Kara Bala BBQ

Barbecue area · Tujunga

Kara Bala BBQ

Barbecue area · Tujunga

1

6642 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042

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Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null
Kara Bala BBQ by null

Highlights

Juicy, flavorful charcoal-grilled kebabs in lavash wraps  

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6642 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042 Get directions

instagram.com
@kara_bala_kebab_bbq

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6642 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042 Get directions

+1 318 808 0008
instagram.com
@kara_bala_kebab_bbq

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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This Roadside Stand Serves the Best Grilled Armenian Skewers in LA - Eater LA

"Kara Bala, operated by Ruben Danielyan, offers Armenian-style barbecue skewers (khorovats) from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The stand is located in front of an auto repair shop and serves five meat options: lule, chicken breast, lamb, cubed beef steak, and pork, all grilled over charcoal and served in lavash with parsley, onions, and sauces. The meats are described as juicy and flavorful, with a simple yet satisfying preparation. Sandwiches cost $15 and come with a choice of soda or water." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2024/5/21/24161876/kara-bala-khorovats-armenian-grilled-meat-skewers-sandwiches-los-angeles-tujunga
View Postcard for Kara Bala BBQ

Bklove Kim

Google
This local kabob place is a must-try! The meat quality is excellent, and this guys knows how to grill it perfectly on a charcoal grill. The sauce and everything else is flavorful, and I always enjoy my meal. The price for this quality is so reasonable! After hitting the USA gym, I always grab some protein from here.😁

Tadeh Amirkhani

Google
Deliciously Made Barbecue right by USA gym they’re there until late it’s 9pm I just picked up my sandwich. Amazing bravo apres

Andrey Z

Google
Great food. Great service. Open til midnight. Finally some healthy late night eats. Hands down best kebabs in town

Hak

Google
The best BBQ ever I tried in LA 👌🏻

Arsen Grigoryan

Google
Nice staff, delicious food👍

Michael Kenton Schultz

Google
Amazing kebab! Excellent chicken that’s well marinated. Highly recommend!

КАРПИС БАГДАСАРЯН

Google
Excellent food. Super delicious meats with great sauce pairings. Open til midnight

Steven Tehrani

Google
My top 3 kabobs in Los Angeles and the United States and I have had a lot of kabob

Vick K.

Yelp
The Food here is so Darn good! Had a late night craving for kebab and glad I came across Kara Bala! I ordered the Luleh and my wife ordered the Pork. The meats are Juicy and tender very well seasoned and you get a lot for what you pay for when it comes to kebab sold on the street. The setup is pretty cool for a small little setup these guys are hustling and busting out order after order. Their counter top where they prep their food is clean and Lit very well making it very enjoyable. Customer service is great too! Definitely will be back to try the rest. I'd suggest calling in your order. Tip***They accept cash and Zelle only.
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Gary I.

Yelp
Kara Bala BBQ is a stand in the parkway facing Foothill Boulevard in front of what used to be Image Auto where Hamlet & his father fixed my cars. I went at 5:30pm on a Thursday when there was no wait.  A pleasant bearded man with limited English comprehension but more than enough to take an order told me 10 minutes when I ordered the lamb. He threaded pieces of lamb brined in what looks like salt & red paprika powder on to a metal skewer.  Then put the lamb meat over smoldering mesquite charcoal which infused a very delicate smokiness. Meat is moist with a good meaty chaw. Lamb was mild & didn't have gaminess.  Biggest Lavash flatbread that was leathery, extremely thin, airy yet had strong enough tensile strength to hold the inside food without breaking open.  He placed the lamb, chopped cilantro, thin sliced onions, squirt of possibly herbed aïoli. Then he rolled the Lavash like a Sushi roll.  Portion is rather large and would make for a more than decent meal. There is a slight pleasant burn from chiles that slowly sneaks up on you. Includes a drink. I chose Classic Coke in a 7oz can.  Definitely a 4 star street food experience which may hark back to Yerevan. Open from 5pm-2am. It would make for a great late night snack.
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Keith J.

Yelp
Ambiance? It's a tiny booth on a busy Boulevard. Service? Two gruff busy guys trying to keep up with continuous orders. But the food?? OMG so tender And flavorful Just delicious. they didn't mention that tahini would be in the wrap but they did mention jalapeño, onion and cilantro. I was trying to avoid tahini because it pools at the bottom of the wrap and leaks through. (which it did, completely drenching my shirt). But it was the perfecf combo of flavors. I had chicken and lamb. The chicken was tender melt in your mouth. I applaud that because too often chicken kababs aren't as tender as they should be. But these guys know exactly how to cook their chicken. The lamb was tender and I couldn't stop eating it. Enough said there. You get a drink with your sandwich. They only have Coke, Sprite and water. They could expand this to a diet drink option and maybe a fuzzy water to service their customers a bit better, especially the diabetic ones like me. The one star knock was because of the drink, the lack of smiles and the paucity of drink choices. But it is a strong four star rating for two of the best kabobs I've had in years in LA.
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W W.

