Ray's Texas Bbq

"It's impossible to mention Ray's in Huntington Park without highlighting the challenges of the family behind it. After founder Rene “Ray” Ramirez passed away unexpectedly in 2022, his wife and children took the lead and kept this strip mall spot's dedication to Texas barbecue alive. Our go-to here is the well-marbled brisket encrusted in pepper and cooked in an oak-powdered cabinet smoker in back—order it by the pound with a side of their sweet-spicy sauce, or get it in the Pitmaster's Sandwich with cheese, slaw, pickles, and a whole roasted jalapeño. The dining room is small, but expect to see utility workers on their lunch break and others subtly undoing a pants button after consuming one too many jalapeño-cheddar sausages." - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren

"Though founder “Ray” Rene Ramirez died in 2022, his memory lives on at his Huntington Park restaurant Ray’s BBQ. Central Texas-style barbecue is Ray’s specialty and is carried out by his family. Load up on meat by the pound with brisket, spare ribs, or pulled pork. The smoky sandwiches are especially juicy and paired perfectly with mac and cheese, barbecued beans, coleslaw, and potato salad." - Mona Holmes, Matthew Kang

"It's impossible to mention Ray's in Huntington Park without highlighting the challenges of the family behind it. After founder Rene “Ray” Ramirez passed away unexpectedly in 2022, his wife and children took the lead and kept this strip mall spot's dedication to Texas barbecue alive. Our go-to here is the well-marbled brisket encrusted in pepper and cooked in an oak-powdered cabinet smoker in back—order it by the pound with a side of their sweet-spicy sauce, or get it in the Pitmaster's Sandwich with cheese, slaw, pickles, and a whole roasted jalapeño. The dining room is small, but expect to see utility workers on their lunch break and others subtly undoing a pants button after consuming one too many jalapeño-cheddar sausages. photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp" - Garrett Snyder

"One of LA’s finest barbecue joints started as a small pellet smoker into a bustling spot called Ray’s Texas BBQ. Texas-style barbecue fans have been loyal for years with lines maneuvering out the door. Though its founding chef Ray Ramirez died one year ago, his sons have since taken over operations. Not only is the brisket on point, but so is the burrito featuring some of that brisket, jalapeño cheddar sausage, and a layer of mac and cheese. Though takeout will help avoid the lines, it’s always best to enjoy each bite while piping hot on the cozy patio." - Eater Staff

"Ray’s BBQ in Huntington Park serves Texas-style smoked meats that rival ones made in the Lone Star state. Here, you’ll eat pulled pork cut to order and an extra-fatty brisket encrusted in black pepper that tastes like it was smooched by a big ol’ pillar of smoke. For those who have spent their formative years planted next to the biggest speaker at raves, there’s a nice breezy patio that’s usually filled with the sounds of children and cars whizzing past. Voices seem to get drowned out by everything else around it, so there’s no need to break a sweat when your friend inevitably starts shouting about their latest traumatic Airbnb experience. " - kat hong