Alex J.
Yelp
Great BBQ is not that easy to find in California, let alone Los Angeles. I have very, VERY few BBQ spots that I can and do count on every time I visit.
The Smokey Cow has just been added to my list and it should be on your BBQ list too. Hell it should be on just about any foodie list.
I came by just before 6:00pm to ensure I made it because if you follow them on Instagram you'll see they sell out anywhere from up to three hours to sometimes just an hour after opening! When I arrived there were two groups ahead of me and maybe 10 in line as I left.
The Smokey Cow treats everyone like family, everyone is welcome, gets some samples, and is given the best of the best they have.
Tonight I wanted to sample almost everything so I had quite the feast and let me tell you, the prices are insanely great. Everything I ordered below was under $50 which could easily feed 4 people. Of course I'm being extra fat to reward myself tonight so this may last me 2-3 meals.
Brisket - this is my absolute favorite. I asked for 1/4 pound fatty slices and had the first slice as a sample. That bite instantly melted in my mouth, so soft and juicy and seriously like buttah! I could eat a plate of this by itself! The rub is outstanding too, slight kick with heavy herbs and spices but they don't overpower the meat, rather compliment it for a perfect pairing. The smoke ring is on point and the juices run down your mouth and fingers.
Loaded Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork - I initially wanted the pulled pork sandwich but then thought I wouldn't get the mac. Figure the Hawaiian bread can wait so let's go for some loaded mac! The macaroni are tender and soft while the whole mix is gooey and cheesy goodness. That pork though - oh my. Pull apart soft, tender, and immense porky flavor that some pigs may think how the hell did it get so good? But both the mac and pork together? This is a pair that Match.com couldn't even create.
Beef Ribs - I thoroughly enjoyed these. Sadly, the one problem I have is the long wait. I had about a 45 minute wait (drive home, get settled in, prepare to eat etc) so of all the meats I think the beef ribs can't wait that long and not only should, but need to be eaten asap! When they get cold the meat tightens up. BUT the meat was still so soft and juicy, I ordered the fatty portion which for beef ribs I think I will stick to lean next time. Some fat is spot on but, as beef ribs tend to be, some fatty portions are too chewy for my taste. The meat still slid off the bone like magic!
The two sauces are amazing. The regular or sweet sauce is slightly tangy and sour with bold flavors. The spicy though was amazing! The heat really builds and kicks you in the throat but the flavor is smooth and immense especially when paired with the meat. Even better? A BBQdating.com pair with the sweet and spicy bbq sauce. Thank me later.
They also serve plates with a side of kettle chips (can't go wrong) and cabbage slaw which to me was the only let down of the night. It just wasn't a big deal and I could do without unless I toss it in a sandwich.
The Smokey Cow is a must for Friday nights and hopefully more nights of the week soon! You better get there soon and as soon as they start their nights!