Kansas City BBQ Co.

I hang out with a bunch of guys that love BBQ. I feel like I have a handle on what bbq restaurants are available in LA, which ones are good, and which ones are a little bit lack-luster. Depending on the group and the time, we usually split our time between 3 mainstays--The Barn Burner, The Bear Pit, and Ribs USA. This time, however, we spotted a new place relatively nearby in the Clipper magazine that made us wonder, could it be a close fourth?

The Kansas City BBQ Co. is a storefront in a strip mall tucked away on the darkest part of Magnolia in North Hollywood. We weren't sure of the address and we only spotted the restaurant because of a folding sign in the parking lot. The parking lot, speaking of it, is small and relatively unmarked, there's plenty of parking on the street though. The parking lot was very full partially because of the AA next door, but also the restaurant had people too.

Inside there are a handful of tables, some Western decor, and a register counter with partially exposed kitchen. There are paper menus to look at and then you order at the counter. They seemed to have a pretty lucrative to-go business. Apparently they aren't really a new business, just a relocated one. Once your food is ready they bring to to your table or call your number.

I ordered the half rack of beef ribs and it came with two sides of my choice. I chose cole slaw and sweet potato fries ($1 more). Other dishes at my table included the brisket, the chicken sandwich, the sampler platter, and the baby back ribs.

The service at the restaurant was really friendly, yes they are newish, but they wanted to give the "welcome to my kitchen" feel. One person's food took longer than normal for a to-go offer and they were given an extra full side item. I was very comfortable in the restaurant, the neighborhood though, not so much.

I expected my half rack to be 2 ribs tops. I was completely surprised when I got 4! After one, the fries, and a little coleslaw, I was full. The rib meat was tender and fell off the bone into my mouth. The sauce had a nice flavor but it wasn't remarkable. The cole slaw was pretty good--and I don't even like that stuff much. The sweet potato fries were fine, but I really didn't want them.

The brisket got rave reviews and everyone was interested in having it again. I would definitely consider a return visit, next time, I think I'll try the brisket everyone's raving about.






Kansas City BBQ Co.
10863 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
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