The smell of smoke BBQ is definitely in air at this place. Staff is friendly and quick on recommendations for first-time visitors. Parking is a little challenging, with only 4 spots, but you can always look for street parking. It's definitely worth finding parking to eat at this place. I ordered the 2 meat combo brisket and burnt ends with Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.they also give your delicious garlic bread and choice of barbq sauce from mild to spicy with your order. The brisket and burnt ends were moist, tender, and flavorful. Garlic bread and spicy sauce were great compliments to the meat. The sides are okay, but the BarBQ is why you will keep coming back.
Overview
When you're craving mouthwatering barbecue in North Hollywood, Swinging Door Bbq is the place to be. Nestled at 11018 Vanowen St #6313, this gem stands out for its authentic smokehouse flavors, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time BBQ lover or someone new to this style of cooking, Swinging Door Bbq has something special to offer every visitor.
The heart of the menu at Swinging Door Bbq lies in its smoked meats. Their slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausages are cooked to perfection, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices and then smoked over hickory wood, which imparts a deep, savory flavor that you won't find in your average BBQ spot. This commitment to quality and authenticity is one of the reasons Swinging Door Bbq has built such a loyal following.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the classic BBQ platter, which allows guests to sample a variety of smoked meats paired with traditional sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. Each side is made from scratch, and it’s clear that the restaurant takes pride in ensuring that the full meal experience is as satisfying as the star attraction-the meat. The sweet, smoky flavor of the pulled pork is complemented by the tangy barbecue sauce that’s served on the side, giving you the option to add as much or as little as you want.
The casual, down-to-earth ambiance of Swinging Door Bbq also plays a significant role in making it a favorite among locals. The cozy interior is filled with rustic décor, evoking the feeling of a true Southern BBQ joint. The friendly staff further enhances the experience, offering helpful recommendations for first-time visitors or regulars looking to try something new. Whether you're dining in with friends or ordering out, the service is always attentive and quick.
Another highlight of Swinging Door Bbq is their commitment to bringing the community together. The restaurant regularly hosts live music events and special promotions, creating an inviting environment for guests to relax, enjoy their food, and experience the local culture. It’s not just about the food-it's about the experience, and Swinging Door Bbq does an excellent job of making that experience memorable.
While the focus here is undoubtedly on the BBQ, the drinks menu is also worth noting. Swinging Door Bbq offers a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and sodas that pair wonderfully with their smoked dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a cold beer after a long day or a refreshing iced tea with your meal, there’s something for everyone.
Reviews of Swinging Door Bbq consistently rave about the quality of the food and the warm, welcoming environment. Customers often highlight the tenderness and flavor of the meats, as well as the variety of sides that make each meal feel complete. Many return regularly for their favorite dishes, often recommending the brisket or the baby back ribs. The combination of excellent food, great service, and a laid-back atmosphere makes it a standout in the North Hollywood dining scene.
Swinging Door Bbq is more than just a place to grab a quick meal-it's a local treasure that’s been feeding BBQ lovers for years. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch, a special family dinner, or a weekend hangout, you can count on this spot to deliver great food and a fantastic experience. The next time you're in the area, make sure to swing by Swinging Door Bbq for a taste of some of the best smoked meats in the region.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 863 reviews
I'm originally from Texas so I crave BBQ from time to time, but sometimes good BBQ is hard to find. I can absolutely say that Swinging Door definitely met my expectations! My husband and I got the pulled pork, tri tip, and Angus beef. All the meats were moist and tender. The mild BBQ was flavorful. The mac and cheese and fries were excellent. The fried oreos satisfied my sweet tooth. The only thing I didn't enjoy much were the cornbread muffins. They tasted a bit bland compared to the cornbread I'm use to. As far as seating wise, it's outdoor only with about 5 tables. Staff were super nice. I will be back!
No frills bbq spot but the meats were delicious. The burnt tips and Mac and cheese are the way to go. Toast was a bit dry and corn bread average. There are a few tables outside with a view of the gas station. We came for the food, not the ambience. Will definitely be back. The staff was welcoming and offered recommendations.
Attention all meat lovers... Mouthwatering, drooling over meats... ribs are fantastic, pulled pork is juicy and tender, brisket falls apart and melts in your mouth.... best BBQ in the Valley. Scrumptious corn bread and delicious BBQ beans. We always order to go and service is top notch. Highly recommended
This bbq is top notch, just like when i lived in the South! Staff was so friendly and helpful and my takeout order was FAST. The baby back ribs and burnt ends are excellent!
Food was great !! My three year old and 1 yr old loved it. Got the chicken breast (super moist), burnt ends and brisket. Mac n cheese, Cole slaw, collard greens were so good ! I do recommend getting fatty brisket over the lean cause the lean was a bit dry. Seating area is kind of small but there was enough room for a group of 7. You will get your food in to-go boxes and plates on the side (which I prefer. Made it easier to pack up and go ). Will definitely be back! super satisfied w everything !!
Yummy. Got the Sausage Hot Links (spicy) & Mac and Cheese, with the corn bread and beans. All of it was tasty! Sausage was nice and juicy with good flavor. Mac and Cheese was drowning in soft melted cheese & cooked well. Dipped it all in the side of thick BBQ sauce which had a lot of bold savory flavor. Their Hot sauce & mustard sauce was yummy too. Beans were yummy. Washed it all down with a cold Dr pepper. Prices are fair for the portion/quality. Staff was friendly. They have a few tables to sit outside (none inside). They're located on the corner connected to the gad station