Bludso's BBQ

Texas style barbeque, or at least barbeque worth eating, is not easy to find in Los Angeles.  The rarity of decent barbeque is what makes every to visit to Bludso's BBQ in Compton such a treat.  Owner Kevin Bludso (above left) barbeques a variety of meats in his smoker and on a recent visit Simon Majumdar of Los Dos Hermanos and I went to town on the Texas Sampler, which gave us a little bit of everything.

The Texas Sampler included beef brisket, rib tip, chicken, chicken sausage, beef sausage and pork shoulder.  The only thing we didn't get to try was Bludso's beef ribs, which are only available on the weekends.  Simon was a barbeque skeptic regarding Los Angeles as he has competed in competitions in Memphis, but he left thinking that Bludso's is the real deal.  Despite being a Texas barbeque joint, it serves pork as well as beef.

The brisket has been lauded by Jonathan Gold, justifiably, but on this visit the chicken was my favorite.  I have yet to visit on a weekend, so have not tried it, but aim to soon.  The seating is a few stools inside and there is a table out back in the parking lot.  We sat with owner Kevin Bludso and an old friend of his, also named Kevin, at the outdoor table.  He told us that he had been invited to compete in several competitions but it was not possible to leave his business during peak season to participate.

The sauce is available in both mild and spicy.  I enjoyed both, but preferred the spicy version.  The macaroni and cheese side was also noteworthy.  Cornbread is served with the meat.  The Texas Sampler is $28.50 and  the lunch combo is available for $9.50.

Bludso's BBQ: 811 S. Long Beach Blvd, Compton.  Phone: (310) 637-1342.  Website: bludsosbbqandcatering.com