JR's Barbeque

After doing seven straight BBQ restaurant reviews in seven days last week (the 7in7), I began to have cravings for — guess what? — more BBQ. These cravings exponentially increased after seeing Sylvie's post on her blog, Soul Fusion Kitchen, about JR's Barbeque. She had great photos and insight into a restaurant she frequents. Sylvie recommended that I give them a try. I only have one thing to say to that: thank you, Sylvie.

There was one thing about JR's that I found very compelling, and that was the atmosphere. Upon entering, we were greeted with smiles and genuine hospitality — a very difficult thing to find in Los Angeles. We felt very much at home. The smell of smoked BBQ didn't hurt either. We knew we were in for something special.

I was super delighted to see spareribs on the menu as well as a great dessert selection. I ordered the small dinner, which was more than enough food for lunch. My meal came with two sides — I got the coleslaw and BBQ beans. The rest of the BBQ Posse ordered a brisket sandwich, a chicken sandwich, and a pulled pork sandwich.

The spareribs were superb. Absolutely. Smoky, tender, and flavorful. I was furious. Yes, furious. I was furious that nobody had ever told me about JR's Barbeque before. (Except for one co-worker, MattyL, but who listens to him?) Needless to say, I was very pleased with the ribs. The coleslaw was pretty incredible — crisp and refreshing, with a slight sweetness that complemented the BBQ ribs perfectly. The beans were slightly sweeter than I prefer, but good nonetheless.

E-Mike, a member of the BBQ Posse who joined me for lunch, commented that his pulled pork sandwich was the third best he had ever eaten. Third best might not sound that great, but he has eaten BBQ pulled pork sandwiches all across America, including Memphis, and the number one and two weren't even in this state. He's sort of a self-proclaimed BBQ pulled pork sandwich connoisseur. We finished off the lunch with a piece of 7-Up cake and headed back to work.

**JR's Barbeque** *(permanently closed)*
Formerly at 3055 S. La Cienega Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232