Bludso's BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Santa Monica
1329 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Highlights
Texas-style BBQ specializing in brisket, ribs, and dry-rub wings
Texas-style BBQ specializing in brisket, ribs, and dry-rub wings
"Come to Bludso’s Santa Monica location with a hungry group, preferably one in the mood to sip bourbon and beer after a long time in the sun—and also eat hulking trays of barbecue, of course. The smoky bark on the brisket and pork ribs is why this place—and its original La Brea location—is well-known in the city’s barbecue scene. If you’re looking to feed a few people who just played beach volleyball, get one of the party trays, which come with prime brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, hot links, and a heap of sides for a reasonable per-person price." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder, cathy park
"As a Los Angeles institution turning out solid Texas-style smoked meats in a sports bar-like environment, Bludso’s is California barbecue royalty. Owner Kevin Bludso is also a James Beard Award recipient win for his and Noah Galuten’s cookbook, Bludso’s BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul. Venture out to the longtime La Brea location near Melrose, or the spacious Santa Monica spot. Bludso understands the power of whole beef ribs, brisket, dry-rub wings, and cornbread with strong drinks; his motto, “Barbecue is always like a party,” should guide any trip to his restaurants." - Matthew Kang
"From a Texas-style barbecue operation that began in Compton and now has locations including Santa Monica and Mid-City, this macaroni and cheese appears plain at first but reveals complexity on the first bite. It's an amalgam of three cheeses—sharp cheddar, medium-sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack—producing a supremely balanced blend that delivers salty, nutty notes before Monterey Jack's mellowness settles in. Black pepper adds a gentle kick that balances the richness; as one reviewer put it, "There’s one easy way to know how good this mac and cheese is: You can’t stop eating it." — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Southern California/Southwest" - Mona Holmes
"Bludso’s is a local institution turning out reliable Texas-style smoked meats in a sports bar-like environment along La Brea and at a spacious restaurant in Santa Monica. Co-founder Kevin Bludso is LA barbecue royalty, so it’s no surprise this place still draws a crowd." - Mona Holmes, Matthew Kang
"Though known for Texas-style brisket and ribs, Bludso’s is an ideal stop for wings. There’s a brand-spanking new location in Santa Monica where pitmaster Kevin Bludso prepares jumbo chicken wings with a choice of buffalo, dry rub, or hot barbecue sauce. The wings feature a solid smoky aroma while maintaining a juicy interior." - Eater Staff
