AJ's Tex-Mex Barbecue

AJ's Tex-Mex Barbeque. The name is a bit long, but so is the flavor of the food they serve. For a medium-sized restaurant, it's all kitchen. You can sit outside if you want, but it's a south facing place, so you are liable to get burnt yourself (see pictures). Thank God for Pat's on Laurel next door. AJ's will deliver next door, and the Pat's on Laurel will welcome lunch goers, provided they buy their drinks from the bar. It's not a hard rule, but it's polite. Back to the food. AJ's BBQ is only very fine. It's not perfect, but that's the problem with all BBQ restaurants. BBQ is meant to be eaten fresh out of the smoker, not just hot when you come in. Hot doesn't mean fresh, and my Mexican breakfast burrito was indeed hot, but the brisket inside, while tasty, wasn't fresh. I spent basic training in Missouri, trained in Texas, and lived in Kansas City, Little Rock, and Memphis. I know fresh BBQ. This was only 4 out of 5 stars. Too bad. We need a perfect BBQ joint in Valley Village, like the spectacular 'Bear Pit' in Mission Hills. That place has (sorry to my good BBQ loving friends) the best darned BBQ anywhere in the world. I salivate just thinking about it. You'd have never guessed that Los Angeles is the BBQ capital of the world. For those without my experience, AJ's BBQ will do very nicely. The brisket and pulled pork are tender, the pickled everything is fantastic, and the sides are groovy. Two and a half Thumbs Up.

I love places like these, unassuming on the outside with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Pam and Ram we're super friendly and fun to talk to you, but let's get to the meat of the story.. I had the breakfast taco that should be known as the taco that just keeps getting better and better. First the tortilla. Insanely good, made in-house and one of the best flour tortillas I've ever had. Then the scrambled eggs were cooked perfectly, not overdone whatsoever with the perfect amount of fluff one needs in scrambled eggs. The brisket was tender and juicy and smoky and flavorful and all the things that you want in brisket. Cotija and pico to round it out. Super generous portion and incredibly satisfying. Can't wait to come back and try everything else. Thank you guys!

Awesome Texas style BBQ place! The brisket is a must get; it was smoky, full flavored, and very tender. The pulled pork sandwich and elote corn side were great too. It’s a cozy space with a couple outdoor patio seatings in the front and parking in the back. The owner is very friendly and just great experience overall. Will defiantly visit again next time we’re in town!

Had this saved a while, finally stopped by and left full af. It's a small spot with parking in the back. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Cool wooden tables. Got the BBQ Plate Brisket 1/3lb with Street Corn, Pulled Pork Nachos and a cold Dr Pepper. The nachos were thick & crunchy, loaded with lots of cheese, toppings, and big chunks of pork. Brisket was tender, flavored, and fell apart (I got the fatty meat). Corn was so tasty, mix it all up and enjoyed. I couldn't finish it all, but boy did I try! Will definitely swing by again sometime to try some other stuff.

I've had tons of bbq all over America and this place is ok. Had pulled pork sandwich and the portions were good. Flavor wise the meal was missing the wow factor you get at a great BBQ place. I think the main reason is the BBQ sauce wasn't super delicious, just normal. The pulled pork meat itself was good. Would have been nice to get more sauce options. Also, seating outside needs an upgrade, Ambience is ok as well. Staff was very friendly.