The Ultimate Barbecue Guide
By Mar Yvette, Smokin' Senior Editor
Whether you feel like a backyard BBQ, beachside bonfire or down-home restaurant experience, we've got your ultimate guide to grilling this summer.
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Santa Monica Seafood
1205 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Don't slap the same old salmon on the barbie: Head to this unpretentious yet seriously gourmet market for pristine, iced slabs of daily fresh catches. -
Bel Air Prime Meats
2964 N Beverly Glen Cir, Los Angeles, CA
Lifestyles of the rich and famous--in addition to the usual assortment of steaks, poultry and seafood, grab some marinated kabobs, ribs made fresh daily and homemade sausages at this old-school, old-money market. -
Fish King
722 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA
Fanatical about fish? Get rare varieties flown in from Hawaii and Fiji plus sashimi-grade ahi tuna, albacore and yellowtail--as well as gourmet game, pastas and Hawaiian specialties--at this Glendale go-to spot. -
Santa Monica Main Street Farmers' Market
2600 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA
Lest you think carnivores are the only ones who can grill, stop by this dynamic bazaar for farm fresh peppers, corn on the cob, heirloom tomatoes and other animal-free provisions to go with your tofu steaks. -
Beef Palace Butcher Shop
5895 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
If you're planning a BBQ at Huntington Beach, make sure to stop by this nearby chop shop first for informed service and loads of beefed-up grill options. -
Nijiya Market
124 Japanese Village Plz Mall, Los Angeles, CA
Have more of a global grilling sensibility? Find fresh fish and lots of exotic veggies at this popular Japanese market in the heart of Little Tokyo. -
Hollywood Farmers' Market
1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Be easy like Sunday morning and stroll along this popular spot for local produce, bread and other organic edibles perfect for grilling or as side dishes.
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Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Did you know that barbecue pits are provided free of charge at this sprawling paradise of trees, hills and hiking trails? Well, they are ... so get cooking! -
Huntington Beach
21700 to 22500 blocks of PCH, Huntington Beach, CA
This famed O.C. beach is one of the few SoCal spots with bonfire pits that are yours for the taking all night long--grab a bundle of wood at the concession stand and grill till the sun goes down. All with an ocean view. -
Wilderness Park
10999 Little Lake Rd, Downey, CA
Bring your own BBQ grill or make use of the handful of small pits at this spacious park--just don't be surprised if the ducks and geese invite themselves over for a few crumbs. -
Whittier Narrows Reigonal Park Grounds
823 Lexington-Gallatin Road, South El Monte, CA
No need to stop at the market first. Catch your own fish and then throw it on the barbie at this 1,500-acre park that has its own fishing lake (and golf course and archery range and BMX biking track and dog sports field and ... you get the picture.) -
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA
Do like the locals do and head out to this sparkly not-so-touristy beach where the water is clean and the grilling is good. -
El Dorado Park
2800 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA
With more than 388 acres, this spacious Long Beach park is a natural for outdoor grilling--just remember, the barbecue pits here are first come, first served. -
Dockweiler Beach
Imperial Hwy and Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA
Just south of Marina Del Rey, this is one of the few L.A. County beaches with firepits and barbecue pits.
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Baby Blues Bar-B-Q
444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA
Step right up and grab your spot in line--this Venice favorite is where folks go for good old-fashioned Carolina soul food. -
Woody's Bar-B-Que
3446 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Sure, this place is a hole in the wall, but who cares when the food's this good? The sweet-smoky smell attracts hordes of barbecue lovers to this laidback takeout shop. -
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas Bar-B-Que
8136 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA
Is there a doctor in the house? You just might need one after indulging in the "Flintstones"-sized slabs of sweet, saucy meat at this Van Nuys cheap-eats landmark. -
Robin's Wood Fire BBQ & Grill
395 N Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Get saucy at this Southern-style barbecue where the meats are hickory-smoked for hours and the mashed potatoes, onion rings and coleslaw are the perfect partners. -
Bear Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant
10825 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA
Who says things don't get better with age? Since 1954, slow-cooked, Missouri-style barbecue and famed garlic toast have been the hallmarks of this sawdust-floored family restaurant. -
Phillips Bar-B-Que
4307 Leimert Blvd Ste 3, Los Angeles, CA
The lean, meaty ribs, savory sliced beef and crisp-skinned links are why legions swear by this divey but delicious Leimert Park Village barbecue joint. -
Zeke's Smokehouse BBQ
2209 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA
There's a reason L.A. diners make the trek to this family-style Montrose barbecue joint--smoky meats that pack a punch. -
Jay Bee's House of Fine Bar-B-Que
15915 S Avalon Blvd, Gardena, CA
This tiny takeout shack in the warehouse hinterland between Gardena and Compton is where barbecue pilgrims order smoky meat drenched in sauce (available in three grades of hot).
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Bondi BBQ
46 Windward Ave, Venice, CA
Take your tastebuds Down Under at this Australian-style barbecue joint in Venice Beach. -
Chosun Galbee Restaurant
3330 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
DIY culinary spirit lives strong at this upscale Korean barbecue. -
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining
163 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA
Do-it-yourself Japanese barbecue gets a hip makeover at this jaunty Japanese import. -
Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Smoke gets in your eyes: Faithful diners swoon over spicy Korean barbecue served in dark, smoke-filled rooms at this K-Town favorite.
