Home to one of SoCal’s largest craft beer clusters and miles of coastal sunshine, Torrance is a delicious mashup of Japanese, Korean, and Americana eats—and its barbecue scene fits right in.
Whether you’re craving Southern-style smoke, Central Texas rubs, or Asian-inspired ‘cue, Torrance’s best pitmasters go big on quality and flavor, often with a locally grown, multicultural twist.
1. Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
This beloved SoCal chain’s Torrance location is a comfort-food palace, complete with neon, blues music, and platters big enough to please even the hungriest crew.
St. Louis ribs, Texas beef brisket, and slow-cooked tri-tip headline the menu, while the biscuits and apple butter are downright legendary.
The family packs are perfect for beach picnics or big group hangs.
2. The Standing Room
Burgers dominate here, but don’t sleep on their house-smoked pulled pork and spicy brisket sliders—both finished with a tangy Korean BBQ glaze.
The fusion style nods to Torrance’s Korean community, adding kimchi slaw and chili-lime aioli for a local pop of flavor.
Grab a craft beer from their impressive tap list to round things out.
3. King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
Famous for their sweet rolls but equally devoted to slow-roasted meats, King’s Hawaiian makes a mean Hawaiian-style barbecue beef, glazed chicken, and smoky kalbi.
Their smoky-sweet island sauce is unlike anything in traditional Southern barbecue and pairs beautifully with their pineapple coleslaw.
4. Big E’s BBQ
On Crenshaw, Big E’s is an under-the-radar gem where the pitmaster’s secret blend of oak and hickory turns out fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and rich, peppery beef links.
Their BBQ nachos topped with pulled pork are a favorite for locals watching the game or grabbing a fast, flavor-packed lunch.
5. Smokin’ Jonny’s BBQ
A roadhouse-style joint offering wood-smoked brisket, chicken, and sausage with a focus on Texas traditions.
The rubs are bold, the mac and cheese is creamy, and the cornbread arrives warm with honey butter. The relaxed, family vibe and commitment to fresh ingredients make Smokin’ Jonny’s a gathering spot for true BBQ lovers.
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