Los Angeles is a city with a diverse food scene, and one dish that has gained popularity over the years is spare ribs. Whether you're a local or a tourist, there's no better way to experience the city's culinary delights than by sinking your teeth into some succulent ribs.
From classic barbecue joints to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to satisfy your craving for this mouthwatering dish.
When it comes to spare ribs, the preparation and cooking process can vary greatly depending on the restaurant. Some places go for a dry rub, while others prefer a saucy glaze.
There are also variations in the type of wood used for smoking, the length of cooking time, and the seasoning. All of these factors contribute to the unique flavor and texture of each restaurant's spare ribs, making it exciting to try different places and compare.
If you're a fan of spare ribs, you'll want to know where to find the best of the best. Luckily, Los Angeles has no shortage of amazing spots to indulge in this beloved dish.
Whether you're in the mood for something classic and straightforward or something more experimental and adventurous, you're sure to find a place that fits the bill. So, without further ado, let's explore some of the best places for spare ribs in Los Angeles.
1. Bludso's Bar & Que
Bludso's Bar & Que is a Texan BBQ joint that serves up some of the best ribs in town. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a perfect char on the outside.
The hot link sausage and beef brisket are also highly recommended, as are the collard greens and mac & cheese sides.
The service is friendly and attentive, making for an enjoyable dining experience. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the quality of the food makes it worth it.
Whether dining in or taking out, Bludso's Bar & Que is a great spot for BBQ lovers.
2. The Park's Finest
Looking for some delicious spare ribs with a unique Filipino twist in a cozy atmosphere with great service and affordable pricing in LA, then look no further than The Park's Finest.
Their coconut beef and cornbread bibingka are a must-try, and the hot links and mac and cheese are also worth a taste.
The pulled pork, tri-tip, and riblets are juicy and mouth-watering, and the Gouda mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. The Wednesday special is also something to look forward to, and the short ribs are a must-order.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the space is perfect for large groups. Don't miss out on this unique and delicious BBQ restaurant.
3. Max City BBQ
Max City BBQ is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. Their menu offers a variety of meats, from pork to brisket and chicken, but the standout dish is their finger-licking good baby back ribs.
The sides are equally impressive, with the cucumber salad and baked beans being particularly noteworthy.
Although they don't offer cocktails, their selection of beer and wine is small but satisfying. The atmosphere is simple and industrial, but the focus is on the food, which is outstanding.
The service is friendly and efficient, making for a pleasant dining experience. For anyone in the area looking for authentic Texas BBQ, Max City BBQ is the place to go.
4. Bo Daddy's BBQ
Looking for the best spare ribs in town, look no further than Bo Daddy's BBQ.
This unfussy smokehouse serves up delicious BBQ meat platters and sandwiches, with down-home side dishes.
The ribs are tender and full of flavor, while the BBQ sauce is simply fire.
The owner runs the place solo, but the wait is well worth it. Don't miss out on this hidden gem.
5. BIG ANT'S BBQ
BIG ANT'S BBQ is a must-try for anyone craving some delicious spare ribs. The meat is tender and juicy, falling off the bone with each bite.
The sauces and sides are equally delicious, making for a well-rounded meal.
The staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience even better. The prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are generous.
Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a tasty meal, BIG ANT'S BBQ is definitely worth a visit.
6. Moo's Craft Barbecue
Moo's Craft Barbecue is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves spare ribs. The meat is cooked to perfection and is incredibly tender and juicy.
The barbecue sauce is the perfect accompaniment and has a nice spicy kick to it.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a great selection of local craft beers on tap.
The service is friendly and efficient, making for a great dining experience. Prices are a bit steep, but the quality of the food and service make it well worth it.
7. L.A. Brisket
L.A. Brisket is a meat-lovers smokehouse that serves up delicious BBQ favorites.
Their baby back ribs and brisket bowl are must-try items on the menu. The sides, especially the sweet potato fries, are crispy and juicy.
The service is fantastic and the staff is friendly and helpful. The environment is suitable for enjoying the flavorful food.
Although the brisket can sometimes be too salty, overall, L.A. Brisket is a great spot for satisfying your BBQ cravings.
8. Korea BBQ House
Korea BBQ House is a Korean barbecue restaurant that serves mouth-watering spare ribs.
The meat is cooked to perfection on a hot plate and comes out sizzling and smoking. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable.
The atmosphere is calm and the wait staff is friendly.
The restaurant follows pandemic guidelines and outdoor seating is available. The food is delicious and definitely worth a try.
9. RibTown BBQ
If you're looking for finger-licking good spare ribs, RibTown BBQ is the place to be. Their rib tips are incredibly tender and juicy, and the sauce is on the sweeter side.
But that's not all – their homemade potato salad and perfectly cooked baked beans are a must-try.
