Labor Day in Los Angeles: Barbecue Guide

1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Be easy like Sunday morning and stroll along this popular spot for local produce, bread and other organic edibles perfect for grilling or as side dishes.

2600 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

Lest you think carnivores are the only ones who can grill, stop by this dynamic bazaar for farm fresh peppers, corn on the cob, heirloom tomatoes and other animal-free provisions to go with your tofu steaks.

124 Japanese Village Plz Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

Have more of a global grilling sensibility? Find fresh fish and lots of exotic veggies at this popular Japanese market in the heart of Little Tokyo.

5895 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (map)

If you're planning a BBQ at Huntington Beach, make sure to stop by this nearby chop shop first for informed service and loads of beefed-up grill options.

2964 N Beverly Glen Cir, Los Angeles, CA 90077 (map)

Lifestyles of the rich and famous--in addition to the usual assortment of steaks, poultry and seafood, grab some marinated kabobs, ribs made fresh daily and homemade sausages at this old-school, old-money market.

722 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91206 (map)

Fanatical about fish? Get rare varieties flown in from Hawaii and Fiji plus sashimi-grade ahi tuna, albacore and yellowtail--as well as gourmet game, pastas and Hawaiian specialties--at this Glendale go-to spot.

1000 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Don't slap the same old salmon on the barbie: Head to this unpretentious yet seriously gourmet market for pristine, iced slabs of daily fresh catches.

21700 to 22500 blocks of PCH, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

This famed O.C. beach is one of the few SoCal spots with bonfire pits that are yours for the taking all night long--grab a bundle of wood at the concession stand and grill till the sun goes down. All with an ocean view.

823 Lexington-Gallatin Road, South El Monte, CA 91733 (map)

No need to stop at the market first. Catch your own fish and then throw it on the barbie at this 1,500-acre park that has its own fishing lake (and golf course and archery range and BMX biking track and dog sports field and ... you get the picture).

444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Step right up and grab your spot in line--this Venice favorite is where folks go for good old-fashioned Carolina soul food. (There's also a newer, bigger location in West Hollywood, too.)

4307 Leimert Blvd Ste 3, Los Angeles, CA 90008 (map)

The lean, meaty ribs, savory sliced beef and crisp-skinned links are why legions swear by this divey but delicious Leimert Park Village barbecue joint.

2209 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020 (map)

There's a reason L.A. diners make the trek to this family-style Montrose barbecue joint--smoky meats that pack a punch.

10825 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345 (map)

Who says things don't get better with age? Since 1954, slow-cooked, Missouri-style barbecue and famed garlic toast have been the hallmarks of this sawdust-floored family restaurant.

395 N Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 (map)

Get saucy at this Southern-style barbecue where the meats are hickory-smoked for hours and the mashed potatoes, onion rings and coleslaw are the perfect partners.