Best dry rub brisket and ribs on the Westside…. Smoked low & slow ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Nelson
To start we were greeted by the store owner/manager, and then we were instantly seated with no wait. Food was amazing! Highly recommend 1/4 ILB for a single person. Overall great costumer service. There are sports on the TVs and a giant window to people watch and check cars out of. Near the beach aswell so great stop!
This place is amazing! Their loaded fries are delicious. Fries are perfectly crispy and the chicken is so tender.Their lunch special is perfect for two people to share. The Mac and cheese is so flavorful.I hardly leave reviews but this restaurant is my new favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vivien Garber
I sat at the bar to avoid waiting for a table. This is legitimate barbecue. I came from Texas and the brisket here, the wet brisket is very good. Don't get the lean brisket. The full fat brisket is always the best. It's pricey, but all barbecue per pound is pricey. The good thing here is that you can buy a per quarter pound. We got full fat brisket, a chicken hot link which I have to say was actually good so I recommend it, a big salad, two cornbreads. Like I said, it's pricey, but it's pretty true to what Texas barbecue is like. I like the class of people that were in there. And the salad was pretty good. If you can ask for extra dressing, otherwise it feels a little dry. But the extraordinary addition was they actually put fresh chives on the salad. That's unusual. Chives are very sublime. For that reason, the salad is excellent. The barbecue sauce for the meat was very good. And the honey butter for the cornbread was excellent.The staff was really nice. A woman who is packing orders was so kind and was interactive with us even though she wasn't our server. She thought it was so cute that I was taking selfies with my boyfriend and she thought we were such a cute couple. Whether she genuinely meant it or not, it doesn't matter. She seemed very happy with her job, and she was definitely customer service oriented. She augmented our dining experience.Our server was good, it was just very busy so getting attention and what we needed was a little slow. But expected due to the volume of customers.I would frequent this restaurant. Street parking can be difficult.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: BBQ Sauce, Cornbread
michelle w.
I should have payed attention to the 3.5 stars in the review. $220 later I am so upset at it all. We ordered take out. Ten family and friends... 5 pm on Sunday, already out of chicken. The brisket had more fat than meat, the baked beans were horrible, the collards were under cooked and salty. Did I mention we had to pay for "sliced bread"! Our order was incomplete. My daughter had to drive back for our potato salad, bread and BAR B QUE SAUCE! RIBS WITH NO SAUCE!?!? Go to Phillips Bar b que. Also, when deciding whether to dine in or take out, the female employee said it's best to order take out because they are running low on some food items..chicken was one of them. No accommodations for inconvenience either. SHAMEFUL. GO TO PHILLIPS!!
Jake L.
The food was fine for what it was. The service was atrocious. The order has items that I paid for missing as well as the BBQ sauce that was meant to go with it some of the item that they ended up delivering. When I contacted the restaurant through email they let me know that they would be getting back to me and never responded with another email. It was amateurish the way they handled things. Please find another BBQ spot to eat at.
Alex L.
Note that this review is coming from a BBQ snob who lived in Texas for 20+ years and is super critical about anything smoked or slathered in sauce. Coincidentally on this fateful day, I brought my cousin who lives and breathes all things BBQ from Tennessee with me, making this visit very much an "under the microscope" tasting for us. So this review has two parts; one from my dine-in experience with my cousin, and the other as an UberEats order that took 25 minutes to get to my place, both absurdly rainy days (if that matters beyond me just complaining about global warming in Cali.) SANTA MONICA LOCATION: My Cousin was visiting and he suddenly asked if I knew any good BBQ places in LA. Having lived here for 10 years, I never really considered revisiting the search after several disappointing experiences that made me appreciate SoCal for everything but BBQ. But trying to be a good host, I quickly yelped around until I found Bludso's Santa Monica location. The pics looked convincing but we both entered skeptically (ok, more like ran because of the rain.... yes, still