.
How does it compare to other Culver City BBQ spots? More authentic Texas-style than most LA BBQ - uses whole peach wood logs like they do in Central Texas. Better for casual drinks and bites than destination BBQ dining.
Is happy hour worth it? Absolutely - strong beer selection, relaxed patio vibe, and the space is designed for daytime drinking with coworkers. Arrives early (4-5pm) for best patio seats.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs with beer and BBQ on an outdoor patio - the laid-back vibe, counter service, and Texas smokehouse authenticity make it ideal for office lunches, happy hours, and weekend day drinking
Skip if: You want elevated BBQ or romantic atmosphere - the brisket quality is inconsistent and the loud patio isn't date-friendly. Choose Bludso's for better brisket or Barrel & Ashes for upscale BBQ