Smoke City Char Bar was founded with an adventurous spirit and a driven culinary objective: to bring the unique experience of locally-sourced and naturally smoked meats to our guests each and every day. In our kitchen food is revered, inventiveness is encouraged and superior quality is prized above all else. Smoke City Char Bar celebrates the legacy of smokehouse culture with every chef-driven creation and regional-inspired recipe. Smoke City Char Bar’s vision: To deliver an explosion of succulent awesomeness to your mouth in each and every bite!
Came on a Thursday around 8pm. Not crowded at all. Took a pre-visit gander at the online menu and decided I was definitely trying the brisket deviled eggs, if nothing else! Wow, they were thee most creative deviled eggs I've ever had. I would have never thought to pair feta cheese with it. Delicious. They need to just go ahead and give you the other half of the 3rd egg so you won't have to fight your dining partner for the odd 5th half on the plate. We cut ours in half haha. Also tried the BBQ flavor wings, turkey California Cobb salad and a brisket salad. The wings are huge, delicious and you get 12 in an order. Brisket salad was flavorful. Thinly chopped napa cabbage as the main green was a bit unusual but still tasty and crunchy. Turkey Cobb salad had moist and delicious smoked turkey and generous sprinkles of blue cheese. Service was friendly and attentive. Definitely returning to explore other menu items and sides!
Published at 4 months ago
Great BBQ spot. This was a good restaurant with good food and drinks. I just expected more in flavor. The mashed potatoes needed more kick with either a gravy or pepper, the BBQ sauce need more variety with one being too sweet and the other very typical. My biggest criticism is the the sauces were cold and the meat was not steamy.
Cocktails were great though, service was keen and polite. The atmosphere and playing was perfect for a date or business lunch/dinner.
I would love to come back and see if they improve the balance of the dishes.
Published at 10 months ago
Wow this place is just amazing. Their pork belly appetizers was crispy in every bite. And their brisket hit all the right spots. Everyone that works here is super nice especially my Spanish server that worked on the night of 7/22. They also validate parking here!
Published at a year ago
Overall: B+ (dine in)
- Service: 5/5
- Ambiance: 5/5
- Food: 4/5
- Drinks: 3.2/5
Smoke City Char Bar is a bit difficult to find since you have to park in the Aliso garage then walk out past the dog park to get there but they have instructions on Yelp under the "About the Business" section. They also validate parking for 2 hours which is a huge plus for DTLA.
The ambiance is more upscale than your typical BBQ joint. We came on a Sunday night so it was empty with 2 other parties dining outside. The space is beautiful and clean, and the service was great (shoutout to Angel) so I was so sad that there weren't more people dining here. Food was pretty good but drinks were light and tasted okay.
Crisp Fried Smoked Pork Belly ($18): The best of the 3 meats we tried. The pork belly tasted exactly like it's name. It wasn't too dry and surprisingly went really well with the heirloom tomatoes and balsamic gastrique underneath it. We're used to Asian flavors and pork belly being very umami but this was a different way of cooking we can appreciate.
Beef Brisket (Half Order $23 / Full Order $42): I was disappointed in the beef brisket even though it was said to be one of the more popular meats. It was lacking flavor so we had to dunk it in a lot of sauce. There were some pieces that were on the drier side and then some with huge chunks of fat on it.
Baby Back Ribs (Half Order $20 / Full Order $37): The ribs were a little bit better to me with the meat being tender and falling off the bones easily. There were some parts on the outer edges that were too burnt/dry so we couldn't eat it. There seems to be a bit of inconsistency with the seasoning as well with some parts being too salty.
For the craft smoked meats, we got to choose our sauces.
1. Soy Ginger: I thought this was too umami to use as a dipping sauce but would have been great if the meat was basted in it.
2. Harissa Mosasses: Wow this has a kick to it which I liked.
3. Cayenne Honey: Didn't taste like the name suggests but it was great for dipping our fries in instead of ketchup.
Truffle French Fries (Small $6 / Large $9): We both really like the truffle french since they were crispy and you can taste the truffle.
Charred Brussel Sprouts (Small $6 / Large $9): We both love the brussel sprouts which was recommended by Angel. They topped it off with pomegranate seeds which was different and gave a nice sweet contrast. The brussel sprouts were phenomenal with the sauce being key! I would probably buy that sauce if they sold it to use as a marinade for all my other veggies. My only complaint is that I wish they were consistent on getting all the brussel sprouts crispy. There were some big pieces that were a bit more watery with the crispiness only on the outer layer or on the edges.
The Mamba ($16): This has cocktail has woodinville rye, mint, blackberries, & lime. This was my husband's favorite drink. I didn't care for it much.
Hush, Francis ($14): This is a mule with Xicaru mezcal, lime, pina, & house made ginger beer. This was such a great twist on a traditional moscow mule and my favorite cocktail of the night.
