03/08/03

Disappointing

by chrisnrich

We went in with high expectations. Woody's was recommended by friends and we had heard of the reputation - the best barbecue in LA. Well, if this is the best barbecue in LA then I'm moving to Memphis.

While we enjoyed the rich, smoky flavor of the beef tips and chicken, the ribs were too moist - almost stewed, and the links had too much filler. The sauce was tangy but could have used a little heat, nothing special really.

Woodys is OK barbecue, but we were expecting mind-blowing barbecue, especially considering how expensive it was. If somebody bought it for us, we would eat it, but we're not spending our own money again.

• Pros: parking, Friendly
• Cons: Expensive, Not all that great

05/24/09

First Impression Disappointment

by Lucinesse

I have lived in Leimert Park near Woody's Bar-B-Que for over a decade, finally I tried to test their food and when I placed a phone call to check on today's menu, I was treated with the utmost rudeness and lack of courtesy.

It is incredible to think that during such tough economic times any business owner and their representatives would treat a neighbour in this manner.

I took my business to Mr. Cecil' s in West Los Angeles, where the phone service was not only outstanding, but they took my order and advised that my order would be ready in 15 minutes. They were quite nice when I requested they delay their promptness to at least 30 minutes since due to the distance, I needed time to run down the 10 FWY to pick up my dinner for celebration of Memorial Day.

In the future, I hope the Woody's Bar-B-Que organization take the time to polish their customer service skills and their treatment of new potential customers.

• Pros: Near my house
• Cons: Poor telephone service and treatment of customers

12/13/08

Improving

by MyriamS

I first tried Woody's in 1991. My boyfriend at that time and I went and picked up some BBQ there , yuck ,yuck and more yuck I did not like it at all. I tried it again years later and it was still not good to me . Two

weeks ago my hubby brought some home and the ribs were screaming the links slamming and the cobbler alright. I am going to try them again. The tender ribs and the spicy links were so seasoned to perfection.

• Pros: The area is very seedy.
• Cons: Nice employees and great links.

11/06/08

The Nastiest BBQ I have ever had......EVER

by laylahlauree

I live in the North Bay of California, but I visit L.A often. On this particular visit I really wanted some BBQ. I was driving down Labrea on my way to Yogurtland when low and behold a BBQ spot called Woody's. I pulled into the parking lot whipped out my laptop and Googled the establishment. There were a lot of good things said about the resturaunt so I said "hay I'll give them try". Why didn't I save my money. When I got into the resturaunt I started asking the cook questions on how their food was prepared, he said "your not from out here", I said no I'm from the North Bay, he said "don't trip cause our BBQ is better than any Flints or Everts and Jones" (which along with CJ's BBQ, Bobby's Cajun BBQ, and Lucilles BBQ are some of the best in the Bay), I said " I can't wait to taste this". I could have waited two or three life times and I would have been happy if I never would have tried this food. The BBQ was very salty and that includes the meat and the sauce, and it wasn't vey tender. The potatoe salad was gross and tasted like it came from a container you would buy at a grocery sore, the beans just sucked, they were salty and tart, and the peach cobler was the worst I have EVER tasted it was tart, I mean hello peach cobler should be al least a little sweet. If they want to know how to make a REAL peach cobler they should holla at Mrs.Wilkins(my Mom), Mr.Edwards(my father in law), House of Soul in Vallejo,CA, Nelly's Soul Food Kitchen in Oakland, CA or any of the BBQ joints I listed above. So Overall the food was horrible and so salty I couldn't really eat it. So before they stake the claim of being the best, they should really try the rest becase any place I listed on this reveiw taste a million times better than Woody's. Take my advice save your money.

• Pros: The cashier was nice
• Cons: The food is way to salty.

02/08/08

Friendly service and quality meat

by burbank_joe

Friendly service and quality meat. I just wish there were more smoke on the meat. Unlike some posts, I saw and smelled the smoke from the brick chimney at La Brea in Inglewood location and wondered why more wasn't on the sliced beef I had ordered. Mac Salad was great and I'll try the chicken or ribs with slaw next time. Service was exceptionally good and the place was very clean.

