Pecos Bill's Bar-B-Q

I grew up on Pacos Bills every Friday my father would bring it home in the 50's. I now live in Northern Cal. I still make it a point to stop by there and have lunch every trip to Southern Cal. The rest of the time I crave Pacos Bills everyday. The people that don't get it, ""Don't get it"" period. Once you do get it you realize that they are second to none. I have never been able to go to any other Barbecue place since I moved away only because nothing is good enough! I was there 2 weeks ago with my family. I was in Heaven for 25 minutes. I can still imagine the taste!!!! It was interesting watching the constant line down the sidewalk all day long until it closes. Those people get it!!! Pros: Sauce and flavors are unique Cons: I live too far away to eat there everyday more

To me Pecos Bill isnt just great food its a tradition. My family has been eating at Pacos Bill's for the past 3 generations. My grandfather started going here when he worked at Lockheed, and the family has been hooked ever since(we even have to ship overnite to out of state family). For me my fav is shreeded beef sandwich with extra sauce and beans are great too if u leave room :-) Always arrive early. Pros: Simple and great BBQ more

I was introduced to Pecos Bills with sandwiches brought home by my dad so many years go. It is one of my earliest childhood memories. Since that day I've been back to the Pecos Bills when the opportunity arises. Admittedly, it was easier to get there when I worked across the street or my dad had his office there. It was easier when a friend worked for Baskin-Robbins at its since moved Headquarters. Now, when I go to downtown LA or head out towards points east and its lunchtime, I'll make a stop at Pecos Bills.\r \r It is true as others have reported that its a hole-in-the-wall. You stand on the sidewalk and place your order and pick it up through the same window. They now have some picnic tables out on the street, but that wasn't always the case. In days gone by, you had to take it with you. Of course, down the block from Pecos Bills is Griffith Park and there's plent of room to laydown a blanket or eat at one of the park's picnic tables. \r \r What makes this place special is the sauce. It comes in two varieties hot and regular. The regular variety is based upon pan drippings and doesn't have a touch of tomato in it. I'm not sure what is in it, but it is truly unlike any BBQ I have had anywhere - Kansas City, Alabama or North Carolina, to name a few. Truly mouthwatering experience. They also have cole slaw and homemade ranch beans flavored with the same sauce. Pros: Moutwatering BBQ Sandwiches, Great Beans and Slaw. Cons: Ribs are only served on weekends and they can close early. more

Pecos Bill's was highly recommended to me by one of my co-workers, one of their regular customers. So, I decided to go there and check it out one day at lunch. I wasn't really sure what to try so I ordered two sandwiches, one with pork and one with beef to go. He asked me if I wanted the sauce, on the sandwich, I answered yes. I never paid much attention to the actual assembly of the sandwich as it's a rather small little place and not very convenient to watch the cook put the sandwiches together. I basically expected what most people would refer to as a pulled pork or beef sandwich or with sliced meat. To my surprise, when I got back to work, both sandwiches were served on a basic white bread hamburger bun and more surprisingly, with some kind of bland ""GRAVY"" instead of BBQ sauce. Rather disappointing. The meat was very well cooked and very tender but the ""GRAVY"" just ruined the sandwich for me. This is the very first time that I've eaten,(and I've eaten many BBQ sandwiches) a so called, BBQ sandwich with some kind of gravy instead of BBQ sauce. My question is why? I agree, as some other reviewers have stated, this is definitely an acquired taste. Also, in reference to the beans, they had a kind of different taste too. I think their bean recipe was created to compliment the gravy on the sandwich, not for me! I can't comment on the weekend ribs that another person mentioned since I've never been interested enough in going back to give Bill's another try and chances are I never will. (If you want good traditional smoked BBQ with ""bbq sauce"", try ""Kansas City BBQ Co."" on Magnolia in North Hollywood, they offer sandwiches to ribs to chicken and everything else in between). But, if you decide to give Pecos Bill's a try, you have been forewarned to expect something different than what you may think. Pros: Um, hmm? Cons: Odd way to serve up so-called BBQ more

It is ok BBQ, but not your standard type. There was not any sauce and I could not really taste the smoke. I had the pork sandwich and it was decent. The fact that it has been there for so long and there is always a line means that some people like it. I think it is an aquired taste, but I don't think I will go enough times to aquire the taste. Pros: It has been there forever Cons: there will be a wait more

Been here a long time, with a lot of regular customers, but I agree with some of the prior reviewers - it is not your normal bar-b-que. Not like Texas or Kansas City type. It's OK, but it is an aquired taste. The mini mart a couple doors up has pretty good ribs, beef and pork bar-b-que and crisp cole slaw, but if you like unusual sodas and beer, it is the place to go. You probably never saw some of the brands and types they have. Also, great for aviation buffs. The owner will tell you all about the Glendale airport - that is no longer there. Great airplane pictures from the past. more

