Attention, carnivores! May is National Barbecue AND Burger Month!

Imagine my surprise when I showed up at work and found not one but two wonderful e-mails in my inbox. As if our (finally improving) Southern California weather were not enough, apparently May is National Barbecue and National Burger Month!

Needless to say, I can barely contain myself. I don't know whether to go out to dinner to celebrate ... or give myself some sort of smoky facial by hovering over the grill tonight.

In honor of this holiday, we're going to compile some of our favorite burger and barbecue recipes from the L.A. Times' test kitchen's archives.

In the meantime, I'm curious to know what you think are the best joints in town. Where can you find the best burgers and barbecue in Southern California?

I've already picked some brains to get the list going -- and most are around Los Angeles, so we need to broaden the range. Add to it. Challenge it. I double-dog dare you.

Here goes....

Best Burgers (in no particular order):

• The Apple Pan
• Umami Burger
• Father's Office
• In-N-Out
• Original Tommy's
• Pie 'n Burger
• ...

Best Barbecue (in no particular order):

• Baby Blues BBQ.
• Jay Bee's Bar-B-Q
• Spring Street Smoke House
• Mr. Cecil's California Ribs
• Bludso's BBQ
• The Original Texas Barbecue King
• Bigmista's Barbecue
• ...

-- Noelle Carter

Photos: Umami Burger (top). Credit: Ringo H. W. Chiu / For The Times. Smoked brisket with coffee barbecue sauce (bottom). Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[BurgerBoyLA]

FYI, DineLA just held a Best Burger in LA Contest and 26 Beach Restaurant beat everyone, hands down. Father's Office, The Counter, Umami, In-N-Out, 8oz, 25 Degrees and the list goes on. Check out this crazy burger they make. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK401kGkmGk

[Natalie]

National Burger Month?! It's about time.

[Hollie Maiberger]

If you want amazing BBQ at affordable prices, with a cool casual ambiance, you have to go to Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ! www.lucillesbbq.com
They have mashed sweet potatoes and fried green tomatoes that are to die for...right up there with the pulled pork and tri tip. If you are in Orange County, they also have a new fast casual version, "Lucille's Rib Shack". Delish!!!

[Monica Kaufman]

I recently stumbled onto a great new spot in West Hollywood called Sliders. I believe they have been open just over a month now. I wonder are sliders considered burgers? They have 7 variations of the slider ie, Kobe, pulled pork, short rib, portabella etc. To which I would akin to be a miniature sized burger in all it's glory. A definate destination spot worth trying out.

[Rachel]

I agree, Beachwood BBQ has the best bbq in Socal and THAT is a hefty honor. I challenge the LA Food Team to travel down to Seal Beach and try it.

Burgers: Lemon Moon Cafe

[mitch leiner]

El Paso BBQ in Encino was been doing Texas BBQ for years. Outstanding baby back ribs and the smoked turkey was tender and juicy. A real Texas staple. i haven't lived in LA for many years. I hope it is still going strong.

[adam]

Best Burgers:
1. Father's Office
2. Milk
3. 26 Beach
4. Apple Pan (though it's sort of a glorified in-n-out)
5. In-N-Out

[mmm...beer]

I second the recommendation for Beachwood BBQ. Fantastic food and a great (great!) craft tap selection.

However, I certainly wouldn't hesitate dropping in on Father's Office or Lucky Devil's for a beer and burger.

[Barbecue Recipes]

Making it the best month ever, lol! My husband is raving about it, he's been reviewing his barbecue recipes since last month making adjustments on ingredients and all that. ..and he has also arranged 4 consecutive barbecue weekend parties! This weekend, he'll be making pulled pork sandwiches and sausages for his basketball buddies.

[Carlsport]

Zeke's Smokehouse (Montrose) - best pulled pork sandwich
Hole in the Wall (West LA) - best made to order hamburger
Big Mistas - Best catered/farmers market BBQ

[Jackie]

If you're looking for old fashioned burgers PIE 'N BURGER is tops. For more of a gourmet-type burger the best is at GOLDEN STATE. Yum!!

[Southland Glutton]

Best Burgers:
- Lucky Devil's (Hollywood)
- Beacon (Culver City)
- 8 oz Burger Bar (W. Hollywood)

[dapdap, Los Angeles]

Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach. Memphis-style ribs.....and they have the BEST draught beer selection in LA and Orange counties.

[Colleen Greene]

We're big big fans of Bigmistas! We also really loved Baby Blues BBQ when we visited it on Veterans Day.

If you're looking for really great barbecue south of Los Angeles... Sweet Lumpy's BBQ in old town Temecula is fabulous (they catered our wedding), and The Cowboy Way in Palm Springs makes awesome chili.

[Marc Stevens]

You should add The Counter (various local locations)to your best burger list and
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ in Van Nuys