El Monte, in LA’s San Gabriel Valley, is famous for its multicultural dining scene—think Asian fusion, tacos, and now, an emerging appreciation for serious barbecue.
Here, pitmasters often blend Southern traditions with the flavors of the neighborhood, so you’ll find true-low-and-slow brisket beside creative Asian-adjacent sides, spicy sauces, and comfort food classics.
The best El Monte BBQ is unpretentious, generous, and always a little unexpected.
1. Gus’s BBQ
A short zip west in nearby South Pasadena, Gus’s has decades of SoCal barbecue heritage and is a destination for anyone in East LA.
The slow-cooked ribs (wet or dry), brisket platters, and jalapeño-cheddar grits are highlights.
Their sauces—Memphis, Carolina, and house original—make for an irresistible tasting experience, and bourbon lovers will enjoy the Utah-inspired drink list.
2. Wood’s Family BBQ
This family-run pop-up rotates through El Monte and nearby neighborhoods (watch their socials for locations).
Smoked over hickory and pecan, the brisket is juicy with a peppery bark, and the smoked hot links have a cult following.
Their banana pudding and BBQ egg rolls (yes, this mashup works!) are stars.
3. Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom
Inside the Santa Anita Mall, Jody Maroni’s might surprise BBQ traditionalists, but their smoked sausage sandwiches, especially the spicy Andouille and BBQ chicken apple, are delicious.
Get the “Southern Slam” plate: sausage, BBQ beans, mac, cornbread, and tangy coleslaw.
4. Matt’s BBQ
Another food truck legend that’s made El Monte rounds: Matt’s serves Central Texas-style brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and brisket nachos.
Sides like Mexican street corn and pickled cucumbers nod to SGV flair. The smoky aroma draws a crowd—come early before things sell out.
5. Spring Street Smokehouse
A short hop away in Chinatown, this classic BBQ spot draws folks from all over LA County.
Their pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and house sauces (especially the spicy-thick “Sweet Fire”) make it worth the drive for El Monte residents. Don’t miss the cornbread and cinnamon apples!
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