Outdoor Grill

Today was the 7in7 hump day, and it ended up being a bit of a challenge. My boss asked me to go with him to Costco during lunch, and being the supportive boss that he is, he suggested that we do the Outdoor Grill for today's restaurant. I was actually thinking about doing the Outdoor Grill until L.A. Dining beat me to it. I'm not saying I can't review it because they already have. I'm just saying.

The most endearing part of the Outdoor Grill is its proximity to the Handy J Car Wash. Have BBQ and get your car washed — a winning combination in my book. After all, this is Los Angeles. I must admit I've visited this place a few times, usually on the way to Costco, but never to get my car washed. Someday I might.

I ordered a BBQ tri tip and pork rib combo with no side dishes, and no, I'm not on the Atkins diet (that's so spring of '04). The tri tip I thought was good, but the ribs didn't entertain me at all. They could have been more tender, and perhaps a little more flavorful. The BBQ sauce was a little too sweet for the tri tip and might have fared better on the chicken. I usually order the pork sandwich with a side of mac and cheese, which is decent enough to get every time. But I had to go for what I didn't know.

There was a chicken sandwich ordered as well as some BBQ chicken — hopefully the BBQ Posse will post comments to let you know how those were. Comparing my visit to L.A. Dining's, I'd say there are some consistency issues with certain items. The BBQ sandwich is a safe bet, and when you factor in a car wash, this may be all the BBQ you'll ever need. As for me, I'm off to the next review.

**The Outdoor Grill**
West Los Angeles: 12630 1/2 Washington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90066 — 310-636-4745
Northridge: 18697 Devonshire St, Northridge, CA 91324 — 818-363-6500