From the Table at Maple Block Meat Company

From the table at Maple Block Meat Company, the smell of smoke and barbeque surrounded me as I perused the classic BBQ menu.

It was a busy Friday night when we walked up to the inconspicuous BBQ restaurant in Culver City. I hadn’t heard of this place but, a quick Google search a few hours before led me to this gem. Maple Block Meat Co. specializes in wood-smoked meats, boasting an approachable neighborhood joint atmosphere with a great outside patio and a few tables inside.

As we walked in it took a moment to realize that the host stand was located in the back of the restaurant, kinda strange, but it worked surprisingly well. Walking through the dining room, past the full bar and open kitchen only helped to build the excitement and give us the opportunity to survey the lively atmosphere.

We didn’t have a reservation so the host informed us that we could have a table outside or at the bar overlooking the kitchen. It was an easy choice. We got the best seat in the house with a front-row view of the butcher block where every piece of smokey meat was cut and plated.

Maple Block Meat Co. has a full bar and a surprising beer list. Several local beers on draft and canned along with several beers I had never heard of. I chose a local cider while my boyfriend chose a smoked maple old fashioned. Our drinks came out relatively quickly. They were both delicious, the cider came with a chilled glass and was clean, crisp, and slightly sweet a welcome contrast to the abundance of rich food we ordered.

“We will have cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad, brisket, and the pork shoulder sandwich, please,” I said handing the menus to the server. We had chosen a fair amount of the menu. It’s research, I reasoned with myself as I ordered way too much food. (I wouldn’t want to give you a rec without proper due diligence!)

The food took a little while to come out, but the wait was enjoyable. We sipped our drinks and watched the staff buzz around. Once the food came out it was clearly worth the wait.

Starting off with the cornbread, all I can simply say is delicious. It had a surprising smokey flavor lending way to more of a savory bread rather than the sweeter cornbread I was expecting. The edges were satisfyingly crisp while the inside was dense with just the right amount of crumbliness. I would have enjoyed the whipped maple butter that they serve with the biscuits to be slathered on top. Next time.

Next up, the sides. I feel like mac and cheese can be hit or miss at restaurants and this was definitely a hit. It was gooey and creamy without being mushy. The toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top complemented the mild flavor of the cheddar cheese. The potato salad was classic with big chunks of red skin potatoes.

Now let’s get to the meat of it, literally and figuratively.

The chopped pork shoulder sandwich smothered in sweet, tangy barbeque melted in your mouth. It was topped with a cold, crunchy slaw and held together with a soft potato bun. This was the type of sandwich that fell apart in your hands (in the best way) and left unavoidable smears of sauce on your face. Comforting and homey it transports you to the backyard barbeques of your childhood.

When you order the brisket, you get a choice of fatty, lean or a mix. We of course went with a mix. The seasoning was kept simple, just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The reserved seasoning allowed wood smoke to bring out the natural robust flavor of the brisket. The crispy outer layer, called bark, that encased the tender meat created a pleasant textural contrast while adding to the flavor.

There wasn’t a single thing about this meal that I would change. The food, atmosphere, and service were impeccable. We walked out smiling with the smokey scent trailing behind us. I highly recommend checking out Maple Block Meat Company next time you’re looking for a casual and delicious night out.