Overview | For years I used to groan about how I felt like there weren’t that many GREAT barbecue places in Los Angeles, but slowly but surely this city has begun to prove me wrong. Of course there’s still not as many BBQ joints as I wish there were (hey, I was born in Texas ok, BBQ sauce is in my blood) but I’m going to be optimistic and say that we seem to be at the start of a BBQ revolution in Los Angeles, and places like Maple Block Meat Co. are at the forefront of the exploration.
Maple Block Meat Co. is a Culver City resident specializing in all the best aspects that all American types of BBQ has to offer. Chef Adam Cole (The Baazar, .ink, Lindy + Grundy) grew up eating BBQ in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia and incorporates a number of techniques and flavors in his own BBQ’d creations. It’s evident, however, that at the end of the day the Maple Block Meat goal is to be traditional without overcomplicating the meat. Any which way of paying homage to American BBQ, whether it be creative or classic, is frankly just how they do.
The space is casual with a cool, rustic California vibe and the lunch service approach is ‘order at the counter’ and seat yourself (with a side of stuff your face, unbutton your jeans, and smile gleefully). The menu is simple and straightforward with a variety of meat/cut options to peruse as well as a few selections for sandwiches and sides. I personally love every single bit about Maple Block’s approach to sourcing local ingredients, butchering the meat in house, and their undeniable dedication to classic American BBQ. It’s always a struggle trying to make a unique name for yourself in a saturated city like Los Angeles, but Maple Block is well on their way to garnering attention and helping pave the way for even more delicious BBQ flavors to be created and discovered here on the West Coast.
Favorite Drink | Nothing goes better with BBQ than a cold beer, and here you’ve got several options to choose from.
Must Order | A slice of brisket, solo, and a sandwich. I personally LOVED the Maple Block chopped pork sandwich that comes on a delicious bun with peach mustard and fennel slaw. This is not at all a typical BBQ item, so if you’re the adventurous type down for a good sandwich this is what you need to try. But if it’s the more familiar, classic BBQ flavors you seek, go for the “Classic” version of the sandwiches – you’ve got style options at Maple Block and that is awesome.
Perfect Spot For | A casual meat centric meal
Pro Tip | Don’t forget to order one of their seasonal hand pies! I had the peach pie and forgot I was supposed to share it with my boyfriend. Another pro tip: get two because you won’t want to share either.
Fun Fact | Maple Block uses peach wood to smoke their meat because it’s quite an abundant resource here in sunny Southern California. This particular type of wood burns hot and helps give the meat a great sweet yet smokey flavor, one maybe you haven’t had yet!
Bonus Fact | Maple Block Meat Co. is now open for dinner as of today!!!
Maple Block Meat Co. | 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA | (310) 313-6328 | Lunch: Mon – Sat, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm | Dinner: Mon – Thurs, 5:30 – 10 pm + Friday – Saturday, 5:30 – 11 pm
Leave a Reply