Picsso's Passion ($15): This is made of fords gin, Cointreau, lemon, passoa liqueur, & lillet. It comes out a pretty pink color with a lemon wedge garnish and actually tastes similar to a pink lemonade. Very light drink.
Smokey White Sangria ($13): My second favorite drink made with white wine. Very light as well.
Pandan Panna Cotta ($13.50): I was surprised that they had an Asian Italian fusion dessert at an American BBQ place. The panna cotta was the perfect texture & level of sweetness but did not taste like pandan to me at all. The panna cotta is topped with a generous amount of mango slices for one half while the other half was filled with the mango granita & condensed milk. It was really refreshing and the sweet mango paired so well with the panna cotta. I could not stop eating it. It's a great dessert to end a meal with, especially during the summer.
Published at a year ago
This night was a such a great experience. Being from Arizona, We were in the need for a fun yet quality dining experience to end our day. The atmosphere was fun and did exactly what we wanted it to! The service was the best and the guys at the bar delivered! That watermelon salad was one of the best I have ever had. The chilis added the best crunch and flavor contrast! Those eggs are to die for! Now, I could go on and on about the Brussels and the truffle Frites! However, the meat stole the show with the sauces. Just a night to relax and enjoy the vibe. If you want a spot that is great and has a good happy hour and late. Igor’s in the city, this is the spot!
Published at 3 years ago
Location is easier to get to from Traction ave or Merrick Street.
I am so impressed with this restaurant. It was so difficult to find though. The GPS doesn't like the building so it kept making us go around in circles. We almost gave up on looking but we did find it. When we walked in the waitress was very friendly. The atmosphere is very chill and the drinks were so refreshing and perfectly sweet. We got the ginger strawberry lemonade and blackberry basquait. The waiting staff was friendly and so helpful.
For food, we started with the nachos and it satisfied that crunch craving. The brisket was so tender and the ribs fell right off the bone 🤤. It wasn't just that, the flavor was perfectly balanced, sauce and seasoning were obviously well thought out. We ordered the corn bread and OMG it was so delicious. Sweet and cinnamon flavor butter. It was a dessert in itself i seriously wanted to put a scoop of ice cream on top.
I would highly suggest this restaurant to anyone who wants to enjoy a good date night.
Published at 2 years ago
Aug 22 Update: stopped by again for dinner and drinks. Ordered deviled eggs, sliders and tacos. Food was great. Great experience. Ordered Sangria as well which was delish.
Loved this BBQ place. Amazing decor and great selection of apps, drinks and food. I will absolutely be back. They have an mango flavored water and it was delish. They had $1 wing happy hour special.
Published at 3 years ago
Here for lunch for the first time with a 1.5-year-old toddler. Expected so-so given the 4.1 rating currently. Pleasantly impressed!
Ordered
- Brisket Banh Mi
- Avocado toast with fries
Food looked healthy AND tasted wonderful! Highly recommend their briskets! Avocado toast exceeded expectations with their pickled chili, though fries were slightly burnt and too salty.
Exceptional, personable services to accommodate our picky little one.
Very spacious and comfortable seating.
Even a lovely patio area!
I’m a fan! Highly recommend.
Published at 2 years ago
Unfortunately the food looks a lot better than it taste, the ribs were pretty decent but I ve definitely had better. The macaroni was decent but it didn t mention on the menu that there was meat inside it. The southern greens didn t taste anything like other southern greens I ve had many times in my life, they lacked flavor and didn t have any turkey neck. The waiter was nice, but I didn t appreciate how he didn t inform us how big the large portions sides were, the amount of macaroni and greens were way too much for one or even two people and it would ve been respectful for him to let us know that we could ve easily ordered small dishes. Definitely wouldn t come back, the atmosphere was the best part of the experience, when the food should ve been the best part!
Published at 25 days ago
Came on a weekend night, but wasnt very busy. The service and food was very good! The brisket especially was bomb! Mac and cheese and Tri Tip were also outstanding. Highly recommend.
Published at 3 months ago
Great hidden gem
Published at 3 months ago
Came on a Thursday around 8pm. Not crowded at all. Took a pre-visit gander at the online menu and decided I was definitely trying the brisket deviled eggs, if nothing else! Wow, they were thee most creative deviled eggs Ive ever had. I would have never thought to pair feta cheese with it. Delicious. They need to just go ahead and give you the other half of the 3rd egg so you wont have to fight your dining partner for the odd 5th half on the plate. We cut ours in half haha. Also tried the BBQ flavor wings, turkey California Cobb salad and a brisket salad. The wings are huge, delicious and you get 12 in an order. Brisket salad was flavorful. Thinly chopped napa cabbage as the main green was a bit unusual but still tasty and crunchy. Turkey Cobb salad had moist and delicious smoked turkey and generous sprinkles of blue cheese. Service was friendly and attentive. Definitely returning to explore other menu items and sides! Parking: Unless you dont mind circling the block a few times looking for metered/free curb parking, there are plenty of paid lots to choose from.