complaining about the weather). When we got there, we were greeted by Dre, a charismatic guy who ran the bar and introduced us to the food and spirits of choice. He was very detailed, enthusiastic, and even proud of the menu. He did a great job acclimating us and I highly recommend chatting with him when he's there. But of course, the food itself was what was up for the test. Collectively, we tried: Brisket: This is the easiest to fail in because it has to have a flavorful bark that has texture, but isn't too hard or tough; it has to be juicy and rich, but not to the point where it makes you sick; it has to be able to sit for a while without drying out or getting tough; it has to be soft, but doesn't break apart or feel like rubber; it has to be consistent with each piece. (GRADE: 5/5) Pulled Pork: This has to be juicy, fatty but not greasy, flavorful but not too salty, and it can't get hard while it sits on the table while you talk to your friends. Also, adding BBQ sauce should allow the smokiness and butteriness of the fat and meaty bits to bring out more flavor and not overpower it. (GRADE: 4.5/5) Pork Ribs: Everyone can do pork ribs, but to get it right it needs to be seasoned just right where there is a light bark and that the seasoning cuts through the sweet and tanginess of the BBQ sauce. The smokiness of the ribs should be consistent with each bite and never dry. (GRADE: 4/5) HOT LINKS: In short, the perfect hot link needs to have a somewhat crispy casing, flavorful meat, it has to be juicy, and it can't dry out when sitting. Especially when it's touted as "spicy", it shouldn't be spicy just for the sake of spicy. (GRADE: 3/5) Corn Bread: Ok I change my mind, corn bread is actually the easiest to fail. To be perfect, it needs to be "almost" authentic, in that it has to have that heart and soul but not be dry and overly grainy. Corn bread needs to be sweet, but mostly from the corn; it needs to be firm but still airy enough that when you spread butter on it, the warmth from the corn bread almost pulls the liquid gold into its unique texture so every bite tastes sweet, slightly savory, warm, and like a dense cloud of buttery goodness. (GRADE: 3.5/5) Dino Beef Ribs: If it doesn't fall off the bone, then you got it off Wish.com. This is the "Rolls Royce" of ribs (assimilating Gordon Ramsay's term). The meat needs to be buttery, juice needs to ooze out with just a mere tap of a fork, and each bite has to be tender and help you remember what the word succulent means. Of course there needs to be a heavily seasoned bark, but nothing that could slice your lips or have you chewing for days. Beef ribs need to taste amazing with or without BBQ sauce, preferably without. (GRADE: 5/5) CONCLUSION: What can I say? What began as a skeptical venture poised for disappointment, became an adventure of exploding tastes, high quality, and gosh darn good BBQ with actual soul. Bludso'
Kimberly R.
Food was amazing - best ribs in town. My first time at this location and the food and drinks did not disappoint. I had the ribs and Texas tea, yummy. I will be back soon!
Tina Foster
We ordered a lot of food and enjoyed it all. The pork ribs, hot links, rib tips, mac and cheese, plus corn bread were great!! We love the sauces, both the hot and mild were tasty and just right on all the meats. We love the newest location in Santa Monica... parking is difficult because everyone is trying to get to this wonderful place.Parking: Right next to the building. Since everyone in LA seems to be trying to get there, it's congested.
The food was really good. When I tried it for the first time I had it at the original location, it was just okay there. But the food at this location was much better. I will return
Cris I.
Bludso's BBQ has brought the taste of Texas to the heart of Santa Monica. It offers a delicious and authentic Texas BBQ experience in Santa Monica. The flavorful smoked meats, delicious sides, and lively atmosphere make it a great choice for a casual and satisfying meal. I tried the brisket and half rack ribs, and both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sides are no afterthought. I particularly enjoyed the cornbread and potato salad, both of which perfectly complemented the smoky flavors of the BBQ. The staff was friendly and helpful, offering recommendations and ensuring a smooth dining experience. However, their menu focuses primarily on traditional Texas-style BBQ meats and sides so vegetarians and vegans might find limited options. Also, prices are a bit on the higher end compared to other BBQ spots in the area. 1/2lb brisket $24 Half rack ribs $24 Cornbread $3 1/2 pint potato salad $7 Hot & mild bbq sauce - free Iced tea $3.50
Sarah-Lorraine L.
