Barbecue

When you’re feeling ravenous and looking for a relaxed--and messy--meal, barbecue is just the thing.

Barbecue King: Chef-owner Rod Daniels barbecues his meats for hours to get them succulent and tender. Everything is served with a full-bodied, peppery sauce with just enough tang, homemade corn bread or a roll and two hearty, mouthwatering sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, barbecue beans or coleslaw. (Dinner, $8 -$9; lunch, $6-$6.50.) Barbecue King, 867 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. (213) 972-1928.

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My Brother’s Bar-B-Q: Order up this heavenly combination of tender baby back ribs with a quarter of a broasted chicken (like fried chicken but without all the grease) and your choice of three classic sides. (Barbecue ribs and chicken, lunch, $10.95; dinner, $14.95; tri-tip sandwich, $8.25.) My Brother’s Bar-B-Q, 21150 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, (818) 348-2020.

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J.R.’s Bar-b-que: Chef Jim Nealy cooks up succulent, moist ‘cue. The dry rubbed pork ribs topped with his secret sauce, along with a choice of potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and coleslaw, will make you feel warm all over. (Pork ribs, $9.75-$8.75.) J.R.’s Bar-b-que, 3055 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, (310) 837-6838.

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Reign: This elegant contemporary Southern restaurant usually has a dress code, but not on Tuesdays when they fire up the barbecue pit. There’s grilled smoked andouille sausage, baby back ribs or barbecue chicken smothered in sauce, with warm, tasty biscuits, and two sides like corn, baked potato, coleslaw or baked beans. (Choice of one, $13.95; a combo, $19.95.) Reign, 180 North Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 273-4463.

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Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ: The seasoned meat is slathered in a smooth, sweet sauce and sent out piping hot. Of course, you get your ‘que with all the trimmings, like a choice of two classic side dishes along with fresh baked white bread to soak up all that leftover sauce. (Beef brisket, $12.50; pork spare ribs, $12.50; Texas hot links, $11.50.) Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ, 8136 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, (818) 780-6701.

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Rib Nest: You get your choice of six meats, but the rib tips get the most attention from fans. These meaty, super tender, boneless little mouthfuls are the perfect finger food. Try Rib Nest’s creamy, crusty mac and cheese and the hearty potato salad. (Rib tips, lunch, $5; dinner, $7.) Rib Nest, 1766 W. El Segundo, Gardena, (310) 329-6378.

Jessica Strand