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My dad and half-brother are huge meat lovers and the closest thing they’ve had to an authentic Texas-style brisket was Bludso’s BBQ. Given the fact that they were visiting LA for the holidays, I wanted to impress them with the best brisket they would ever have. So, I put my research skills to the test and the place that was coming up the most by Redditors was Moo’s Craft BBQ. After looking up reviews online, I learned that Moo’s Craft BBQ is deemed the closest thing you’ll find to Texas BBQ in LA.
LA’s BBQ scene is not as big as trendy brunch places. They’re somewhat of an underground phenomenon. There are a few brick-and-mortar places in LA, but in the last few years, pop-ups have been taking over. We can see this example with burgers and the impressive array of burger pop-ups that now abound in LA.
Moo’s Craft BBQ was founded by East LA natives Andrew and Michelle Munoz out of their backyard in February 2017. Through pop-ups at breweries, bars across LA and their stall at Smorgarsburd food market, they became a sensation in the LA underground food scene. Before they started the business, both of them spent years learning the craft of Texas-style BBQ from the inside out, and boy, have they succeeded.
Many people were reluctant to try it, since Texas-style BBQ outside of Texas, especially in LA, is almost impossible to find. But, as it turns out, Moo’s Craft BBQ has been granted the seal of approval by many Texans and BBQ connoisseurs, claiming that the brisket is the best you’ll ever have outside of Texas. Moo’s Craft has also been featured in the most prestigious LA-based publications such as the LA Times and LA Eater. In a few words, their Texas-style BBQ has caused a commotion in LA.
Michelle shared with Foodandwine.com:
“I want Moo’s to always be recognized as the place where you can come and get traditional, real Texas-style barbecue. I want people to know that if they’re craving real Texas barbecue, they don’t have to go to Austin. They can go to L.A. and have that brisket, those ribs, those sausages.”
In June 2021, Moo’s Craft BBQ finally opened ther brick-and-mortar in Lincoln Heights. This place is very spacious and has a bar and an ample patio inside.
For the wall art, Andrew and Michelle paid tribute to their Mexican-American heritage by featuring a phrase in Spanish: “Barbecue para la gente”, which, in English means, “Barbecue for the people”. There’s another art mural on the outside patio wall that includes a cow and caricatures of Andrew and Michelle.
Since Moo’s Craft only opens from Thursday to Sunday and they sell out in as fast as an hour and a half, we went there the morning of New Years Eve at 11 am.
Thankfully, the wait wasn’t very long, but we were impressed by the amount of people that came in after us. While we were waiting, I took a brief look at the framed magazine and newspaper publications Moo’s Craft had been featured in.
When it was our turn, we ordered the one and a ½ pound brisket, alongside four side pints: beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and red potato salad. We ordered our brisket medium. If you like your meat extra juicy, make sure you order it “fatty”.
After we ordered, we went to the patio to find a table. They’ll give you a number and the server will call out your name once your order is ready. They will either bring the tray to your table or you’ll have to pick it up from the counter, like I did.
Out of all the places I took my dad and half-brother to, Moo’s Craft’s brisket was by far the best meal they had in LA, and this is coming from two people who know about food. I asked my dad what was so special about it, and he said that the quality of the meat was unlike anything he’d ever had before.
The cut was full of flavor, juicy and excellently seasoned. It melted in your mouth in the best possible way. The wide range of different textures –- the tenderness of the fat with the added pepper rub and the beautiful crisp char exterior –- were BBQ heaven.
You can also add the sauces they have on the side, but truthfully, because of the fatty part of the meat, it was already so moist that there was no need anything else. It was just perfect as it was. If your party is more than two people, I definitely suggest ordering the one and a half pound.
I had the medium-sized pint of mac and cheese, which was also really good. It was cheesy and tasty. My half-brother and my dad ate the other pints and loved them. Unfortunately, because we were so stuffed from the sides, we did not touch the bread.
Although the portions are smaller than your average BBQ joint and the prices are higher, it was so worth it and I can’t wait to experience it again. I really want to try their sausages.
Additionally, if you love burgers, you’re in for a treat because on Fridays and Sundays, they offer their OG Smoked Burger. We went on December 31st, which fell on a Friday and saw many people eating their burgers.
Another popular menu item is El Trio, a mix of different meats and two sides of your choice. Are you craving something sweet? Their Tres Leches Strawberry Bread Pudding is also a crowd-pleaser.
After my first visit, I was stunned by the loyal cult-like following Andrew and Michelle have amassed. An example of this is their merch. Their T-shirts are sold out in 4 different sizes, so it’s pretty clear they’re well-loved and highly regarded by their fans.
Is Moo’s Craft worth the hype? 100% yes! Make sure to go as early as 11 am. You can also pre-order on their website the day before!
Hours:
Thursday: 11am – 5pm or (Sold Out)
Friday: 11am – 5pm or (Sold Out)
Saturday: 11am – 5pm or (Sold Out)
Sundays: 11am – 5pm or (Sold Out)
Have you been to Moo’s Craft BBQ? What’s your favorite BBQ place in LA?