Published at 3 months ago
Published at 4 months ago
Solid. Well made. Chill vibes.
Published at 4 months ago
Good
Published at 6 months ago
So I was actually looking forward to coming here for my birthday, but our waiter HATED us for asking if we could move inside since it was cold outside. I had a party of about 10, and the place was literally empty, and he was very bothered that we even asked. When we did move, he made some very passive aggressive comments as we were moving, and I almost wanted to just tell him that it was okay, wed stay outside. I have never felt more unforgettable in a restaurant, and I was tired of the waiters comments whenever he would interact with us. I used to work in customer service, so Im always respectful to the waiter, but he made me feel so uncomfortable that I could not wait to leave. The other waiter we had was super nice, but the main one we had made me so uncomfortable. It was actually really upsetting because it was my birthday dinner and I was really looking forward to it and it just ended up being such an awkward and uncomfortable situation. I would recommend this place, but this place honestly ruined my birthday dinner. Im thankful for the waiter that was kind and I appreciate you, but the other waiter really made me wish I was home.
Published at 7 months ago
The staff is what makes this place stand out. I came here late Wednesday night because I spoke to someone over the phone and said last call was 940. There was a mix up and they basically said theyre already closing by the time we got there. We begged and told em this is the 3rd attempt. In a nutshell, they took us in. Gave us complimentary devild eggs. Brisket and ribs. They were so friendly and accomodating. THANK YOU for being so kind. Stay great SCC staff!!!
Published at 7 months ago
Published at 7 months ago
Published at 8 months ago
I will definitely be back food was delicious a bit pricey but worth it
Published at 9 months ago
Love this spot. Best bbq in la
Published at 9 months ago
Went there around 8:15pm on Saturday night, they close at 10pm. Beef brisket was delicious! Beef tri-tip not to my taste but that s individual I guess. Mash potatoes great. Brussel Sprouts too sweet and leafy It was my first time there and I spent 30 minutes and left. I did not know who is who there, no customer service at all, I like to order food and be left alone until I call server for something but the guy literally came to my table while running other chores and flew by. They were preparing to close at 8pm. They opened the door to bring in outdoor seating and by brisket along with me got chilled to 45 degrees. The atmosphere seemed as if someone died. They did not serve salt and forgot to ask about dipping sauce even though I don t like it. Had half of my portion eaten and left. Definitely not great dine in experience. This is first time in my 33 years that I m writing review but I had to. Food is great though.
Published at 10 months ago
Great BBQ spot. This was a good restaurant with good food and drinks. I just expected more in flavor. The mashed potatoes needed more kick with either a gravy or pepper, the BBQ sauce need more variety with one being too sweet and the other very typical. My biggest criticism is the the sauces were cold and the meat was not steamy. Cocktails were great though, service was keen and polite. The atmosphere and playing was perfect for a date or business lunch/dinner. I would love to come back and see if they improve the balance of the dishes.
Published at 10 months ago
Published at 10 months ago
Really cool spot, great atmosphere and food. Ribs weren t the best but other then that I would come back
Published at 10 months ago
Smoke City Char Bar has the best baby back ribs in town. The jackfruit option is a flavorful surprise for plant-based enthusiasts. The bar impresses with a stellar lineup of mocktails and cocktails that complement the smoky goodness perfectly. In short, a must-visit for a top-notch dining experience!
Published at a year ago
Macaroni off the chain apple pie smacking customer service excellent I truly enjoyed everything I ate.
Published at a year ago
Best bbq
Published at a year ago
Best baby back ribs in the globe
Published at a year ago
I HAD THE SALMON CESAR SALAD AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. ITS HARD FOR ME TO FIND THINGS TO EAT BECAUSE I HAVE A VERY DELICATE STOMACH. ITS A VERY NICE SPOT, STAFF VERY FRIENDLY, AND KIND.
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
The flavor on point, tender meat, excellent Mac and cheese. Beans on point. It wont disappoint . Loaded turkey leg and cheese Bomb.
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Overrated. Food is mediocre. Depends on what you get. Service was horrible on a Saturday evening, food came out super late.
Published at a year ago
Found this place by googling food places around the arts district, since we were planning on going to the bars there for the night. We were not disappointed, the atmosphere was very modern and chill. The waiters were friendly and very attentive. But what made me love this place was the food. I got the baby back ribs and they were delicious. I also tried their baked beans and mashed potatoes. Everything I ordered I loved and more than likely will come again if I m the area.
Published at a year ago
So glad we found this classy BBQ spot.
