Slab

Slab has an origin story that feels distinctly LA. Before it was a proper restaurant, this was Trudy’s Underground Barbecue—a one-man operation where locals would line up in a Studio City driveway for some of the best smoked meats in the city. That backyard legend has now grown into a full-fledged counter-service spot on West 3rd Street in Beverly Grove, but the soul of the operation remains firmly intact.

The spare ribs here deserve their own paragraph. They’re dry-rubbed to perfection and the meat is so tender it barely requires any effort to eat. You’ll watch them chop the ribs right at the counter, and from the first bite, you’ll understand why people drove across town just for a taste. While the brisket is what originally put Slab on the map, the ribs have arguably stolen the spotlight. Order both if you can’t decide, but definitely don’t skip the ribs.

Beyond the proteins, the sides elevate Slab from good to great. The mac and cheese hits all the right notes—no unnecessary reinvention, just properly executed comfort food with a generous amount of melted cheddar. If you’re grabbing food to-go, Trudy’s Special is the move: brisket piled with slaw and tangy BBQ sauce on a pillowy Hawaiian bun. And when you think you can’t eat another bite, the pecan pie bar provides the ideal sweet finish.

The space itself is straightforward and no-frills, which feels refreshing on a stretch of 3rd Street crowded with trendy brunch spots. You order at the counter, find a seat, and focus on what matters: the food. Slab proves that sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that never lose sight of their roots, even after outgrowing them.