Yelp
Fantastic! What a revelation! We stumbled on this gem, absolutely wonderful food. We will be back!

Anahit H.

Yelp
My absolute favorite spot for kebabs and bbq. The meat is always tender, juicy and full of flavor. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make it an even better experience. I keep coming back for that unbeatable taste and would recommend everyone to try it.
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Maggie L.

Yelp
Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 I would gatekeep this place if I could. Absolutely fantastic every single time. Once you get your kebab it may look like there's not much food, but I get pretty full just 3/4 of the way! I've tried the Lula Beef, Beef, Pork and Lamb. They are all delicious. If you like lamb, get the lamb. My most recent order was a little chewy, but still tasted delicious. The lula was so juicy, i cried from how unbelievable it is, and the vegetables are so evenly spread out. It takes about 10 minutes for them to get 2 kebabs out, and I say it tastes better with a side of coca cola! MUST come!!
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Richard B.

Yelp
You have to really search for Kara Bala BBQ but it is definitely worth the trouble. These are honesly the tastiest kebobs I have ever tasted. Do yourself a favor and head to Kara Bala.
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Melissa M.

Yelp
I wish I would have never stopped here. It's right on Foothill on my way home. I knew it was going to be trouble when the scruffy guy behind me just needed to waive his hand from his fancy Cadillac and the guys knew his order. "Chicken". We got beef lule. The guys seemed to be passionately arguing about the right time to take them off the grill. Yes, I wanted mine with everything. What is everything? No idea. Some spicy some garlicky some red and white sauces squirted into the lavash they're rolling your kebab in. And adding a green onion. Fantastic. Heavenly. Perfect mix of flavors. The problem is that it is too expensive to stop by and get every night on the way home from work.
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Nick D.

Yelp
We were in the mood for some late night munchies after a long days work. Fast food is it something we are into at all. Our favorite Street Taco spot by Harbor Freight and Pet Smart next to the Foothill Foodmart was not there that day. We drove down Foothill Blvd and saw Kara Bala BBQ. Essentially Street Shish Kabob. There was a large group of people on the side of the road eating sandwiches. We thought well it's packed, let's give it a shot. We were Blown Away at how good this Armenian khorovats spot was. Ruben & Co Grilled the BBQ while we waited. Once the meat was cooked he confirmed the Shish Kabob rarity. I had mine medium well, my wife asked for well done. He rolled out 2 fresh pieces of Lavash Bread and added greens and some jalapeños with some really taste sauces. He wrapped the sandwich up which came with a choice of soda. We had them in the car and they were super taste! I've hit this place up 3 times in the last 2 weeks. I also tried the Luleh Kabob which was excellent. There menu is pretty simple, all wraps Chicken Kabob Beef Kabob Lamb Kabob Pork Kabob (Shoulder Cut) Luleh Kabob Topped with your choice of Veggies. FRESH FRESH FRESH
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Andrew S.

Yelp
Placed a phone order for a chicken wrap. The order was ready within 10 minutes. I was a little wary walking up to the stand as it was just a bunch of big guys standing together, but they were polite. The wrap itself was very good. Chicken was juicy and tasty and there were some bell peppers and a tahini sauce. The wrap was quite long and thin as well - imagine a churro on roids. I was satisfied with the food, but I wouldn't say it's the best chicken I've ever had but I'd be down to visit again to try a different meat.
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Bill F.

Yelp
This is the best kebab I've ever had. Went with some friends and got to try the chicken, pork, and lula. All were great, but I thought the pork was exceptional. Worth the drive and will def be coming back.
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Ron P.

Yelp
Honest guys grilling honest kabobs. Over real charcoal--the way kabobs are meant to be cooked--not some restaurant kitchen gas stove. Open late (until midnight, I was told) for your convenience. They serve chicken, beef, lamb, and lula (ground meat), each for $15 (as of this review), and it includes a soda. I ordered three different kinds, and with the amount of food I got, I honestly don't know how these guys make any money! I hope they stick around and do well. Tip: Call ahead so your food is ready when you arrive
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Anne C.

Yelp
Delicious, juicy, and flavorful. I had the Lula, but I'm excited to try the different meat options. Highly recommend. The photos don't do it justice.

Patrik K.

Yelp
The fastest and best 15$ you can spend on food these days. So fresh, so tasty. Quick and easy and delicious.
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Chae L.

Yelp
We're back again! Trying the meat beef today. All the meats are grilled over charcoal, adding that smokey flavor. Smells good, tastes better

Joe S.

Yelp
Delicious sandwiches and always efficient. Would def recommend for anyone looking for a fast bite to eat.
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A G.

