"Phillips Bar-B-Que is all business. The sign out front of this LA institution reminds you that it’s takeout only (although if you're lucky, there will be an open table in the parking lot). Ordering and pick-up lines are separated, the former is organized by an efficient divider. That is to say, expect a crowd. On weekends, the entire Mid-City community pours in for their excellent smoked meat, like succulent pork ribs and rib tips smothered in a thick, glistening sauce. Everything can be served either a la carte, in a sandwich, or combined with a few sides, but the sleeper hit here is their chicken links. The spicy, snappy sausages are sliced into thick coins with sauce on the side. Order them by the pound. Note: Phillips Crenshaw location is closed through mid-July for renovations, but their second location at 1517 Centinela Ave. in Inglewood remains open. " - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins