Bludso’s BBQ in Santa Monica offers colossal trays of Texas-style smoky meats and hearty sides in a lively setting that's perfect for hungry groups.
"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
"Bludso’s second location in Santa Monica is organized chaos. People hover by the host stand with that “I want meat and I want it now” look in their eyes. Cartoonishly tall takeout orders pile up on a table near the entrance. Everyone’s drinking bourbon, beer, or iced tea. TVs show sports games and hulking trays of Texas-style BBQ and sides sparkle in the sunshine pouring through the windows. The bark and smoke on the meat here are pretty much scholarly—the original La Brea location is a mainstay on our Best BBQ Guide guide for a reason. Come with a hungry group. " - brant cox, arden shore, sylvio martins, nikko duren
"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, nikko duren, garrett snyder
"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." - Eater Staff
"In terms of inducing public headaches, spliting a check with a giant group is up there with Abercrombie’s cologne. Bludso’s—now with a second location in Santa Monica—makes it easy. Their party tray feeds 15 people, and comes with pounds of brisket, pulled pork, hot links, ribs, whole chicken, and a heap of sides for $360, or $24 per person. Now that we’ve done the math for you, you can focus on the important things, like the fantastic beer selection, or making sure you get a seat facing one of the TVs, so you have something to do when you get stuck between two conversations happening on either side of you. " - Brant Cox