Published at a year ago
Overall: B+ (dine in) - Service: 5/5 - Ambiance: 5/5 - Food: 4/5 - Drinks: 3.2/5 Smoke City Char Bar is a bit difficult to find since you have to park in the Aliso garage then walk out past the dog park to get there but they have instructions on Yelp under the About the Business section. They also validate parking for 2 hours which is a huge plus for DTLA. The ambiance is more upscale than your typical BBQ joint. We came on a Sunday night so it was empty with 2 other parties dining outside. The space is beautiful and clean, and the service was great (shoutout to Angel) so I was so sad that there werent more people dining here. Food was pretty good but drinks were light and tasted okay. Crisp Fried Smoked Pork Belly ($18): The best of the 3 meats we tried. The pork belly tasted exactly like its name. It wasnt too dry and surprisingly went really well with the heirloom tomatoes and balsamic gastrique underneath it. Were used to Asian flavors and pork belly being very umami but this was a different way of cooking we can appreciate. Beef Brisket (Half Order $23 / Full Order $42): I was disappointed in the beef brisket even though it was said to be one of the more popular meats. It was lacking flavor so we had to dunk it in a lot of sauce. There were some pieces that were on the drier side and then some with huge chunks of fat on it. Baby Back Ribs (Half Order $20 / Full Order $37): The ribs were a little bit better to me with the meat being tender and falling off the bones easily. There were some parts on the outer edges that were too burnt/dry so we couldnt eat it. There seems to be a bit of inconsistency with the seasoning as well with some parts being too salty. For the craft smoked meats, we got to choose our sauces. 1. Soy Ginger: I thought this was too umami to use as a dipping sauce but would have been great if the meat was basted in it. 2. Harissa Mosasses: Wow this has a kick to it which I liked. 3. Cayenne Honey: Didnt taste like the name suggests but it was great for dipping our fries in instead of ketchup. Truffle French Fries (Small $6 / Large $9): We both really like the truffle french since they were crispy and you can taste the truffle. Charred Brussel Sprouts (Small $6 / Large $9): We both love the brussel sprouts which was recommended by Angel. They topped it off with pomegranate seeds which was different and gave a nice sweet contrast. The brussel sprouts were phenomenal with the sauce being key! I would probably buy that sauce if they sold it to use as a marinade for all my other veggies. My only complaint is that I wish they were consistent on getting all the brussel sprouts crispy. There were some big pieces that were a bit more watery with the crispiness only on the outer layer or on the edges. The Mamba ($16): This has cocktail has woodinville rye, mint, blackberries, & lime. This was my husbands favorite drink. I didnt care for it much. Hush, Francis ($14): This is a mule with Xicaru mezcal, lime, pina, & house made ginger beer. This was such a great twist on a traditional moscow mule and my favorite cocktail of the night. Picssos Passion ($15): This is made of fords gin, Cointreau, lemon, passoa liqueur, & lillet. It comes out a pretty pink color with a lemon wedge garnish and actually tastes similar to a pink lemonade. Very light drink. Smokey White Sangria ($13): My second favorite drink made with white wine. Very light as well. Pandan Panna Cotta ($13.50): I was surprised that they had an Asian Italian fusion dessert at an American BBQ place. The panna cotta was the perfect texture & level of sweetness but did not taste like pandan to me at all. The panna cotta is topped with a generous amount of mango slices for one half while the other half was filled with the mango granita & condensed milk. It was really refreshing and the sweet mango paired so well with the panna cotta. I could not stop eating it. Its a great dessert to end a meal with, especially during the summer. Parking: The restaurant validates for 2 hours parking in the Aliso garage.
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Kid-friendliness: Its amazing, I have nothing more to describe about it Food
Published at a year ago
Brisket is way too dry. Salmon and Tri-tip are fine. Service s great tho.
Published at a year ago
Wow this place is just amazing. Their pork belly appetizers was crispy in every bite. And their brisket hit all the right spots. Everyone that works here is super nice especially my Spanish server that worked on the night of 7/22. They also validate parking here!
Published at a year ago
One of the best places i have been
Published at a year ago
I was expecting more for the cost 20 for ribs tasted no different then chillis the corn had way to much citrus salt on it the macaroni salad was ok servers did great job
Published at a year ago
too good
Published at a year ago
People seem to love my reviews, so I was voted Yelp Elite for many years now. The nice part about this (and the reason I mention it) is that we Elite Yelpers get occasionally invited - which is always great fun. So make sure you write a lot of reviews and become an Elite Yelper too :-) Now: the restaurant. I was invited a few days ago - and had an amazing time. Loved the buzz and meeting other Yelpers - but loved food and drinks even more - so I took my wife the other day and went again, and loved it again. The Brussels sprouts are a MUST - among the best I ever had. And their Banana Creme Tiramisu - youll love it. The place has unannounced special events - so today, as I learned, they have a large brewery introducing a new lager. I had the pleasure of a pre-taste, so I am very tempted to go again today :-) Would I drive a 30+ min detour just to dine here (mandatory in my rating scheme to achieve five stars)? I already did - and might again for dinner and this fantastic new lager today. I might take an Uber - but if you drive, there are two hours comped parking in the underground garage right next to the restaurant (so no need to take this expensive parking slot). Enjoy!
