"BBQ is a food rooted in social assemblage. Eating tri-tip, ribs, and hot links while surrounded by friends and family, listening to music, and drinking too many adult beverages is simply part of the experience. But it’s also one that’s tricky to pull off in a pandemic - particularly in a restaurant setting. But Gold Land BBQ, a Sunday-only pop-up in a Culver City parking lot, has proven that it can still be done both safely and comfortably, with some incredible food to boot. Located behind Menotti’s Coffee Stop in Culver City West, your experience at Gold Land BBQ starts the second you pull in. With a massive outdoor BBQ pit, blankets and chairs strewn around for people to hang out, and a separate truck selling frozen margaritas, you realize quickly this isn’t just a pop-up, it’s a full-on neighborhood BBQ party. Gold Land is run by a group of friends, and from the moment you walk up to order (you can also ), you’re their friend as well. It’s rare, even in the pop-up world, to feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled into somebody’s party, but at Gold Land, that’s sort of the case. We only say “sort of” because you actually feel like you were invited all along. As far as the food goes, this is Santa Maria-style BBQ, meaning everything from the tri tip to the linguica hot links are grilled over coastal red oak, which imparts a unique smoky-sweet flavor that’ll stay on your lips - and mind - for hours. To be frank, this is exceptional barbecue, the kind worth driving across the city on a Sunday to eat. The fact there’s a neighborhood party going on when you get there simply completes the experience. We’ve just named Gold Land one of LA’s Best Pop-Ups. Check out the full list ." - Brant Cox
