Los Angeles has never been known for its barbecues. But that was before Maple Block and its brisket. Daniel Vaughn, the BBQ editor at Texas Monthly, has just declared it to be the best brisket in California… before adding: “California has sunshine and great wine — they’re not supposed to have great brisket, too“. Chef Adam Cole (formerly at Bazaar and Ink) smokes whole animals in Texan-built wooden smokehouses, which might be the reason for this praise. Order a fatty, lean or mixed brisket and pair it with non-carnivorous options: pickle plate, pillowy biscuits with honey butter, and a butternut squash salad. Close your eyes, you can almost hear the cowboys shooting yee-ah.
Style: BBQ
Address: 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 (Culver City)
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:30AM-1PM
Menu: mapleblockmeat.com
Price: Dishes $13-$48
Reservations: 310-313-6328 or Reserve