Published at a year ago
Love this place. Had the beef brisket which was very juicy with some Mac and cheese- my favorite side, so creamy and tasty. The Michelada Bella made has been one of the best Ive had at any bar. The service is always awesome but the drinks are just better with her. Overall great place to drink and have a good bite.Try her Michelada and the kitchens Mac n cheese while youre there.
Published at a year ago
Pulled pork plate was delicious. A fun SoCal twist on southern bbq. Great sides. Great music playlist. Very friendly staff.
Published at a year ago
BBQ and service was good. Only con is their portions are not that big. We ordered 4 different types of meats and 4 different sides all large size and portion size was small for it being a large. It was disappointing.
Published at a year ago
Awesome BBQ!
Published at a year ago
Perfect barbecue place. Elegant interior, amazing food, and laid back environment. Thanks
Published at a year ago
Nice establishment. Visited on multiple occasions. Impressed each time.
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Great service and quality of food. Enjoyed the club sandwich. Only feedback is that the collard greens could have been better seasoned. Nothing fancy but deserves better than a 4.1 stars!
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Here for lunch for the first time with a 1.5-year-old toddler. Expected so-so given the 4.1 rating currently. Pleasantly impressed! Ordered - Brisket Banh Mi - Avocado toast with fries Food looked healthy AND tasted wonderful! Highly recommend their briskets! Avocado toast exceeded expectations with their pickled chili, though fries were slightly burnt and too salty. Exceptional, personable services to accommodate our picky little one. Very spacious and comfortable seating. Even a lovely patio area! I m a fan! Highly recommend.
Published at a year ago
More bar than BBQ, this modern gastropub setting with excellent ambiance, but misses the mark totally in delivering real smokey BBQ. Having sampled the Brisket and Pulled Pork, there was absolutely zero taste or smell of smoke. Although the proteins were tender and flavorful, the disappointment surpassed any understanding of the BBQ technique they are trying to achieve here. Certainly, they should reconsider the business models naming convention. The only smokiness present was in some of their sauces, and you can easily pull this one from a bottle of liquid smoke. The pork belly appetizer, although tasty did not justify a $18 price tag that didnt deliver a balance of flavors. $23 will get you THREE slices of tender brisket along with a 3% hit to your bill because they need to show their customers that they cant be responsible to cover living wages. What they do excel at are some of their side dishes. Freshly baked cornbread, Street Corn, and Mac N Cheese were certainly well crafted and delicious. There were also the BBQ beans that were also scrumptiously sweet and again lacked any smoke. As a bar/lounge, you will find yourself having a great time here, but unfortunately, the achievement of BBQ is better sought elsewhere. Expect the pricing to be on par with their pretty decor. Parking: Street or validated parking lot on 3rd St.
Published at a year ago
Location is easier to get to from Traction ave or Merrick Street. I am so impressed with this restaurant. It was so difficult to find though. The GPS doesnt like the building so it kept making us go around in circles. We almost gave up on looking but we did find it. When we walked in the waitress was very friendly. The atmosphere is very chill and the drinks were so refreshing and perfectly sweet. We got the ginger strawberry lemonade and blackberry basquait. The waiting staff was friendly and so helpful. For food, we started with the nachos and it satisfied that crunch craving. The brisket was so tender and the ribs fell right off the bone . It wasnt just that, the flavor was perfectly balanced, sauce and seasoning were obviously well thought out. We ordered the corn bread and OMG it was so delicious. Sweet and cinnamon flavor butter. It was a dessert in itself i seriously wanted to put a scoop of ice cream on top. I would highly suggest this restaurant to anyone who wants to enjoy a good date night.
Published at a year ago
Employees are so rude,especially bartender.
Published at a year ago
Employees are so rude,especially bartender.
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
The staff are good and drinks are
Published at a year ago
The brisket was tough and too raw
Published at a year ago
DO NOT GO HERE! I am a vegetarian and have been so for many years. I went here during my lunch break with co-workers and I ordered the buttery brioche sandwich with jackfruit and was told that it was jackfruit when the plate was handed to me. IT WAS NOT JACKFRUIT, IT WAS CHICKEN!! I ended up finding a chicken bone in my food after eating a substantial amount of the sandwich. When I told the waiter, he was extremely nonchant about it. He said sorry while smiling and said that that the kichen was really busy. I also ordered the burnt ends mac & cheese with no meat and you guess, what? THERE WAS MEAT IN IT AS WELL! I had to leave work early and have been throwing up ever since. IF YOU HAVE ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, DO NOT GO HERE!!