• Pros: Clean, friendly, quality/fresh food
• Cons: need more smoke on the meat

10/31/07

It is real Bar-B-Que and I know it. I saw the smoke and the pit

by jimnwashington

I know Bar-B-Que and I really liked the place. Who ever wrote the review about no smoke wasn't where I was. I ate at the Ranco Cucamonga location and I not only smelled the smoke but was invited in to see the pit. It is done with Red Oak and that is that. The meat was tender and smokey. I have lived in Memphis and Nashville and trust me I eat Bar-B-Que everywhere and it is good. I prefer vinegar base the best with red peper, however their sause was good. The best corn on the cob I have out in years. The slaw was the best.

Yes, I love dry, wet, and the greatest is white pulled pork.

I perfer to eat my barbque with a sause that will make you head sweat. I am going to go for the catfish next. The people there were the best as well.

• Pros: Great price and fresh food. The people were the nicest.
• Cons: Not a fancy place, but most real good Bar-B-Que isn't

09/17/07

Just not BBQ

by rioone

It's not that the flavor is bad...for what it is. It's just that the name say's Bar-B-Que but it does not even come close to being BBQ. The only thing their food and BBQ have in common is that they start with meat...well I guess Woody?s uses meat.

06/25/07

nice food, but please read..........

by sushiuniverse

I cook real southern BBQ and have eaten the best...from Kreutz Market, Louis Mueller, Salt Lick, Iron Works (Texas), to Gates in K.C, to Wilber's and Piggy Park in S. Carolina, to Skyline in N. Carolina...Dreamland in Alabama to Rendevous and Cozy Corner in Memphis. I know BBQ. Ok, first question about Woody's....where is the huge woodpile? Look for it...where is it? BBQ is one thing and one thing only....cooking with HOT SMOKE FROM WOOD in an enclosed cooker...period. I love grilled meat, but it's not BBQ. I love boiled and broiled meat..it's not BBQ. Most places bake their meat, and then finish it on a grill with a ton of sauce that disguises the un-BBQed meat. Most joints you come across do this. If you are serving lunch and dinner, you are using, at minimum, 3-4 shopping carts full of wood a day, everyday. WHERE IS THE WOOD. I'm sorry, but you have been hoodwinked, conned, cheated. Another question...why is there no smoke comming from a chimney...ever? *waiting*...yup, not BBQ, in any way. Ask to see their smoker.....if they dare to open the door on it...why, there is no smoke coming out....suprise! I can't take my visiting southern relatives to any of these joints, except JR's, because they get downright offended, and let it be known. If you really like Woody's (and Phillips), then by all means, go there. I might suggest you try JR's on La Cienega, just south of Washington In Culver City. Then you will know... Real smoked meat and sauce that is not candy-sweet. REAL Memphis BBQ. ....thank me later, friends :-)

• Pros: generally nice folks and yummy side dishes...love the slaw.
• Cons: this is not BBQ...no wood..where's the woodpile? Where's the smoke? Well???

03/28/07

Absolutely the best!

by kymigirl

I love,love, love this place. This is handsdown the best bar-b-que. I haven't lived in the area for about 6 years but whenever I am on this side of town I make it a point to pick up food from Woody's.

• Pros: Great food and VERY reasonable
• Cons: side items (i.e. potatoe salad) are a little suspect

08/17/06

That sweet-smoky smell attracts hordes of barbecue lovers to this hole-in-the-wall takeout shop.

by Contributor

The Scene
Just a block away from the corner of Slauson and Crenshaw, this takeout-only shop is smack-dab in a commercial neighborhood. Casually dressed local folks line up to place their orders at an orange Formica counter. Peeling paint, a worn, red linoleum floor and white plastic lawn chairs complete the no-frills decor.

The Food
Serving up standard but solid fare, the main surprise at this barbecue shop is that the pork ribs are the least tasty item on the menu; they're far too fatty. Beef ribs are less fatty and have a nice, lightly charred exterior. The real winner here are the links, both beef and chicken. They're well spiced, sliced sausage, covered in just the right amount of tangy sauce. Sides like potato salad and greens tend to be bland, but the classically prepared baked beans are a standout. Quench your thirst with the traditional strawberry or grape soda.

08/04/06

Best barbeque in the city, Avoid during rush hour

by captainmidnight

I've been telling people about Woody's for years. Whenever I have the tast for barbeque I head south for this establishment. While the neighborhood is not the best, I've never had any problems and have seen all races there. On New Years, we always get one of there trays which lasts three to four days. The prices are excellent. Parking is poor during rush hour because street parking is limited. Call in your order and usually it'll be ready for you except for holidays because the place is generally packed. but believe me, the wait is worth it.