Holy Cow BBQ

Just within the last couple of years, Culver City really upped its barbecue game with several different barbecue joints, including one still to come.  Yessir, some of the gems of the South are getting some legitimate representation here in Southern California.

In an effort to get to know these places better, some friends and I ventured on a slow barbecue crawl, hitting up two restaurants.

First up, Holy Cow BBQ.  Like its first location in Santa Monica, Holy Cow Culver City offers some smoky, lip-smackingly delicious 'cue in a casual atmosphere.  If you like MessHall in Los Feliz, you'll likely enjoy the vibe at Holy Cow (think rustic with just the right amount of homeyness).  Loosen up your belt a notch (or wear stretchy pants like me) and dig in!

As anticipated, their menu caters mostly to omnivores, but there are some options for non-meat lovers, too.  In fact, there are plenty of menu options, period.

Menu: Meat & Meat Combos.

Menu: Salads and things.

Menu: Sammies

Menu: Sides.

Indoor seating, great for groups.

Bar seating with beers on tap.

Order at the counter; get your number and grab a seat.

Since we were a large group of 10, we ordered a couple of meat combos, a number of shareable side dishes with a round of delectable desserts to follow.  Needless to say, we kicked off the BBQ crawl strong and without any restraints.

Buttermilk Cornbread with honey, chives and maple butter -- $3.50

5-Cheese Mac N Cheese (Aged Vermont, White & Yellow Cheddar, Bechamel, and Monterey Jack) -- $7

Oh yea.

4 Meat Combo (L to R: brisket; tri-tip, baby backs; pulled pork) -- $22

Texas Brisket, paired with housemade Texas red sauce

Santa Maria Tri-Tip

Baby Back Ribs -- the best!

Carolina Pulled Pork, paired with housemade Carolina yellow sauce.

Hand-rubbed Beef Ribs -- $12

House Slaw -- dressed green and red cabbage, celery seed, aioli, roasted garlic

Collards -- slow braised in vinegar, ham hocks, sweet onion, pork belly -- $5

O-Rings -- sweet onion, spicy buttermilk, seasoned corn flour -- $6

Idaho Potato Salad -- Russets, vinegar, egg, celery, chive, dill, mayo -- $4

Kettle Beans -- medley of beans, cured bacon, braised peppers & onions, house spieces, Q-sauce -- $4

Warm Peach Crumble -- sweet peaches, brown sugar & oats -- $7

Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding -- brioche, vanilla bean cream, chocolate, sugar & spice, fresh whip cream -- $7

Banana Cream -- fresh vanilla bean custard, banana brulee, whip cream, toasted almonds, wafer -- $7

After stuffing our faces, the verdict was in: (1) the Baby Backs define Holy Cow's modus operandi -- Slow Smoked Goodness; (2) the brisket is tender and especially tasty with their housemade Q sauce; (3) Collards are slow-braised in pork belly and Kettle Beans are cooked with cured bacon = winning;  and (4) that Peach Crumble will warm your heart and belly.  Would I return?  With such fair prices, generous portions, and tasty shareables?  Yes ma'am!  So if you're in Culver City looking for a quick bite to eat (in or for takeout), definitely check out Holy Cow for a satisfying meal.






cuisine: Barbecue
location: Culver City
hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
websites: { HC | yelp | facebook | instagram | twitter }
parking: Lot
attire: Casual
how it works: Peruse the menu, order at the counter, take a number and grab your seats.
notes: Some of the best things on the menu are the Baby Backs, Kettle Beans, Peach Crumble, and Banana Pudding.