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Beef brisket was great My wife loved the Mac and cheese side. The ribs we had werent dry nor juicy (they fell in between).
Published at a year ago
Atmosphere was nice cool design very non BBQ. Service was good, food was meh.
Published at a year ago
Great service and amazing food. Mac and cheese was great. A little spicy but Im weak when it comes to spice. Love the sliders.
Published at a year ago
This place is a gem in dtla. The staff is super friendly and attentive. The food was delicious!!! Would recommed you try their house and cayenne honey bbq sauce. You cant go wrong with their brisket. I want to try more dishes, so I will be coming back for happy hour.
Published at a year ago
The Brisket is the real deal, and very good. Drinks were tasty too. My only negative is that the brisket (main dish) came out before the appetizer and sides. The Place is still fairly new, give them some love and check them out!! Cheers.
Published at a year ago
Delicious food, great service, loved everything about this place!
Published at a year ago
Wooow. I think the chef has a beyond heavy hand with salt! My Cobb salad was so salty it was disgusting... So were the rack of ribs and Cole slaw we ordered... My Mac and cheese was so bland or maybe my taste buds were so gone from the salt in the salad that I couldnt taste anything! Food was so terrible (from those few things we tried) we will not be returning... Bf said his mocktail was really good. And I will say the bar tender was super attentive and nice! Our server was even friendly. But service was on the slow side for being a nearly empty place when we went... But food was so bad I personally will never return... I was so hungry that I just ate and left as fast as possible....
Published at a year ago
Published at a year ago
Amazing food & service
Published at a year ago
Mac and Cheese bites were unreasonably delicious. They had no business being as good as they were. All Mac and cheese will have to compete with that for the rest of my life. The rest of our meal was equally fantastic. Tri tip fell apart beautifully and the Rustic Club was a wonderful elevation of the standard club with its added pork belly. The sides of street corn and brussel sprouts kept the flavor going and rounded everything out perfectly. Ill definitely be back next time Im in the area.
Published at a year ago
P sure they freeze their meat, which is sad bc it was def high quality at some point. everything was so dry and the cornbread tasted like zucchini bread with corn in it? Really bad rep of southern food ): way too expensive for the overall quality, just a shame
Published at 2 years ago
The brisket sandwich is amazing all around good spot to eat and watch some sports
Published at 2 years ago
Great servers . Horrible management.
Published at 2 years ago
Simply put, everything was great except for the BBQ. Extremely mediocre especially for the price. Practically no smoked flavor whatsoever and meat portions were small and quite dry.
Published at 2 years ago
The brisket is amazing. Nice, fatty with the perfect crust. Smoked watermelon with feta and balsamic reduction was the perfect starter. Oh also the tomato tartine, definitely get that. The smite dessert is a true smore, not some reimagined dish. Oh and the strawberry shortcake. You need to get that too! Service was thoughtful and friendly with great recommendations.
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Literally SOOOOOO goood. We had the smoked brisket, the nachos, and the Mac and cheese with burnt ends in it and everything was amazing. The portion sizes are also huge! The drinks were great too. Will definitely be coming again! (PS they also have vegetarian/vegan options!)
Published at 2 years ago
Nachos, Brisket, and mac and cheese were to die for. Great bbq spot in the middle of DTLA.
Published at 2 years ago
Very upscale hipster vibe. All the BBQ sauces skewed toward the sweet and that s not my jam. The service was amazing and the drinks were strong.
Published at 2 years ago
A little hidden, but everything they have is great.
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Can t figure out why this place was empty on a Saturday night?? The food was delicious and the decor was nice! I had no complaints
Published at 2 years ago
Wow wow wow! Came here with a small group and I m so glad we learned about this place. To start, the food and drinks are excellent. Highly recommend the Mamba or the mezcal mule to drink. To share we tried the deviled eggs, and the nachos. Both excellent and large portions! We also got the 2 meat plate with tri-tip and brisket and man were they good!! The sauces!!! Try the house molasses one and the mustard! Delicious!! Do not skip out on the sides!!!! We got the Mac and cheese which was so so so so good and the cornbread. Do NOT skip the cornbread. The service was excellent and the music was, too. I m so happy to live near this place, I can t wait to go back!
Published at 2 years ago
Friendly staff, the BBQ meat was delicious. Id return.
Published at 2 years ago
The food here is so good. My wife and I just split the 2 meats meal (brisket and Chicken) and Mac and cheese and also got an elote. Everything was great!