WHY WE WENT HERE: - lunch - I've had Bludso's bookmarked since watching "The American Barbecue Showdown" on Netflix and its honorable mention in "Insecure" on Max as one of the go-to bbq joints to go to in LA THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and 14th St; you can't miss it - it's painted red with BLUDSO'S BBQ contrasting it in white - parking is in the rear and shared with the other businesses adjacent to the restaurant; the signs RE: towing alarmed us, so after parking we went inside to inquire if we parked in the right area; the worker who greeted us told us that valet parking is essentially during the dinner rush and to ignore the signs posted in the parking lot THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - bar seating at the entrance and booth/table seating at the windows and rear - I like the brick walls and exposed HVAC; gives it a cozy industrial feel THE (LUNCH) MENU: - starters - salads - sandwiches - meats - hot sides - cold sides - extras - lunch tray - cocktails - draft beer - bottles & cans - wine - drinks THE (LUNCH SPECIALS - DINE-IN ONLY) MENU: - lunch plate - sandwich - salad + drink - desserts WHAT WE ORDERED: - lunch plate: brisket, turkey, collard greens, seasoned fries - sandwich: brisket, mac n' cheese, cornbread, lemonade THE TASTE: - brisket - buttery smooth, tender, tasty - turkey - moist, nice smokiness - collard greens - tasty - seasoned fries - like standard fries *** my sandwich order wasn't as I ordered it; what I got instead was brisket sandwich, baked beans, and seasoned fries, but no lemonade; after my SO informed our server my order was wrong, she just comped the mac n' cheese - brisket sandwich - brisket was STACKED; I even gave some slices to my SO because otherwise it would have been too much for me - baked beans - VERY mustard forward; I'm OK with mustard but not the biggest fan, so the beans weren't my taste persay - mac n' cheese - comforting, creamy, cheesy - can't comment on the lemonade because I never received it CUSTOMER SERVICE: - greeted and bid farewell at the front very warmly/cordially - Edith was our server; she gave us her recommendations, but still got my order wrong after writing it down
Darien M.
The lunch special at Bludso's Santa Monica is definitely worth the trip! For $19 I enjoyed a Texas style brisket sandwich topped with raw onion and pickles on a hamburger style soft bun. On the side were two different barbecue sauces, one hotter than the other, and two sides. I picked the barbecue beans with chunks of pork in it, and the excellent mac & cheese (although I did have to send it back to the kitchen because the first one served me was cold. But the second was really excellent and quite hot.). Also a drink was included. The server was so excellent in anticipating everything I needed and giving a cheery yes to every request. I sat at the counter, and will definitely go there again. I want to try some of their other specialties, including the barbecue ribs and the wings. Parking is free in the back lot.
Jose V.
Amazing BBQ! I've had BBQ from TX, AL, TN, etc. let me tell you, this place is a gem within the city! The brisket was super tender, and dull of taste. Their links was spicy but good. You add their spicy BbQ sauce, and it's over for you! You will get the ITIS!! That cornbread with that butter, phenomenal! Moist and soft. Can't beat it it! Them baked beans! Ooooohhhhh delicious!! The place is clean, great music, and the service that Kyle provided was superb!! Y'all enjoy!
Best dry rub brisket and ribs on the Westside…. Smoked low & slow ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
To start we were greeted by the store owner/manager, and then we were instantly seated with no wait. Food was amazing! Highly recommend 1/4 ILB for a single person. Overall great costumer service. There are sports on the TVs and a giant window to people watch and check cars out of. Near the beach aswell so great stop!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad, Loaded Fries, Cornbread, Chicken Sandwich, Dry Rub Wings, Pork Ribs, Brisket Sandwich
This place is amazing! Their loaded fries are delicious. Fries are perfectly crispy and the chicken is so tender.Their lunch special is perfect for two people to share. The Mac and cheese is so flavorful.I hardly leave reviews but this restaurant is my new favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I sat at the bar to avoid waiting for a table. This is legitimate barbecue. I came from Texas and the brisket here, the wet brisket is very good. Don't get the lean brisket. The full fat brisket is always the best. It's pricey, but all barbecue per pound is pricey. The good thing here is that you can buy a per quarter pound. We got full fat brisket, a chicken hot link which I have to say was actually good so I recommend it, a big salad, two cornbreads. Like I said, it's pricey, but it's pretty true to what Texas barbecue is like. I like the class of people that were in there. And the salad was pretty good. If you can ask for extra dressing, otherwise it feels a little dry. But the extraordinary addition was they actually put fresh chives on the salad. That's unusual. Chives are very sublime. For that reason, the salad is excellent. The barbecue sauce for the meat was very good. And the honey butter for the cornbread was excellent.The staff was really nice. A woman who is packing orders was so kind and was interactive with us even though she wasn't our server. She thought it was so cute that I was taking selfies with my boyfriend and she thought we were such a cute couple. Whether she genuinely meant it or not, it doesn't matter. She seemed very happy with her job, and she was definitely customer service oriented. She augmented our dining experience.Our server was good, it was just very busy so getting attention and what we needed was a little slow. But expected due to the volume of customers.I would frequent this restaurant. Street parking can be difficult.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: BBQ Sauce, Cornbread
I should have payed attention to the 3.5 stars in the review. $220 later I am so upset at it all. We ordered take out. Ten family and friends... 5 pm on Sunday, already out of chicken. The brisket had more fat than meat, the baked beans were horrible, the collards were under cooked and salty. Did I mention we had to pay for "sliced bread"! Our order was incomplete. My daughter had to drive back for our potato salad, bread and BAR B QUE SAUCE! RIBS WITH NO SAUCE!?!? Go to Phillips Bar b que. Also, when deciding whether to dine in or take out, the female employee said it's best to order take out because they are running low on some food items..chicken was one of them. No accommodations for inconvenience either. SHAMEFUL. GO TO PHILLIPS!!
