Go Big or Go Home at Texas Best BBQ

I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert on the Lone Star State. Even after the eight-page state report I wrote sometime in the fifth grade, one of the few things I can remember is that Texas' state food is chili.

But if Valley Village's latest addition, Texas Best BBQ is any indication of the second-largest U.S. state, I'd assume the state motto would be "Go big or go home." That's the first thought that crosses my mind Wednesday night when dinner hit the table as my husband and I sit in the small and cozy restaurant.

The barbecue spot replaced Kerry's Cafe, and was previously serving grilled goodness out of the parking lot of M&M Market in Studio City, Patch previously reported.

We order a combo plate for $15 – two meats and two small sides – unaware the meal will be more than we bargained for. While we're waiting for our smoked chicken (for me), pork ribs (for him), mac 'n' cheese and Texas baked beans, we enjoy free classic rock riffs, courtesy of whom I assume to be one of the owners and his sweet black electric guitar.

It's a slow night, the friendly woman at the counter tells us. They don't typically play live music, but on this particular evening, it's just a way to pass the time, she says. We don't mind the shredding one bit – he's a great guitarist who barely seems to miss a note.

We have the whole place to ourselves, but I overhear the woman telling a friend who's stopped by that they enjoyed a steady stream of customers up until the holidays. Maybe it's all the New Year Resolutions to cook more or eat healthier that explains the post-holiday slump. But after the whirlwind of Thanksgiving, gift shopping, Christmas and endless merry get-togethers, we welcome the calm.

When our meal arrives, we're overwhelmed at the amount of food. The woman shouts out to us, urging us to tell her if we want more. The man – who'd taken a break from the guitar to cook up our dinner – tells us they'd made too much food for the day, and they'd hate for it to go to waste.

The barbecue sauce has the perfect bite of tanginess, while the warm and hearty food is just what we needed to cure our winter chills. As I try not to overload on the mac 'n' cheese (always my guilty pleasure), I see my husband out of the corner of my eye attempting to eat his savory ribs with just one napkin. Luckily for him, we get a whole container of wet wipes to save us from a finger-licking mess.

The only thing missing? An ice cold beer from Pat's Cocktail Lounge next door. Texas Best has a convenient ordering window that looks right into the bar (it's been there for the last 15 years, the woman says), and they often take orders from patrons who bring their food back to the bar. We vow to come back for some more BBQ and perhaps a drink or two from their neighbor, Pat.

Texas Best BBQ is located as 12123 Riverside Drive in Valley Village. Business hours are every day from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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About this column: I'll be your adventure guide through the bustling arts district, Toluca Lake and the rest of North Hollywood, surveying theater, film, books, music, politics, places and people for your daily culture intake.