Published at 2 years ago
Aug 22 Update: stopped by again for dinner and drinks. Ordered deviled eggs, sliders and tacos. Food was great. Great experience. Ordered Sangria as well which was delish. Loved this BBQ place. Amazing decor and great selection of apps, drinks and food. I will absolutely be back. They have an mango flavored water and it was delish. They had $1 wing happy hour special.
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Really good barbeque! All the meats were juicy and cooked to perfection. Our favourites were the Beef Tri-Tip and the Baby Back Ribs. All the sides were also fantastic. Staff was very friendly and the place is new and well decorated. Totally recommended, especially if you are looking to have a later than usual dinner, as they open until late.
Published at 2 years ago
The bbq was just okay. The only stand out for me was the mac and cheese which was delicious. As for bbq, there are several places I would recommend before this establishment. Nice atmosphere and presentation.
Published at 2 years ago
Good vibes, good servers, good food = perfect for friends gathering :) check out this cool place my friends!
Published at 2 years ago
Had a dinner with my team members; tried out brisket deviled eggs, wings, street tacos, house nachos, and couple of meat platters. I thought their seasoning was just a bit too salty but others members were enjoying the food and drink. The atmosphere was quiet and staff members were super friendly. I would comeback to this place.
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Passed by this place earlier and had to stop in. Great vibe! Staff is incredibly friendly. My server Aden was happy and helpful. Had chicken, corn bread and Mac and cheese. Delicious! Definitely worth visiting!!
Published at 2 years ago
The meat was dry, the beans were too vinegary and everything was just over spiced. Not as in too hot, as in way over spice rubbed and flavored . The pork tasted old, although marks for it at least falling off the bone. Not sure how it still managed to be dry. Best thing was the Brussels sprouts and that s just cus they were fried to chip status. I know this place fell into the casualties of COVID delays and perhaps the anticipation was beyond its capacity. I really wanted them to be great and do well, but ya . No. Also $6 for a coke.
Published at 2 years ago
Just loved this place. Such a hidden treasure (for now). The smoked meats were delicious (personally I loved the brisket) the drinks were great, the open space/air layout was perfect. They have a nice selection at the bar as well. Cant wait to go back. Note you get 2 hour validation for parking at the Aliso apartments, but the parking entrance is located in a different street; just know that you should map out your visit before you come here.
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Their happy hour is great! Brant our server was awesomeeeeee :)
Published at 2 years ago
Nice place with a cute Peruvian busboy. Will come back again just for him.
Published at 2 years ago
A sign of the upward trajectory of the previously run-down arts district area, this very comfy space in a new residential building features long sofa benches and big roll-up windows to take advantage of the excellent So Cal climate. The food is tasty and fresh, with flavorful meats supporting their smoky branding. I feel they could do better on their draft beer offerings, though. We live amongst an embarrassment of riches when it comes to contemporary craft beer which would go excellently with smoked meats. Well probably be back.
Published at 2 years ago
Great food, inviting staff with the right attitude. Price was great especially considering portion SIZE. Brandt is the man great server whos very knowledgeable. Sous chef George is helpful and hilarious . Overall great experience, we will be back
Published at 2 years ago
Great food, decent price, wonderful staff. Happy hour good bang for your buck. Jackfruit taco and chili nachos(happy hour) fire. Burnt end Mac was next level. Sou Chef came hung talked for awhile. Loved this place, will be back to see Brant again.
Published at 2 years ago
This night was a such a great experience. Being from Arizona, We were in the need for a fun yet quality dining experience to end our day. The atmosphere was fun and did exactly what we wanted it to! The service was the best and the guys at the bar delivered! That watermelon salad was one of the best I have ever had. The chilis added the best crunch and flavor contrast! Those eggs are to die for! Now, I could go on and on about the Brussels and the truffle Frites! However, the meat stole the show with the sauces. Just a night to relax and enjoy the vibe. If you want a spot that is great and has a good happy hour and late. Igor s in the city, this is the spot!
Published at 2 years ago
Beautiful attention to details great staff and really good food
Published at 2 years ago
Great food and service!
Published at 2 years ago
Food taste delicious closes to eating food from South Carolina there smoke char cuts of meat are juicy and the Mac and cheese its the best I ever had. I highly recommend the place and there meat platers are delicious getvan option of 1,2 or 3 meats with any sides and there smores dessert its out of this world. I highly recommend this place.
Published at 2 years ago
Nachos Sliders 2 drinks Total w/ tip: $105 Nope
Published at 2 years ago
Published at 2 years ago
Executive chef Omari Williams knocks it out of the park with his exquisite cuisine. This food is so good we will return. Not only was the food excellent, the service was attentive and polite. The restaurant decor is beautiful. This is a must eat restaurant!
Published at 2 years ago
I can t rave enough about this place! Delicious BBQ, sides, salads, etc. The waitstaff is super friendly, attentive, and enthusiastic. Highly recommend for anyone dining in the Arts District.