And if you're feeling adventurous, go for the brisket/pulled pork/hot links sandwich. It's top-tier stuff.
The only downside is that they're not open often enough. But if you can catch them, it's worth it for the amazing food and friendly service.
10. Seorae BBQ
Seorae BBQ is a Korean restaurant that serves delicious spare ribs. The combo meal, which includes the ribs, soontofu stew, and side dishes, is a great value for the price.
Customers can choose from three different flavors of ribs: spicy, soy sauce, and salt. The portion size is generous and the food is not too salty.
The kimchi chigae combo is also recommended. The restaurant has a divider on each table, which is a nice touch. While the BBQ is just okay and contains a bit too much MSG, the other dishes are amazing.
The price is reasonable for the quality of food. The restaurant is new and used to be Tano's bar. It's a great place for dinner and drinks.
11. Chin's Teriyaki BBQ Chicken
Looking for a delicious meal that won't break the bank in terms of price or time spent waiting for your food to be ready to eat, then visit Chin's Teriyaki BBQ Chicken.
This small hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves up some of the best spare ribs you'll ever taste, along with a variety of other menu items.
The food is well-prepared and full of flavor, and the service is fast and efficient.
While the seating area is limited, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. So if you're in the mood for some great spare ribs, this is the place to go!
12. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a great place for delicious spare ribs. The meat is fresh and of good quality.
The bistro hanger steak is a must-try if you're looking for a unique flavor. The service is excellent and the staff is friendly.
The restaurant has a clean and spacious interior. The happy hour deal on Saturdays is a great value for money.
The prices are reasonable and worth it for the quality of food and service. The restaurant is highly recommended for those who love Japanese barbecue.
13. APL Restaurant
APL Restaurant is a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. The restaurant offers exceptional service and an impressive selection of dishes that will leave anyone satisfied.
The beef ribs, brisket, game hen, and ribeye steak are all cooked to perfection, and the braised greens, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy are just as delicious.
The restaurant's patio seating is perfect for a relaxing meal, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
APL Restaurant is a top-notch choice for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience.
14. UncleDaddy BBQ
UncleDaddy BBQ is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. The meat is tender and flavorful with a perfect smoky taste.
The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the beef links are spicy but not too hot.
The sides are also excellent, especially the barbecue beans which are a must-try. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
If you're looking for a great barbecue restaurant, UncleDaddy BBQ is the perfect choice.
15. Slab
Slab is a classic BBQ joint that serves up some of the best spare ribs in town. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy ribs that are bursting with flavor.
The brisket is another standout dish that is smoked to perfection and served with a variety of classic sides.
The sauces are solid, but the meat is so good that you won't need them. The restaurant has a modern setting that is perfect for enjoying a casual meal with friends and family.
Whether you're a die-hard BBQ fan or just looking for a great meal, Slab is definitely worth a visit.
16. Smoke City Char Bar
Smoke City Char Bar is a must-visit for spare rib lovers. The beef tri-tip and baby back ribs are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
The sides are also a standout, with the burnt ends mac and cheese stealing the show.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is new and inviting. Plus, the late opening hours make it a great spot for a late-night dinner.
Don't miss out on this delicious barbecue restaurant and cocktail bar.
17. Phillips Bar-B-Que
Phillips Bar-B-Que is a popular take-out spot that serves up delicious Southern-style dishes.
While there's no seating available, customers keep coming back for their mouth-watering BBQ ribs and brisket. The meat is smoked with real wood and served in generous portions.
Their BBQ sauce is a must-try and complements the meat perfectly. The corn on the cob is a simple yet perfect side dish.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, even offering to carry out orders to customers' cars. If you're looking for some authentic Southern BBQ, Phillips Bar-B-Que is the place to go.
18. Mom's Bar-B-Q
Looking for finger-licking good spare ribs in town, look no further than Mom's Bar-B-Q.
This no-frills take-out shack serves up hearty portions of ribs that are tender and flavorful.
While the service is quick and professional, the prices are a little steep, but it's worth it in the end.
Don't forget to try their amazing peach cobbler and sweet potato pie for dessert. Mom's Bar-B-Q is a must-try for anyone craving delicious BBQ in the area.
19. The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant
Located in a rustic setting, The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant offers slow-smoked spare ribs that are a must-try.
Accompanied by traditional sides and served by friendly staff, this place is perfect for a casual family dinner or a quick lunch with friends. The meat is well-cooked and falls right off the bone, leaving a delicious smoky flavor in your mouth.
The menu has a wide variety of choices, including beef ribs and short ribs. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
The decor is simple and nostalgic, giving a classic vibe to the place. Whether you're a BBQ lover or just looking for a good meal, The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant won't disappoint.