The food was fine for what it was. The service was atrocious. The order has items that I paid for missing as well as the BBQ sauce that was meant to go with it some of the item that they ended up delivering. When I contacted the restaurant through email they let me know that they would be getting back to me and never responded with another email. It was amateurish the way they handled things. Please find another BBQ spot to eat at.
Note that this review is coming from a BBQ snob who lived in Texas for 20+ years and is super critical about anything smoked or slathered in sauce. Coincidentally on this fateful day, I brought my cousin who lives and breathes all things BBQ from Tennessee with me, making this visit very much an "under the microscope" tasting for us. So this review has two parts; one from my dine-in experience with my cousin, and the other as an UberEats order that took 25 minutes to get to my place, both absurdly rainy days (if that matters beyond me just complaining about global warming in Cali.) SANTA MONICA LOCATION: My Cousin was visiting and he suddenly asked if I knew any good BBQ places in LA. Having lived here for 10 years, I never really considered revisiting the search after several disappointing experiences that made me appreciate SoCal for everything but BBQ. But trying to be a good host, I quickly yelped around until I found Bludso's Santa Monica location. The pics looked convincing but we both entered skeptically (ok, more like ran because of the rain.... yes, still complaining about the weather). When we got there, we were greeted by Dre, a charismatic guy who ran the bar and introduced us to the food and spirits of choice. He was very detailed, enthusiastic, and even proud of the menu. He did a great job acclimating us and I highly recommend chatting with him when he's there. But of course, the food itself was what was up for the test. Collectively, we tried: Brisket: This is the easiest to fail in because it has to have a flavorful bark that has texture, but isn't too hard or tough; it has to be juicy and rich, but not to the point where it makes you sick; it has to be able to sit for a while without drying out or getting tough; it has to be soft, but doesn't break apart or feel like rubber; it has to be consistent with each piece. (GRADE: 5/5) Pulled Pork: This has to be juicy, fatty but not greasy, flavorful but not too salty, and it can't get hard while it sits on the table while you talk to your friends. Also, adding BBQ sauce should allow the smokiness and butteriness of the fat and meaty bits to bring out more flavor and not overpower it. (GRADE: 4.5/5) Pork Ribs: Everyone can do pork ribs, but to get it right it needs to be seasoned just right where there is a light bark and that the seasoning cuts through the sweet and tanginess of the BBQ sauce. The smokiness of the ribs should be consistent with each bite and never dry. (GRADE: 4/5) HOT LINKS: In short, the perfect hot link needs to have a somewhat crispy casing, flavorful meat, it has to be juicy, and it can't dry out when sitting. Especially when it's touted as "spicy", it shouldn't be spicy just for the sake of spicy. (GRADE: 3/5) Corn Bread: Ok I change my mind, corn bread is actually the easiest to fail. To be perfect, it needs to be "almost" authentic, in that it has to have that heart and soul but not be dry and overly grainy. Corn bread needs to be sweet, but mostly from the corn; it needs to be firm but still airy enough that when you spread butter on it, the warmth from the corn bread almost pulls the liquid gold into its unique texture so every bite tastes sweet, slightly savory, warm, and like a dense cloud of buttery goodness. (GRADE: 3.5/5) Dino Beef Ribs: If it doesn't fall off the bone, then you got it off Wish.com. This is the "Rolls Royce" of ribs (assimilating Gordon Ramsay's term). The meat needs to be buttery, juice needs to ooze out with just a mere tap of a fork, and each bite has to be tender and help you remember what the word succulent means. Of course there needs to be a heavily seasoned bark, but nothing that could slice your lips or have you chewing for days. Beef ribs need to taste amazing with or without BBQ sauce, preferably without. (GRADE: 5/5) CONCLUSION: What can I say? What began as a skeptical venture poised for disappointment, became an adventure of exploding tastes, high quality, and gosh darn good BBQ with actual soul. Bludso'
Food was amazing - best ribs in town. My first time at this location and the food and drinks did not disappoint. I had the ribs and Texas tea, yummy. I will be back soon!
