Max City BBQ

Quite possibly the only BBQ joint in LA to raise money for a brick-and-mortar through Kickstarter, Max City BBQ is paying the public back with killer Southern-style 'cue. Owners Jason McDonald and Melanie Blair opened this Eagle Rock eatery in March of 2014 following the success of their catering operation, and they've been developing a steady stream of regulars ever since. Be warned: the shop is small and seating can be scarce. But the food is worth fighting over a table. Come with a friend and share the Spence's Platter of Pork, which includes baby back ribs, spare ribs, pulled pork, two sides (their cucumber salad is a delicious and unconventional option) and cornbread—yeah, we know it's a lot. And unlike a lot of other restaurants in the city, the drink menu is just as stellar, with local breweries on tap, wine, and the oft-raved about lemonade.