Published at 2 years ago
Excellent BBQ Restaurant! Food is incredibly delicious and looks beautiful. The decor matched perfectly with the theme of the restaurant. I love the outdoor setting , honestly has to be the best setting in house. Tried their Brioche sandwich with pulled pork and it was so yummy and tender. They have a few desserts that definitely pulled me in , the Buttermilk Biscuit Shortcake is so good, a dessert is needed after some tasty BBQ food. Will be coming back soon!
Published at 2 years ago
After reading the reviews I was hesitant to come dine at this place, but I can confidently say Im more than glad I did. Looking back at the dates on some of these reviews Im assuming its from when they first opened and theyve made some improvements since. I ordered the 3 three meat platter with the beef brisket, baby back ribs, and pacific salmon. For the sides I got the Brussel sprouts and the burnt ends Mac and cheese. Lets start with my favorite- the ribs were practically falling off the bone; the meat was so tender and the Harissa Molasses sauce was phenomenal. I asked what it was to see if I could buy some and it turns out all sauces are made in house, my only negative to this is that I couldnt buy a whole bottle and take it home. The brisket was rich, smoky, and fragrant. I found myself upset that I was getting full because all I wanted was to eat more. The salmon melts in your mouth. It was layered; light, smokey, and fresh (as salmon should be) but the soy ginger sauce added an extra layer of flavor that was unique and delicious. My sides- although the Brussels were good (I loved the touch of pomegranate seeds to add a little sweetness) the Mac and cheese stole the show. It is SO HARD to find a place that doesnt serve a soupy, watery mess for Mac and cheese. This place nailed it with the consistency; a creamy, cheddar-cheesy, buttery goodness. Would I dine here again? Without a doubt
Published at 2 years ago
I love BBQ of almost any kind so when I heard this place opened up here in DTLA, I had to come try their food. We sat in the corner out on the patio and they had very nice outdoor furniture which was really comfortable. The server, Brent, was really helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the 3 meat combo to try multiple items. Our plate came with pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs. We considered getting an appetizer but our server suggested we try the chili a la carte to match with our side of truffle fries and cornbread. The Mrs. also got a chilled red sangria which she says was the best shes had in recent memory! The food came out hot and on time. The portions were chunky and it looked like too much food! We were up for the challenge. The pulled pork was tasty and juicy. The ribs were hearty and thick. The brisket had a great flavor. The smoked meats here were the best Ive had in DTLA no question. The cornbread was FIRE! I didnt like the truffle fries as Im not a big garlic fan but the Mrs. loved them. Oh and dont forget to get the chili here, its truly amazing and something special! Im definitely making regular stops here moving forward. This is the best BBQ in DTLA. You read it here first!
Published at 2 years ago
So Char-Bar has been under construction in the Arts District for what seems like ever due to Covid19. They opened a week ago and I was able to stop in and check it out. The design of the restaurant was amazing. Chairs and booths were comfortable and cozy. That being said, prices were extremely high. Our food and drinks took a bit longer for them to come out than I anticipated. We tried the Flight to LA, NGL, and The Paint Brush. The LA drink was great but the other two were eh. After looking at the lunch and dinner menus, we figured the Happy Hour prices would be better. Nope, still a bit higher than we expected. Pros: the restaurant is gorgeous. The drink Flight to LA is good. The street Tacos are good (but it will cost you$$) Cons: Service is slow(granted they are brand new but you would think they have had some training) IDK
Published at 2 years ago
Good spot in LA . Dont pass on the sausage (pause) and the red potatoes. Difficult parking tho but worth it if you get lucky.
Published at 2 years ago
- 12 photos
- 114 reviews
- 4.3 rating
- Phone: +1 213-935-8194
- Website: https://linktr.ee/smokecitycharbar
- Address: 899 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
- Coordinates: 34.0442822, -118.2336077
- Barbecue restaurant
- Bar
- Cocktail bar
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday: 4–10 PM
- Saturday: 4–10 PM
- Sunday: 4–10 PM
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- Delivery: Yes
- Takeaway: Yes
- Dine-in: Yes
- Fast service: Yes
- Lunch: Yes
- Dinner: Yes
- Solo dining: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible seating: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Yes
- Alcohol: Yes
- Beer: Yes
- Cocktails: Yes
- Comfort food: Yes
- Happy-hour drinks: Yes
- Happy-hour food: Yes
- Late-night food: Yes
- Small plates: Yes
- Spirits: Yes
- Wine: Yes
- Lunch: Yes
- Dinner: Yes
- Dessert: Yes
- Seating: Yes
- Bar on site: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Casual: Yes
- Trendy: Yes
- Groups: Yes
- Tourists: Yes
- Accepts reservations: Yes
- Credit cards: Yes
- Paid parking lot: Yes
- Parking: Yes