"Slab originally started as a pop-up in its owner’s Studio City driveway (called Trudy’s Underground BBQ) and now operates inside a shiny space on 3rd Street. The order-at-the-counter shop is casual and straightforward, and the barbecue is certainly some of the best you’ll find in central LA. Most people are here for the brisket, but it’s the spare ribs that keep us coming back. Be sure to throw in a side order of creamy mac and cheese." - brant cox, sylvio martins