This is authentic food from Oklahoma cooked the way it was in the 1930's or before. Don't expect ""modern"" BBQ. The sandwiches are a bit goopy and mild when compared to other styles but they're still delicious. Been going for 40 years and can state the hours haven't changed over time. Take Peco Bill's for what it is and enjoy the friendly service and experience. Pros: Unique experience more

A coworker had told me about this place a while ago and I had been wanting to try it. My dad loves bbq so I took him over there. I was so embarassed. It was bland and the sauce was this weird gravy with no flavor. I was so surprised that it has been opened that long and that people actually think it's good food. Maybe I went on an off day but I would never go back. Pros: the people seemed nice Cons: the food was not good at all more

I have experience with BBQ/smoking meats and have eaten BBQ of all styles, Texas, Kansas City etc. Anybody has the right to like whatever food they want and I would never tell someone not to eay here but, the day I tried Pecos Bill's, I was actually disappointed probably because I was expecting a traditional BBQ taste. The meat is definately tender and cooked to perfection but, they put a sauce on it that is more like gravy than a BBQ sauce. For me this was a weird taste. I never did go back even though people I know that have eaten there suggest ordering the food minus the sauce. That really didn't sound to good either in fact it sounded flavorless, meat on a dry bun. I still feel that such superbly cooked meat should have a great tasting tomato based traditional style sauce or at least the option for those like me that don't want a BBQ sandwich with gravy on it. The beans didn't really impress me either. In conclusion, maybe it should just be called Pecos Bill's Sandwich Shop. Pros: The meat is tender and well prepared Cons: Traditional BBQ lovers beware, it's not your usual BBQ flavor, business hours too limited more

My father first took me to Bills in the mid 1950's. The sliced meat sandwiches were $.50 and the shredded $.35. Prices are more in the $3.50 range now, but well worth it. Everytime I drive through Burbank I stop for a sandwich..or 2..or3! Beans, Cole slaw and a drink and you've pretty got the whole menu! The flavor of the BBQ sauce is unique and the meat melts in your mouth. Be sure to bring cash because they don't take checks or credit cards. They only have 3 or 4 tables on the sidewalk, but the park is just down the street with lots of shaded picnic tables.\r \r I love hot sauce and Bill's is hot. So if you request it be forewarned! Pros: BBQ like no other! Great value Cons: Bring towelettes because there's no where to wash your hands! more

When I was a little girl, I would beg my mother to take me to Pecos Bills. We didnt go enough.\r What I remember most are the buns. They were ""melt in your mouth"" & never got in the way of the meat, yet mannaged to hold onto it until you were finished. A few years ago I went there for the first time in at least 25 years. The food is the same as I remember it, down to the buns.\r What a great place, the food is served quick, even though there is always a line, unless they have run out of everything.\r Pros: Great flavor Cons: no seating more

Maybe there's a place in America where this style of bbq--shredded meat drowned in a gloppy, salty but otherwise flavorless sauce--passes for good, but I'm from TX and this was a big disappointment. Luckily, there's a convenience store/deli just a couple shops down that serves mouthwatering bbq brisket sandwiches on Mondays and Thursdays. Don't be fooled! Pros: inexpensive, lemonade Cons: food, food, food more

I have been all over the country and you will not find a better barbeque. I am 43 and have had their great food since I was a kid. The quality of the food has never waivered. Former neighbors of ours, they are nice people too! The meat and the sauce there are to die for. The lemonade is real homemade. Try 'Pecos' once and you'll be hooked for life. I get lunch there at every opportunity when I am in town. So glad to give my best review! Pros: quality, friendly, reasonable more

This must be one of the best BBQ places ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!There beef is sooo tender and moist and the sauce is good.They also have turkey,ham, pork they are all very good.They have fresh squeezed lemonade which is fantastic.Its a great family Bar-b-q which has lasted over 50 years.I reccomend this to any bbq lover.Its the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: good food more

I have been eating here since I was a kid and I am 50 now! Even though I no longer live in Glendale, whenever I am back in town I stop here and eat their great BBQ. It has never let me down! Cons: street parking more

a decent little BBQ shack by the Zoo. Too much sauce and not enough meat, but the taste is better than average.. more

My fiance's parents have been going to Pecos Bill's for over 35 years and let me tell you, I'm hooked too! I get a hankering for their Oakey BBQ Beef sandwiches and their BBQ baked beans. They serve BBQ ribs only on Saturdays and Sundays. The place consists of a little shack with a little window where you order your food. There is patio furniture in front of the little place, but there is also a nice park with park benches across the street where you can enjoy your food, if all 2 tables are taken. The place is open every day, ""'cept when the fish are bitin'"", so give em a try! You won't be dissapointed. Pros: Great Food, Friendly Service Cons: Not Enough Seating, Lines can be long more

Pecos Bill's is one of the best kept secrets, no frills, no eat in, just dynamite take out and the best bbq sauce anywhere! Great Stuff, have been going there since original pops started it up. A great family operation! Get in line and wait for the best! Pros: fabulous food more