Moo's Craft Barbecue

Los Angeles wasn’t always known for its barbecue scene, but Moo’s Craft Barbecue has changed that conversation entirely. Tucked into a colorful space in Lincoln Heights, this spot emerged from LA’s underground network of backyard cookouts and Instagram drops to become a permanent fixture that draws crowds from across the city. Husband-and-wife team Michelle and Andrew Muñoz have built something special here—a place where central Texas-style smoking techniques meet East LA flavors and heritage.

The brisket is the undisputed star of the show. Rubbed simply with salt and pepper, then slow-roasted in a massive smoker out back, it achieves a level of tenderness that’s almost shocking. While there’s a tangy house-made sauce available, this meat is best enjoyed on its own to appreciate the craft that went into it. The pork ribs deserve equal praise—massive cuts that practically fall off the bone, seasoned with restraint to let the natural pork flavor shine through. Even the smoked turkey might change your mind about poultry entirely.

What sets Moo’s apart from other barbecue joints is the attention paid to everything on the plate. The sides here aren’t afterthoughts—they’re destinations in themselves. Creamy, smoky esquites nod to the Muñozes’ East LA roots, while the dill-heavy potato salad and crispy-topped mac and cheese prove that every element of the meal deserves respect. And save room for the tres leches bread pudding, a warm and gooey creation laced with cinnamon that might just rival the brisket for the best thing on the menu.

This is the kind of place you bring a group to celebrate—show up with an appetite and a willingness to share. The initial frenzy when Moo’s first opened has settled into something more manageable, with online pre-ordering now available. But make no mistake: this remains one of the essential eating experiences in Los Angeles, a testament to what happens when passionate cooks bring Texas technique and California creativity together under one roof.