We ordered a lot of food and enjoyed it all. The pork ribs, hot links, rib tips, mac and cheese, plus corn bread were great!! We love the sauces, both the hot and mild were tasty and just right on all the meats. We love the newest location in Santa Monica... parking is difficult because everyone is trying to get to this wonderful place.Parking: Right next to the building. Since everyone in LA seems to be trying to get there, it's congested.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combo Plate, BBQ Sauce, Pork Ribs
Exquisite ribs and very good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was really good. When I tried it for the first time I had it at the original location, it was just okay there. But the food at this location was much better. I will return
Bludso's BBQ has brought the taste of Texas to the heart of Santa Monica. It offers a delicious and authentic Texas BBQ experience in Santa Monica. The flavorful smoked meats, delicious sides, and lively atmosphere make it a great choice for a casual and satisfying meal. I tried the brisket and half rack ribs, and both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sides are no afterthought. I particularly enjoyed the cornbread and potato salad, both of which perfectly complemented the smoky flavors of the BBQ. The staff was friendly and helpful, offering recommendations and ensuring a smooth dining experience. However, their menu focuses primarily on traditional Texas-style BBQ meats and sides so vegetarians and vegans might find limited options. Also, prices are a bit on the higher end compared to other BBQ spots in the area. 1/2lb brisket $24 Half rack ribs $24 Cornbread $3 1/2 pint potato salad $7 Hot & mild bbq sauce - free Iced tea $3.50
WHY WE WENT HERE: - lunch - I've had Bludso's bookmarked since watching "The American Barbecue Showdown" on Netflix and its honorable mention in "Insecure" on Max as one of the go-to bbq joints to go to in LA THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and 14th St; you can't miss it - it's painted red with BLUDSO'S BBQ contrasting it in white - parking is in the rear and shared with the other businesses adjacent to the restaurant; the signs RE: towing alarmed us, so after parking we went inside to inquire if we parked in the right area; the worker who greeted us told us that valet parking is essentially during the dinner rush and to ignore the signs posted in the parking lot THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - bar seating at the entrance and booth/table seating at the windows and rear - I like the brick walls and exposed HVAC; gives it a cozy industrial feel THE (LUNCH) MENU: - starters - salads - sandwiches - meats - hot sides - cold sides - extras - lunch tray - cocktails - draft beer - bottles & cans - wine - drinks THE (LUNCH SPECIALS - DINE-IN ONLY) MENU: - lunch plate - sandwich - salad + drink - desserts WHAT WE ORDERED: - lunch plate: brisket, turkey, collard greens, seasoned fries - sandwich: brisket, mac n' cheese, cornbread, lemonade THE TASTE: - brisket - buttery smooth, tender, tasty - turkey - moist, nice smokiness - collard greens - tasty - seasoned fries - like standard fries *** my sandwich order wasn't as I ordered it; what I got instead was brisket sandwich, baked beans, and seasoned fries, but no lemonade; after my SO informed our server my order was wrong, she just comped the mac n' cheese - brisket sandwich - brisket was STACKED; I even gave some slices to my SO because otherwise it would have been too much for me - baked beans - VERY mustard forward; I'm OK with mustard but not the biggest fan, so the beans weren't my taste persay - mac n' cheese - comforting, creamy, cheesy - can't comment on the lemonade because I never received it CUSTOMER SERVICE: - greeted and bid farewell at the front very warmly/cordially - Edith was our server; she gave us her recommendations, but still got my order wrong after writing it down
The lunch special at Bludso's Santa Monica is definitely worth the trip! For $19 I enjoyed a Texas style brisket sandwich topped with raw onion and pickles on a hamburger style soft bun. On the side were two different barbecue sauces, one hotter than the other, and two sides. I picked the barbecue beans with chunks of pork in it, and the excellent mac & cheese (although I did have to send it back to the kitchen because the first one served me was cold. But the second was really excellent and quite hot.). Also a drink was included. The server was so excellent in anticipating everything I needed and giving a cheery yes to every request. I sat at the counter, and will definitely go there again. I want to try some of their other specialties, including the barbecue ribs and the wings. Parking is free in the back lot.
Amazing BBQ! I've had BBQ from TX, AL, TN, etc. let me tell you, this place is a gem within the city! The brisket was super tender, and dull of taste. Their links was spicy but good. You add their spicy BbQ sauce, and it's over for you! You will get the ITIS!! That cornbread with that butter, phenomenal! Moist and soft. Can't beat it it! Them baked beans! Ooooohhhhh delicious!! The place is clean, great music, and the service that Kyle provided was superb!! Y'all enjoy!