Expand your horizons, eat out in the Valley? OK, I must admit. My comfort level of going out exists within certain boundaries of our city. La Cienega to downtown, Franklin to Pico. But when I read a recent review in my Westways magazine of the BBQ joint Boneyard Bistro and their half off wine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I had to break through my boundaries and check it out.
Located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, Boneyard Bistro is a small place. With exposed brick walls and eclectic artwork on the ceilings. BBQ and smoked meat aromas waft in from the kitchen. There are two sides to the menu. The Boneyard side is a collection of smoked and grilled meats. Like baby back, St. Louis, and pork ribs ($20-$30). Barbecued tri-tip ($20) and several other smoked options, including pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and sausage. On the Bistro side are things like pulled pork dumplings ($9), blackened catfish ($23), or a kobe burger ($19) with foie gras ($32).
We both get the baby back ribs with a side of fried mac and cheese, fries and coleslaw. I also order some of the beef brisket with my ribs. All the meat was delicious and just melts in your mouth. The smokiness of the meats coupled with the BBQ sauce served on the side are nearly perfect. Their homemade beef short rib chili is a must try too. We are thirsty thinking about the impending BBQ feast, so we settle on a great bottle of vino from Foxen, a Williamson-Dore Syrah ($84 or $42 with the half off deal).
Dessert menu looked good, but alas we were too stuffed and couldn’t fit any of the Jack n Coke Cake or Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee in our fat mouths. Service was good, they were pretty packed for a Tuesday night. Others taking advantage of the half off deal I presume. Chef/owner Aaron Robins stopped by a few times to check on us. Seems like a few others around us were a little peeved about waiting so long for their food, but when the meat is falling off the bone, I can wait a little longer than usual.
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks
(818) 906-7427
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