Moo's Craft Barbecue — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Not Worth the Wait – Don’t Believe the Hype!

After a truly dismal experience at MOO’s Craft Barbecue in Los Angeles, I feel compelled to warn others: do not believe the hype. I spent an egregious 2 and a half hours waiting in a line that was manipulatively extended by reserved signs on tables, creating the illusion of overwhelming demand. This tactic felt disingenuous at best, and downright deceitful at worst.

The ordering process was a grueling 10-minute ordeal with staff that seemed anything but competent. My excitement quickly turned to discomfort as my stomach started to protest almost immediately after eating. The loud, rude announcements from staff members added to the chaotic and unwelcoming atmosphere, leaving a sour taste that the barbecue couldn’t wash away.

Speaking of the barbecue, as someone who has visited several BBQ joints in LA, I can assert that the flavor here was, at best, mediocre. It didn’t stand out from any other average barbecue place I’ve been to – it was simply mid-tier.

Now let’s talk about the tipping culture that’s running rampant. After the lackluster service, the expectation of a tip felt like a slap in the face. Tipping is meant for rewarding exceptional service, not for when it’s conspicuously absent. And yet, the management or some overseeing figure had the audacity to glare at customers as if we were an inconvenience, all while expecting extra compensation.

The audacity of this establishment doesn’t end there. The menu we waited to access was a farce, with most options sold out by the time it was our turn to order. The limited choices left us feeling cheated and the announcement of ‘last call’ was not only tactless but also offensive.

I had initially considered bringing friends from out of town to MOO’s to experience American barbecue, but now I shudder at the thought. This place would have marred their impression of American culinary culture. I regret giving in to the sunk cost fallacy and ordering after such a wait – it wasn’t worth it.

This establishment’s blatant disregard for customer experience and the preposterous tip expectation after self-service is astounding. I had to clean my own table, fetch my own water, and gather my own utensils. What, exactly, is the tip for?

We, as customers, need to stop fueling the hype of such establishments. It’s time we patronize venues that truly value their customers, offering both excellent food and service. Let’s give those hard-working, passionate places the recognition they deserve.

To MOO’s Craft Barbecue, I say: you’ve lost a customer, and I urge others to steer clear. There are far better places in LA that respect their patrons and serve up quality food with genuine hospitality. Don’t waste...

I went there with co workers and was hoping for some good Que. As soon as we got there we decided to get the $100 rack for 4 of us. I have to say, food at this price point must be perfect; you cannot have one item be average. Despite the fact we were a group of four we went unseen by the servers for awhile. Our Latino co worker got someone to help us. That was depressing, because the wait felt purposeful. Again, at these price points we expected to be appreciated and acknowledged. The food came and well to be honest... it just really ok. None of it justified the super high prices. Not sure how the people in LA that charge the most for BBQ don't really know how to cook good solid BBQ. The food was just extra ok. Meaning it wasn't bad and if the price was lower and I was in the area I may come back. Suffice to say they don't know that we can go to places and get much better quality food at a lower price. For $25 more than we spent at Moo's, $150 in total and its one of the best in the city:

1 slab of beef ribs, 2 slabs of pork ribs, 2 lbs of rib tips, 1 whole chicken, 1/2 lbs sliced beef, 1/2 lb of hot chicken links, 2 pints of potato salad, 2 pints baked beans and a loaf of wheat bread. all was fire!!!

What we got at Moos for $125 and the food was simply extra ok!: 1 LB BRISKET- 6-8 slices 1 LB PORK RIBS 3 to 4 ribs big ribs tho 1 OF EACH SAUSAGE 2 TOTAL 2 SIDES OF YOUR CHOICE (PINTS 16 OZ) NO SUBSTITUTIONS *

now for your money where would you go? No thanks the service and the price was just ok to people who know what BBQ should taste like. I wont say the name of the place I go, because I'm not an ad man. But clearly they missed the mark on the qualify of food vs the price. If people you serve don't know better you don't have to do better and to that point Moo's is great for the average customer with money to throw away and bland tastebuds but to people like me who choose to pay well for great food. I was not the least bit impressed in a way the would have me admonish people I know to try it. Cause I already know what they will say. We were truly excited and drove pretty far for mediocre service and okay food at a hefty price...

I went with a buddy who had heard great things about this place for a long time and he wanted to go to check it out. We are both very experienced on as BBQ chefs and has high expectations based on what we had heard. You'll need to get there about 30 min before it opens and get in line. Get in early and you won't have to worry about getting table. When you get inside, you'll find a menu that is sent complicated, but seemed auspicious. We got a sampling of ribs, pulled pork, pork belly, tri tip, a burger, Mac & cheese and potato salad. The highlights were the sides and the burger. The burger was fresh and hot and full of flavor. I can say the same about the rest of the meats. Pork was very dry and bland, pork belly was smothered in what tasted like a teriyaki miso sauce that overpowered the pork belly. The ribs had a dry rub, and you didn't have to fight them, but they were lacking in flavor. You could see the smoke, but not taste it. The rub was a bit mild like pepper that had started to lose flavor. Not much to be excited about. Theac & cheese was creamy and full flavored without being too rich and the potato salad was perfectly balanced. Good fresh dill in there set it off. Overall, I'd say it was fine. Nothing really to get excited about and didn't really live up to the hype. Also, I asked for a couple of boxes and the girl behind the counter slapped them down in my hand. I said thank you and she didn't make eye contact. Maybe she was having a bad day. Who knows. Would I go back? Not sure. It seems like a mix of things rather than just BBQ. Kimchi & fried rice, chili cheese, miso pork belly and dry rub ribs. Seems like there wasn't really a true identity that would convince me it was a BBQ place. I also feel like what we wasn't straight from the smoker, like I. Other BBQ places. It seemed like it was made and reheated. Overall, good burger, good beer selection and food banana pudding. The table sauces were not great either, so it was a bit confusing. As far as BBQ goes, I would go other places to get BBQ, but if I found myself in the neighborhood, craving a burger, I'd go back for that. If I...