Yelp’s list of Top 100 BBQ Spots 2024 was recently released, and local Los Angeles restaurant, The Swinging Door Texas BBQ, earned a coveted spot on it. The United States is famous for having the best BBQ in the world, but California is not usually the first place that comes to mind when you think of states known for delicious BBQ restaurants. The South is usually the first BBQ region that people mention when talking about famous smoked meats. However, there are more and more spots all around the country that are gaining recognition and with good reason.
Texas style BBQ
The Swinging Door Texas BBQ came in at number 62 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 BBQ Spots this year. Even though they’re located in North Hollywood, they’re cranking out some of the best authentic Texas style BBQ in the entire country since 2009. Even native Texans transplanted to SoCal claim it’s the real thing and satisfies all their BBQ cravings when they start getting homesick for a smokey, saucy bite.
Grab a bite
This famous BBQ spot offers a wide variety of meat on their menu that are available daily. All of their meat is smoked using oak wood to get that classic smokey taste we all crave. You can order the BBQ on a combo plate or tucked in a sandwich with homemade pickles and carrots. And if you’re really hungry you can order it by the pound. They even do catering for special events. Here is all of the delicious, smokey meat on their menu:
- Tri Tip
- Brisket
- Burnt Ends
- Pork Ribs (Baby Back & St. Louis Spare Ribs)
- Chicken
- Sausage
- Pulled Pork
Classic sides
Anyone who knows good BBQ understands that the sides are just as important as the main star of the show. And all of Swinging Door’s sides are homemade on site. They offer all of the typical sides like macaroni and cheese, BBQ baked beans, coleslaw, fries, and red skin potato salad. And people on Yelp rave about their garlic herb mashed potatoes.
They also have classic cornbread muffins and garlic rolls, and surprisingly, several different types of salad are featured on the menu. However, the BBQ sauces are one of the main flavor stars here, and there’s even a sauce bar where you can try out flavors like fire, habanero, maple honey, vinegar, smokey honey mustard, and so many more.
Sweet treats
With all of this finger-licking-good food, it’s a challenge to control yourself. But make sure you save a room for one of their decadently fun desserts. You’ll feel like you’re at the Texas State Fair when you bite into a deep fried Twinkie or Oreo. If you haven’t had one, you just haven’t lived yet.
Pace yourself
You might need to head home to rest after such an amazing feast, so arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate your meat coma. Plus, be sure to plan ahead and get there early to grab your favorite BBQ meat choice. Because when they run out of meat, it’s done for the day. You can drool over the menu and get more information on the Swinging Door’s website here.
📞Call: 818-763-8996
Location: 11018 Vanowen St. (Corner of Vanowen St / Vineland Ave)
🕙Hours:
- MON CLOSED
- TU – TH 11:00 – 8:30
- FRI 11:00 – 9:00
- SAT 12:00 – 9:00
- SUN 12:00 – 8:00