Smoke City Market, Sherman Oaks

Hey Texans, there's a Texas BBQ spot in the San Fernando Valley! The first time we heard about this place was from a car salesman who grew up in Texas. He claimed Smoke City Market was the best Texas style BBQ joint in Los Angeles. Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity when we were invited to chow down at Smoke City Market in Sherman Oaks. 

The restaurant is located along the stretch of Van Nuys made famous by the huge selection of car dealerships. The inside definitely has the Texas flair with rifles and plenty of cowboy paraphernalia. The menu is simple: choose your meat, choose your sides, sit and wait for your food to arrive. 

Texas BBQ Platter for 2
(Not actually on the menu, just a made up name)

The Meat: Starting at the top (going clockwise) beef sausage, pulled pork, fatty brisket, regular brisket, pastrami.

The Sides: Baked beans, pickles, mac n cheese, salw, potato salad (not pictured)

The Sauces: BBQ or Vinegar 

Everything used to be made in-house, but to keep up with the high demand, the sausages are now made by a company to the exact specifications of the owner. All the meat was great with a nice smokiness, but the most amazing and crave worthy item was by far the fatty brisket. WOW! Had no idea fatty brisket even existed and it is now my favorite BBQ meat. The meat just melted in my mouth. I dare say I may even prefer the fatty brisket over pork belly now.

The sides were also really good. My favorite was the potato salad, which was made with whole grain mustard and had a nice tangy. I could order a gallon of that at a time it is so good. 

This giant platter of food was more than enough for 2 and could satisfy a party of 3.  

If you're into eating challenges, Smoke City Market has that covered as well with their "Are you Texas Enough" challenge. It's a LOT of meat to eat in 1 hour, but at least it's good tasting meat!

Dessert: banana pudding

We finished our meal with banana pudding topped with vanilla wafers. It was cool, creamy and had chunks of fresh banana. 

I'm certainly no BBQ expert, but I can say with out a doubt that the fatty brisket at Smoke City Market rocked my taste buds and I can't wait to go back.

Smoke City Market
5242 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401