Mr. Cecil's California Ribs
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: (310) 442-1550
07/04/2007 Posted by happyrembrandt
Ok, I drove past WLA Mr. Cecil's many times, thinking, "who would eat in a shack that looks like it's ready to fall down and the place is probably unclean." Ok, Ok, it's a front for a corrugated-steeled welding shop. If you want to impress a date, it's not it. It's also opposite from my favorite places....Asia de Cuba, The Penthouse, Katusya/Brentwood, Pedal's Cafe, but the food is to die for. Baby back ribs (best "dry-rub" BBQ in LA. Love it w/o any sauces: juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender, meaty, tasty), hush puppies (as good as the best of the deep South w/ a kiss of chili) and the coleslaw (freshest, crispiest, cleanest tasting) are on my "Last Meal" list. Chicken ? Never had one better, but the baby back ribs is extra ordinary !!! Clientele ? Parking lot (too small) is taken-up by RR/BMW/MB. Prices ? It's not a Tony Roma's or a Chili's (though they look better)...nor more expensive WLA BBQ restaurant w/ table cloths and cloth napkins, but it's in WLA and one bite tells you that ingredients are the best. It's ZAGAT rated. Ambience & Service ? Chill out, it's a neighborhood BBQ "joint." Service is on-par w/ the other famous neighborhood BBQ joints. Chill, sit back and just don't be shy to flag a waiter/waitress over...and you'll enjoy the food, the "ambience" and the service. I've been there "in a hurry"...and "to relax and enjoy", but never been disappointed. Tip ? Go early (5-5:30pm, if on Saturday evening) to get easy seating. There are only 4 booths in the middle and few wood tables (the kitchen and serving area is bigger than the seating area). If you've eaten in the "best of the best" throughout the world and US, rated 4 stars to a road-side stands...and appreciate excellent, world-class cuisine in any form, for an honest price...and are a meat lover, you'll like Mr. Cecil's, but this review is from a "dry-rub" BBQ devotee (though, I appreciate a fine wet-BBQ, as well, once in a while...but I like dry-rub, just fine)....Enjoy !
Pros: Best dry-rub BBQ, Hush puppies to die for, Cole slaw, House wine
Cons: Parking, no reservations
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