While the best barbecue is found in its native habitat down South, there are places like Mike Mills’ restaurants in Illinois, and to a lesser extent, in Vegas. We can get pretty good examples in Southern California, too. Folks from the Chowhound board held a BBQ taste off two years ago. From the local contenders, I liked the ribs that Sandra brought from Rib Nest. Joe H flew in a Texas ringer: brisket from Black’s in Lockhart, voted as the best cue by a large margin.

My favorite places around these parts are all in Los Angeles. None in Orange County. For example:

Rib Nest: terrific pork ribs served from behind bulletproof glass.
Phillip’s (original Leimert Park location): terrific pork ribs served from behind bulletproof glass.
Woody’s: terrific pork ribs served from behind bulletproof glass.
Bad 2 Da Bone: terrific pork ribs and brisket served from behind bulletproof glass.
Jaybee’s (original location, on Avalon Blvd): terrific beef ribs served from behind bulletproof glass.

I’m led by these observations that your odds of finding great local BBQ increases exponentially at a shop shielded behind thick, ballistic acrylic. Try these and draw your own conclusions:

Rib Nest
1766 W. El Segundo Blvd.
Gardena, CA
310-329-6378

Phillip’s
4307 Leimert Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
323-292-7613
and
2619 S. Crenshaw Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

Woody’s
3446 Slauson
Los Angeles
323-294-9443
and
475 S. Market St.
Inglewood, CA
310-672-4200

Bad 2 Da Bone
4565 W. Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
310-671-6600

Jaybees BBQ
15915 S. Avalon Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
310-515-9221