Holy Cow BBQ - Santa Monica — Restaurant in Santa Monica

So, I’m from Texas. My bar is set high when it comes to BBQ. Maybe it’s because I ordered delivery during evening rush, but I’m not that far away, and yet the food arrived cold. The pork ribs didn’t have much meat on them, and they weren’t cut into individual pieces, so most of our experience was trying to cut these ribs up in order to eat them. What meat there was tasted good, but it was dry and a bit tough - not fall off the bone by any stretch. Please cut your ribs! Some of your patrons might be 93 year old arthritic people who have trouble cutting tough rib meat. Just a thought.

The brisket was ok. The rub and bark were pretty good. The side we got was cole slaw, and I liked that - it’s apparent that they make it from scratch.

The other item on the order were chicken nuggets, which my daughter wanted with bbq dipping sauce, but she got ranch. Not a big deal in the grand scheme. We were confused, though, because the picture on the menu didn’t show them as being slathered in bbq sauce. The photo showed plain old fried nuggs, which is what she was expecting.

Maybe the food is better on site but for $77, I’ll never order...

This is my second time eating at Holy Cow. First time my experience was awesome Came on a Thursday 2/8/24 at 1:00p Owner was there. Second time was today Monday at 5:00p

Both times I ordered the southern Chicken salad with ranch dressing on the side The salad was better the first time. Only because it was made correctly. Second time Xavier my server was very unpleasant when asked about other items on the menu as well as forgetting to put the charred corn in the salad as well as the little garlic roll. Because, my visit was a Togo order the second time. I wasn’t about to return to have them fix it.

Really too bad this experience had to be unpleasant. I’m here working out of town. Thought I’d bring my coworkers in after work to have dinner. Won’t be happening!!!

Update: 2/19/24 Reached out via email to Rob with contact information to hopefully resolve my unpleasant experience. Rob never contacted me. Unfortunately, I was there out of town working the Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament. It would have been nice to bring my coworkers for dinner after work. Definitely will not support this restaurant in the years...

As a New Yorker who recently made the move to LA I was impressed by this little BBQ joint.

The food selection was very good, the style and graphics of the interior have a polished feel.

The food was delicious, I had the brisket and tri tip. The brisket was more fatty but that’s the way I like it, soft and juicy with some charred edges.

The Tri-tip was really good as well but both meats were a bit cool to me and could have been warmer for my taste.

The Cole slaw was my favorite type, a light mayo base with some nice spices to give it that country feel.

The plate was accented with some spicy pickles which I had never had but strangely enjoyed.

Last on the plate was a perfectly toasted piece of garlic bread that was very tasty.

I would have given it 5 Stars if the food was warmer but alas I have to knock it down for that one issue.

The woman behind the counter was very nice and tentative, I enjoyed the effort she put into her country clothing style as well.

If you like BBQ this place should be on your...