Yelp
Words can't describe how mouth watering the food is here. I usually get the mild chicken but the spicy chicken is also amazing. The first time I tried Kara Bala, I actually almost teared up because it is so rare now for food to taste SO GOOD. I will be back every week I can't get enough and I applaud these guys for the food they make. I can't express it enough ITS SOOO SO SO SO GOOD I PROMISE!!! I also want to add that when I eat here, the food is so easily digested. You don't feel bad/bloated after you eat. It is such a healthy alternative compared to the junk you find at fast food spots.
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angie s.

Yelp
When I first saw this humble little stand next to the USA Gym, I thought, how is this guy going to compete with all these other kabob places in town? And then I saw the Eater LA article and I thought I gotta try it! Well that was the best idea ever because Kara Bala's kabobs are next level!! The meat is juicy and delicious. The sauces are divine. The lavash is nicely thin and soft. It is truly perfection.
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Faraaz K.

Yelp
Excellent, well priced, high quality. Worth trying. The skewers are all cooked over charcoal and it makes a world of difference. No frills, and absolutely worth supporting.

Karen K.

Yelp
Give 5 star review for a delicious kabob and khorovats. Thank you guys !!! You can also call them and skip the line.

Kristen B.

Yelp
Wooooowww. I wasn't certain a perfect sandwich wrap existed...until now. The attention to detail in the preparation and grilling of the meats and the balance of the dressings is unparalleled. Everyone needs to hit up these guys and their fabulous kebab bbq stand. 5 stars, would give more if I could. Worth the trip and the $!

David F.

Yelp
Some of the best tasting kabobs throughout all of Southern California, period. Simple menu, five different meats in a lavash wrap with sauces, cilantro and onions. My favorite is the Lula Beef. Very well seasoned. You can call ahead and order. Owners are very nice.

Richard B.

Yelp
This is by far the best kebob around. I couldn't stop thinking about how good it was. I just wish they were open a little earlier. We need a sit-down restaurant for Kara Bala. Let's go!

Narek H.

Yelp
Very good place super good try this please if you want the best jokes and barbecue come here so good made my mouth water try This.

Jocelyn T.

Yelp
Great and fresh tasting.. Feel like homemade.. The owners are very friendly.. My new favorite spot.. The meats are so juicy... I'll take this over masis kebab..
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Jorge V.

Yelp
Amazing! The best kebab wrap i have ever eaten. I can't wait to go back. Friendly guy aswell. I'm craving more right now. Simply the best !

Charles P.

Yelp
Just wow.... Absolutely delicious! I got the Lula kebab and was blown away by how well seasoned the meat was. By far the best Lula kebab I've had and the charcoal flavor to add was the cherry on top. Definitely looking forward to coming back and trying more of their menu :)

Vic T.

Yelp
Kara Bala is hands down one of the best kebab spots in LA. The Lule kebab was absolutely incredible--juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The pork kebab was just as impressive, with a fantastic BBQ flavor that comes from their use of a charcoal grill. The combination of onions, parsley, and their spicy sauce all wrapped in lavash bread was the perfect complement to the meats. Everything was cooked to perfection and super flavorful. This place is a true gem, and if you're a kebab lover, you need to try it. Fantastic all around!
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Steven T.

Yelp
Drove an hour for this place on a friend's recommendation. I would say the best items here are the Lula and the grilled chicken as they are tender, tasty, juicy, and seasoned amazing! I recommend trying everything everyone has different taste and his food is amazing! The service was awesome and everything came with a free soda.
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Andrey Z.

Yelp
Best BBQ in LA! I eat here 3-5 times a week. The chicken and kebab are my favorite. Highly recommend checking it out. Order in person or over the phone. Cash or Zelle
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Eli B.

Yelp
The food is amazing and the friendly service is fantastic! You cannot beat this place for a healthy, great tasting, late night food run.

Gabriel M.

Yelp
Meat Beef is goated. Best post gym spot for a late night bite. 10/10 meat beef every time. Meat beef

Arsen G.

Yelp
Place is fire. Fast convenient and good food. Cant go wrong picking up from here ever.

Thomas L.

Yelp
I tried so many kabobs and this is hands down the best kabob I've ever had. This place is such a gem and I highly recommend everyone to try this place. Great people and amazing service!

Azad G.

Yelp
Food was amazing made the meat after I ordered it and was very good was about asking me how I want it and what I would like in my sandwich. Will definitely be going there again.

Calum W.

Yelp
Delicious. Fresh. Win for Tujunga! This review needs 85 characters apparently so here you go Yelp.
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Kevin S.

Yelp
Amazing Spot to get a quick bite to eat. This guy has super fresh meat and marinates them himself, I've never had a juicier kabob wrap anywhere else. This place is open super late and always consistent with flavor.

C M.

Yelp
Very tasty chicken kebab with onion cilantro and bell peppers wrapped in lavash! Looking forward to returning for more good eats!****

David S.

Yelp
such a perfect La street vendor experience, they definitely have the best kabobs around, worth the drive just for the smells

Tina G.

Yelp
Hands down one of the best Kabob wraps I've ever had. The marinations is delicious, a must have!